dissertation word count uk undergraduate

Library Guides

Dissertations 1: getting started: starting your dissertation.

• Starting Your Dissertation
• Choosing A Topic and Researching
• Devising An Approach/Method
• Thinking Of A Title
• Writing A Proposal

What is a Dissertation?

A dissertation is a research project completed as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Typically, a dissertation will enable you to present your findings in response to a question that you propose yourself. It is probably the longest piece of academic work you will produce. At undergraduate level, word count requirements can range anywhere from 5,000 to 8,000 words while a Masters level dissertation can be 10,000 to 15,000 words long! 

Why are you required to write a dissertation? 

A dissertation is a core requirement of most university degrees. 

The dissertation will enhance your employability. For instance, you will develop transferable skills in inter-personal communication, data collection and analysis, report writing and effective time-management.  

While it is demanding, writing a dissertation is your chance to explore, in depth, a topic that interests you. Therefore, ensuring you choose a topic you are passionate about will make your experience more rewarding and even enjoyable! 

Supervision Advice

A supervisor will be assigned to you to assist with guidance on how to prepare, produce and improve your dissertation.  

The supervisor’s role is to: 

Assist in the organisation of the project in the early stages of preparation 

Advise you on the feasibility of what you plan to do 

Advise on methods and ethics of your research  

The supervisor is not expected to: 

Proofread your work 

Provide you with a topic or research question 

Direct the research  

Ensure that a dissertation is of sufficient quality to pass: this is your responsibility 

To get the best out of your time with your supervisor, you should: 

Check formal requirements early 

Check arrangements for supervisions and how your supervisor likes to work 

Organise regular supervision meetings and prepare work for each one 

Let your supervisor know how you work best 

Using Dissertation Marking Criteria

Your dissertation, like your previous assessments, will be marked against a set of assessment criteria which is published in your module or course handbook and posted on Blackboard.  

Assessment criteria are intended to: 

Ensure you meet the learning outcomes. 

Help you understand how your work is assessed. 

Allow tutors to focus their feedback. They will let you know what you are doing well and what needs improvement. 

Dissertation assessment criteria usually specifies what the tutor expects in terms of: 

Clarity: have you expressed your ideas clearly? 

Relevance: does your work fit into/fill a gap in existing research/literature on similar topics? 

Originality: does it offer a fresh perspective on a topic? 

Meeting course requirements: does it meet the word count / deadlines, for example? 

Before starting your dissertation, it is essential that you check what is expected of you and how your work will be graded. It is also useful to regularly check what you have written every few weeks and after you have finished to see if you are on track to meet the assessment criteria.  

First Steps

Ready to get started but uncertain how to begin? These are normally the first steps of dissertation writing:  

Choose a topic 

Conduct a literature search 

Devise research question(s) / hypotheses 

Devise your approach (e.g. if undertaking primary research, you will need to devise your methodology, methods, etc.) 

Think of a title 

Plan your time 

Write a proposal (if requested)

These steps are addressed in the tabs of this guide.

• Next: Choosing A Topic and Researching >>
• Last Updated: Aug 1, 2023 2:36 PM
• URL: https://libguides.westminster.ac.uk/starting-your-dissertation

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How to write an undergraduate university dissertation

Writing a dissertation is a daunting task, but these tips will help you prepare for all the common challenges students face before deadline day.

Grace McCabe

Writing a dissertation is one of the most challenging aspects of university. However, it is the chance for students to demonstrate what they have learned during their degree and to explore a topic in depth.

In this article, we look at 10 top tips for writing a successful dissertation and break down how to write each section of a dissertation in detail.

10 tips for writing an undergraduate dissertation

1. Select an engaging topic Choose a subject that aligns with your interests and allows you to showcase the skills and knowledge you have acquired through your degree.

2. Research your supervisor Undergraduate students will often be assigned a supervisor based on their research specialisms. Do some research on your supervisor and make sure that they align with your dissertation goals.

3. Understand the dissertation structure Familiarise yourself with the structure (introduction, review of existing research, methodology, findings, results and conclusion). This will vary based on your subject.

4. Write a schedule As soon as you have finalised your topic and looked over the deadline, create a rough plan of how much work you have to do and create mini-deadlines along the way to make sure don’t find yourself having to write your entire dissertation in the final few weeks.

5. Determine requirements Ensure that you know which format your dissertation should be presented in. Check the word count and the referencing style.

