how to do dissertation step by step

• How it works

A Step-By-Step Guide to Write the Perfect Dissertation

“A dissertation or a thesis is a long piece of academic writing based on comprehensive research.”

The significance of dissertation writing in the world of academia is unparalleled. A good dissertation paper needs months of research and marks the end of your respected academic journey. It is considered the most effective form of writing in academia and perhaps the longest piece of academic writing you will ever have to complete.

This thorough step-by-step guide on how to write a dissertation will serve as a tool to help you with the task at hand, whether you are an undergraduate student or a Masters or PhD student working on your dissertation project. This guide provides detailed information about how to write the different chapters of a dissertation, such as a problem statement , conceptual framework , introduction , literature review, methodology , discussion , findings , conclusion , title page , acknowledgements , etc.

What is a Dissertation? – Definition

Before we list the stages of writing a dissertation, we should look at what a dissertation is.

The Cambridge dictionary states that a dissertation is a long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one that is done to receive a degree at college or university, but that is just the tip of the iceberg because a dissertation project has a lot more meaning and context.

To understand a dissertation’s definition, one must have the capability to understand what an essay is. A dissertation is like an extended essay that includes research and information at a much deeper level. Despite the few similarities, there are many differences between an essay and a dissertation.

Another term that people confuse with a dissertation is a thesis. Let's look at the differences between the two terms.

What is the Difference Between a Dissertation and a Thesis?

Dissertation and thesis are used interchangeably worldwide (and may vary between universities and regions), but the key difference is when they are completed. The thesis is a project that marks the end of a degree program, whereas the dissertation project can occur during the degree. Hanno Krieger (Researchgate, 2014) explained the difference between a dissertation and a thesis as follows:

“Thesis is the written form of research work to claim an academic degree, like PhD thesis, postgraduate thesis, and undergraduate thesis. On the other hand, a dissertation is only another expression of the written research work, similar to an essay. So the thesis is the more general expression.

In the end, it does not matter whether it is a bachelor's, master or PhD dissertation one is working on because the structure and the steps of conducting research are pretty much identical. However, doctoral-level dissertation papers are much more complicated and detailed.

Problems Students Face When Writing a Dissertation

You can expect to encounter some troubles if you don’t yet know the steps to write a dissertation. Even the smartest students are overwhelmed by the complexity of writing a dissertation.

A dissertation project is different from any essay paper you have ever committed to because of the details of planning, research and writing it involves. One can expect rewarding results at the end of the process if the correct guidelines are followed. Still, as indicated previously, there will be multiple challenges to deal with before reaching that milestone.

The three most significant problems students face when working on a dissertation project are the following.

Poor Project Planning

Delaying to start working on the dissertation project is the most common problem. Students think they have sufficient time to complete the paper and are finding ways to write a dissertation in a week, delaying the start to the point where they start stressing out about the looming deadline. When the planning is poor, students are always looking for ways to write their dissertations in the last few days. Although it is possible, it does have effects on the quality of the paper.

Inadequate Research Skills

The writing process becomes a huge problem if one has the required academic research experience. Professional dissertation writing goes well beyond collecting a few relevant reference resources.

You need to do both primary and secondary research for your paper. Depending on the dissertation’s topic and the academic qualification you are a candidate for, you may be required to base your dissertation paper on primary research.

In addition to secondary data, you will also need to collect data from the specified participants and test the hypothesis . The practice of primary collection is time-consuming since all the data must be analysed in detail before results can be withdrawn.

Failure to Meet the Strict Academic Writing Standards

Research is a crucial business everywhere. Failure to follow the language, style, structure, and formatting guidelines provided by your department or institution when writing the dissertation paper can worsen matters. It is recommended to read the dissertation handbook before starting the write-up thoroughly.

Steps of Writing a Dissertation

For those stressing out about developing an extensive paper capable of filling a gap in research whilst adding value to the existing academic literature—conducting exhaustive research and analysis—and professionally using the knowledge gained throughout their degree program, there is still good news in all the chaos.

We have put together a guide that will show you how to start your dissertation and complete it carefully from one stage to the next.

Find an Interesting and Manageable Dissertation Topic

A clearly defined topic is a prerequisite for any successful independent research project. An engaging yet manageable research topic can produce an original piece of research that results in a higher academic score.

Unlike essays or assignments, when working on their thesis or dissertation project, students get to choose their topic of research.

You should follow the tips to choose the correct topic for your research to avoid problems later. Your chosen dissertation topic should be narrow enough, allowing you to collect the required secondary and primary data relatively quickly.

Understandably, many people take a lot of time to search for the topic, and a significant amount of research time is spent on it. You should talk to your supervisor or check out the intriguing database of ResearchProspect’s free topics for your dissertation.

Alternatively, consider reading newspapers, academic journals, articles, course materials, and other media to identify relevant issues to your study area and find some inspiration to get going.

You should work closely with your supervisor to agree to a narrowed but clear research plan.Here is what Michelle Schneider, learning adviser at the University of Leeds, had to say about picking the research topics,

“Picking something you’re genuinely interested in will keep you motivated. Consider why it’s important to tackle your chosen topic," Michelle added.

Develop a First-Class Dissertation Proposal.

Once the research topic has been selected, you can develop a solid dissertation proposal . The research proposal allows you to convince your supervisor or the committee members of the significance of your dissertation.

Through the proposal, you will be expected to prove that your work will significantly value the academic and scientific communities by addressing complex and provocative research questions .

Dissertation proposals are much shorter but follow a similar structure to an extensive dissertation paper. If the proposal is optional in your university, you should still create one outline of the critical points that the actual dissertation paper will cover. To get a better understanding of dissertation proposals, you can also check the publicly available samples of dissertation proposals .

Typical contents of the dissertation paper are as follows;

• A brief rationale for the problem your dissertation paper will investigate.
• The hypothesis you will be testing.
• Research objectives you wish to address.
• How will you contribute to the knowledge of the scientific and academic community?
• How will you find answers to the critical research question(s)?
• What research approach will you adopt?
• What kind of population of interest would you like to generalise your result(s) to (especially in the case of quantitative research)?
• What sampling technique(s) would you employ, and why would you not use other methods?
• What ethical considerations have you taken to gather data?
• Who are the stakeholders in your research are/might be?
• What are the future implications and limitations you see in your research?

Let’s review the structure of the dissertation. Keep the format of your proposal simple. Keeping it simple keeps your readers will remain engaged. The following are the fundamental focal points that must be included:

Title of your dissertation: Dissertation titles should be 12 words in length. The focus of your research should be identifiable from your research topic.

Research aim: The overall purpose of your study should be clearly stated in terms of the broad statements of the desired outcomes in the Research aim. Try and paint the picture of your research, emphasising what you wish to achieve as a researcher.

Research objectives: The key research questions you wish to address as part of the project should be listed. Narrow down the focus of your research and aim for at most four objectives. Your research objectives should be linked with the aim of the study or a hypothesis.

Literature review: Consult with your supervisor to check if you are required to use any specific academic sources as part of the literature review process. If that is not the case, find out the most relevant theories, journals, books, schools of thought, and publications that will be used to construct arguments in your literature research.Remember that the literature review is all about giving credit to other authors’ works on a similar topic

Research methods and techniques: Depending on your dissertation topic, you might be required to conduct empirical research to satisfy the study’s objectives. Empirical research uses primary data such as questionnaires, interview data, and surveys to collect.

On the other hand, if your dissertation is based on secondary (non-empirical) data, you can stick to the existing literature in your area of study. Clearly state the merits of your chosen research methods under the methodology section.

Expected results: As you explore the research topic and analyse the data in the previously published papers, you will begin to build your expectations around the study’s potential outcomes. List those expectations here.

Project timeline: Let the readers know exactly how you plan to complete all the dissertation project parts within the timeframe allowed. You should learn more about Microsoft Project and Gantt Charts to create easy-to-follow and high-level project timelines and schedules.

References: The academic sources used to gather information for the proposed paper will be listed under this section using the appropriate referencing style. Ask your supervisor which referencing style you are supposed to follow.

The proposals we write have:

• Precision and Clarity
• Zero Plagiarism
• High-level Encryption
• Authentic Sources

Investigation, Research and Data Collection

This is the most critical stage of the dissertation writing process. One should use up-to-date and relevant academic sources that are likely to jeopardise hard work.

Finding relevant and highly authentic reference resources is the key to succeeding in the dissertation project, so it is advised to take your time with this process. Here are some of the things that should be considered when conducting research.

dissertation project, so it is advised to take your time with this process. Here are some of the things that should be considered when conducting research.

You cannot read everything related to your topic. Although the practice of reading as much material as possible during this stage is rewarding, it is also imperative to understand that it is impossible to read everything that concerns your research.

This is true, especially for undergraduate and master’s level dissertations that must be delivered within a specific timeframe. So, it is important to know when to stop! Once the previous research and the associated limitations are well understood, it is time to move on.

However, review at least the salient research and work done in your area. By salient, we mean research done by pioneers of your field. For instance, if your topic relates to linguistics and you haven’t familiarised yourself with relevant research conducted by, say, Chomsky (the father of linguistics), your readers may find your lack of knowledge disconcerting.

So, to come off as genuinely knowledgeable in your own field, at least don’t forget to read essential works in the field/topic!

Use an Authentic Research database to Find References.

Most students start the reference material-finding process with desk-based research. However, this research method has its own limitation because it is a well-known fact that the internet is full of bogus information and fake information spreads fasters on the internet than truth does .

So, it is important to pick your reference material from reliable resources such as Google Scholar , Researchgate, Ibibio and Bartleby . Wikipedia is not considered a reliable academic source in the academic world, so it is recommended to refrain from citing Wikipedia content.Never underrate the importance of the actual library. The supporting staff at a university library can be of great help when it comes to finding exciting and reliable publications.

Record as you learn

All information and impressions should be recorded as notes using online tools such as Evernote to make sure everything is clear. You want to retain an important piece of information you had planned to present as an argument in the dissertation paper.

Write a Flawless Dissertation

Start to write a fantastic dissertation immediately once your proposal has been accepted and all the necessary desk-based research has been conducted. Now we will look at the different chapters of a dissertation in detail. You can also check out the samples of dissertation chapters to fully understand the format and structures of the various chapters.

Dissertation Introduction Chapter

The introduction chapter of the dissertation paper provides the background, problem statement and research questions. Here, you will inform the readers why it was important for this research to be conducted and which key research question(s) you expect to answer at the end of the study.

Definitions of all the terms and phrases in the project are provided in this first chapter of the dissertation paper. The research aim and objectives remain unchanged from the proposal paper and are expected to be listed under this section.

Dissertation Literature Review Chapter

This chapter allows you to demonstrate to your readers that you have done sufficient research on the chosen topic and understand previous similar studies’ findings. Any research limitations that your research incorporates are expected to be discussed in this section.

And make sure to summarise the viewpoints and findings of other researchers in the dissertation literature review chapter. Show the readers that there is a research gap in the existing work and your job is relevant to it to justify your research value.

Dissertation Methodology

The methodology chapter of the dissertation provides insight into the methods employed to collect data from various resources and flows naturally from the literature review chapter.Simply put, you will be expected to explain what you did and how you did it, helping the readers understand that your research is valid and reliable. When writing the methodology chapter for the dissertation, make sure to emphasise the following points:

• The type of research performed by the researcher
• Methods employed to gather and filter information
• Techniques that were chosen for analysis
• Materials, tools and resources used to conduct research (typically for empirical research dissertations)
• Limitations of your chosen methods
• Reliability and validity of your measuring tools and instruments (e.g. a survey questionnaire) are also typically mentioned within the mythology section. If you used a pre-existing data collection tool, cite its reliability/validity estimates here, too.Make use of the past tense when writing the methodology chapter.

Dissertation Findings

The key results of your research are presented in the dissertation findings chapter . It gives authors the ability to validate their own intellectual and analytical skills

Dissertation Conclusion

Cap off your dissertation paper with a study summary and a brief report of the findings. In the concluding chapter , you will be expected to demonstrate how your research will provide value to other academics in your area of study and its implications.It is recommended to include a short ‘recommendations’ section that will elaborate on the purpose and need for future research to elucidate the topic further.

Follow the referencing style following the requirements of your academic degree or field of study. Make sure to list every academic source used with a proper in-text citation. It is important to give credit to other authors’ ideas and concepts.

Note: Keep in mind whether you are creating a reference list or a bibliography. The former includes information about all the various sources you referred to, read from or took inspiration from for your own study. However, the latter contains things you used and those you only read but didn’t cite in your dissertation.

