how to write master degree thesis

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Properly Write Your Degree

The correct way to communicate your degree to employers and others is by using the following formats:

Degree - This is the academic degree you are receiving. Your major is in addition to the degree; it can be added to the phrase or written separately.  Include the full name of your degree, major(s), minor(s), emphases, and certificates on your resume.

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Example: Primary Major: Psychology ; Secondary Major: Marketing

• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology & Marketing

Primary Major: Marketing ; Secondary Major: Psychology

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing & Psychology

In a letter, you may shorten your degree by writing it this way:

• In May 20XX, I will graduate with my Bachelor's degree in International Affairs.
• In December 20XX, I will graduate with my Master's degree in Counseling Education.

Not sure which degree you are graduating with? Here is a list of Undergraduate Majors and corresponding degrees:

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How to Write a Master's Thesis

Last Updated: June 1, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 609,373 times.

Students learning how to write a Master's Thesis will first learn that a central thesis question must be presented and subsequently answered. A Master's Thesis will be the most prominent piece of your graduate work up to this point, and a pertinent thesis question that forms the spine of this work elevates it from the prosaic to the significant.

Choosing a Topic

• To get a degree - topic should be difficult enough, but manageable too.
• To enjoy the work - topic that you are truly interested in, something that you will not grow bored of after a short period of time.
• To get a job afterward - if you know what specifically you want to do after your studies and/or for which company, it might be useful to choose a topic, that will help with this goal.
• To be useful - thesis might actually be useful to help to make the world a little better place.
• Try thinking about your favorite subject of study - it may be a particular author, theory, time period, etc. Imagine how you might further the study of that subject.
• You might consider skimming through papers you wrote for your graduate courses and see if there is any apparent topic that you tend to gravitate towards.
• Consult with faculty members, favorite professors. They might have some good suggestions to write about. Generally, you'll be required to meet with your thesis advisor at least once before you start working.
• Consider consulting with industry partners. Your favorite company might have some work to do which might be done as a master's thesis. This might also help you get a job within the company afterward and maybe even some money for the thesis.
• If you want to help the world to be a better place, you might want to consult with your local non-profits and charities or check the Internet for possible thesis topics to write about.
• 3 Choose the right topic. From the possible topics generated in the previous step, find the one which best fits the objectives from the first step, especially the objectives most important to you. Make sure that you have a clear, specific, and organized plan on how to write a master's thesis which you will be able to then defend.

• Make sure that your question and the answers provided will provide original content to the body of research in existence. A judicious question will also keep research focused, organized, and interesting.
• Once you've formulated your topic and direction of inquiry, try formulating 5-10 different questions around your intended research. This forces you to think flexibly about your topic and visualize how small changes in wording can change the trajectory of your research.

• Usually, your committee chair will be in place before you formally start your thesis. They can help guide you and provide input into your project, so the earlier you can get their commitment, the better.
• Nothing is more frustrating than your thesis progress being held up by a professor who has too many obligations to make time to meet with you.

Selecting Your Texts

• For example, a novel written by Ernest Hemingway or a scientific journal article in which new results are documented for the first time would both be considered primary sources.

• For example, a book written about Ernest Hemingway's novel or a scientific journal article examining the findings of someone else's experiment would both be considered secondary sources.

• Use the in-text citation format appropriate to your discipline. [3] X Research source The most common formats are MLA, APA, and Chicago.
• Create a coordinating works cited or reference entry for each source you cite in the text of your document or in a footnote.
• Consider using a citation management software such as EndNote, Mendeley, or Zotero. These will enable you to insert and move citations within your word processor program and will automatically populate a works cited or reference page for you.

Planning an Outline

• Qualitative. This type of thesis involves completing a project that is exploratory, analytical, or creative in some way. Usually, students in the humanities will complete this kind of thesis.
• Quantitative. This type of thesis involves conducting experiments, measuring data, and recording results. Students in the sciences usually complete this kind of thesis.

• Signature page (with the completed signatures of your advising committee - usually attained at the defense, or after the project is deemed complete )
• Abstract - this is a short (one paragraph or so) description/summary of the work completed in your thesis
• Table of Contents (with page numbers)
• Introduction
• Body of paper
• Works Cited or Bibliography
• Any necessary appendices or endnotes

Moving through the Writing Process

• If you do not already have a review of literature written, it’s time to do your research! The review of literature is essentially a summary of all of the existing scholarship about your topic with plenty of direct quotations from the primary and secondary sources that you’re referencing.

Finalizing Your Thesis

• Many departments or programs provide a document template for theses and dissertations. If you have one of these, it may be easiest to use such a template from the beginning of your work (rather than copying and pasting your writing into it).

• Alternatively, ask a trusted colleague or friend to read over your thesis to help you catch any minor grammar/spelling/punctuation errors and typos.

• Some institutions require you to submit your thesis for a formatting check prior to uploading the document to ProQuest. Be sure to check with your department’s Director of Graduate Studies for specific instructions.
• Be aware of thesis submission deadlines, which are often well in advance of your graduation date. Late submission of your thesis may force you to push back your graduation date, which may affect your employment or continuing graduate studies.

Masters Thesis Outline

Expert Q&A

• Remember why you are writing a Master's thesis and who will want to read and use the material. You write a Master's thesis for members of your community, so keep in mind that they will have extensive knowledge and experience before reading your work. Don't bore them with unnecessary material. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Choosing the perfect question before starting research will prevent frustration and save time. Rigorous effort on finding the perfect question is probably the most important task when learning how to write a Master's thesis. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Consult other people who have completed a Master's thesis and obtained a Master's degree. It can be a long, grueling process, and having the support and advice of someone who has already done it can be very valuable. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://umb.libguides.com/PrimarySources/secondary
• ↑ https://www.scribbr.com/citing-sources/in-text-citation-styles/
• ↑ https://www.unk.edu/academics/gradstudies/admissions/grad-files/Grad%20Files/ThesisGdlnsFinal08.pdf
• ↑ https://u.osu.edu/hackingthethesis/managing-stuff/your-content/outline/
• ↑ http://www.imm.dtu.dk/~janba/MastersThesisAdvice.pdf

About This Article

To write a master's thesis, make it a goal to write 500 words every day, which will help you meet your deadline without having to rush at the last minute. It's also helpful if you work in 25-minute increments and take a 5-minute break in between, which will make your work sessions less overwhelming. Also, figure out a writing time that works best for you, whether it's in the morning or at night, and stick with it so you're more productive. For more help writing your master's thesis, like how to make an outline, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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• How to Write and Publish a Research Paper in 7 Steps

• jaro education
• 15, April 2024

Writing and publishing a research paper is indeed a crucial aspect of academic and scientific endeavors. This comprehensive guide helps you break down the process into manageable steps and offers insights into each stage. Whether you’re a student beginning your academic journey or a seasoned researcher aiming to contribute to your field, understanding these steps is essential.

What is a Research Paper?

A research paper is a scholarly document that presents the results of original research, analysis, or evaluation on a specific topic. It is a fundamental component of academic and scientific communication, allowing researchers to share their findings with the broader community.

A research paper is a written work that explores a particular subject or problem through systematic investigation and analysis. Its primary purpose is to contribute new knowledge, insights, or perspectives to the existing body of academic literature. Research papers can vary in length, structure, and format depending on the discipline, academic level, and publication requirements.

Serving as the backbone of academic and scientific progress, research papers play a crucial role in the dissemination of knowledge, fostering intellectual dialogue, and contributing to the a

dvancement of various fields. Here are some points that depict the benefits of writing a research paper.

Table of Contents

1. knowledge dissemination.

One of the primary purposes of research papers is to disseminate new knowledge and findings. Through meticulous investigation and analysis, researchers generate insights that contribute to the existing knowledge body.

By publishing their work, they share these discoveries with the global academic community, enabling other scholars to build upon, critique, or expand the research.

2. Peer Review and Validation

The peer-review process is a cornerstone of scholarly publishing that ensures the quality and validity of research papers. When researchers submit their work to journals, it undergoes scrutiny by experts in the field.

This rigorous evaluation helps identify potential flaws, strengthens the methodology, and ensures that the findings are robust. Published papers, thus, gain credibility and legitimacy within the academic community.