6. Organise references from the beginning Maintain an alphabetically arranged reference list or bibliography in the designated style as you do your reading. This will make it a lot easier to finalise your references at the end.

7. Create a detailed plan Once you have done your initial research and have an idea of the shape your dissertation will take, write a detailed essay plan outlining your research questions, SMART objectives and dissertation structure.

8. Keep a dissertation journal Track your progress, record your research and your reading, and document challenges. This will be helpful as you discuss your work with your supervisor and organise your notes.

9. Schedule regular check-ins with your supervisor Make sure you stay in touch with your supervisor throughout the process, scheduling regular meetings and keeping good notes so you can update them on your progress.

10. Employ effective proofreading techniques Ask friends and family to help you proofread your work or use different fonts to help make the text look different. This will help you check for missing sections, grammatical mistakes and typos.

What is a dissertation?

A dissertation is a long piece of academic writing or a research project that you have to write as part of your undergraduate university degree.

It’s usually a long essay in which you explore your chosen topic, present your ideas and show that you understand and can apply what you’ve learned during your studies. Informally, the terms “dissertation” and “thesis” are often used interchangeably.

How do I select a dissertation topic?

First, choose a topic that you find interesting. You will be working on your dissertation for several months, so finding a research topic that you are passionate about and that demonstrates your strength in your subject is best. You want your topic to show all the skills you have developed during your degree. It would be a bonus if you can link your work to your chosen career path, but it’s not necessary.

Second, begin by exploring relevant literature in your field, including academic journals, books and articles. This will help you identify gaps in existing knowledge and areas that may need further exploration. You may not be able to think of a truly original piece of research, but it’s always good to know what has already been written about your chosen topic.

Consider the practical aspects of your chosen topic, ensuring that it is possible within the time frame and available resources. Assess the availability of data, research materials and the overall practicality of conducting the research.

When picking a dissertation topic, you also want to try to choose something that adds new ideas or perspectives to what’s already known in your field. As you narrow your focus, remember that a more targeted approach usually leads to a dissertation that’s easier to manage and has a bigger impact. Be ready to change your plans based on feedback and new information you discover during your research.

How to work with your dissertation supervisor?

Your supervisor is there to provide guidance on your chosen topic, direct your research efforts, and offer assistance and suggestions when you have queries. It’s crucial to establish a comfortable and open line of communication with them throughout the process. Their knowledge can greatly benefit your work. Keep them informed about your progress, seek their advice, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

1. Keep them updated Regularly tell your supervisor how your work is going and if you’re having any problems. You can do this through emails, meetings or progress reports.

2. Plan meetings Schedule regular meetings with your supervisor. These can be in person or online. These are your time to discuss your progress and ask for help.

3. Share your writing Give your supervisor parts of your writing or an outline. This helps them see what you’re thinking so they can advise you on how to develop it.

5. Ask specific questions When you need help, ask specific questions instead of general ones. This makes it easier for your supervisor to help you.

6. Listen to feedback Be open to what your supervisor says. If they suggest changes, try to make them. It makes your dissertation better and shows you can work together.

7. Talk about problems If something is hard or you’re worried, talk to your supervisor about it. They can give you advice or tell you where to find help.

8. Take charge Be responsible for your work. Let your supervisor know if your plans change, and don’t wait if you need help urgently.

Remember, talking openly with your supervisor helps you both understand each other better, improves your dissertation and ensures that you get the support you need.

How to write a successful research piece at university How to choose a topic for your dissertation Tips for writing a convincing thesis

How do I plan my dissertation?

It’s important to start with a detailed plan that will serve as your road map throughout the entire process of writing your dissertation. As Jumana Labib, a master’s student at the University of Manchester  studying digital media, culture and society, suggests: “Pace yourself – definitely don’t leave the entire thing for the last few days or weeks.”

Decide what your research question or questions will be for your chosen topic.

Break that down into smaller SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) objectives.

Speak to your supervisor about any overlooked areas.

Create a breakdown of chapters using the structure listed below (for example, a methodology chapter).

Define objectives, key points and evidence for each chapter.

Define your research approach (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods).

Outline your research methods and analysis techniques.

Develop a timeline with regular moments for review and feedback.

Allocate time for revision, editing and breaks.

Consider any ethical considerations related to your research.

Stay organised and add to your references and bibliography throughout the process.