Proofread, Edit and Improve – Don’t Risk Months of Hard Work.

Experts recommend completing the total dissertation before starting to proofread and edit your work. You need to refresh your focus and reboot your creative brain before returning to another critical stage.

Leave space of at least a few days between the writing and the editing steps so when you get back to the desk, you can recognise your grammar, spelling and factual errors when you get back to the desk.

It is crucial to consider this period to ensure the final work is polished, coherent, well-structured and free of any structural or factual flaws. Daniel Higginbotham from Prospects UK states that:

“Leave yourself sufficient time to engage with your writing at several levels – from reassessing the logic of the whole piece to proofreading to checking you’ve paid attention to aspects such as the correct spelling of names and theories and the required referencing format.”

What is the Difference Between Editing and Proofreading?

Editing means that you are focusing on the essence of your dissertation paper. In contrast, proofreading is the process of reviewing the final draft piece to ensure accuracy and consistency in formatting, spelling, facts, punctuation, and grammar.

Editing: Prepare your work for submission by condensing, correcting and modifying (where necessary). When reviewing the paper, make sure that there are coherence and consistency between the arguments you presented.

If an information gap has been identified, fill that with an appropriate piece of information gathered during the research process. It is easy to lose sight of the original purpose if you become over-involved when writing.

Cut out the unwanted text and refine it, so your paper’s content is to the point and concise.Proofreading: Start proofreading your paper to identify formatting, structural, grammar, punctuation and referencing flaws. Read every single sentence of the paper no matter how tired you are because a few puerile mistakes can compromise your months of hard work.

Many students struggle with the editing and proofreading stages due to their lack of attention to detail. Consult a skilled dissertation editor if you are unable to find your flaws. You may want to invest in a professional dissertation editing and proofreading service to improve the piece’s quality to First Class.

Tips for Writing a Dissertation

Communication with supervisor – get feedback.

Communicate regularly with your supervisor to produce a first-class dissertation paper. Request them to comprehensively review the contents of your dissertation paper before final submission.

Their constructive criticism and feedback concerning different study areas will help you improve your piece’s overall quality. Keep your supervisor updated about your research progress and discuss any problems that you come up against.

Organising your Time

A dissertation is a lengthy project spanning over a period of months to years, and therefore it is important to avoid procrastination. Stay focused, and manage your time efficiently. Here are some time management tips for writing your dissertation to help you make the most of your time as you research and write.

• Don’t be discouraged by the inherently slow nature of dissertation work, particularly in the initial stages.
• Set clear goals and work out your research and write up a plan accordingly.
• Allow sufficient time to incorporate feedback from your supervisor.
• Leave enough time for editing, improving, proofreading, and formatting the paper according to your school’s guidelines. This is where you break or make your grade.
• Work a certain number of hours on your paper daily.
• Create a worksheet for your week.
• Work on your dissertation for time periods as brief as 45 minutes or less.
• Stick to the strategic dissertation timeline, so you don’t have to do the catchup work.
• Meet your goals by prioritising your dissertation work.
• Strike a balance between being overly organised and needing to be more organised.
• Limit activities other than dissertation writing and your most necessary obligations.
• Keep ‘tangent’ and ‘for the book’ files.
• Create lists to help you manage your tasks.
• Have ‘filler’ tasks to do when you feel burned out or in need of intellectual rest.
• Keep a dissertation journal.
• Pretend that you are working in a more structured work world.
• Limit your usage of email and personal electronic devices.
• Utilise and build on your past work when you write your dissertation.
• Break large tasks into small manageable ones.
• Seek advice from others, and do not be afraid to ask for help.

Dissertation Examples

Here are some samples of a dissertation to inspire you to write mind-blowing dissertations and to help bring all the above-mentioned guidelines home.

DE MONTFORT University Leicester – Examples of recent dissertations

Dissertation Research in Education: Dissertations (Examples)

How Long is a Dissertation?

The entire dissertation writing process is complicated and spans over a period of months to years, depending on whether you are an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD candidate. Marcus Beck, a PhD candidate, conducted fundamental research a few years ago, research that didn’t have much to do with his research but returned answers to some niggling questions every student has about the average length of a dissertation.

A software program specifically designed for this purpose helped Beck to access the university’s electronic database to uncover facts on dissertation length.

The above illustration shows how the results of his small study were a little unsurprising. Social sciences and humanities disciplines such as anthropology, politics, and literature had the longest dissertations, with some PhD dissertations comprising 150,000 words or more.Engineering and scientific disciplines, on the other hand, were considerably shorter. PhD-level dissertations generally don’t have a predefined length as they will vary with your research topic. Ask your school about this requirement if you are unsure about it from the start.

Focus more on the quality of content rather than the number of pages.

Hire an Expert Writer

Orders completed by our expert writers are

• Formally drafted in an academic style
• Free Amendments and 100% Plagiarism Free – or your money back!
• 100% Confidential and Timely Delivery!
• Free anti-plagiarism report
• Appreciated by thousands of clients. Check client reviews

Phrases to Avoid

No matter the style or structure you follow, it is best to keep your language simple. Avoid the use of buzzwords and jargon.

A Word on Stealing Content (Plagiarism)

Very straightforward advice to all students, DO NOT PLAGIARISE. Plagiarism is a serious offence. You will be penalised heavily if you are caught plagiarising. Don’t risk years of hard work, as many students in the past have lost their degrees for plagiarising. Here are some tips to help you make sure you don’t get caught.

• Copying and pasting from an academic source is an unforgivable sin. Rephrasing text retrieved from another source also falls under plagiarism; it’s called paraphrasing. Summarising another’s idea(s) word-to-word, paraphrasing, and copy-pasting are the three primary forms plagiarism can take.
• If you must directly copy full sentences from another source because they fill the bill, always enclose them inside quotation marks and acknowledge the writer’s work with in-text citations.

Are you struggling to find inspiration to get going? Still, trying to figure out where to begin? Is the deadline getting closer? Don’t be overwhelmed! ResearchProspect dissertation writing services have helped thousands of students achieve desired outcomes. Click here to get help from writers holding either a master's or PhD degree from a reputed UK university.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a dissertation include.

A dissertation has main chapters and parts that support them. The main parts are:

• Introduction
• Literature review
• Research Methodology
• Your conclusion

Other parts are the abstract, references, appendices etc. We can supply a full dissertation or specific parts of one.

What is the difference between research and a dissertation?

A research paper is a sort of academic writing that consists of the study, source assessment, critical thinking, organisation, and composition, as opposed to a thesis or dissertation, which is a lengthy academic document that often serves as the final project for a university degree.

Can I edit and proofread my dissertation myself?

Of course, you can do proofreading and editing of your dissertation. There are certain rules to follow that have been discussed above. However, finding mistakes in something that you have written yourself can be complicated for some people. It is advisable to take professional help in the matter.

What If I only have difficulty writing a specific chapter of the dissertation?

ResearchProspect ensures customer satisfaction by addressing all relevant issues. We provide dissertation chapter-writing services to students if they need help completing a specific chapter. It could be any chapter from the introduction, literature review, and methodology to the discussion and conclusion.

You May Also Like

Are you looking for intriguing and trending dissertation topics? Get inspired by our list of free dissertation topics on all subjects.

Looking for an easy guide to follow to write your essay? Here is our detailed essay guide explaining how to write an essay and examples and types of an essay.

Learn about the steps required to successfully complete their research project. Make sure to follow these steps in their respective order.

More Interesting Articles

USEFUL LINKS

LEARNING RESOURCES

COMPANY DETAILS

• How It Works

Dissertation Structure & Layout 101: How to structure your dissertation, thesis or research project.

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) Reviewed By: David Phair (PhD) | July 2019

So, you’ve got a decent understanding of what a dissertation is , you’ve chosen your topic and hopefully you’ve received approval for your research proposal . Awesome! Now its time to start the actual dissertation or thesis writing journey.

To craft a high-quality document, the very first thing you need to understand is dissertation structure . In this post, we’ll walk you through the generic dissertation structure and layout, step by step. We’ll start with the big picture, and then zoom into each chapter to briefly discuss the core contents. If you’re just starting out on your research journey, you should start with this post, which covers the big-picture process of how to write a dissertation or thesis .

*The Caveat *

In this post, we’ll be discussing a traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout, which is generally used for social science research across universities, whether in the US, UK, Europe or Australia. However, some universities may have small variations on this structure (extra chapters, merged chapters, slightly different ordering, etc).

So, always check with your university if they have a prescribed structure or layout that they expect you to work with. If not, it’s safe to assume the structure we’ll discuss here is suitable. And even if they do have a prescribed structure, you’ll still get value from this post as we’ll explain the core contents of each section.  

Overview: S tructuring a dissertation or thesis

• Acknowledgements page
• Abstract (or executive summary)
• Table of contents , list of figures and tables
• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Literature review
• Chapter 3: Methodology
• Chapter 4: Results
• Chapter 5: Discussion
• Chapter 6: Conclusion
• Reference list

As I mentioned, some universities will have slight variations on this structure. For example, they want an additional “personal reflection chapter”, or they might prefer the results and discussion chapter to be merged into one. Regardless, the overarching flow will always be the same, as this flow reflects the research process , which we discussed here – i.e.:

• The introduction chapter presents the core research question and aims .
• The literature review chapter assesses what the current research says about this question.
• The methodology, results and discussion chapters go about undertaking new research about this question.
• The conclusion chapter (attempts to) answer the core research question .

In other words, the dissertation structure and layout reflect the research process of asking a well-defined question(s), investigating, and then answering the question – see below.

To restate that – the structure and layout of a dissertation reflect the flow of the overall research process . This is essential to understand, as each chapter will make a lot more sense if you “get” this concept. If you’re not familiar with the research process, read this post before going further.

Right. Now that we’ve covered the big picture, let’s dive a little deeper into the details of each section and chapter. Oh and by the way, you can also grab our free dissertation/thesis template here to help speed things up.

The title page of your dissertation is the very first impression the marker will get of your work, so it pays to invest some time thinking about your title. But what makes for a good title? A strong title needs to be 3 things:

• Succinct (not overly lengthy or verbose)
• Specific (not vague or ambiguous)
• Representative of the research you’re undertaking (clearly linked to your research questions)

Typically, a good title includes mention of the following:

• The broader area of the research (i.e. the overarching topic)
• The specific focus of your research (i.e. your specific context)
• Indication of research design (e.g. quantitative , qualitative , or  mixed methods ).

For example:

A quantitative investigation [research design] into the antecedents of organisational trust [broader area] in the UK retail forex trading market [specific context/area of focus].

Again, some universities may have specific requirements regarding the format and structure of the title, so it’s worth double-checking expectations with your institution (if there’s no mention in the brief or study material).

Acknowledgements

This page provides you with an opportunity to say thank you to those who helped you along your research journey. Generally, it’s optional (and won’t count towards your marks), but it is academic best practice to include this.

So, who do you say thanks to? Well, there’s no prescribed requirements, but it’s common to mention the following people:

• Your dissertation supervisor or committee.
• Any professors, lecturers or academics that helped you understand the topic or methodologies.
• Any tutors, mentors or advisors.
• Your family and friends, especially spouse (for adult learners studying part-time).

There’s no need for lengthy rambling. Just state who you’re thankful to and for what (e.g. thank you to my supervisor, John Doe, for his endless patience and attentiveness) – be sincere. In terms of length, you should keep this to a page or less.

Abstract or executive summary

The dissertation abstract (or executive summary for some degrees) serves to provide the first-time reader (and marker or moderator) with a big-picture view of your research project. It should give them an understanding of the key insights and findings from the research, without them needing to read the rest of the report – in other words, it should be able to stand alone .

For it to stand alone, your abstract should cover the following key points (at a minimum):

• Your research questions and aims – what key question(s) did your research aim to answer?
• Your methodology – how did you go about investigating the topic and finding answers to your research question(s)?
• Your findings – following your own research, what did do you discover?
• Your conclusions – based on your findings, what conclusions did you draw? What answers did you find to your research question(s)?

So, in much the same way the dissertation structure mimics the research process, your abstract or executive summary should reflect the research process, from the initial stage of asking the original question to the final stage of answering that question.

In practical terms, it’s a good idea to write this section up last , once all your core chapters are complete. Otherwise, you’ll end up writing and rewriting this section multiple times (just wasting time). For a step by step guide on how to write a strong executive summary, check out this post .

Need a helping hand?

