Dissertation Writing Skills

Key information

Year of study
2023-4
Duration
4 weeks
Department
Foundation College

Module overview

The Dissertation Writing Skills is a 4-week course which aims to give students a clear idea of the process of writing a dissertation.

The course will focus on developing a research proposal, and look at the different elements of a dissertation including the literature review, methodology and discussion. Areas covered include:

  • dissertations vs essays- what's the difference?
  • types of research- primary and secondary
  • formulating titles
  • planning and structuring
  • writing a research proposal
  • reviewing literature
  • deciding on methodology
  • integrating theory
  • the discussion section
  • drafting and editing
  • writing an abstract

Scope and syllabus

This course should be useful for all postgraduate students following a taught programme. It is of particular use at the start of term 2 when students are asked to submit their dissertation proposal. It is also a course which may run later in term 3 after exams are finished.

Suggested reading

  • Murray, R. (2002) How to Write a Thesis. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
  • Oliver, P (2004) Writing Your Thesis. London: Sage.
  • Rudestam, K. and Newton, R. (2001) Surviving your dissertation . (2nd ed) London: Sage.
  • Wisker, G. (2001) The Postgraduate Research Handbook. Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan.

Important notice

The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes.

However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.