3. Contributing to Scientific Progress

Research papers contribute significantly to the progress of science and technology. By documenting methods, results, and conclusions, researchers provide a foundation for future investigations.

Scientific progress relies on a cumulative process where each study builds upon the work of others. Consequently, research papers become building blocks that propel fields forward.

4. Promoting Academic Dialogue

The publication of a research paper fosters academic dialogue and exchange of ideas. Researchers engage in debates, discussions, and collaborations based on published works.

Through this ongoing conversation, scholars refine their theories, challenge assumptions, and collectively push the boundaries of knowledge. Conferences, symposia, and academic journals become platforms for this dynamic exchange.

5. Educational Value

Research papers serve an educational purpose by providing valuable resources for students, educators, and aspiring researchers. Students can access a wealth of information, gain insights into research methodologies, and learn how to evaluate scientific literature critically.

Professors incorporate recent research into their teaching materials, ensuring students stay abreast of the latest developments in their fields.

6. Professional Recognition

For researchers, publishing papers is a crucial element for professional recognition and career advancement. A robust publication record is often a key metric for evaluating the impact and significance of a researcher’s contributions. It can influence hiring decisions, promotions, and funding opportunities, showcasing the researcher’s expertise and dedication to advancing knowledge.

*scribbr.com

Purpose of Writing a Research Paper

Writing a research paper holds significance as it contributes to the academic and scientific community by sharing new knowledge, advancements, and insights. It serves several purposes:

1. Knowledge Contribution

Research papers add to the existing body of knowledge, providing new information or perspectives that can benefit others in the field.

2. Communication of Ideas

It allows researchers to communicate their findings, methodologies, and interpretations to a wider audience, facilitating the exchange of ideas within the academic community.

3. Validation of Results

Through the peer-review process, research papers undergo scrutiny from experts, ensuring the validity and reliability of the findings. This contributes to the credibility of the research.

4. Building on Previous Work

Researchers often cite existing literature in their papers, demonstrating how their work builds upon or challenges prior studies. This helps in the continuous progression of knowledge.

Writing a research paper enhances a researcher’s understanding of their topic, fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deeper appreciation for the research process.

6. Professional Development

Publishing research papers is crucial for researchers’ career advancement, as it establishes their expertise, visibility, and recognition within their field.

7. Problem Solving

Research papers often address real-world issues, offering potential solutions or insights. This practical application contributes to societal progress and development.

How to Write and Publish a Research Paper in 7 Steps?

In essence, the purpose of writing and publishing research papers extends far beyond individual accomplishments. These documents are essential tools for sharing knowledge, validating scientific findings, fostering academic dialogue, contributing to progress, and shaping the educational landscape. By embracing these purposes, researchers collectively propel their fields forward, enriching the global tapestry of human understanding.

1. Select a Relevant Topic

Choose a topic that aligns with your interests and expertise. Ensure it’s relevant to your field of study and contributes to existing knowledge. Conduct a literature review to understand the existing research and identify the gaps your paper will address.

2. Develop a Clear Research Question or Hypothesis

Formulate a focused research question or hypothesis that your paper aims to answer. Clearly define the objectives and scope of your study. This provides a roadmap for your research and helps maintain a coherent structure throughout the paper.

3. Plan and Conduct Rigorous Research

Design a well-thought-out research methodology that suits your question or hypothesis. Collect data using appropriate methods and tools. Ensure the reliability and validity of your findings. Organize your data effectively, making it ready for analysis.

4. Write a Solid Introduction

Craft an engaging introduction that provides background information, states the research problem, and outlines your objectives. Clearly articulate the significance of your study and how it contributes to the existing body of knowledge. End the introduction with a concise thesis statement.

5. Structure a Well-Organised Body

Divide the main body of your paper into sections such as literature review, methodology, results, and discussion. Present your findings logically, supported by evidence. Interpret the results and relate them to your research question or hypothesis. Maintain a coherent flow of ideas throughout.

6. Craft a Thoughtful Conclusion

Summarise your key findings and their implications. Revisit your research question or hypothesis and discuss whether they were answered or supported by your results. Highlight the contributions of your study and suggest avenues for future research. Conclude with a strong, memorable statement.

7. Prepare for Publication

Review and revise your paper thoroughly. Ensure clarity, coherence, and adherence to formatting guidelines. Seek feedback from peers or mentors. Once satisfied, submit your paper to a reputable journal in your field. Follow the journal’s submission guidelines and be prepared to address reviewers’ comments.

Understanding The Key Components of Research Papers

Writing a research paper involves several key components that contribute to the overall quality and effectiveness of the document. From the initial stages of selecting a topic to the final steps of citation and proofreading, each component plays a crucial role in producing a well-researched and well-written paper.

The title is the first impression of a research paper. It should be concise yet informative, providing readers with a glimpse into the study’s focus. A compelling title is crucial for attracting attention and conveying the essence of the research.

2. Abstract

The abstract is a brief summary of the entire research paper , offering a snapshot of the research question, methodology, results, and conclusions. Its brevity makes it a valuable tool for researchers and scholars to assess the paper’s relevance to their interests quickly.

3. Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for the research by presenting the background, context, and the research question or hypothesis. It should establish the significance of the study, provide a brief literature review, and outline the paper’s structure.

4. Literature Review

The literature review surveys existing scholarly works related to the research topic. It helps contextualize the study, identifies gaps in current knowledge, and justifies the need for the research. A well-executed literature review demonstrates the researcher’s familiarity with relevant studies.

5. Methodology

The methodology section details the research design, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques. It should be clear and precise, allowing other researchers to replicate the study. Whether qualitative or quantitative , the methodology is the blueprint that ensures the study’s rigor.

Presenting the findings in a clear and organized manner is the primary objective of the results section. Tables, graphs, and descriptive text are commonly used to convey the data. This section should avoid interpretation and focus solely on presenting the research outcomes.

7. Discussion

In the discussion section, researchers interpret their findings, relate them to the existing literature, and explore the implications of the results. It is an opportunity to critically analyze the study’s limitations, acknowledge potential biases, and suggest avenues for future research.

8. Conclusion

The conclusion offers a concise summary of the key findings and their significance. It should restate the research question or hypothesis and emphasize the study’s contribution to the field. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion.

9. References

The references section provides a comprehensive list of all sources cited in the research paper . Proper citation is crucial for academic integrity and allows readers to explore the referenced works for further understanding. See below why citation is significant while writing research papers.

10. Acknowledgements

Researchers often include an acknowledgment section to express gratitude to individuals or institutions that contributed to the research but may not be listed as co-authors.

Citation Styles Used in Research Paper Writing

Citing sources accurately is a crucial aspect of academic writing, ensuring proper acknowledgment of borrowed ideas and information. Different disciplines and institutions may follow specific citation styles, each with its unique guidelines.

1. APA (American Psychological Association)

• Widely used in the social sciences, the APA style emphasizes clarity and conciseness.
• In-text citations include the author’s name and the publication year.
• The references list at the end provides full details of the sources cited.

2. MLA (Modern Language Association)

• Commonly employed in humanities, especially literature and language studies.
• In-text citations include the author’s last name and page number.
• Works Cited page details full bibliographic information.

3. Chicago/Turabian

• Used in history and some other disciplines, with Chicago being more common for book and journal publications.
• Offers two citation styles: notes-bibliography, and author-date.
• Footnotes or endnotes are used for in-text citations in the notes and bibliography style.

4. IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)

• Predominantly used in technical fields, such as engineering and computer science.
• In-text citations are numbered to correspond to the full citation in the reference list.
• Harvard style uses the author-date system and is employed in various disciplines,
• The reference list provides complete details.

6. AMA (American Medical Association)

• Common in medical and scientific research papers.
• In-text citations are numeric, corresponding to the numbered references in the bibliography.

7. ACS (American Chemical Society)

• Primarily used in chemistry-related disciplines.
• Employs a numbered citation system with superscript numbers in the text.
• References are listed numerically at the end.

8. CSE (Council of Science Editors)

• Applied in various scientific disciplines.
• Offers three systems: citation-sequence, name-year, and citation-name.
• In-text citations and the reference list format vary based on the chosen system.

The Significance of Citation Style

Citation style plays a pivotal role in the academic landscape, particularly in the realm of research papers. Its importance cannot be overstated, as it serves multiple purposes that contribute to the credibility, clarity, and ethical foundation of scholarly work. Let’s look at the reasons why citation is important.