Table of contents

This section is straightforward. You’ll typically present your table of contents (TOC) first, followed by the two lists – figures and tables. I recommend that you use Microsoft Word’s automatic table of contents generator to generate your TOC. If you’re not familiar with this functionality, the video below explains it simply:

If you find that your table of contents is overly lengthy, consider removing one level of depth. Oftentimes, this can be done without detracting from the usefulness of the TOC.

Right, now that the “admin” sections are out of the way, its time to move on to your core chapters. These chapters are the heart of your dissertation and are where you’ll earn the marks. The first chapter is the introduction chapter – as you would expect, this is the time to introduce your research…

It’s important to understand that even though you’ve provided an overview of your research in your abstract, your introduction needs to be written as if the reader has not read that (remember, the abstract is essentially a standalone document). So, your introduction chapter needs to start from the very beginning, and should address the following questions:

• What will you be investigating (in plain-language, big picture-level)?
• Why is that worth investigating? How is it important to academia or business? How is it sufficiently original?
• What are your research aims and research question(s)? Note that the research questions can sometimes be presented at the end of the literature review (next chapter).
• What is the scope of your study? In other words, what will and won’t you cover ?
• How will you approach your research? In other words, what methodology will you adopt?
• How will you structure your dissertation? What are the core chapters and what will you do in each of them?

These are just the bare basic requirements for your intro chapter. Some universities will want additional bells and whistles in the intro chapter, so be sure to carefully read your brief or consult your research supervisor.

If done right, your introduction chapter will set a clear direction for the rest of your dissertation. Specifically, it will make it clear to the reader (and marker) exactly what you’ll be investigating, why that’s important, and how you’ll be going about the investigation. Conversely, if your introduction chapter leaves a first-time reader wondering what exactly you’ll be researching, you’ve still got some work to do.

Now that you’ve set a clear direction with your introduction chapter, the next step is the literature review . In this section, you will analyse the existing research (typically academic journal articles and high-quality industry publications), with a view to understanding the following questions:

• What does the literature currently say about the topic you’re investigating?
• Is the literature lacking or well established? Is it divided or in disagreement?
• How does your research fit into the bigger picture?
• How does your research contribute something original?
• How does the methodology of previous studies help you develop your own?

Depending on the nature of your study, you may also present a conceptual framework towards the end of your literature review, which you will then test in your actual research.

Again, some universities will want you to focus on some of these areas more than others, some will have additional or fewer requirements, and so on. Therefore, as always, its important to review your brief and/or discuss with your supervisor, so that you know exactly what’s expected of your literature review chapter.

Now that you’ve investigated the current state of knowledge in your literature review chapter and are familiar with the existing key theories, models and frameworks, its time to design your own research. Enter the methodology chapter – the most “science-ey” of the chapters…

In this chapter, you need to address two critical questions:

• Exactly HOW will you carry out your research (i.e. what is your intended research design)?
• Exactly WHY have you chosen to do things this way (i.e. how do you justify your design)?

Remember, the dissertation part of your degree is first and foremost about developing and demonstrating research skills . Therefore, the markers want to see that you know which methods to use, can clearly articulate why you’ve chosen then, and know how to deploy them effectively.

Importantly, this chapter requires detail – don’t hold back on the specifics. State exactly what you’ll be doing, with who, when, for how long, etc. Moreover, for every design choice you make, make sure you justify it.

In practice, you will likely end up coming back to this chapter once you’ve undertaken all your data collection and analysis, and revise it based on changes you made during the analysis phase. This is perfectly fine. Its natural for you to add an additional analysis technique, scrap an old one, etc based on where your data lead you. Of course, I’m talking about small changes here – not a fundamental switch from qualitative to quantitative, which will likely send your supervisor in a spin!

You’ve now collected your data and undertaken your analysis, whether qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. In this chapter, you’ll present the raw results of your analysis . For example, in the case of a quant study, you’ll present the demographic data, descriptive statistics, inferential statistics , etc.

Typically, Chapter 4 is simply a presentation and description of the data, not a discussion of the meaning of the data. In other words, it’s descriptive, rather than analytical – the meaning is discussed in Chapter 5. However, some universities will want you to combine chapters 4 and 5, so that you both present and interpret the meaning of the data at the same time. Check with your institution what their preference is.

Now that you’ve presented the data analysis results, its time to interpret and analyse them. In other words, its time to discuss what they mean, especially in relation to your research question(s).

What you discuss here will depend largely on your chosen methodology. For example, if you’ve gone the quantitative route, you might discuss the relationships between variables . If you’ve gone the qualitative route, you might discuss key themes and the meanings thereof. It all depends on what your research design choices were.

Most importantly, you need to discuss your results in relation to your research questions and aims, as well as the existing literature. What do the results tell you about your research questions? Are they aligned with the existing research or at odds? If so, why might this be? Dig deep into your findings and explain what the findings suggest, in plain English.

The final chapter – you’ve made it! Now that you’ve discussed your interpretation of the results, its time to bring it back to the beginning with the conclusion chapter . In other words, its time to (attempt to) answer your original research question s (from way back in chapter 1). Clearly state what your conclusions are in terms of your research questions. This might feel a bit repetitive, as you would have touched on this in the previous chapter, but its important to bring the discussion full circle and explicitly state your answer(s) to the research question(s).

Next, you’ll typically discuss the implications of your findings . In other words, you’ve answered your research questions – but what does this mean for the real world (or even for academia)? What should now be done differently, given the new insight you’ve generated?

Lastly, you should discuss the limitations of your research, as well as what this means for future research in the area. No study is perfect, especially not a Masters-level. Discuss the shortcomings of your research. Perhaps your methodology was limited, perhaps your sample size was small or not representative, etc, etc. Don’t be afraid to critique your work – the markers want to see that you can identify the limitations of your work. This is a strength, not a weakness. Be brutal!

This marks the end of your core chapters – woohoo! From here on out, it’s pretty smooth sailing.

The reference list is straightforward. It should contain a list of all resources cited in your dissertation, in the required format, e.g. APA , Harvard, etc.

It’s essential that you use reference management software for your dissertation. Do NOT try handle your referencing manually – its far too error prone. On a reference list of multiple pages, you’re going to make mistake. To this end, I suggest considering either Mendeley or Zotero. Both are free and provide a very straightforward interface to ensure that your referencing is 100% on point. I’ve included a simple how-to video for the Mendeley software (my personal favourite) below:

Some universities may ask you to include a bibliography, as opposed to a reference list. These two things are not the same . A bibliography is similar to a reference list, except that it also includes resources which informed your thinking but were not directly cited in your dissertation. So, double-check your brief and make sure you use the right one.

The very last piece of the puzzle is the appendix or set of appendices. This is where you’ll include any supporting data and evidence. Importantly, supporting is the keyword here.

Your appendices should provide additional “nice to know”, depth-adding information, which is not critical to the core analysis. Appendices should not be used as a way to cut down word count (see this post which covers how to reduce word count ). In other words, don’t place content that is critical to the core analysis here, just to save word count. You will not earn marks on any content in the appendices, so don’t try to play the system!

Time to recap…

And there you have it – the traditional dissertation structure and layout, from A-Z. To recap, the core structure for a dissertation or thesis is (typically) as follows:

• Acknowledgments page

Most importantly, the core chapters should reflect the research process (asking, investigating and answering your research question). Moreover, the research question(s) should form the golden thread throughout your dissertation structure. Everything should revolve around the research questions, and as you’ve seen, they should form both the start point (i.e. introduction chapter) and the endpoint (i.e. conclusion chapter).

I hope this post has provided you with clarity about the traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout. If you have any questions or comments, please leave a comment below, or feel free to get in touch with us. Also, be sure to check out the rest of the  Grad Coach Blog .

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

You Might Also Like:

36 Comments

many thanks i found it very useful

Glad to hear that, Arun. Good luck writing your dissertation.

Such clear practical logical advice. I very much needed to read this to keep me focused in stead of fretting.. Perfect now ready to start my research!

what about scientific fields like computer or engineering thesis what is the difference in the structure? thank you very much

Thanks so much this helped me a lot!

Very helpful and accessible. What I like most is how practical the advice is along with helpful tools/ links.

Thanks Ade!

Thank you so much sir.. It was really helpful..

You’re welcome!

Hi! How many words maximum should contain the abstract?

Thank you so much 😊 Find this at the right moment

You’re most welcome. Good luck with your dissertation.

best ever benefit i got on right time thank you

Many times Clarity and vision of destination of dissertation is what makes the difference between good ,average and great researchers the same way a great automobile driver is fast with clarity of address and Clear weather conditions .

I guess Great researcher = great ideas + knowledge + great and fast data collection and modeling + great writing + high clarity on all these

You have given immense clarity from start to end.

Morning. Where will I write the definitions of what I’m referring to in my report?

Thank you so much Derek, I was almost lost! Thanks a tonnnn! Have a great day!

Thanks ! so concise and valuable

This was very helpful. Clear and concise. I know exactly what to do now.

Thank you for allowing me to go through briefly. I hope to find time to continue.

Really useful to me. Thanks a thousand times

Very interesting! It will definitely set me and many more for success. highly recommended.

Thank you soo much sir, for the opportunity to express my skills

Usefull, thanks a lot. Really clear

Very nice and easy to understand. Thank you .

That was incredibly useful. Thanks Grad Coach Crew!

My stress level just dropped at least 15 points after watching this. Just starting my thesis for my grad program and I feel a lot more capable now! Thanks for such a clear and helpful video, Emma and the GradCoach team!

Do we need to mention the number of words the dissertation contains in the main document?

It depends on your university’s requirements, so it would be best to check with them 🙂

Such a helpful post to help me get started with structuring my masters dissertation, thank you!

Great video; I appreciate that helpful information

It is so necessary or avital course

This blog is very informative for my research. Thank you

Doctoral students are required to fill out the National Research Council’s Survey of Earned Doctorates

wow this is an amazing gain in my life

This is so good

How can i arrange my specific objectives in my dissertation?

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

• What Is A Literature Review (In A Dissertation Or Thesis) - Grad Coach - […] is to write the actual literature review chapter (this is usually the second chapter in a typical dissertation or…

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Print Friendly

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, automatically generate references for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Dissertation

What Is a Dissertation? | 5 Essential Questions to Get Started

Published on 26 March 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on 5 May 2022.

A dissertation is a large research project undertaken at the end of a degree. It involves in-depth consideration of a problem or question chosen by the student. It is usually the largest (and final) piece of written work produced during a degree.

The length and structure of a dissertation vary widely depending on the level and field of study. However, there are some key questions that can help you understand the requirements and get started on your dissertation project.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Be assured that you'll submit flawless writing. Upload your document to correct all your mistakes.

Table of contents

When and why do you have to write a dissertation, who will supervise your dissertation, what type of research will you do, how should your dissertation be structured, what formatting and referencing rules do you have to follow, frequently asked questions about dissertations.

A dissertation, sometimes called a thesis, comes at the end of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. It is a larger project than the other essays you’ve written, requiring a higher word count and a greater depth of research.

You’ll generally work on your dissertation during the final year of your degree, over a longer period than you would take for a standard essay . For example, the dissertation might be your main focus for the last six months of your degree.

Why is the dissertation important?

The dissertation is a test of your capacity for independent research. You are given a lot of autonomy in writing your dissertation: you come up with your own ideas, conduct your own research, and write and structure the text by yourself.

This means that it is an important preparation for your future, whether you continue in academia or not: it teaches you to manage your own time, generate original ideas, and work independently.

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

During the planning and writing of your dissertation, you’ll work with a supervisor from your department. The supervisor’s job is to give you feedback and advice throughout the process.

The dissertation supervisor is often assigned by the department, but you might be allowed to indicate preferences or approach potential supervisors. If so, try to pick someone who is familiar with your chosen topic, whom you get along with on a personal level, and whose feedback you’ve found useful in the past.

How will your supervisor help you?

Your supervisor is there to guide you through the dissertation project, but you’re still working independently. They can give feedback on your ideas, but not come up with ideas for you.

You may need to take the initiative to request an initial meeting with your supervisor. Then you can plan out your future meetings and set reasonable deadlines for things like completion of data collection, a structure outline, a first chapter, a first draft, and so on.

Make sure to prepare in advance for your meetings. Formulate your ideas as fully as you can, and determine where exactly you’re having difficulties so you can ask your supervisor for specific advice.

Your approach to your dissertation will vary depending on your field of study. The first thing to consider is whether you will do empirical research , which involves collecting original data, or non-empirical research , which involves analysing sources.