Remain flexible to possible reviews or changes as you go along.

A well thought-out plan not only makes the writing process more manageable but also increases the likelihood of producing a high-quality piece of research.

How to structure a dissertation?

The structure can depend on your field of study, but this is a rough outline for science and social science dissertations:

Introduce your topic.

Complete a source or literature review.

Describe your research methodology (including the methods for gathering and filtering information, analysis techniques, materials, tools or resources used, limitations of your method, and any considerations of reliability).

Summarise your findings.

Discuss the results and what they mean.

Conclude your point and explain how your work contributes to your field.

On the other hand, humanities and arts dissertations often take the form of an extended essay. This involves constructing an argument or exploring a particular theory or analysis through the analysis of primary and secondary sources. Your essay will be structured through chapters arranged around themes or case studies.

All dissertations include a title page, an abstract and a reference list. Some may also need a table of contents at the beginning. Always check with your university department for its dissertation guidelines, and check with your supervisor as you begin to plan your structure to ensure that you have the right layout.

How long is an undergraduate dissertation?

The length of an undergraduate dissertation can vary depending on the specific guidelines provided by your university and your subject department. However, in many cases, undergraduate dissertations are typically about 8,000 to 12,000 words in length.

“Eat away at it; try to write for at least 30 minutes every day, even if it feels relatively unproductive to you in the moment,” Jumana advises.

How do I add references to my dissertation?

References are the section of your dissertation where you acknowledge the sources you have quoted or referred to in your writing. It’s a way of supporting your ideas, evidencing what research you have used and avoiding plagiarism (claiming someone else’s work as your own), and giving credit to the original authors.

Referencing typically includes in-text citations and a reference list or bibliography with full source details. Different referencing styles exist, such as Harvard, APA and MLA, each favoured in specific fields. Your university will tell you the preferred style.

Using tools and guides provided by universities can make the referencing process more manageable, but be sure they are approved by your university before using any.

How do I write a bibliography or list my references for my dissertation?

The requirement of a bibliography depends on the style of referencing you need to use. Styles such as OSCOLA or Chicago may not require a separate bibliography. In these styles, full source information is often incorporated into footnotes throughout the piece, doing away with the need for a separate bibliography section.

Typically, reference lists or bibliographies are organised alphabetically based on the author’s last name. They usually include essential details about each source, providing a quick overview for readers who want more information. Some styles ask that you include references that you didn’t use in your final piece as they were still a part of the overall research.

It is important to maintain this list as soon as you start your research. As you complete your research, you can add more sources to your bibliography to ensure that you have a comprehensive list throughout the dissertation process.

How to proofread an undergraduate dissertation?

Throughout your dissertation writing, attention to detail will be your greatest asset. The best way to avoid making mistakes is to continuously proofread and edit your work.

Proofreading is a great way to catch any missing sections, grammatical errors or typos. There are many tips to help you proofread:

Ask someone to read your piece and highlight any mistakes they find.

Change the font so you notice any mistakes.

Format your piece as you go, headings and sections will make it easier to spot any problems.

Separate editing and proofreading. Editing is your chance to rewrite sections, add more detail or change any points. Proofreading should be where you get into the final touches, really polish what you have and make sure it’s ready to be submitted.

Stick to your citation style and make sure every resource listed in your dissertation is cited in the reference list or bibliography.

How to write a conclusion for my dissertation?

Writing a dissertation conclusion is your chance to leave the reader impressed by your work.

Start by summarising your findings, highlighting your key points and the outcome of your research. Refer back to the original research question or hypotheses to provide context to your conclusion.

You can then delve into whether you achieved the goals you set at the beginning and reflect on whether your research addressed the topic as expected. Make sure you link your findings to existing literature or sources you have included throughout your work and how your own research could contribute to your field.

Be honest about any limitations or issues you faced during your research and consider any questions that went unanswered that you would consider in the future. Make sure that your conclusion is clear and concise, and sum up the overall impact and importance of your work.

Remember, keep the tone confident and authoritative, avoiding the introduction of new information. This should simply be a summary of everything you have already said throughout the dissertation.

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How to write a dissertation

• September 12, 2023

When you start university, one of the final pieces of work – your dissertation – seems like a long way off. Three years passes more quickly than you think, and before you know it, you’re being told it is time to start work on your dissertation. It can feel incredibly daunting, especially if you aren’t accustomed to writing extended pieces of work. Although it probably won’t feel like an easy task (it is supposed to challenge you!) with the right preparation, you can minimise the amount of stress you encounter, and manage your project with enough time.