1. Acknowledging Intellectual Debt

Citations are not just a formality but a means of acknowledging intellectual debt. When a researcher builds upon existing knowledge or draws inspiration from previous works, proper citation gives credit to the original authors. This not only respects the intellectual property of others but also demonstrates the researcher’s commitment to academic integrity.

2. Ensuring Credibility and Trustworthiness

A well-cited paper enhances its credibility. By referencing established sources, a researcher demonstrates a solid foundation for their arguments and positions within the scholarly discourse. This not only adds weight to their claims but also allows readers to trace the origins of information, fostering transparency and trust in the research.

3. Avoiding Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a serious academic offense that can have severe consequences. Citation style serves as a safeguard against unintentional plagiarism by providing a systematic way to attribute ideas and words to their rightful owners. It ensures that a researcher’s work is a genuine contribution to the field and not an unethical appropriation of others’ intellectual property.

4. Facilitating Reproducibility

Researchers often build upon the work of their peers to advance knowledge. Accurate and comprehensive citations enable readers to trace the steps of a study, facilitating the replication and verification of research findings. This transparency is crucial for the scientific community to validate and build upon existing knowledge.

5. Establishing a Standardised Format

Different academic disciplines have distinct citation styles, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. Adhering to a specific citation style ensures a standardized format, making it easier for readers, reviewers, and fellow researchers to navigate and understand the structure of a research paper. Consistency in citation style adds professionalism to the work.

6. Enhancing Readability and Clarity

Proper citation contributes to the overall readability and clarity of a research paper. It enables readers to follow the flow of ideas and easily locate the sources that support or challenge the presented arguments. A well-cited paper reflects a meticulous approach to research and writing, enhancing its overall quality.

7. Encouraging Academic Dialogue

Citation style is not just a technical aspect; it is also a tool for engaging in academic dialogue. By citing relevant literature, researchers participate in a larger conversation within their field. This interplay of ideas and perspectives contributes to the dynamic nature of academic discourse, fostering intellectual growth and collaboration.

Remember, writing and publishing a research paper requires patience and persistence. Embrace feedback as an opportunity for improvement, and be prepared to revise and resubmit. With diligence and attention to detail, your research can make a valuable contribution to your academic field.

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/images/cornell/logo35pt_cornell_white.svg" alt="how to write master degree thesis"> Cornell University --> Graduate School

Guide to writing your thesis/dissertation, definition of dissertation and thesis.

The dissertation or thesis is a scholarly treatise that substantiates a specific point of view as a result of original research that is conducted by students during their graduate study. At Cornell, the thesis is a requirement for the receipt of the M.A. and M.S. degrees and some professional master’s degrees. The dissertation is a requirement of the Ph.D. degree.

Formatting Requirement and Standards

The Graduate School sets the minimum format for your thesis or dissertation, while you, your special committee, and your advisor/chair decide upon the content and length. Grammar, punctuation, spelling, and other mechanical issues are your sole responsibility. Generally, the thesis and dissertation should conform to the standards of leading academic journals in your field. The Graduate School does not monitor the thesis or dissertation for mechanics, content, or style.

“Papers Option” Dissertation or Thesis

A “papers option” is available only to students in certain fields, which are listed on the Fields Permitting the Use of Papers Option page , or by approved petition. If you choose the papers option, your dissertation or thesis is organized as a series of relatively independent chapters or papers that you have submitted or will be submitting to journals in the field. You must be the only author or the first author of the papers to be used in the dissertation. The papers-option dissertation or thesis must meet all format and submission requirements, and a singular referencing convention must be used throughout.

ProQuest Electronic Submissions

The dissertation and thesis become permanent records of your original research, and in the case of doctoral research, the Graduate School requires publication of the dissertation and abstract in its original form. All Cornell master’s theses and doctoral dissertations require an electronic submission through ProQuest, which fills orders for paper or digital copies of the thesis and dissertation and makes a digital version available online via their subscription database, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses . For master’s theses, only the abstract is available. ProQuest provides worldwide distribution of your work from the master copy. You retain control over your dissertation and are free to grant publishing rights as you see fit. The formatting requirements contained in this guide meet all ProQuest specifications.

Copies of Dissertation and Thesis

Copies of Ph.D. dissertations and master’s theses are also uploaded in PDF format to the Cornell Library Repository, eCommons . A print copy of each master’s thesis and doctoral dissertation is submitted to Cornell University Library by ProQuest.

How to Write a Master's Thesis: A Guide to Planning Your Thesis, Pursuing It, and Avoiding Pitfalls

#scribendiinc

Part 1: Initial Considerations

Who needs to write a master’s thesis.

Thesis writing is one of the more daunting challenges of higher education. That being said, not all master's students have to write a thesis. For example, fields that place a stronger emphasis on applied knowledge, such as nursing, business, and education, tend to have projects and exams to test students on the skills and abilities associated with those fields. Conversely, in disciplines that require in-depth research or highly polished creative abilities, students are usually expected to prove their understanding and independence with a thesis.

What's Your Goal?

Do you want to write a thesis? The process is a long one, often spanning years. It's best to know exactly what you want before you begin. Many people are motivated by career goals. For example, hiring managers may see a master's degree as proof that the candidate is an expert within their field and can lead, motivate, and demonstrate initiative for themselves and others. Others dream of earning their doctorate, and they see a master's degree as a stepping stone toward their Ph.D .

No matter what your desired goal is, you should have one before you start your thesis. With your goal in mind, your work will have a purpose, which will allow you to measure your progress more easily.

Major Types of Theses

Once you've carefully researched or even enrolled in a master's program—a feat that involves its own planning and resources —you should know if you are expected to produce a quantitative (which occurs in many math and science programs), qualitative (which occurs in many humanities programs), or creative (which occurs in many creative writing, music, or fine arts programs) thesis.

Time and Energy Considerations

Advanced degrees are notoriously time and energy consuming. If you have a job, thesis writing will become your second job. If you have a family, they will need to know that your thesis will take a great deal of your attention, energy, and focus.

Your studies should not consume you, but they also should not take a back seat to everything else. You will be expected to attend classes, conduct research, source relevant literature, and schedule meetings with various people as you pursue your master's, so it's important to let those you care about know what's going on.

As a general note, most master's programs expect students to finish within a two-year period but are willing to grant extra time if requested, especially if that time is needed to deal with unexpected life events (more on those later).

Part 2: Form an Initial Thesis Question, and Find a Supervisor

When to begin forming your initial thesis question.

Some fields, such as history, may require you to have already formed your thesis question and to have used it to create a statement of intent (outlining the nature of your research) prior to applying to a master’s program. Others may require this information only after you've been accepted. Most of the time, you will be expected to come up with your topic yourself. However, in some disciplines, your supervisor may assign a general research topic to you.

Overall, requirements vary immensely from program to program, so it's best to confirm the exact requirements of your specific program.

What to Say to Your Supervisor

You will have a supervisor during your master's studies. Have you identified who that person will be? If yes, have you introduced yourself via email or phone and obtained information on the processes and procedures that are in place for your master's program? Once you've established contact, request an in-person meeting with him or her, and take a page of questions along with you. Your questions might include:

• Is there a research subject you can recommend in my field?
• I would like to pursue [target research subject] for my thesis. Can you help me narrow my focus?
• Can you give me an example of a properly formatted thesis proposal for my program?

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help (to a Degree)

Procedures and expectations vary from program to program, and your supervisor is there to help remove doubt and provide encouragement so you can follow the right path when you embark on writing your thesis. Since your supervisor has almost certainly worked with other graduate students (and was one at some point), take advantage of their experience, and ask questions to put your mind at ease about how to write a master’s thesis.

That being said, do not rely too heavily on your supervisor. As a graduate student, you are also expected to be able to work independently. Proving your independent initiative and capacity is part of what will earn you your master's degree.

Part 3: Revise Your Thesis

Read everything you can get your hands on.

Whether you have a question or need to create one, your next step is simple and applies to all kinds of theses: read.