Empirical dissertations (sciences)

An empirical dissertation focuses on collecting and analysing original data. You’ll usually write this type of dissertation if you are studying a subject in the sciences or social sciences.

• What are airline workers’ attitudes towards the challenges posed for their industry by climate change?
• How effective is cognitive behavioural therapy in treating depression in young adults?
• What are the short-term health effects of switching from smoking cigarettes to e-cigarettes?

There are many different empirical research methods you can use to answer these questions – for example, experiments , observations, surveys , and interviews.

When doing empirical research, you need to consider things like the variables you will investigate, the reliability and validity of your measurements, and your sampling method . The aim is to produce robust, reproducible scientific knowledge.

Non-empirical dissertations (arts and humanities)

A non-empirical dissertation works with existing research or other texts, presenting original analysis, critique and argumentation, but no original data. This approach is typical of arts and humanities subjects.

• What attitudes did commentators in the British press take towards the French Revolution in 1789–1792?
• How do the themes of gender and inheritance intersect in Shakespeare’s Macbeth ?
• How did Plato’s Republic and Thomas More’s Utopia influence nineteenth century utopian socialist thought?

The first steps in this type of dissertation are to decide on your topic and begin collecting your primary and secondary sources .

Primary sources are the direct objects of your research. They give you first-hand evidence about your subject. Examples of primary sources include novels, artworks and historical documents.

Secondary sources provide information that informs your analysis. They describe, interpret, or evaluate information from primary sources. For example, you might consider previous analyses of the novel or author you are working on, or theoretical texts that you plan to apply to your primary sources.

Dissertations are divided into chapters and sections. Empirical dissertations usually follow a standard structure, while non-empirical dissertations are more flexible.

Structure of an empirical dissertation

Empirical dissertations generally include these chapters:

• Introduction : An explanation of your topic and the research question(s) you want to answer.
• Literature review : A survey and evaluation of previous research on your topic.
• Methodology : An explanation of how you collected and analysed your data.
• Results : A brief description of what you found.
• Discussion : Interpretation of what these results reveal.
• Conclusion : Answers to your research question(s) and summary of what your findings contribute to knowledge in your field.

Sometimes the order or naming of chapters might be slightly different, but all of the above information must be included in order to produce thorough, valid scientific research.

Other dissertation structures

If your dissertation doesn’t involve data collection, your structure is more flexible. You can think of it like an extended essay – the text should be logically organised in a way that serves your argument:

• Introduction: An explanation of your topic and the question(s) you want to answer.
• Main body: The development of your analysis, usually divided into 2–4 chapters.
• Conclusion: Answers to your research question(s) and summary of what your analysis contributes to knowledge in your field.

The chapters of the main body can be organised around different themes, time periods, or texts. Below you can see some example structures for dissertations in different subjects.

• Political philosophy

This example, on the topic of the British press’s coverage of the French Revolution, shows how you might structure each chapter around a specific theme.

This example, on the topic of Plato’s and More’s influences on utopian socialist thought, shows a different approach to dividing the chapters by theme.

This example, a master’s dissertation on the topic of how writers respond to persecution, shows how you can also use section headings within each chapter. Each of the three chapters deals with a specific text, while the sections are organised thematically.

Like other academic texts, it’s important that your dissertation follows the formatting guidelines set out by your university. You can lose marks unnecessarily over mistakes, so it’s worth taking the time to get all these elements right.

Formatting guidelines concern things like:

• line spacing
• page numbers
• punctuation
• title pages
• presentation of tables and figures

If you’re unsure about the formatting requirements, check with your supervisor or department. You can lose marks unnecessarily over mistakes, so it’s worth taking the time to get all these elements right.

How will you reference your sources?

Referencing means properly listing the sources you cite and refer to in your dissertation, so that the reader can find them. This avoids plagiarism by acknowledging where you’ve used the work of others.

Keep track of everything you read as you prepare your dissertation. The key information to note down for a reference is:

• The publication date
• Page numbers for the parts you refer to (especially when using direct quotes)

Different referencing styles each have their own specific rules for how to reference. The most commonly used styles in UK universities are listed below.

You can use the free APA Reference Generator to automatically create and store your references.

APA Reference Generator

The words ‘ dissertation ’ and ‘thesis’ both refer to a large written research project undertaken to complete a degree, but they are used differently depending on the country:

• In the UK, you write a dissertation at the end of a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and you write a thesis to complete a PhD.
• In the US, it’s the other way around: you may write a thesis at the end of a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and you write a dissertation to complete a PhD.

The main difference is in terms of scale – a dissertation is usually much longer than the other essays you complete during your degree.

Another key difference is that you are given much more independence when working on a dissertation. You choose your own dissertation topic , and you have to conduct the research and write the dissertation yourself (with some assistance from your supervisor).

Dissertation word counts vary widely across different fields, institutions, and levels of education:

• An undergraduate dissertation is typically 8,000–15,000 words
• A master’s dissertation is typically 12,000–50,000 words
• A PhD thesis is typically book-length: 70,000–100,000 words

However, none of these are strict guidelines – your word count may be lower or higher than the numbers stated here. Always check the guidelines provided by your university to determine how long your own dissertation should be.

At the bachelor’s and master’s levels, the dissertation is usually the main focus of your final year. You might work on it (alongside other classes) for the entirety of the final year, or for the last six months. This includes formulating an idea, doing the research, and writing up.

A PhD thesis takes a longer time, as the thesis is the main focus of the degree. A PhD thesis might be being formulated and worked on for the whole four years of the degree program. The writing process alone can take around 18 months.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2022, May 05). What Is a Dissertation? | 5 Essential Questions to Get Started. Scribbr. Retrieved 14 May 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/what-is-a-dissertation/

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Other students also liked, how to choose a dissertation topic | 8 steps to follow, how to write a dissertation proposal | a step-by-step guide, what is a literature review | guide, template, & examples.

LET US HELP

Welcome to Capella

Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.

FIND YOUR PROGRAM

Connect with us

A team of dedicated enrollment counselors is standing by, ready to answer your questions and help you get started.

• Capella University Blog
• PhD/Doctorate

What are the steps in writing a dissertation?

December 11, 2019

The doctoral dissertation is the crowning achievement of your PhD program and an accomplishment of which you can be very proud. It’s also a significant undertaking. For any large project like this, understanding the steps and sequence can help reduce some of the anxiety you may be feeling about writing a dissertation.

Curtis Brant, PhD, Dean of Research & Scholarship at Capella University, provides details of the primary steps required to complete a dissertation. 

Generally, a dissertation will have five chapters:

• An outline of the full background of your study
• A comprehensive literature review supporting your research
• A discussion of your choice of research design, data collection and analysis, and details of the research steps
• The actual data analyses and results, and
• The final evaluation and interpretation of your results.

As you progress through your program, each of the steps described below is designed to help you make concrete progress on your dissertation in smaller, manageable chunks. 

Step 1: Project Ideation.

 In your coursework, you will learn a great deal about the theories and practices central to your field of study. You will gain broad exposure to the field to help you to start thinking about a topic of inquiry for your project. You will also learn more about research ethics and methodologies so that in the next phase you will be ready to formally develop your project proposal. 

Step 2: Project Development.

Next, you will narrow down your choice of topics and begin to build the detailed format of your project. In this step, you will develop a detailed research plan that outlines the theoretical basis for your research, the questions you hope to answer, a research methodology, and proposed data analyses. In creating such a detailed research plan, you will also be developing much of the content for the first three chapters of your dissertation. You will submit your plan for approval to faculty to help prepare you for the next phase of completing your actual research. 

Step 3: Project Implementation.

 This step begins with submitting your study for approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB will review your project to ensure it meets the standards for ethical research. Once you get IRB approval, you can start to gather the data that you will analyze in the next step. During this step, you will also write and synthesize much of the content for the remaining chapters of your dissertation.

Step 4: Project Conclusion.

In this step you will complete your data collection and analyze the results. You will also finish writing the final two chapters of your dissertation in which you summarize your findings and connect your findings back to the questions and theories you discussed in earlier chapters. Prior to submitting your final dissertation for approval by your faculty review and edit it to ensure synthesis of all the content.

Step 5: University Approvals.

In the final step of completing your dissertation, you will submit your project for final format editing and approval from your faculty. 

Whatever step you’re on, one of the key factors to success is time management. Every step requires considerable work. Breaking down each step (as Capella does) is a good approach, as is diligently scheduling time every week to continue working. It may feel overwhelming to contemplate the entire process at once, but bundling it into smaller goals helps it become less daunting.

What’s more, as you progress through the steps of your project, your hard work will begin to pay off as you see the prospect of earning your PhD become a reality. Knowing that you’re contributing knowledge to your chosen field can be rewarding. It’s hard work but it’s followed by an immense feeling of satisfaction when you reach the end.

Capella University offers PhD and professional doctoral degree programs ranging from business to education and health to technology. Learn more about our online PhD programs .

You may also like

Can I transfer credits into a doctoral program?

The difference between a dissertation and doctoral capstone

Start learning today.

Get started on your journey now by connecting with an enrollment counselor. See how Capella may be a good fit for you, and start the application process.

Please Exit Private Browsing Mode

Your internet browser is in private browsing mode. Please turn off private browsing mode if you wish to use this site.

Are you sure you want to cancel?

• 1-888-SNU-GRAD
• Daytime Classes

The Dissertation Process Explained in 6 Simple Steps

Completing your doctoral program is no easy feat, yet the payoff makes it all worthwhile. You’ll challenge yourself with academic rigor and defend your thesis as you showcase your knowledge to a panel of experts.

One of the hardest parts of the dissertation process is simply getting started. Here are six steps to guide you to successfully earning your doctoral degree by tackling your dissertation, from start to finish.

Step 1: Brainstorm Topics

Finding a research topic that’s right for you and your doctoral studies requires some serious thought. A doctoral program can take years to complete, so it’s important you choose a topic that you’re passionate about. Whether that’s in the field of education administration or entrepreneurship, find an area of study that suits your academic interests and career goals. 

As a doctoral candidate, you’ll take on the role of an independent researcher, which means you’ll be facilitating your own studies and academic milestones. Choose a topic that gets your wheels turning and stirs up an urgent sense of curiosity. However, take note that not every idea will suit a doctoral dissertation and the manuscript formatting. Many students make the mistake of choosing a topic that is too broad. Doctoral dissertations must be researchable and demonstrative based on qualitative or quantitative data. 

Do some preliminary research to determine if someone has already conducted similar research. Being flexible with your brainstorming will allow you to refine your topic with ease. Take constructive criticism from peers and mentors seriously so that you set yourself up for success from day one. If you find yourself feeling a bit lost, don’t be afraid to turn to experts in your field for their opinion. At this initial stage of the dissertation process, you should be the most open to exploring new ideas and refining your area of research.

Step 2: Find a Faculty Mentor and Committee Assignment

Once your topic is approved by the university, you’ll be tasked with selecting a faculty mentor. Finding a faculty chairperson is one of the most important steps you will take in your dissertation process , apart from crafting and delivering your manuscript. After all, your mentor will guide your academic work over the course of your doctoral studies for the next several years. You two will develop a working relationship, so it’s crucial that you choose a mentor you can collaborate and communicate with effectively.

At most universities, your faculty chair will be dedicated to the dissertation process full time. That means they will have the skills, expertise and time to support all of your needs. However, for the other members of your dissertation committee, you’ll want to consider logistics as well. You may have a dream faculty mentor you’d appreciate working with, but they must have the time and attention to dedicate to make the investment worthwhile for you both. Be upfront about your intended timeline, weekly and monthly time commitment, and expectations around communication. When you approach a faculty member about serving as part of your dissertation committee, leave the door open for them to say “no,” so you’re sure to find the right fit and someone who can commit in the long run. 

Some universities make the selection process easy by assigning a dissertation chair and committee to you. For example, doctoral students at SNU are assigned a committee comprised of four people: a dissertation chair within the program’s department, a second departmental faculty member, a member from outside the department who has scholarly expertise in the student’s research topic, and the Dissertation Director who coordinates all communication among the committee members.

Step 3: Develop and Submit a Proposal

Think of the proposal as an opportunity for you to both suss out your ideas and create a convincing argument to present to the faculty committee. Your proposal is the first look at your thesis statement, where you:

• Introduce the topic
• Pose a set of related topics
• Outline the qualitative and quantitative data you hope to extract through careful research  

Again, be open to critical feedback. During this stage, you have the opportunity to reflect and refine the direction of your research. Faculty members will likely reciprocate your proposal with pointed questions that identify gaps in your proposal development or information-seeking process. 