We’re not going to focus on how to carry out your research in this post, because there are too many variables between subjects, but rather, looking at how to tackle the writing-up process.

Table of Contents

What is a dissertation.

A dissertation is an independent piece of academic work that reports on research that you have carried out, and is much longer and more in-depth than a regular essay or research project. Word counts for UK dissertations are typically between 8,000 words to 20,000 words, but the length, along with the criteria for the sections that are required depend on the subject of your degree and the university you’re studying with.

In the UK, dissertations are different from theses. Although they are similar in that they are independent works, theses are significantly longer, and tend to refer to research projects for doctoral degrees. Theses are normally made accessible in the university library when the candidate has been awarded their doctorate. Undergraduate dissertations and theses for master’s degrees aren’t routinely available in libraries, but are sometimes made available by faculties. 

How long does a dissertation take to write?

How long your dissertation takes to write will be influenced by the word count, and how long your research takes. However, many professional writers who know their subject (and perhaps don’t require such accuracy) don’t write more than 5,000 words in a day – so don’t assume you can write your dissertation during the week before the deadline! You’ll have a good idea how many words you can write comfortably in a day, so take that figure, divide it and work backwards. If you can do 1000 words (many people work with a much lower number!) and your dissertation is 10,000 words – then you need an absolute minimum of 12 days, since you’ll need time for reading, editing, spotting mistakes, and getting your dissertation bound and handed in. 

Although many people thrive under a certain amount of time pressure, don’t leave getting started to the last minute. Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need for writing each section, and when you have completed a section, move straight on – don’t waste time waiting for the next writing window you have scheduled. You might find that other sections need extra time to complete. 

Don’t forget to leave plenty of time for editing your work – most students need to do a lot of editing – and leave contingency time in case of IT failure, illness, or any other interruptions. 

Why are dissertations so hard?

During dissertation time, university campuses worldwide are full of stressed students. Dissertation projects are massive pieces of work that have to be tackled by yourself, and your degree classification can be dramatically impacted by the mark you receive for your dissertation – which is why many students feel the pressure!

Dissertations present all kinds of problems, here are a few of the best tips we can to prevent you getting too stressed. 

• Planning ahead is essential – by planning, you’ll be able to manage your time much better, including breaks for eating, relaxing and exercise, which means you can think much more clearly and won’t be as stressed. 
• Create a plan for your work – knowing what you’re working on and when will keep you on track and ensure you don’t go off on a tangent or get too far behind. 
• Allow contingency time for emergencies – you don’t know if something will interrupt your writing time. Be sure to leave plenty of time ahead of the deadline to make sure you’re not over-stressed. 
• Don’t procrastinate – running out of time is one of the biggest problems that students encounter. Pulling a string of all-nighters to meet the deadline won’t result in your best work. 
• Set up autosave, and back up your work – IT staff aren’t miracle workers – so don’t work for three hours without saving, and be sure to save research in the cloud (in your Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox) as well as on your PC. 
• Do enough research – a dissertation requires much more than finding a few papers and quoting from them. You need to analyse resources in depth, and use the information correctly to support the points you are making.

How do I get started?

Start by attending all the sessions provided by the course team, and read all the information and guidance that are provided by the faculty, since this is where you’ll find out any specific requirements. Before you start writing, make sure you know:

• The word count (and whether you will be penalised for being too many words over or under) 
• Any compulsory sections and the structure required
• The style of writing required
• What types of sources are permitted
• The types of methodology you are allowed to use
• The deadline for submission
• The requirements for submitting your paper copy for marking, such as formatting and binding 
• Where, when, and how you submit your dissertation

Once you know these important points, you can start to get into the details and decide on your research topic. 

You can read much more about the different types of roles in these areas here .

By choosing an area that you find interesting and meaningful, you’re more likely to put more effort in, and your enthusiasm will be evident, which is likely to result in a higher mark.

How should i choose my research topic.

Choosing your research topic is possibly the most important part of your dissertation. By choosing an area that you find interesting and meaningful, you’re more likely to put more effort in, and your enthusiasm will be evident, which is likely to result in a higher mark. If you choose an area that is related to your career aims, you’ll be able to mention your work at future job interviews. 