Seek Out Knowledge or Research Gaps

Read everything you can that relates to the question or the field you are studying. The only way you will be able to determine where you can go is to see where everyone else has been. After you have read some published material, you will start to spot gaps in current research or notice things that could be developed further with an alternative approach. Things that are known but not understood or understood but not explained clearly or consistently are great potential thesis subjects. Addressing something already known from a new perspective or with a different style could also be a potentially valuable project. Whichever way you choose to do it, keep in mind that your project should make a valuable contribution to your field.

Talk with Experts in Your Field (and Don't Be Afraid to Revise Your Thesis)

To help narrow down your thesis topic, talk to your supervisor. Your supervisor will have an idea of what is current in your field and what can be left alone because others are already working on it. Additionally, the school you are attending will have programs and faculty with particular areas of interest within your chosen field.

On a similar note, don't be surprised if your thesis question changes as you study. Other students and researchers are out there, and as they publish, what you are working on can change. You might also discover that your question is too vague, not substantial enough, or even no longer relevant. Do not lose heart! Take what you know and adjust the question to address these concerns as they arise. The freedom to adapt is part of the power you hold as a graduate student.

Part 4: Select a Proposal Committee

What proposal committees are and why they're useful.

When you have a solid question or set of questions, draft a proposal.

You'll need an original stance and a clear justification for asking, and answering, your thesis question. To ensure this, a committee will review your thesis proposal. Thankfully, that committee will consist of people assigned by your supervisor or department head or handpicked by you. These people will be experts who understand your field of study and will do everything in their power to ensure that you are pursuing something worthwhile. And yes, it is okay to put your supervisor on your committee. Some programs even require that your supervisor be on your committee.

Just remember that the committee will expect you to schedule meetings with them, present your proposal, respond to any questions they might have for you, and ultimately present your findings and thesis when all the work is done. Choose those who are willing to support you, give constructive feedback, and help address issues with your proposal. And don't forget to give your proposal a good, thorough edit and proofread before you present it.

How to Prepare for Committee Meetings

Be ready for committee meetings with synopses of your material for committee members, answers for expected questions, and a calm attitude. To prepare for those meetings, sit in on proposal and thesis defenses so you can watch how other graduate students handle them and see what your committee might ask of you. You can even hold rehearsals with friends and fellow students acting as your committee to help you build confidence for your presentation.

Part 5: Write Your Thesis

What to do once your proposal is approved.

After you have written your thesis proposal and received feedback from your committee, the fun part starts: doing the work. This is where you will take your proposal and carry it out. If you drafted a qualitative or quantitative proposal, your experimentation or will begin here. If you wrote a creative proposal, you will now start working on your material. Your proposal should be strong enough to give you direction when you perform your experiments, conduct interviews, or craft your work. Take note that you will have to check in with your supervisor from time to time to give progress updates.

Thesis Writing: It's Important to Pace Yourself and Take Breaks

Do not expect the work to go quickly. You will need to pace yourself and make sure you record your progress meticulously. You can always discard information you don't need, but you cannot go back and grab a crucial fact that you can't quite remember. When in doubt, write it down. When drawing from a source, always create a citation for the information to save your future self time and stress. In the same sense, you may also find journaling to be a helpful process.

Additionally, take breaks and allow yourself to step away from your thesis, even if you're having fun (and especially if you're not). Ideally, your proposal should have milestones in it— points where you can stop and assess what you've already completed and what's left to do. When you reach a milestone, celebrate. Take a day off and relax. Better yet, give yourself a week's vacation! The rest will help you regain your focus and ensure that you function at your best.

How to Become More Comfortable with Presenting Your Work

Once you start reaching your milestones, you should be able to start sharing what you have. Just about everyone in a graduate program has experience giving a presentation at the front of the class, attending a seminar, or watching an interview. If you haven't (or even if you have), look for conferences and clubs that will give you the opportunity to learn about presenting your work and become comfortable with the idea of public speaking. The more you practice talking about what you are studying, the more comfortable you'll be with the information, which will make your committee defenses and other official meetings easier.

Published authors can be called upon to present at conferences, and if your thesis is strong, you may receive an email or a phone call asking if you would share your findings onstage.

Presenting at conferences is also a great way to boost your CV and network within your field. Make presenting part of your education, and it will become something you look forward to instead of fear.

What to Do If Your Relationship with Your Supervisor Sours

A small aside: If it isn't already obvious, you will be communicating extensively with others as you pursue your thesis. That also means that others will need to communicate with you, and if you've been noticing things getting quiet, you will need to be the one to speak up. Your supervisor should speak to you at least once a term and preferably once a week in the more active parts of your research and writing. If you give written work to your supervisor, you should have feedback within three weeks.

If your supervisor does not provide feedback, frequently misses appointments, or is consistently discouraging of your work, contact your graduate program advisor and ask for a new supervisor. The relationship with your supervisor is crucial to your success, especially if she or he is on your committee, and while your supervisor does not have to be friendly, there should at least be professional respect between you.

What to Do If a Crisis Strikes

If something happens in your life that disrupts everything (e.g., emotional strain, the birth of a child, or the death of a family member), ask for help. You are a human being, and personal lives can and do change without warning. Do not wait until you are falling apart before asking for help, either. Learn what resources exist for crises before you have one, so you can head off trauma before it hits. That being said, if you get blindsided, don't refuse help. Seek it out, and take the time you need to recover. Your degree is supposed to help you become a stronger and smarter person, not break you.

Part 6: Polish and Defend Your Master's Thesis

How to write a master’s thesis: the final stages.

After your work is done and everything is written down, you will have to give your thesis a good, thorough polishing. This is where you will have to organize the information, draft it into a paper format with an abstract, and abbreviate things to help meet your word-count limit. This is also where your final editing and proofreading passes will occur, after which you will face your final hurdle: presenting your thesis defense to your committee. If they approve your thesis, then congratulations! You are now a master of your chosen field.

Conclusion and Parting Thoughts

Remember that you do not (and should not) have to learn how to write a master’s thesis on your own. Thesis writing is collaborative, as is practically any kind of research.

While you will be expected to develop your thesis using your own initiative, pursue it with your own ambition, and complete it with your own abilities, you will also be expected to use all available resources to do so. The purpose of a master's thesis is to help you develop your own independent abilities, ensuring that you can drive your own career forward without constantly looking to others to provide direction. Leaders get master's degrees. That's why many business professionals in leadership roles have graduate degree initials after their last names. If you already have the skills necessary to motivate yourself, lead others, and drive change, you may only need your master's as an acknowledgement of your abilities. If you do not, but you apply yourself carefully and thoroughly to the pursuit of your thesis, you should come away from your studies with those skills in place.

A final thought regarding collaboration: all theses have a section for acknowledgements. Be sure to say thank you to those who helped you become a master. One day, someone might be doing the same for you.

Image source: Falkenpost/Pixabay.com 

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Patterson discusses formative years, book bans, writing process at Vanderbilt event

James Patterson has published over 400 titles and sold more than 425 million copies of his books, but he first gained the confidence to pursue a career in writing while working toward a graduate degree at Vanderbilt.  

“Where I got the confidence is right here,” the bestselling author told a large audience in Langford Auditorium on April 11.  

Patterson, who earned his master’s in English from the university in 1970, discussed his writing process, prolific career, the value of collaboration, and his support for librarians and reading in a wide-ranging conversation moderated by former NBC News anchor John M. Seigenthaler. The event was co-sponsored by the Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries , Dialogue Vanderbilt and the Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy in collaboration with Parnassus Books .  

Patterson cited as his greatest influence at Vanderbilt the late professor Walter Sullivan , an expert in Southern literature who published novels, short stories and criticism and taught at the university, including popular courses in creative writing, for more than 50 years. Patterson said he and his former mentor could not have been more different.  

“Walter was an ultra-conservative, and I was a hippie with long hair,” Patterson said. “But he was great. He was terrific with my writing, and he really encouraged me. He said, ‘You have it—you’ve got the gift. Don’t blow it.’”  

Patterson went to work in advertising, and it was there he honed his marketing acumen and the ability to juggle multiple projects, he said. The manuscript for his debut novel was rejected more than 30 times before being published by Little, Brown and Company in 1976. The Thomas Berryman Number went on to win the Edgar Award for best first novel written in the mystery genre.   

His first New York Times bestseller was 1993’s Along Came a Spider , which launched the popular series featuring protagonist Alex Cross that has spawned nearly 35 books, three film adaptations and an upcoming streaming series for Amazon’s Prime Video.    