You’ll go through a set of one or more revisions based on faculty feedback. You’ll then submit your proposal application for final approval. Once you have the entire committee’s approval, you’ll begin to collect data.

Step 4: Conduct Research and Data Analysis

In your proposal, you’ll outline your plan to conduct careful research, collect data and analyze that data. Throughout the research process, refer back to your outline to chart your own progress and to build a collection of measurable results to present to your faculty mentor. 

The next step is to add the data you collect to your proposal in two sections. The first section will summarize the data, and the second will offer an interpretation of that data. This step also lends itself to a series of revisions between you and the dissertation committee. Be prepared to implement those changes as you begin to draft your manuscript .

Step 5: Draft Your Manuscript

First, consult with your university’s policies and procedures regarding the doctoral manuscript academic requirements and scholarly style. Check with your department to inquire about additional departmental procedures. 

Consider Your Format 

Develop a consistent format in the early stages, so that submitting your thesis to the Advisory Committee and Examining Committee will run smoothly and you can receive swift feedback. You want to create both a professional and intuitive system for the academic committee and your general audience to be able to easily peruse your thesis. 

Pay close attention to proper sourcing of previously published content and provide a numbering system (page numbers and charts) that reflects the formatting of your thesis, not the numbering system of a previous publication. Devise chapter layout with the same level of scrutiny. Number chapters sequentially, and create a uniform system to label all charts, tables and equations. And last but not least, be sure to follow standard grammatical conventions, including spelling and punctuation. 

Cite Your Sources

As you gather research and develop your manuscript, you must cite your sources accurately and consistently. Check with your department ahead of time in case you should be formatting your resources according to specific departmental standards. In the absence of departmental standards, create a format of your own that you can adhere to with consistency. Most doctoral candidates will choose to include sources at the end of each chapter or in one single list at the end of their dissertation. 

Craft Your Content

You’ll spend the bulk of your time crafting the content of the manuscript itself . You’ll  begin by summarizing relevant sourcing and reviewing related literature. The purpose of this first section is to establish your expertise in the field, establish clear objectives for your research, identify the broader context within which the research resides, and provide more acute context for the data itself. You’ll then discuss the methods of analyzing the research before transitioning into data analysis in a chapter-by-chapter breakdown. Finally, in your conclusion, you’ll link your direct research to the larger picture and the implications of its impact in your field.

Step 6: Defend Your Thesis

The pinnacle of your research will be defending your thesis in front of a panel of experts — the dissertation committee. Sometimes this takes place in person, or, as has proved increasingly common during the past year, by video/voice conferencing. 

This is your opportunity to demonstrate all that you have learned over multiple years of careful research and analysis. The committee will pose questions to both clarify and challenge your level of knowledge in an impromptu fashion. In some cases, based on the committee’s perception, you may need to submit a secondary oral defense. Ultimately, the committee will determine a successful delivery of your dissertation and the chance to proudly assert your doctoral status after completing all degree requirements. 

No matter which path you choose to pursue en route to your doctoral, online and in-person education options can make your dream of completing your degree one step closer to reality. Take a look at SNU’s online and on-campus course offerings today.

Want to learn more about SNU's programs?

Request more information.

Have questions about SNU, our program, or how we can help you succeed. Fill out the form and an enrollment counselor will reach out to you soon!

Subscribe to the SNU blog for inspirational articles and tips to support you on your journey back to school.

Recent blog articles.

Adult Education

Q & A: Exploring SNU’s Bachelor of Arts in Education Program

A Mother’s Reflections from the Side of the Road: Strategies to Become Unstoppable

Professional and Graduate Studies Graduates Inspire Future Generations

Physician Assistant Program on Track for January 2025 Start Date

Have questions about SNU or need help determining which program is the right fit? Fill out the form and an enrollment counselor will follow-up to answer your questions!

Text With an Enrollment Counselor

Have questions, but want a faster response?  Fill out the form and one of our enrollment counselors will follow-up via text shortly!

• Log in
• Site search

7 steps to writing a dissertation

While you may be experienced in revising and writing essays, your dissertation requires careful planning, extensive research, and time management to succeed

Your dissertation is a key part of your degree course and a testament to your ability to conduct research, analyse data, and write a clear argument. Dissertations can be challenging, but they are also rewarding experiences that allow you to explore a topic in-depth and make a significant contribution to your field of study.

To achieve your academic goals, it is important to act on feedback, use your supervision time to your advantage, and demonstrate a strong knowledge of your subject. Whether you're writing an undergraduate, Masters , or PhD dissertation, these seven steps can help you stay on track.

1. Choose your topic wisely

Selecting the right topic is the foundation of a successful dissertation. It is important to choose a topic that is:

• Relevant to your academic discipline and interests. This will ensure that you are passionate about your topic and have the necessary background knowledge to conduct meaningful research.
• Intriguing and thought-provoking . A well-chosen topic will inspire you to ask interesting questions and develop original insights.
• Specific enough to allow for in-depth analysis, yet broad enough to provide enough research material. A topic that is too narrow may be difficult to research or produce meaningful findings, while a topic that is too broad may be difficult to cover in the allowed time and word count.

Consider your career goals and what topics are relevant to the field you hope to work in after graduation. It's also important to be open to change, as it's common for students to modify their dissertation topic as they explore the subject more.

Once you have identified a potential topic, seek guidance from your supervisor. They can help you to refine your choice, identify relevant sources, and develop a research plan.

2. Check what's required of you

Read your marking criteria carefully. It is also important to consult the module guidelines and follow the instructions on any additional parts to your main assignment, such as a project plan, literature review or a critical reflection.

Neal Bamford, associate lecturer at London Metropolitan University, reports that his marking process always begins by 'distilling criteria to what students need to provide and how many marks this is worth.'

'Several dissertations I mark don't include a project plan in their submission. This is worth 20% of the overall mark, so students lose out on a significant portion of their grade'.

Before you begin to plan, make sure you understand what's expected of you. Find out:

• what academic writing looks like in your discipline
• the word count
• when and where you must submit your dissertation.

3. Conduct in-depth research

Research at this stage in the process is often referred to as a literature review. This is where you are expected to gather relevant sources, articles, and studies from libraries, and online academic resources to identify the existing research on your topic and to develop your own research questions.

'Form your own opinion and argue for it using research. A history of the topic is always helpful, as it shows that you understand how things got to this point in time,' says Neal.

Be sure to take careful notes on each source and organise them for easy reference. You need to critically evaluate and analyse the sources to ensure their credibility and relevance to your research. This will be helpful when citing your sources in the writing stage.

Don't forget to seek guidance from your advisor throughout the research process. They can provide you with valuable feedback, relevant sources, and support.

4. Develop a strong thesis statement

A well-defined thesis statement is a roadmap for your dissertation. It should concisely state your main argument or research question and provide a clear direction for your paper. Your thesis statement will guide your entire writing process, so take the time to fully understand it before you begin to write.

When writing a thesis statement:

• Be specific and focused - avoid broad or vague statements.
• Remember that your thesis needs to be arguable - it should be a statement that can be supported or proved false with evidence.
• Make sure your thesis is realistic - you need to be able to research and write about it in the allotted time and space.

Once you have a draft of your thesis statement, share it with your supervisor and other trusted peers. They can provide you with feedback and help you to refine your statement.

If your research disproves your original statement, it can be a disappointing experience. However, it is important to remember that this is a normal part of the research process.

'Many of my students believe that if they don't find the answer they're expecting, then their work is worthless,' says Neal.

'This is not the case. You don't have to find the answer to produce valuable research. Documenting your process and conclusions, even if they are inconclusive, can help others to avoid repeating your work and may lead to new approaches.'

5. Proofread and edit

After working on your dissertation for such a long time, it can be tempting to end the process once you have finished writing, but proofreading is an essential step in ensuring that it is polished and error-free.

To help with the proofreading process:

• Read your dissertation aloud . This can help you to catch errors that you might miss when reading silently.
• Change your environment to see your work with fresh eyes.
• Focus on one thing at a time such as grammar, spelling, or punctuation to avoid getting overwhelmed.

To edit your dissertation, begin by reviewing its overall structure and flow. Make sure that your arguments are well-organised and that your ideas are presented in a logical order.

Next, check your grammar, spelling, and punctuation carefully. You can use a grammar checker, but it is important to proofread your work yourself to identify stylistic or subject-specific errors.

'Make sure you understand the reference style your university prefers. Formatting and labelling of images, tables etc. is vitally important and will be marked,' says Neal.

You should also ensure that your dissertation is formatted using the correct font, font size, margins, and line spacing.

6. Seek feedback and finalise

Once you have made your final revisions, seek feedback from your advisor or board members.

To get the most out of your feedback, be specific about what you are looking for. For example, you might ask for feedback on the overall structure and flow of your dissertation, the strength of your arguments, or the clarity of your writing.

Be open to feedback, even if it's negative. Remember that your advisor is there to help you improve your work, so it's important to take the time to understand and implement the feedback you receive.

Once you have addressed all the feedback, you can prepare your final submission. It's important to follow the guidelines carefully before submitting. Be sure to hand in your dissertation on time, as late submissions may be penalised or even rejected.

Online hand in is the most common method of dissertation submission, and you will typically need to upload a PDF file to an online portal. Follow the instructions carefully - you may need to provide additional information, such as your student ID number or the title of your dissertation.

Some institutions still require dissertations to be submitted in hard copy. If this is the case, you will need to submit a bound copy of your dissertation to your department office. You may also need to pay the binding fee.

Be sure to check with your advisor or department office for specific instructions on how to submit your dissertation in hard copy. You may have to submit multiple copies of your dissertation, and you be required to to include a title page, abstract, and table of contents.

Find out more

• Read our 5 ways to manage student stress .
• Discover how to write an essay .
• Consider our 7 time management tips for students .

How would you rate this page?

On a scale where 1 is dislike and 5 is like

• Dislike 1 unhappy-very
• Like 5 happy-very

Thank you for rating the page

How to Write a Dissertation: Your Ultimate Guide

Consider this intriguing tidbit – renowned physicist Albert Einstein's groundbreaking theory of relativity, which revolutionized our understanding of the universe, was initially proposed as part of his doctoral dissertation. This singular fact underscores that even the most profound and transformative ideas, such as those underpinning the theory of relativity, can emerge from the crucible of writing a dissertation. Your own research, when pursued with diligence and insight, could hold the key to unlocking the next big discovery in your field, just as Einstein's did.

How to Write a Dissertation: Short Description

In this comprehensive guide, our experts will delve deep into the intricate world of dissertations, uncovering what exactly a dissertation is, its required length, and its key characteristics. With expert insights and practical advice, you'll discover how to write a dissertation step by step that not only meets rigorous academic standards but also showcases your unique contributions to your field of study. From selecting a compelling research topic to conducting thorough literature reviews, from structuring your chapters to mastering the art of academic writing, this dissertation assistance service guide covers every aspect of dissertation.

What Is a Dissertation: Understanding the Academic Endeavour

At its core, a dissertation represents the pinnacle of your academic journey—an intellectual endeavor that encapsulates your years of learning, research, and critical thinking. But what exactly is a dissertation beyond the weighty definition it carries? Let our expert essay writer peel back the layers for you to understand this academic masterpiece.

A Quest for Mastery: A dissertation is not just a lengthy paper; it's a quest for mastery in a specific subject or field. It's your opportunity to dive deeper into a topic that has captured your intellectual curiosity to the point where you become an authority, a trailblazer in that area.

Original Contribution: Unlike term papers or essays, dissertation examples are expected to make an original contribution to your field of study. It's not about rehashing existing knowledge but rather about advancing it. It's your chance to bring something new, something insightful, and something that can potentially reshape the way others think about your area of expertise.

A Conversation Starter: Think of a dissertation as a conversation starter within academia. It's your voice in the ongoing dialogue of your field. When you embark on this journey, you're joining a centuries-old conversation, contributing your insights and perspectives to enrich the collective understanding.

Rigorous Inquiry: Dissertation writing is a rigorous process that demands thorough research, critical analysis, and well-supported arguments. It's a demonstration of your ability to navigate the sea of existing literature, identify gaps in knowledge, and construct a solid intellectual bridge to fill those gaps.

A Personal Journey: Lastly, a dissertation is a personal journey. It's your opportunity to demonstrate not only your academic prowess but also your growth as a scholar. It's a testament to your determination, discipline, and passion for knowledge.

