Planning Your Dissertation

'The most useful book on dissertation writing that I've seen.' Customer review 'Concise, complete and to the point. The perfect place to start planning your dissertation.' Customer review This essential pocket guide takes students through the planning for each stage of their dissertation, from hatching an idea to handing in their finished project. Short, succinct chapters cover everything from devising a research question and engaging with the literature to choosing a methodology and structuring an argument. It features sample dissertations from a range of subject areas, so that students can better anticipate what lies ahead, practical advice at every step and action plans to keep students on track. This edition includes: · A new chapter on the research proposal as an assessed assignment · A redesigned dissertation library with outlines of different dissertation styles (report, essay and creative/practical) · Further examples of dissertations from a wider range of subject areas linked via a QR code · More guidance on using digital software for planning and time management · Updated advice for making the most of your supervisor and managing stress This book is the ideal companion to all students completing a dissertation as part of their undergraduate or postgraduate studies, whatever their subject area.

Kate Williams set up the Upgrade Study Advice Service at Oxford Brookes University, UK. She is Series Editor of the Pocket Study Skills series and author of Getting Critical, Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism and Time Management. Michelle Reid is a Learning Development Tutor at Oxford Brookes University, UK. She is the author of Report Writing and Time Management.

Acknowledgements Introduction Part 1: Getting started 1 Getting strategic 2 Exploring ideas 3 Working with your supervisor Part 2: Planning your research 4 Starting your reading 5 Focussing your research question 6 Time planning a longer project 7 Your research plan 8 Research proposals 9 The supervisor's perspective Part 3: Planning your literature review 10 Think: what are you looking for? 11 Finding it 12 Reading it 13 Making sense of it 14 Planning it Part 4: Thinking about methodology 15 Aim and objectives 16 Using theory 17 Make sure your methods match your aims! 18 The 'systematic' approach: literature review as methodology Part 5: Dissertation library Part 6: Writing and argument 19 Writing paragraphs 20 The language of argument 21 Writing style: using 'I' Part 7: Planning your endgame 22 Be clear about what you are aiming for 23 The conclusion and introduction 24 First impressions and last thoughts 25 Journey's end? References Index