Though he is now synonymous with mysteries and crime thrillers, Patterson said he began writing them almost by accident. “I didn’t read mysteries in those days, but I wrote one, and that’s probably why it won an Edgar—because it didn’t imitate anything. It was its own thing,” he said. Patterson rejects the notion that certain types of books qualify as “guilty pleasures.”  

“That’s absurd,” he said. “Why would you be guilty? There are things to be guilty about [in life], but not reading a book.”  

Patterson has expanded his phenomenally successful storytelling to include nonfiction, biographies, young adult and graphic novels, and children’s books. His latest is The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: True Stories of the Magic of Reading , written with Matt Eversmann, which celebrates the everyday heroes who champion literacy.   

“They’re really good people and they care, and they want to turn people on to reading and they want to help,” said Patterson, whose mother was a teacher and part-time librarian. “They work hard, and they don’t get paid very well for the most part,” among other challenges faced by librarians and independent booksellers.   

Book censorship rankles Patterson, whose Maximum Ride young adult series has been removed from some elementary school bookshelves in Florida. “I don’t want a stranger coming in and telling my family members what they should and shouldn’t read. I don’t want that, and that’s what’s happening,” he said to applause from the audience.  

“If you want to be aware of what your kids are reading, you should—that’s your job. … But don’t be afraid of the libraries” when many kids have unfettered access to smartphones and the internet, said Patterson, who has donated more than 1 million books to schools and under-resourced communities. In 2015, he was honored with the National Book Foundation’s Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community for his efforts to promote reading.  

Patterson said he writes every day, and the process never feels like work to him. He currently has upward of 30 “live” projects, including books and screenplays, underway. Story ideas come easily, and he collects them in a notebook. It was the realization that he would never get around to writing them all that inspired Patterson to begin collaborating with others, he said. His co-authors have included former President Bill Clinton and megastar entertainer Dolly Parton as well as veteran journalists and writers.  

“People look at [collaboration] like it’s some weird thing,” Patterson said. “But if we’re ever going to save the world, it’s going to be because we learn to collaborate.”  

The April 11 event was a demonstration of “ the synergy between literacy, democracy and the pursuit of collective knowledge, showcasing Vanderbilt University’s dedication to fostering dialogue, understanding and unity in an increasingly fragmented world,” University Librarian Jon Shaw said in his introduction.  

“We’re here tonight to pay tribute to the tireless efforts of librarians and booksellers, many of whom are in attendance,” Shaw said. “Your commitment to fostering a culture of reading and perpetual intellectual curiosity is invaluable. You are the cornerstone of our literary community, enriching our society’s collective soul and sanity with every recommendation and discussion.”  

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How to write a masters dissertation or thesis: top tips.

It is completely normal to find the idea of writing a masters thesis or dissertation slightly daunting, even for students who have written one before at undergraduate level. Though, don’t feel put off by the idea. You’ll have plenty of time to complete it, and plenty of support from your supervisor and peers.

One of the main challenges that students face is putting their ideas and findings into words. Writing is a skill in itself, but with the right advice, you’ll find it much easier to get into the flow of writing your masters thesis or dissertation.

We’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to write a dissertation or thesis for your masters degree, with top tips to consider at each stage in the process.

1. Understand your dissertation (or thesis) topic

There are slight differences between theses and dissertations , although both require a high standard of writing skill and knowledge in your topic. They are also formatted very similarly.

At first, writing a masters thesis can feel like running a 100m race – the course feels very quick and like there is not as much time for thinking! However, you’ll usually have a summer semester dedicated to completing your dissertation – giving plenty of time and space to write a strong academic piece.

By comparison, writing a PhD thesis can feel like running a marathon, working on the same topic for 3-4 years can be laborious. But in many ways, the approach to both of these tasks is quite similar.

Before writing your masters dissertation, get to know your research topic inside out. Not only will understanding your topic help you conduct better research, it will also help you write better dissertation content.

Also consider the main purpose of your dissertation. You are writing to put forward a theory or unique research angle – so make your purpose clear in your writing.

Top writing tip: when researching your topic, look out for specific terms and writing patterns used by other academics. It is likely that there will be a lot of jargon and important themes across research papers in your chosen dissertation topic. 

2. Structure your dissertation or thesis

Writing a thesis is a unique experience and there is no general consensus on what the best way to structure it is. 

As a postgraduate student , you’ll probably decide what kind of structure suits your research project best after consultation with your supervisor. You’ll also have a chance to look at previous masters students’ theses in your university library.

To some extent, all postgraduate dissertations are unique. Though they almost always consist of chapters. The number of chapters you cover will vary depending on the research. 

A masters dissertation or thesis organised into chapters would typically look like this: 

Write down your structure and use these as headings that you’ll write for later on.

Top writing tip : ease each chapter together with a paragraph that links the end of a chapter to the start of a new chapter. For example, you could say something along the lines of “in the next section, these findings are evaluated in more detail”. This makes it easier for the reader to understand each chapter and helps your writing flow better.

3. Write up your literature review

One of the best places to start when writing your masters dissertation is with the literature review. This involves researching and evaluating existing academic literature in order to identify any gaps for your own research.

Many students prefer to write the literature review chapter first, as this is where several of the underpinning theories and concepts exist. This section helps set the stage for the rest of your dissertation, and will help inform the writing of your other dissertation chapters.

What to include in your literature review

The literature review chapter is more than just a summary of existing research, it is an evaluation of how this research has informed your own unique research.

Demonstrate how the different pieces of research fit together. Are there overlapping theories? Are there disagreements between researchers?

Highlight the gap in the research. This is key, as a dissertation is mostly about developing your own unique research. Is there an unexplored avenue of research? Has existing research failed to disprove a particular theory?

Back up your methodology. Demonstrate why your methodology is appropriate by discussing where it has been used successfully in other research.

4. Write up your research

Your research is the heart and soul of your dissertation. Conducting your actual research is a whole other topic in itself, but it’s important to consider that your research design will heavily influence the way you write your final dissertation.

For instance, a more theoretical-based research topic might encompass more writing from a philosophical perspective. Qualitative data might require a lot more evaluation and discussion than quantitative research. 

Methodology chapter

The methodology chapter is all about how you carried out your research and which specific techniques you used to gather data. You should write about broader methodological approaches (e.g. qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods), and then go into more detail about your chosen data collection strategy. 

Data collection strategies include things like interviews, questionnaires, surveys, content analyses, discourse analyses and many more.

Data analysis and findings chapters

The data analysis or findings chapter should cover what you actually discovered during your research project. It should be detailed, specific and objective (don’t worry, you’ll have time for evaluation later on in your dissertation)

Write up your findings in a way that is easy to understand. For example, if you have a lot of numerical data, this could be easier to digest in tables.

This will make it easier for you to dive into some deeper analysis in later chapters. Remember, the reader will refer back to your data analysis section to cross-reference your later evaluations against your actual findings – so presenting your data in a simple manner is beneficial.

Think about how you can segment your data into categories. For instance, it can be useful to segment interview transcripts by interviewee. 

Top writing tip : write up notes on how you might phrase a certain part of the research. This will help bring the best out of your writing. There is nothing worse than when you think of the perfect way to phrase something and then you completely forget it.

5. Discuss and evaluate

Once you’ve presented your findings, it’s time to evaluate and discuss them.

It might feel difficult to differentiate between your findings and discussion sections, because you are essentially talking about the same data. The easiest way to remember the difference is that your findings simply present the data, whereas your discussion tells the story of this data.

Your evaluation breaks the story down, explaining the key findings, what went well and what didn’t go so well.

In your discussion chapter, you’ll have chance to expand on the results from your findings section. For example, explain what certain numbers mean and draw relationships between different pieces of data.

Top writing tip: don’t be afraid to point out the shortcomings of your research. You will receive higher marks for writing objectively. For example, if you didn’t receive as many interview responses as expected, evaluate how this has impacted your research and findings. Don’t let your ego get in the way!

6. Write your introduction

Your introduction sets the scene for the rest of your masters dissertation. You might be wondering why writing an introduction isn't at the start of our step-by-step list, and that’s because many students write this chapter last.