How to Start a Dissertation: Essential First Steps

Imagine starting a big adventure, like climbing a tall mountain. That's what learning how to write a dissertation is like. You might feel a mix of excitement and nervousness but don't worry. These first steps will help you get going on the right path.

1. Brainstorm Your Ideas

Think of this step as brainstorming, like when you come up with lots of ideas. Write down topics or questions that you find interesting. It's like gathering the pieces of a puzzle.

2. Choose Your Topic

Next, pick one of those topics for dissertation that you're really passionate about. It should also be something related to your studies. This is like picking the best puzzle piece to start with.

3. Read and Learn

Now, start reading books and articles about your chosen topic. This is like finding clues on a treasure map. Other smart people have studied this topic, and you can learn from them.

4. Decide How to Study

Think about how you'll gather information for your dissertation. Will you use numbers and data like a scientist? Or will you talk to people and observe things, like a detective? This is important to plan early.

5. Show Your Plan

Before you start writing, share your plan with your teachers or advisors. It's like showing them a preview of your work. They can give you advice and make sure you're on the right track.

6. Start Writing

Now, it's time to put your thoughts into words. Write your dissertation like you're telling a story. Make sure it all makes sense and flows nicely, much like when you're mastering how to write an argumentative essay .

7. Get Feedback

Show your work to others, like your friends or teachers. They can give you feedback, which is like helpful suggestions. Use their advice to make your work even better; this will also ease your dissertation defense. You can also seek advice to buy dissertation online .

How Long Is a Dissertation: Navigating the Length Requirements

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how long a dissertation should be. The length of your dissertation will depend on various factors, including university guidelines, academic discipline, research complexity, and the nature of your study. Let's navigate the length requirements with rough estimates for bachelor's, master's, and doctoral dissertations.

Now, let's uncover various factors that influence dissertation length:

University Guidelines and Departmental Requirements:

• University rules and department norms set your dissertation's length.
• Check for word/page limits and format rules early in your work.

Academic Discipline:

• Disciplines vary in dissertation length.
• Humanities/social sciences tend to be longer; science/tech are shorter.

Research Complexity and Depth:

• Complex research needs more pages.
• Simpler or narrower topics result in shorter dissertations.

Nature of the Study:

• Qualitative research with interviews and data analysis needs more pages.
• Quantitative studies can be more concise.

Dissertation Type:

• Some programs offer flexible formats.
• Alternative formats can lead to shorter dissertations.

Your Advisor's Guidance:

• Your advisor can offer lengthy advice.
• Benefit from their field expertise.

Is Your Dissertation Giving You Stress Instead of a Ph.D. Badge of Honor?

Why not let our experts be the pain relief you need? Get the genius you deserve with our dissertation help!

Dissertation Plan: Key Insights to Remember

In this section, we will explore the key insights essential for creating a dissertation plan that not only outlines your research but also paves the way for a successful academic endeavor. From defining your research objectives to establishing a robust methodology and timeline, let's delve into the crucial elements that will shape your dissertation into a scholarly masterpiece.

The title page is the opening page of your dissertation and serves as the cover. It sets the stage for your dissertation and provides essential information for anyone reviewing your work. The dissertation title page typically contains the following information:

• Title of the Dissertation: This should be a concise, descriptive title that accurately reflects the content and scope of your research.
• Your Full Name: Your full name should be prominently displayed, usually centered on the page.
• Institutional Affiliation: The name of your academic institution, such as your university or college, is included.
• Degree Information: Indicate the type of degree (e.g., Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D.) and the academic department or school.
• Date of Submission: This is the date when you are submitting your dissertation for evaluation.
• Your Advisor's Name: Include the name of your dissertation advisor or supervisor.

Acknowledgment or Preface

The acknowledgment or preface is a section of your dissertation where you have the opportunity to express gratitude and acknowledge the individuals, institutions, or organizations that have supported and contributed to your research. In this section, you can:

• Thank Your Advisors and Committee: Express your appreciation for the guidance, support, and expertise of your dissertation committee members and academic advisors.
• Acknowledge Funding Sources: If your research received financial support from grants, scholarships, or research fellowships, acknowledge these sources.
• Recognize Family and Friends: You can also mention the emotional and personal support you received from family and friends during your academic journey.

A key element when understanding how to write a dissertation is the abstract. It is a concise summary of your entire dissertation and serves as a brief overview that allows readers to quickly understand the purpose, methodology, findings, and significance of your research. Key components of an abstract include:

• Research Problem/Objective: Clearly state the research problem or objective that your dissertation addresses.
• Methodology: Describe the methods and approaches you used to conduct your research.
• Key Findings: Summarize the most significant findings or results of your study.
• Conclusions: Highlight the implications of your research and any recommendations if applicable.
• Keywords: Include a list of relevant keywords that can help others find your dissertation in academic databases.

An abstract is typically limited to a certain word count (about 300 to 500 words), so it requires precise and concise writing to capture the essence of your dissertation effectively. It's often the first section that readers will see, so it should be compelling and informative.

Table of Contents

While writing a dissertation, you must include the table of contents, which is a roadmap of the sections and subsections within your dissertation. It serves as a navigation tool, allowing readers to quickly locate specific chapters, sections, and headings. It should include:

• Chapter Titles: List the main chapters or sections of your dissertation, along with their corresponding page numbers.
• Subheadings: Include subsections and subheadings within each chapter, along with their page numbers.
• Appendices and Supplementary Material: If your dissertation includes appendices or supplementary material, include these in the Table of Contents as well.

List of Figures and Tables

If your dissertation includes visual elements such as graphs, charts, tables, or images, it's essential to provide a List of Figures and Tables. These lists help readers quickly locate specific visual content within your dissertation. Each list should include:

• Figure/Table Number: Assign a unique number to each figure or table used in your dissertation.
• Figure/Table Title: Provide a brief but descriptive title for each figure or table.
• Page Number: Indicate the page number where each figure or table is located.

The List of Figures and Tables is especially useful for readers who may want to reference or study the visual data presented in your dissertation without having to search through the entire document.

List of Abbreviations

In dissertation writing, it's helpful to include a list of abbreviations. This list provides definitions or explanations for any acronyms, initialisms, or abbreviations used in your dissertation. Elements of the list may include:

• Abbreviation: List each abbreviation or acronym in alphabetical order.
• Full Explanation: Provide the full phrase or term that the abbreviation represents.
• Page Number: Optionally, you can include the page number where each abbreviation is first introduced in the text.

A glossary is an optional but valuable section in a dissertation, especially when your research involves technical terms, specialized terminology, or unique jargon. This section provides readers with definitions and explanations for key terms used throughout your dissertation. Elements of a glossary include:

• Term: List each term in alphabetical order.
• Definition: Provide a clear and concise explanation or definition of each term.

Introduction

The introduction is a critical section of your dissertation, as it sets the stage for your research and provides readers with an overview of what to expect. In the dissertation introduction:

• Introduce the Research Problem: Clearly state the research problem or question your dissertation aims to address. You can also explore different types of tone to use in your writing.
• Provide Context: Explain the broader context and significance of your research within your field of study.
• State the Purpose and Objectives: Outline the goals and objectives of your research.
• Hypotheses or Research Questions: Present any hypotheses or specific research questions that guide your investigation.
• Scope and Limitations: Define the scope of your research and any limitations or constraints.
• Outline of the Dissertation: Give a brief overview of the structure of your dissertation, including the main chapters.

Literature Review

The Literature Review is a comprehensive examination of existing scholarly work and research relevant to your dissertation topic. In this section:

• Review Existing Literature: Summarize and analyze primary and secondary sources , including theories and research findings related to your topic.
• Identify Gaps: Highlight any gaps or areas where further research is needed.
• Theoretical Framework: Discuss the theoretical framework that informs your research.
• Methodological Approach: Explain the research methods you'll use and why they are appropriate.
• Synthesize Information: Organize the literature logically and thematically to show how it informs your research.

Methodology

The Methodology section of your dissertation outlines the research methods, procedures, and approaches you employed to conduct your study. This section is crucial because it provides a clear explanation of how your preliminary research was carried out, allowing readers to assess the validity and reliability of your findings. Elements typically found in the Methodology section include:

• Research Design: Describe the overall structure and design of your study, such as whether it is experimental, observational, or qualitative.
• Data Collection: Explain the methods used to gather data, including surveys, interviews, experiments, observations, or document analysis.
• Sampling: Detail how you selected your sample or participants, including criteria and procedures.
• Data Analysis: Outline the analytical techniques used to process and interpret your data.
• Ethical Considerations: Address any ethical issues related to your research, such as informed consent and data privacy.

In this section of dissertation writing, you present the outcomes of your research without interpretation or discussion. The results section is where you report your findings objectively and in a clear, organized manner. Key components of the Results section include:

• Data Presentation: Present your data using tables, charts, graphs, or textual descriptions, depending on the nature of the data.
• Statistical Analysis: If applicable, include statistical analyses that support your findings.
• Findings: Summarize the key findings of your research, highlighting significant results and trends.

When writing a dissertation, the discussion section is where you interpret and analyze the results presented in the previous section. Here, you connect your findings to your research questions, objectives, and the existing literature. In the discussion section:

• Interpret Findings: Explain the meaning and implications of your results. Discuss how they relate to your research questions or hypotheses.
• Compare to Existing Literature: Compare your findings to previous research and theories in your field. Highlight similarities, differences, or contributions to the existing knowledge.
• Limitations: Acknowledge any limitations of your study, such as sample size, data collection methods, or potential bias.
• Future Directions: Suggest areas for future research based on your findings and limitations.

The conclusion section is the culmination of your dissertation, where you bring together all the key points and findings, much like a well-crafted dissertation proposal, to provide a final, overarching assessment of your research. In the conclusion:

• Summarize Findings: Recap the main findings and results of your study.
• Address Research Questions: Reiterate how your research has addressed the primary research questions or objectives.
• Theoretical and Practical Implications: Discuss the broader implications of your research, both in terms of theoretical contributions to your field and practical applications.
• Recommendations: Offer any recommendations for future research or practical actions that can be drawn from your study.
• Closing Thoughts: Provide a concise, thought-provoking statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Bibliography

The Bibliography (or References) section is a comprehensive list of all the sources you cited and referenced throughout your dissertation. This section follows a specific citation style, such as APA, MLA, and Chicago. By this point, you should be well-versed in knowing how to cite an essay APA or a style prescribed by your institution or field. The bibliography section includes:

• Books: List books in alphabetical order by the author's last name.
• Journal Articles: Include journal articles with complete citation details.
• Online Sources: Cite online sources, websites, and electronic documents with proper URLs or DOIs.
• Other References: Include any other sources, such as reports, conference proceedings, or interviews, following the appropriate citation style

The Appendices section is where you include supplementary material that supports or enhances your dissertation but is not part of the main body of the text. Appendices may include:

• Raw Data: Any large datasets, surveys, or interview transcripts that were used in your research process.
• Additional Figures and Tables: Extra visual elements that provide context or details beyond what is included in the main text.
• Questionnaires: Copies of questionnaires or survey instruments used in your research.
• Technical Details: Any technical documents, code, or algorithms that are relevant to your research.

Proofreading and Editing

Proofreading and editing are crucial steps in the dissertation-writing process that ensure the clarity, coherence, and correctness of your work. In this phase:

• Grammar and Spelling: Carefully review your dissertation for grammar and spelling errors and correct them systematically.
• Style and Formatting: Ensure consistent formatting throughout your dissertation, following the required style guide (e.g., APA, MLA).
• Clarity and Coherence: Check that your arguments flow logically, with clear transitions between sections and paragraphs.
• Citation Accuracy: Ensure the accuracy and consistency of your citations and references, whether you have referred to other dissertation examples or not.
• Content Review: Examine the content for accuracy, relevance, and completeness, making necessary revisions.

Defending Your Dissertation

The dissertation defense is the final step in completing your doctoral journey. During this process:

• Oral Presentation: Typically, you will present your research findings and dissertation to a committee of experts in your field.
• Q&A Session: The committee will ask questions about your research, methodology chapter, findings, and their implications.
• Defense of Arguments: You will defend your arguments, interpretations, and conclusions.
• Discussion and Feedback: Expect a discussion with the committee about your research, including strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement.
• Outcome: Following the defense, the committee will decide whether to accept your dissertation as is, accept it with revisions, or reject it.