Here’s what your introduction chapter should cover:

Problem statement

Research question

Significance of your research

This tells the reader what you’ll be researching as well as its importance. You’ll have a good idea of what to include here from your original dissertation proposal , though it’s fairly common for research to change once it gets started.

Writing or at least revisiting this section last can be really helpful, since you’ll have a more well-rounded view of what your research actually covers once it has been completed and written up.

Masters dissertation writing tips

When to start writing your thesis or dissertation.

When you should start writing your masters thesis or dissertation depends on the scope of the research project and the duration of your course. In some cases, your research project may be relatively short and you may not be able to write much of your thesis before completing the project. 

But regardless of the nature of your research project and of the scope of your course, you should start writing your thesis or at least some of its sections as early as possible, and there are a number of good reasons for this:

Academic writing is about practice, not talent. The first steps of writing your dissertation will help you get into the swing of your project. Write early to help you prepare in good time.

Write things as you do them. This is a good way to keep your dissertation full of fresh ideas and ensure that you don’t forget valuable information.

The first draft is never perfect. Give yourself time to edit and improve your dissertation. It’s likely that you’ll need to make at least one or two more drafts before your final submission.

Writing early on will help you stay motivated when writing all subsequent drafts.

Thinking and writing are very connected. As you write, new ideas and concepts will come to mind. So writing early on is a great way to generate new ideas.

How to improve your writing skills

The best way of improving your dissertation or thesis writing skills is to:

 Finish the first draft of your masters thesis as early as possible and send it to your supervisor for revision. Your supervisor will correct your draft and point out any writing errors. This process will be repeated a few times which will help you recognise and correct writing mistakes yourself as time progresses.

If you are not a native English speaker, it may be useful to ask your English friends to read a part of your thesis and warn you about any recurring writing mistakes. Read our section on English language support for more advice. 

Most universities have writing centres that offer writing courses and other kinds of support for postgraduate students. Attending these courses may help you improve your writing and meet other postgraduate students with whom you will be able to discuss what constitutes a well-written thesis.

Read academic articles and search for writing resources on the internet. This will help you adopt an academic writing style, which will eventually become effortless with practice.

Keep track of your bibliography 

When studying for your masters dissertation, you will need to develop an efficient way of organising your bibliography – this will prevent you from getting lost in large piles of data that you’ll need to write your dissertation. 

The easiest way to keep the track of all the articles you have read for your research is to create a database where you can summarise each article/chapter into a few most important bullet points to help you remember their content. 

Another useful tool for doing this effectively is to learn how to use specific reference management software (RMS) such as EndNote. RMS is relatively simple to use and saves a lot of time when it comes to organising your bibliography. This may come in very handy, especially if your reference section is suspiciously missing two hours before you need to submit your dissertation! 

Avoid accidental plagiarism

Plagiarism may cost you your postgraduate degree and it is important that you consciously avoid it when writing your thesis or dissertation. 

Occasionally, postgraduate students commit plagiarism unintentionally. This can happen when sections are copy and pasted from journal articles they are citing instead of simply rephrasing them. Whenever you are presenting information from another academic source, make sure you reference the source and avoid writing the statement exactly as it is written in the original paper.

What kind of format should your thesis have?

Read your university’s guidelines before you actually start writing your thesis so you don’t have to waste time changing the format further down the line. However in general, most universities will require you to use 1.5-2 line spacing, font size 12 for text, and to print your thesis on A4 paper. These formatting guidelines may not necessarily result in the most aesthetically appealing thesis, however beauty is not always practical, and a nice looking thesis can be a more tiring reading experience for your postgrad examiner .

When should I submit my thesis?

The length of time it takes to complete your MSc or MA thesis will vary from student to student. This is because people work at different speeds, projects vary in difficulty, and some projects encounter more problems than others. 

Obviously, you should submit your MSc thesis or MA thesis when it is finished! Every university will say in its regulations that it is the student who must decide when it is ready to submit. 

However, your supervisor will advise you whether your work is ready and you should take their advice on this. If your supervisor says that your work is not ready, then it is probably unwise to submit it. Usually your supervisor will read your final thesis or dissertation draft and will let you know what’s required before submitting your final draft.

Set yourself a target for completion. This will help you stay on track and avoid falling behind. You may also only have funding for the year, so it is important to ensure you submit your dissertation before the deadline – and also ensure you don’t miss out on your graduation ceremony ! 

To set your target date, work backwards from the final completion and submission date, and aim to have your final draft completed at least three months before that final date.

Don’t leave your submission until the last minute – submit your work in good time before the final deadline. Consider what else you’ll have going on around that time. Are you moving back home? Do you have a holiday? Do you have other plans?

If you need to have finished by the end of June to be able to go to a graduation ceremony in July, then you should leave a suitable amount of time for this. You can build this into your dissertation project planning at the start of your research.

It is important to remember that handing in your thesis or dissertation is not the end of your masters program . There will be a period of time of one to three months between the time you submit and your final day. Some courses may even require a viva to discuss your research project, though this is more common at PhD level . 

If you have passed, you will need to make arrangements for the thesis to be properly bound and resubmitted, which will take a week or two. You may also have minor corrections to make to the work, which could take up to a month or so. This means that you need to allow a period of at least three months between submitting your thesis and the time when your program will be completely finished. Of course, it is also possible you may be asked after the viva to do more work on your thesis and resubmit it before the examiners will agree to award the degree – so there may be an even longer time period before you have finished.

How do I submit the MA or MSc dissertation?

Most universities will have a clear procedure for submitting a masters dissertation. Some universities require your ‘intention to submit’. This notifies them that you are ready to submit and allows the university to appoint an external examiner.

This normally has to be completed at least three months before the date on which you think you will be ready to submit.

When your MA or MSc dissertation is ready, you will have to print several copies and have them bound. The number of copies varies between universities, but the university usually requires three – one for each of the examiners and one for your supervisor.

However, you will need one more copy – for yourself! These copies must be softbound, not hardbound. The theses you see on the library shelves will be bound in an impressive hardback cover, but you can only get your work bound like this once you have passed. 

You should submit your dissertation or thesis for examination in soft paper or card covers, and your university will give you detailed guidance on how it should be bound. They will also recommend places where you can get the work done.

The next stage is to hand in your work, in the way and to the place that is indicated in your university’s regulations. All you can do then is sit and wait for the examination – but submitting your thesis is often a time of great relief and celebration!

Some universities only require a digital submission, where you upload your dissertation as a file through their online submission system.

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• School of Psychology

Curriculum and Degree Requirements

Psychology and law concentration curriculum (45 hours).

The 45-hour Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science concentration is designed to be research-oriented.  Those who enroll in this concentration may opt to complete either a thesis or a professional paper option, although emphasis will be placed on the thesis option described below.  The following curriculum reflects the thesis option.  

Course Descriptions

Full course descriptions with information about prerequisites are available in the University Catalog , published on the website of the Registrar: https://www.kysu.edu/academics/registrar/index.php

Thesis Option

The table below presents a proposed curriculum plan for the Thesis Option, outlining the sequence of courses.  The curriculum plan assumes a 4-6 semester completion schedule for full-time students and a completion schedule of 6-8 semesters for part-time students.  Please note that all schedules are subject to change and should only be used as a guide for program timelines.

Thesis Option Curriculum Plan

Students opting for the thesis plan should complete their master’s degree program requirements over 4-5 semesters.  The concentration can be completed in 24 months if students adhere to the following schedule:

• Complete at least 12 credits of coursework by the end of the second semester in the M.A. program and sign up for the remaining 18 credit hours (including 6 hours of thesis credit) during the third and fourth semesters in the M.A. program.
• Form a thesis committee by the beginning of the third semester in the program and complete and obtain approval of the thesis proposal by the end of the third semester in the program.
• Complete the thesis during the fourth semester, schedule an oral exam on the thesis, and obtain final thesis approval at the end of the fourth semester in the program.

Non-Thesis Option

The table below presents a proposed curriculum plan for the Non-Thesis Option, outlining the sequence of courses.  The curriculum plan assumes a 4-6 semester completion schedule for full-time students and a completion schedule of 6-8 semesters for part-time students.

Non-Thesis Option Curriculum Plan

Students opting for the non-thesis plan should also complete their program concentration requirements over a period of not more than two years and should adhere to the following schedule:

• Complete at least 15 credits of coursework by the beginning of the third semester in the M.A. program and sign up for the remaining 18 credit hours of coursework during the third and fourth semesters in the program.
• Schedule to take comprehensive exams at the end of the fourth semester in the program by signing up for 1 credit of comps during this fourth and final semester.
• Students opting for the non-thesis plan must arrange to take the M.A. comprehensive examinations two months before their anticipated graduation date.

Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Intelligence Studies Curriculum

  comprehensive examination requirements.

The M.A. comprehensive examinations will consist of several components:

• Theory:   Substantive and practical papers applying concepts from PSY 551 and PSY 552.
• Methods:  Substantive and practical papers applying concepts from PSY 505 and PSY 506.
• Statistics:  Substantive and practical papers applying concepts from PSY 503 and PSY 504.
• Ethics:  Substantive paper applying concepts from PSY 671/681 (Diversity and Law).
• A comprehensive learning portfolio encompassing an evaluation of progress and the value-added aspects of the student’s training and education.

All components will encompass a wide range of topics and issues. Students must complete all components to earn a passing final grade on the comprehensive exam.  Exams will be graded according to the following scale: High Pass/Pass/Fail. Students who do not complete a particular component may schedule to retake that component one more time.  Students who fail to complete all components with a passing grade will be required to retake the entire exam.

All exams will be administered by the Program Coordinator, graded by the faculty member(s) submitting the question(s), and reviewed by the Program Coordinator and faculty member together for a decision about the final grade.

While Sandel argues that pursuing perfection through genetic engineering would decrease our sense of humility, he claims that the sense of solidarity we would lose is also important.

This thesis summarizes several points in Sandel’s argument, but it does not make a claim about how we should understand his argument. A reader who read Sandel’s argument would not also need to read an essay based on this descriptive thesis.  

Broad thesis (arguable, but difficult to support with evidence) 

Michael Sandel’s arguments about genetic engineering do not take into consideration all the relevant issues.

This is an arguable claim because it would be possible to argue against it by saying that Michael Sandel’s arguments do take all of the relevant issues into consideration. But the claim is too broad. Because the thesis does not specify which “issues” it is focused on—or why it matters if they are considered—readers won’t know what the rest of the essay will argue, and the writer won’t know what to focus on. If there is a particular issue that Sandel does not address, then a more specific version of the thesis would include that issue—hand an explanation of why it is important.  

Arguable thesis with analytical claim 

While Sandel argues persuasively that our instinct to “remake” (54) ourselves into something ever more perfect is a problem, his belief that we can always draw a line between what is medically necessary and what makes us simply “better than well” (51) is less convincing.

This is an arguable analytical claim. To argue for this claim, the essay writer will need to show how evidence from the article itself points to this interpretation. It’s also a reasonable scope for a thesis because it can be supported with evidence available in the text and is neither too broad nor too narrow.  

Arguable thesis with normative claim 

Given Sandel’s argument against genetic enhancement, we should not allow parents to decide on using Human Growth Hormone for their children.

This thesis tells us what we should do about a particular issue discussed in Sandel’s article, but it does not tell us how we should understand Sandel’s argument.  

Questions to ask about your thesis 

• Is the thesis truly arguable? Does it speak to a genuine dilemma in the source, or would most readers automatically agree with it?  
• Is the thesis too obvious? Again, would most or all readers agree with it without needing to see your argument?  
• Is the thesis complex enough to require a whole essay's worth of argument?  
• Is the thesis supportable with evidence from the text rather than with generalizations or outside research?  
• Would anyone want to read a paper in which this thesis was developed? That is, can you explain what this paper is adding to our understanding of a problem, question, or topic?
• picture_as_pdf Thesis

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How to Write a Master's Thesis

• Yvonne N. Bui - San Francisco State University, USA
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“Yvonne Bui’s How to Write a Master’s Thesis should be mandatory for all thesis track master’s students.  It steers students away from the shortcuts students may be tempted to use that would be costly in the long run. The step by step intentional approach is what I like best about this book.”

“This is the best textbook about writing an M.A. thesis available in the market.” 

“This is the type of textbook that students keep and refer to after the class.”

Excellent book. Thorough, yet concise, information for students writing their Master's Thesis who may not have had a strong background in research.

Clear, Concise, easy for students to access and understand. Contains all the elements for a successful thesis.

I loved the ease of this book. It was clear without extra nonsense that would just confuse the students.

Clear, concise, easily accessible. Students find it of great value.

NEW TO THIS EDITION:             

• Concrete instruction and guides for conceptualizing the literature review help students navigate through the most challenging topics.        
• Step-by-step instructions and more screenshots give students the guidance they need to write the foundational chapter, along with the latest online resources and general library information.          
• Additional coverage of single case designs and mixed methods help students gain a more comprehensive understanding of research methods.           
• Expanded explanation of unintentional plagiarism within the ethics chapter shows students the path to successful and professional writing.       
• Detailed information on conference presentation as a way to disseminate research , in addition to getting published, help students understand all of the tools needed to write a master’s thesis.    

KEY FEATURES:  

• An advanced chapter organizer provides an up-front checklist of what to expect in the chapter and serves as a project planner, so that students can immediately prepare and work alongside the chapter as they begin to develop their thesis.
• Full guidance on conducting successful literature reviews includes up-to-date information on electronic databases and Internet tools complete with numerous figures and captured screen shots from relevant web sites, electronic databases, and SPSS software, all integrated with the text.
• Excerpts from research articles and samples from exemplary students' master's theses relate specifically to the content of each chapter and provide the reader with a real-world context.
• Detailed explanations of the various components of the master's thesis and concrete strategies on how to conduct a literature review help students write each chapter of the master's thesis, and apply the American Psychological Association (APA) editorial style.
• A comprehensive Resources section features "Try It!" boxes which lead students through a sample problem or writing exercise based on a piece of the thesis to reinforce prior course learning and the writing objectives at hand. Reflection/discussion questions in the same section are designed to help students work through the thesis process.

Sample Materials & Chapters

1: Overview of the Master's Degree and Thesis

3: Using the Literature to Research Your Problem

For instructors

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IELTS Writing Practice: How to use AI to master IELTS essays

Published: Apr 17, 2024 | By: Lucas Weaver

If you're looking for IELTS writing practice resources to help you get the highest scores possible on your exam, this post has the information you need.

First up, I want to tell you about two AI tools I built myself:

AI IELTS Writing Trainer

AI IELTS Writing Checker

I built both of these tools to help you practice and improve your IELTS essays using the power of AI, with students in mind who don't have access to private teachers or IELTS prep courses.

Writing an IELTS thesis statement

Creating an outline for your ielts essays, ai ielts writing checker tool, getting accurate feedback on your ielts writing essays, which ielts tasks will these tools help me with, more ielts writing practice resources, sample answers and sample essays, ielts exam prep resources master list, ielts academic word list flashcards, preparing for your ielts writing test.

The AI IELTS Writing Trainer tool is an AI tool that teaches you how to write IELTS essays step-by-step, from your thesis statement to your conclusion.

It teaches you how to write a powerful thesis statement for any IELTS writing topic, completely from scratch.

You will receive individualized instruction for your specific topic and essay type, as well as guidelines for how to write and improve your own IELTS essay thesis statement.

First, you'll be asked to provide the topic of your essay. Then you'll receive detailed, personalized instructions for creating a thesis statement for that topic.

The AI will then walk you through multiple rounds of feedback and improvement, helping you create a well-defined thesis statement that will help you score highly on your Task Achievement criteria in the rest of your essay.

Next, you can move on to creating an outline for your IELTS essay.

The tool will now guide you through how you can use your thesis statement to write the rest of your essay using an outline.

It will start with helping you come up with reasons to support your argument. Once you think of your supporting reasons, the tool will help you turn those reasons into topic sentences for the body paragraphs of your essay.

Step-by-step, you will learn and practice the academic writing techniques that are crucial to getting a high score on the IELTS academic writing test.

And every step of the way you'll get real-time feedback from the AI on the words you write and how you can improve them.

Just by following the instructions of the IELTS Writing Trainer, you will end up with a completed outline, and an almost complete essay, set up exactly the way it needs to be for you to get the high band score you deserve.