In conclusion, mastering how to write a dissertation is a meticulous journey that demands dedication and precision. By following these guidelines, you'll be well-prepared to embark on this rewarding academic endeavor, ensuring your research is methodical, your arguments are robust, and your contribution to your field is substantial. Whether you're exploring research paper topics or diving into more extensive projects, these skills will serve you well. Good luck on your dissertation journey!

Wish for a Dissertation Genie to Grant Your Academic Dreams?

Your wish is our command! Get expert help today, and let's make your dream dissertation a reality.

What Makes a Dissertation Different from a Thesis?

What does a dissertation aim to achieve.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Related Articles

May 15, 2024

Tips and Resources for a Successful Summer of Dissertation Writing

By Yana Zlochistaya

Summer can be a strange time for graduate students. Gone are the seminars and workshops, the student clubs, and the working group, that structured the semester and provided us with a sense of community. Instead, we’re faced with a three-month expanse of time that can feel equal parts liberating and intimidating. This double-edged freedom is only exacerbated for those of us in the writing stage of our dissertation, when isolation and a lack of discipline can have a particularly big impact. For those hoping not to enter another summer with lofty plans, only to blink and find ourselves in August disappointed with our progress, we’ve compiled some tips and resources that can help.

According to Graduate Writing Center Director Sabrina Soracco, the most important thing you can do to set yourself up for writing success is to clarify your goals. She recommends starting this process by looking at departmental requirements for a completed dissertation. Consider when you would like to file and work backwards from that point, determining what you have to get done in order to hit that target. Next, check in with your dissertation committee members to set up an accountability structure. Would they prefer an end-of-summer update to the whole committee? A monthly check-in with your chair or one of your readers? Setting up explicit expectations that work for you and your committee can cut through the aimlessness that comes with a major writing project.

For those early on in their dissertation-writing process, a committee meeting is also a valuable opportunity to set parameters. “One of the problems with the excitement for the discipline that happens post-quals is that it results in too many ideas,” says Director Soracco. Your committee members should give you input on productive research directions so that you can begin to hone in on your project. It is also important to remember that your dissertation does not have to be the end-all-and-be-all of your academic research. Ideas that do not fit into its scope can end up becoming conference papers or even book chapters.

Once you have a clear goal that you have discussed with your committee, the hard part begins: you have to actually write. The Graduate Writing Center offers several resources to make that process easier:

• The Graduate Writing Community. This is a totally remote, two-month program that is based on a model of “gentle accountability.” When you sign up, you are added to a bCourses site moderated by a Graduate Writing Consultant. At the beginning of the week, everyone sets their goals in a discussion post, and by the end of the week, everyone checks in with progress updates. During the week, the writing consultants offer nine hours of remote synchronous writing sessions. As a writing community member, you can attend whichever sessions work best for your schedule. All that’s required is that you show up, set a goal for that hour, and work towards that goal for the length of two 25-minute Pomodoro sessions . This year’s summer writing community will begin in June. Keep your eye on your email for the registration link!
• Writing Consultations : As a graduate student, you can sign up for an individual meeting with a Graduate Writing Consultant. They can give you feedback on your work, help you figure out the structure of a chapter, or just talk through how to get started on a writing project. 
• Independent Writing Groups: If you would prefer to write with specific friends or colleagues, you can contact Graduate Writing Center Director Sabrina Soracco at [email protected] so that she can help you set up your own writing group. The structure and length of these groups can differ; often, members will send each other one to five pages of writing weekly and meet the next day for two hours to provide feedback and get advice. Sometimes, groups will meet up not only to share writing, but to work in a common space before coming together to debrief. Regardless of what the groups look like, the important thing is to create a guilt-free space. Some weeks, you might submit an outline; other weeks, it might be the roughest of rough drafts; sometimes, you might come to a session without having submitted anything. As long as we continue to make progress (and show up even when we don’t), we’re doing what we need to. As Director Soracco puts it, “it often takes slogging through a lot of stuff to get to that great epiphany.”

Yana Zlochistaya is a fifth-year graduate student in the Department of Comparative Literature and a Professional Development Liaison with the Graduate Division. She previously served as a co-director for Beyond Academia.

How to Clean iPhone Charging Port: A Step-by-Step Guide

W ith the iPhone, Apple created our perfect companion: informative, silent (as needed), always with us. We must, in turn, care for it. Thus, how to clean an iPhone charging port is valuable information for anyone who has one (which, as it turns out, is a lot of us).

We may rarely think of the lint, gunk, and other grime that accumulates in our iPhone charging ports, but just as you (hopefully) wouldn’t clean our your navel lint buildup with a toothpick, you certainly wouldn’t stick a tiny wooden spear into your electronic BFF’s charger port. So what is the best—and safest—way to clean your iPhone charging port?

We’ve spoken to an iPhone repair expert and plumbed the official Apple iPhone care guidelines (the ones Apple Support uses) to map out the cleaning process in order to keep your iPhone charging port clean and prevent charging issues from keeping your most important of gadgets from going dark when you need it most.

How do I know if I need to clean my iPhone charging port?

If your iPhone can’t keep a charge, your charging connections may be blocked by debris, says Joe Silverman, CEO of New York Computer Help in Manhattan.

“It is very common for iPhone users visiting our repair centers due to their iPhones not being able to take a charge any more,” he says. “Their batteries no longer go up, and different Apple chargers have been attempted. Seventy-five percent of the time, there is pocket lint jammed up in the iPhone’s charging port area.”

How to clean iPhone charging port

In a nutshell, here are the official Apple cleaning guidelines for iPhones:

• Don’t wait. If you notice visible debris in your iPhone charging port (or anything else on your iPhone that might damage it), unplug and turn off your iPhone.
• Wipe it off with a soft, lint-free, slightly damp cloth—the kind of cloth used for lenses is ideal.

3. It’s not recommended (or warned against) in the official Apple iPhone cleaning guidelines, but Silverman suggests a basic hack that repairmen typically use to get gunk out of cellphone charging ports: “The old-fashioned tech industry secret is to use a toothbrush,” Silverman says. “This is soft and pliable enough to reach into the charging port area to clean and remove the debris. Moving the toothbrush back and forth will remove the lint and debris, allowing the iPhone to charge up again.”

Of course, you shouldn’t be using the wet, toothpaste-clogged toothbrush you just used to shine up your choppers; you definitely want to make sure the toothbrush you use is dry and clean.

What not to do when cleaning iPhone charging port

Warning: Do not get any moisture in the charging port! Additionally, Apple advises against using compressed air in your iPhone charging port, as it can damage the electronics inside your phone. You should never try to force a connector into your charging port; doing so could cause serious damage to both the connector and the iPhone.

Check the charging port for obstructions before you plug anything into it. Avoid cleaning products on your iPhone (or inside its charging port).

Can you use a toothpick or cleaning products to clean an iPhone charging port?

Absolutely do not stick a toothpick (or a screwdriver, or a paper clip, or any other hard object) into your iPhone charging port. “You can’t just [use] a flathead screwdriver or small device,” Silverman says. “It may actually damage the charging port, or cause a short to the phone.”

What if I have an Android or other phone that isn’t an iPhone? How do I clean an iPhone charging port if the phone is an older model and doesn’t have a USB-C connection?

“This process may be performed across the board for all phones, including Android phones and older iPhones with lightning port connections,” Silverman says of the steps outlined above. You can clean pretty much all cellphone charging ports the same way, whether or not they use USB-C or Lightning cables , regardless of whether they feature an Apple logo—though you should always check the manufacturer’s specific guidelines for your product before you start doing anything to it.

What if my iPhone still isn’t charging after cleaning the iPhone charging port?

If your iPhone still is having issues after your gentle cleaning, it may be time to make an appointment to go to the Apple store and seek the help of Apple Support. “If that doesn’t work, you may be looking at a battery issue, most likely, or on occasion, something deeper on the logic board,” Silverman says.

Frequently asked questions

How do i clean an iphone with one of apple’s older connections (pre-lightning).

You can use the same method outlined above to clean the charging ports of older generations of cell phones. You should be able to use the same cleaning guidelines for other Apple products with charging ports, such as iPads, AirPods, and so on.

How do I clean an iPhone charging port if it’s gotten wet?

If your iPhone charging port has water in it, unplug your device and follow the cleaning guidelines, making sure not to get any more moisture into the charging port. Let any moisture in the iPhone charging port dry before trying to use it or plugging anything into it. If your iPhone still exhibits some issues, contact Apple Support or make an appointment for care at an Apple store.

• 47 Kitchen Organization Ideas That Declutter Cabinets, Countertops, and More
• The Cringiest DIY Trends According to TikTok’s Favorite Designers, Decorators, and DIY’ers
• 13 Small Dining Room Ideas, According to Designers
• How to Cold Plunge: Find Your Inner Chill at Home
• How to Propagate Pothos Plants at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Clean an Oven in 10 Simple Steps
• Not a subscriber? Join  AD for print and digital access now.
• Browse the  AD PRO Directory to find an  AD -approved design expert for your next project.

Featured Topics

Featured series.

A series of random questions answered by Harvard experts.

Explore the Gazette

Read the latest.

Footnote leads to exploration of start of for-profit prisons in N.Y.

It’s on Facebook, and it’s complicated

How far has COVID set back students?

Should nato step up role in russia-ukraine war.

Moderator David E. Sanger (from left) with Ivo Daalder, Karen Donfried, and Stephen Hadley.

Photos by Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer

Christina Pazzanese

Harvard Staff Writer

National security analysts outline stakes ahead of July summit

As Russia opens a new front in its war on Ukraine and the 75th NATO Summit approaches in early July, national security analysts debated whether the military alliance should widen its role in the conflict during a talk Friday at Harvard Kennedy School .

The war is at “a really critical moment,” said the event’s moderator, David E. Sanger ’82, the White House and national security correspondent for The New York Times. Ukraine suffered damage over the last several months as it waited for Congress to approve a $60.8 billion aid package in late April. The Russians have regained territory in Eastern Ukraine, he continued, and while they’ve endured significant casualties, their fighting force remains large and strong and has gotten better at using drones and other forms of electronic warfare.

“This is not a war about territory, it’s a war about the future of Ukraine,” said Ivo Daalder, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO and now president of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. “The way to defeat Russia is for Russia to be denied the opportunity to determine Ukraine’s future.”

Even as the U.S. announces a $ 400 million military aid package to deliver weapons, artillery, and other munitions to Ukraine, Daalder said he is “deeply worried about where we are.” He fears the stalemate on the battlefield that began in November 2022 could give way to an advantage for Russia because U.S. weapons and aid are arriving “too late,” and Ukraine’s military mobilization has been “woefully inadequate.” The average age of Ukraine’s fighting force is 43 years old, a “stunning” figure, he said, and Ukraine is being outpaced by Russia in its efforts to conscript fresh, younger fighters to relieve troops that have been fighting for more than two years.

“This is not a war about territory, it’s a war about the future of Ukraine.” Ivo Daalder

Many European Union countries continue to provide support to Ukraine, and some, like Lithuania, are considering sending their own troops to fight. Whether other NATO allies and the U.S. ought to do the same, given the stakes, will be a topic of serious debate at the upcoming summit in Washington, D.C. French President Emmanuel Macrón, the leadership of the Baltic states, and possibly Polish President Andrzej Duda are expected to address the wisdom of direct military support.

Still, the U.S. remains a “hugely important actor” in the direction this conflict will take in the coming months, according to Karen Donfried , former assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian Affairs in the Biden administration and a Belfer Center fellow. The EU can’t replace the role that the U.S. is playing in Ukraine, she said. “Were it not for the weapons we’re providing Ukraine, they would not still be in this fight.”

The question NATO allies need to be asking themselves right now, said Daalder, is how important is Ukraine “not failing” to future European security? “And so far, we have said, it’s not important enough” to do everything we possibly can, like committing troops and more air defense.

Though still supportive of the war, the Ukrainian people have been worn down by it. Stephen Hadley

Ukraine needs to do several things to turn the tide, said Stephen Hadley, a former assistant to President George W. Bush on national security affairs and deputy national security adviser under Condoleezza Rice. First, Ukraine must increase its capacity to defend territory and “dig in” to defend areas it still controls; improve its air defense to better protect the country’s energy infrastructure and people; build up a defense industry so it’s not as reliant on the West; continue to go after Russian logistics; and challenge Russian control of Crimea, like Ukraine did with control of the Black Sea, in a bid to prompt Russian President Vladimir Putin to come to the negotiating table.