After you've finished writing your essay with the writing trainer, you can then move on to using the AI IELTS writing checker tool that I built to give you accurate scores and feedback on your IELTS essays.

Writing practice essays and taking practice tests are some of the best ways you can prepare for taking the IELTS exam .

But no matter how many writing practice tests you do, they won't be much help on test day if you don't get consistent feedback on your writing and learn where and how you need to improve.

By using my AI writing checker tool to prepare for your IELTS writing test, you'll give yourself high-quality feedback on each essay, that way you can know what you need to improve, whether it's your knowledge of how to write essays, your vocabulary, grammar, or maybe your general writing skills, before you write your next essay.

This helps you make consistent progress after each essay you write.

These tools will help you on task 1 and task 2 of your IELTS exam.

The process you learn in the writing trainer tool will not only help you with your IELTS essays, but on any academic essay you ever write.

And the writing checker tool can be used on both IELTS writing tasks, with an upcoming feature that allows the grader to see the image of the graph you're writing about.

Want to look at some sample answers and essays written by previous IELTS students?

Have a look at this post where I've outlined all of the best resources for IELTS sample essays , sample questions, and sample answers that you can get access to for free across the internet.

On top of the links provided in the post above, I've also created an entire master list of IELTS prep resources that will help you prepare for all sections of the exam and get the scores you need.

And if you're interested in more information on the IELTS writing exam specifically, you can read a full explanation here of the IELTS writing exam , how it works, how it's scored, and what you need to learn before taking it.

Oh, and I almost forgot. One of the best ways to improve your essays is to improve your vocabulary. If you want to improve your academic English vocabulary specifically for the IELTS writing exam, I've got you covered there!

With a large collection of flashcard sets for over 500 academic English vocabulary words you need for the IELTS exam , you can learn the meanings of all the words you need to know for your essays, as well as the other sections of the exam.

No matter how you choose to prepare for your IELTS exam, make sure you prepare! Dedicate some specific time in your schedule each week and make sure you're prepared when test day comes.

The best way to prevent test anxiety is to make sure you're prepared. Take practice tests, write practice essays, and watch your confidence build.

Last piece of advice, don't stress! This test is easy to learn, pass, and put behind you. Put in the work and then enjoy the results.

Best of luck!

Lucas Weaver founded The Weaver School in 2016. He's passionate about using the latest learnings in neuroscience and education to create the best language learning experience possible for our students, so they can quickly build effective language learning habits that will last for years. Lucas is a graduate of Texas A&M University and after 7 years of living in the Netherlands, he is currently traveling through Southeast Asia while learning their languages along the way.

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• Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Published on June 7, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on November 21, 2023.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process . It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding the specifics of your dissertation topic and showcasing its relevance to your field.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation , such as:

• Your anticipated title
• Your abstract
• Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review, research methods, avenues for future research, etc.)

In the final product, you can also provide a chapter outline for your readers. This is a short paragraph at the end of your introduction to inform readers about the organizational structure of your thesis or dissertation. This chapter outline is also known as a reading guide or summary outline.

Table of contents

How to outline your thesis or dissertation, dissertation and thesis outline templates, chapter outline example, sample sentences for your chapter outline, sample verbs for variation in your chapter outline, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis and dissertation outlines.

While there are some inter-institutional differences, many outlines proceed in a fairly similar fashion.

• Working Title
• “Elevator pitch” of your work (often written last).
• Introduce your area of study, sharing details about your research question, problem statement , and hypotheses . Situate your research within an existing paradigm or conceptual or theoretical framework .
• Subdivide as you see fit into main topics and sub-topics.
• Describe your research methods (e.g., your scope , population , and data collection ).
• Present your research findings and share about your data analysis methods.
• Answer the research question in a concise way.
• Interpret your findings, discuss potential limitations of your own research and speculate about future implications or related opportunities.

For a more detailed overview of chapters and other elements, be sure to check out our article on the structure of a dissertation or download our template .

To help you get started, we’ve created a full thesis or dissertation template in Word or Google Docs format. It’s easy adapt it to your own requirements.

 Download Word template    Download Google Docs template

It can be easy to fall into a pattern of overusing the same words or sentence constructions, which can make your work monotonous and repetitive for your readers. Consider utilizing some of the alternative constructions presented below.

Example 1: Passive construction

The passive voice is a common choice for outlines and overviews because the context makes it clear who is carrying out the action (e.g., you are conducting the research ). However, overuse of the passive voice can make your text vague and imprecise.

Example 2: IS-AV construction

You can also present your information using the “IS-AV” (inanimate subject with an active verb ) construction.

A chapter is an inanimate object, so it is not capable of taking an action itself (e.g., presenting or discussing). However, the meaning of the sentence is still easily understandable, so the IS-AV construction can be a good way to add variety to your text.

Example 3: The “I” construction

Another option is to use the “I” construction, which is often recommended by style manuals (e.g., APA Style and Chicago style ). However, depending on your field of study, this construction is not always considered professional or academic. Ask your supervisor if you’re not sure.

Example 4: Mix-and-match

To truly make the most of these options, consider mixing and matching the passive voice , IS-AV construction , and “I” construction .This can help the flow of your argument and improve the readability of your text.

As you draft the chapter outline, you may also find yourself frequently repeating the same words, such as “discuss,” “present,” “prove,” or “show.” Consider branching out to add richness and nuance to your writing. Here are some examples of synonyms you can use.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

Research bias

• Anchoring bias
• Halo effect
• The Baader–Meinhof phenomenon
• The placebo effect
• Nonresponse bias
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• Machine learning
• Reinforcement learning
• Supervised vs. unsupervised learning

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When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .

The title page of your thesis or dissertation goes first, before all other content or lists that you may choose to include.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

• Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review , research methods , avenues for future research, etc.)

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 Citation Generator.

George, T. (2023, November 21). Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved April 15, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/dissertation-thesis-outline/

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Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)

The 45-credit LL.M. non-thesis option complements previous legal education through specialized graduate-level coursework and in-depth research. It enhances expertise in selected areas of legal scholarship and offers an opportunity to write a supervised, substantial, and publishable paper in an area of interest.

Candidates must remain in residence for three terms for which full-time fees will be charged. The third term is devoted to the Research Project, usually taken in the Summer of the first year. If the research project is not completed in this time, students must register for additional sessions as needed. All degree requirements must be completed within a maximum of three years of the date of first registration.

Research Project (15 credits)

The supervised research project is a 15,000-word paper, assessed by the supervisor on a pass-fail basis, and is typically completed in the Summer.

Offered by: Comparative Law ( Faculty of Law )

Administered by: Graduate Studies

Comparative Law : A major research paper on a current topic.

Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Restriction: This course is only open to students registered in a non-thesis Master's program in the Faculty of Law.

Required Courses (9 credits)

Comparative Law : Legal research methodology, including electronic legal research and the formulation of research plans.

Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken CMPL 610 , CMPL 610D1 / D2 prior to 202109.

Comparative Law : Legal research methodology, including electronic legal research and the finalization of research plans.

Prerequisite: CMPL 610

Comparative Law : Introduction to a variety of theoretical approaches to legal scholarship.

Offered by: Law ( Faculty of Law )

Law General : Key writing and research strategies for graduate students in law.

Prerequisite(s): LAWG 601 .

Complementary Courses (21 credits)

The remaining 21 credits (or fewer if more credits are earned for the research project) are chosen from among Faculty offerings at the 500 and 600 levels.

Additional Research Project Courses

With the approval of the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) and Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), students may take up to an additional 3 credits of research project courses by completing one or both of:

Comparative Law : Annotated bibliography that critically assesses five relevant secondary sources for the student’s research Project and an additional 3,000 words for the research project.

Prerequisite: CMPL 655 and/or permission of Associate Dean (Graduate Studies).

This course is open to students in the LL.M. (Non-Thesis Option), within the Faculty of Law (general program) or within the Institute of Camparative Law. Special permission from Associate Dean of Graduate Studies is required, to be granted only in cases where it is impracticable for a student’s course selection to add up precisely to 30 credits.

Comparative Law : Annotated bibliography that critically assesses five relevant secondary sources for the student’s research Project.

Prerequisite: CMPL 655 and/or CMPL 656 and/or permission of Associate Dean (Graduate Studies).

Department and University Information

Faculty Links

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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 ...

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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?

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