Though still supportive of the war, the Ukrainian people have been worn down by it, said Hadley. President Volodymyr Zelensky faces “some very difficult decisions” about if, or how, to wind down the war if there’s an opportunity to strike a deal while Russia still controls large areas of Ukraine. NATO allies can offer help with that quandary, Hadley said.

Meanwhile, a newly re-elected Putin feels very confident right now and Russia will do “everything in its power” to ensure that it has the upper hand by the time the NATO summit begins, said Donfried. “He thinks he’s winning.”

None of the panelists expect Ukraine and Russia to enter into a negotiated settlement in the next 12 to 18 months.

“Most wars don’t actually end in negotiation. Most wars end in victory, exhaustion, or stalemate,” said Daalder. “And so, we’re much better off not focusing on how do we get them to the table … and talk about, how do you stabilize the situation for long enough to alter what is, in fact, happening and needs to happen to alter the political situation between Russia and Ukraine?”

The talk was part of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs ’ 50th anniversary celebration. Launched in 1973, the Belfer began as a research center on nuclear arms control and policy and grew to become a highly influential national security think tank.

Share this article

You might like.

Historian traces 19th-century murder case that brought together historical figures, helped shape American thinking on race, violence, incarceration

‘Spermworld’ documentary examines motivations of prospective parents, volunteer donors who connect through private group page 

An economist, a policy expert, and a teacher explain why learning losses are worse than many parents realize

Epic science inside a cubic millimeter of brain

Researchers publish largest-ever dataset of neural connections

Finding right mix on campus speech policies

Legal, political scholars discuss balancing personal safety, constitutional rights, academic freedom amid roiling protests, cultural shifts

Good genes are nice, but joy is better

Harvard study, almost 80 years old, has proved that embracing community helps us live longer, and be happier

Why invest in stocks?

• How to start investing in stocks (step-by-step) 
• Investment options 

Investing in stocks FAQs

How to invest in stocks: a step-by-step guide.

Paid non-client promotion: Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate investing products to write unbiased product reviews.

• The easiest and most practical way to buy stock is to open an account with an online broker or investment platform. 
• When deciding which stocks to invest in, it's important to do your own research.
• Having clear investment goals will help guide your overall strategy, but building a diversified portfolio is important for all investors.

It's no secret that investing in stocks can be an effective way to build wealth. And if you're a beginner investor, we're here to reassure you that it isn't as difficult as it seems. All you need to do to get started is open an online investment account. 

Whether you're looking to contribute a large chunk of your savings or simply dip your toes in the proverbial investment waters, here is some crucial information you need to purchase stocks and use them to create a portfolio. 

Potential for wealth creation 

Investing in stocks can be a great way to build wealth. Many individuals have made a fortune by putting their money into this specific asset class. Further, stocks have outperformed many other asset classes over time, traditionally generating superior returns to alternatives like real estate and commodities. 

Ownership in companies you believe in

Purchasing shares of stock is a quick way for investors to obtain partial ownership in companies they have faith in. Every company has a unique company culture, and every business that gains prominence has something that it contributes to the broader market. 

By investing in stocks, you can obtain an ownership stake in companies that are working to create innovative or socially beneficial technology, to improve the health of their customers, or actively contribute to notable causes. 

Diversification benefits

Diversification, or not putting all your eggs into one basket, is an approach that is almost always encouraged by financial experts. By using this strategy, you can help manage the downside risk associated with individual securities or even entire asset classes. 

By investing in stocks, you can help build a well-diversified portfolio that may retain its value far more effectively if other asset classes, for example real estate or commodities, suffer a downturn. 

How to start investing in stocks (step-by-step)  

Step 1: set financial goals.

The first step in stock investing is to outline your goals. Why are you looking to invest in the first place? Do you want to build up a nest egg so you can retire? Are you looking to save up money for a down payment on a home? 

What is your time horizon? In other words, how long are you looking to invest in a stock (or stocks) before you cash out? 

What is your risk tolerance? Another way of putting this is how much volatility are you willing to stomach? Individuals who are looking to build wealth over the long-term (for example, saving for their retirement) should generally be willing to assume significant risk, as doing so will frequently deliver superior returns when compared to taking an approach that provides less risk in the short-term. 

Step 2: Choose a brokerage account 

Stocks are bought and sold on stock exchanges, but you can't purchase shares directly from these marketplaces. One way to buy these securities is to open a brokerage account. 

You'll need to decide the kind of brokerage account you'll want to open, and if you want to open a cash account or a margin account. 

Brokerage accounts work similarly to bank accounts, except they're used to buy and sell securities. You choose a provider and open the account online, move money into it, and you're ready to buy stocks in a few clicks. You can even use a brokerage to gift stock to someone else, though you'll need their account information to initiate the transfer.

There are many licensed brokers to choose from, and the decision revolves around your individual needs and priorities. When it comes to choosing a broker, there are three main options:

• Full-service brokers: "Traditional" full-service brokers offer a variety of services including specialized research and advice, retirement planning, tax assistance, estate planning, access to shares of initial public offerings (IPOs), and more. Because of this, they can charge substantial fees. 
• Discount brokers: This type of broker leaves you to make your own decisions. Discount brokers typically just trade on behalf of clients but don't offer specialized investing advice. While they once were the exception, they are now the norm, preferred by investors because they're more affordable and charge low fees. What they lack in specialized advice, they usually make up with a vast array of tools and educational resources. 
• Robo-advisors: Robo-advisors are automated investing platforms that select and manage investments on your behalf based on your specific goals and timeline, typically following a passive investing strategy by putting your money in inexpensive ETFs or index funds . They appeal to the "set it and forget it" type of investor who prefers to be more hands-off. 

It's worth noting that brokers aren't just investing platforms, as they offer tools for education, too. Once you open a brokerage account, you have access to research and analytical tools, so it's a good idea to get a sense of these resources when making your decision. 

Most broker platforms will give you access to a company's fundamentals, including its prospectus, quarterly earnings, as well as relevant ratios and growth projections, to garner a more robust understanding of where its securities currently stand and where they might be headed.

Step 3: Fund your account

After you set up a brokerage account, the next step is to fund that account so you can use the resources to purchase stocks. One way to do this is by linking your brokerage account to a checking or savings account and then transferring funds into your brokerage account. 

There are several other ways to fund a brokerage account. For example, you can transfer funds from one brokerage account to another. 

Another option is transferring money from one brokerage account to another. In some cases, financial institutions offering brokerage accounts will allow you to deposit checks directly into such accounts. 

Important: When you open your brokerage account, you may be asked if you'd like a cash account or a margin account. When you invest on margin, you borrow money from your broker to buy securities. Keep in mind you'll have to pay interest and the practice is generally not advised if you're just starting out. 

Step 4: Research and select stocks 

The stock market involves thousands of publicly traded companies (like Tesla or Amazon), each with different offerings. Determining exactly how to pick stocks can feel overwhelming, but it can be helpful to remember that when you buy stock, you're buying partial ownership of the company. So a logical place to start is to ask yourself what companies and industries interest you. 

Once you narrow your options — perhaps you've identified a few companies in an industry you're passionate about — it's time to think like an analyst and do your research. The best place to start is the company's annual report, formally known as Form 10-K , which provides a comprehensive overview of its financials as well as a letter to shareholders. 

There are other countless strategies when it comes to picking stocks. Another way to think about evaluating what to buy is to design your portfolio with an investing strategy in mind. For example, if you believe stocks ought to pay you a steady stream of income, you might want to explore dividend stocks . If you have a high tolerance for risk and are curious about early-stage growth companies, consider growth stocks. On the other hand, filling your portfolio with value stocks means finding companies that are underpriced, with the idea that they will grow and outperform the overall stock market over time.

Generally speaking, you'll have access to all the research material you need to come to your own conclusions, but it takes time and effort to hone your analytical skills. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind when building your portfolio:

Think long-term. Unless you're looking to trade frequently and turn a quick profit, long-term investing is considered the safest way to go. That's because long-term investments almost always outperform the market over long periods of time, and impulsive or emotional trading can considerably inhibit investor returns. 

Diversify your holdings. Even if you're starting small, think about a diversified portfolio — which simply means owning a variety of investments within and across asset classes to mitigate risk and guard against volatility. 

That's why many financial advisors recommend that beginners get into the stock market by buying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which allow you to buy a "basket" of stocks at a low cost. Index funds, in particular, can be the foundation of a well-diversified portfolio. 

If you are looking to single out individual stocks for presenting a strong value, fundamental analysis can be a great way to identify opportunities. More specifically, this approach involves evaluating a company's fundamentals, including its revenue and earnings, to determine whether it is undervalued or overvalued. 

Another approach you can use is technical analysis, which involves evaluating a security's price movements to get a better sense of what trend it is following and what it will likely do in the future. Armed with this information, you can single out a good time to purchase that security. 

Another thing to be mindful of is tax considerations. Choose tax-favored investments, and aim to capitalize on long-term capital gains tax treatment when possible by, in accordance with our advice to think long-term, holding on to your investments as long as possible. 

Step 5: Place your orders 

After you've opened an account, funded it, outlined your goals and strategy, and conducted research on which stocks or funds to invest in, it's time to act.

Before buying a stock, you'll need to select an order type, which informs the purchasing process. You have two main options when executing trades through a brokerage account: market and limit orders.

• Market orders: These types of orders tell your broker to purchase the stock or security immediately, without any guarantee of its price. Market orders are more common than limit orders, especially for those looking to invest long-term, and among their benefits is the fact that as long as there are interested buyers and sellers, your order is guaranteed to be executed.
• Limit orders: If market orders instruct your broker to get you into a stock as fast as possible, a limit order specifies a certain price for your order. The order gets fulfilled only if there's a seller who's willing to part with the shares at your specified price. Limit orders give investors more control over the price they pay for a security. Just be careful with limit orders, because some brokers charge more for these more technical, complex trades.

To place your stock order, navigate to the section of your brokerage's platform and punch in the necessary information. Once you place your order, your portfolio will immediately update to reflect your newly purchased shares. 

As you think about when you might want to sell your shares, keep in mind that stocks carry quite a bit of risk, and following a buy-and-hold strategy will help you safeguard against volatility so you can ultimately benefit from the long-term profits. 

Step 6: Monitor and review 

Once you have constructed a portfolio, you can track its performance. Keep in mind that the stock market can be quite volatile, so you can save yourself a lot of time (and stress) by looking at your portfolio every now and then instead of reviewing it on a daily basis. 

You might want to evaluate your portfolio once a quarter, or once a year, for example. One good way to measure the performance of a portfolio is to compare it to a benchmark index like the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. 

If you want your portfolio to allocate a specific amount to each individual stock, you may have to rebalance to achieve this goal. 

Let's say that you create a simple portfolio of five stocks, with each accounting for 20% of the overall portfolio's value. If one of those stocks is Amazon, and shares of Amazon have a strong year, that particular company might suddenly account for 30% of your portfolio. In this case, you could sell some of your Amazon shares to make it so that particular stock once again accounts for 20% of your portfolio. 

Investment options  

Individual stocks.

One major appeal of picking individual stocks is that the shares you select may outperform the broader markets. In addition, choosing individual stocks gives you the opportunity to obtain partial ownership in companies that you believe in. 

The downside of individual stock picking is that by taking this approach, you may underperform the broader markets. Another consideration is the time and energy you may need to invest in order to select companies that are a fit for your portfolio. 

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) 

ETFs can provide investors with quick, cost-effective diversification. Instead of buying several individual stocks, you can save yourself some time and energy by putting your money into ETFs that provide exposure to an entire index, for example the S&P 500. 

These funds provide a good way for investors to gain exposure to vast swathes of the stock market. By purchasing an ETF that invests in the S&P 500 index, for example, an individual can gain access to companies accounting for roughly 80% of the total available stock market. 

Robo-advisors

Investors can also make use of robo-advisors, which are platforms that can create portfolios based on individual preferences. These present a good way for investors to gain quick and inexpensive exposure to stocks.

You can potentially start investing with a very small amount of money. As long as you have enough money to pay for a share and any associated transaction fees, you can start buying stocks. 

Investing in stocks does come with risks, but there are many different steps you can take to mitigate these risks. Portfolio diversification can help you overcome concentration risk, and long-term investing can help you manage the risk associated with short-term volatility. In addition, you can potentially invest across many different sectors, therefore managing sector risk. 

Deciding whether to select individual stocks or harness a robo-advisor should depend on key considerations such as your experience and how comfortable you feel with DIY investing. Keep in mind that you can also use ETFs to quickly gain exposure to broad swathes of the stock market.

• Main content