If you don’t feel inspired, check course materials for modules that particularly interested you and head for the library. Academic journals and other publications in the field will contain ideas, and help you to know what is currently of interest in the field. 

You can also work with your dissertation supervisor or personal tutor to narrow the focus of your research topic, discuss the best methods and to ensure your proposal is a realistic study in the time you have to work with.

Do I need to write a dissertation proposal?

Dissertation proposals aren’t mandatory at every university, but where they are, they tend to have a 500 or 1000 word limit. Even if it isn’t a requirement for you, taking the time to put together a dissertation proposal can help you understand how to plan the project. It will help you to define: 

• The research area that your dissertation will focus on
• The questions you will examine 
• Some existing theories that you’ll refer to
• The research methods you will be using
• What you expect the outcome will be

What structure should my dissertation take?

In this next section, we’ll cover the sections that are usually required in a dissertation. Different universities and subjects have different requirements, so check the guidance from your faculty to ensure you have all the sections you need. 

There are usually strict guidelines for formatting your dissertation’s title page, but normally you’ll need to include:  

• The title of your dissertation
• The faculty or school you’re studying in 
• The name of the institution 
• The degree programme you’re studying
• Your student number 
• The name of your supervisor 
• The university’s logo

If your university requires your dissertation to be printed and bound, your title page is usually your front cover. 

Acknowledgements

This section may not be mandatory, but gives you space to thank people who have supported you through your dissertation. You might mention specific members of the course team, research participants, or simply friends and family.

This is a short summary section that gives readers a brief overview of what is contained in your dissertation. Abstracts are usually less than 300 words, and should include: 

• The topic and the aim of your research
• Details of your methods 
• A short summary of the results 
• Your conclusions

Since it needs to detail what is contained in your dissertation, abstracts should always be written when you have finished the rest of your dissertation.

Table of contents

Most institutions require dissertations to have page numbers and a list of chapters and subheadings, including any appendices. You can generate this automatically in Word when you have finished writing your dissertation. 

List of assets

If you have included lots of tables, graphs, or images in your dissertation, you may need to include an itemised list. You can generate this automatically using the Insert Caption function in Word.

List of abbreviations/glossary

This optional section may be appropriate if you have included a lot of specialist terms or abbreviations. If you have used both, you may need to include both sections separately.

Introduction

This is where you detail the topic, and explain what the reader can expect. The introduction provides more detail than your abstract, and will help readers to understand:  

• Your research topic and background information 
• The focus and extent of the research
• Current research and discourse around the topic 
• How the research will contribute to a wider issue or discussion
• The objectives and research questions
• Details of how you intend to answer the questions
• The structure of your dissertation

Keep your introduction succinct, and only include information that is relevant, so the reader can understand what your study is about, why you have chosen the topic, and how you plan to carry out the research. 

Literature review

Your literature review should show a deep understanding of existing academic work. It should be a substantial section, and you’ll need to gather sources, critically evaluate, and analyse the works, and make connections between them. Your literature review may help you to identify: 

• A gap in the literature 
• An opportunity to use a new theoretical or methodological approach 
• A solution for a problem that was previously unsolved
• That you can contribute to existing theoretical debate 
• That existing research needs strengthening with your data

You’ll be able to use your literature review to justify why you have chosen to carry out the research in your dissertation, so be sure to complete it in detail.

Methodology

This section will detail what research you carried out, and the methods you used, which is essential to show the validity of your work. This section is an account of what you did, and why you did it. You will need to include: 

• The approach and type of research (was it qualitative, quantitative, experimental, ethnographic?) 
• The methods used to collect data (did you carry out interviews, surveys, or use information from archives?) 
• Where and when your research took place, and information about any participants (you’ll need to anonymise personal information) 
• How you analysed the data (did you use statistical analysis or discourse analysis, for example) 
• Which tools or materials you used (computer programs or specialist lab equipment) 
• Information about any restrictions or hindrances you encountered and how you moved past them
• An assessment or evaluation of your methods

The results section should clearly illustrate what you found. This could mean you include tables, graphs, and charts to present the findings. Think carefully about the best method to show your results, and only use graphs, tables and charts where they provide extra information – don’t use them to repeat what is in the text. 

Don’t include raw data here – you can add that in your appendices. Depending on the type of research you have carried out (and faculty guidance) results may be combined with the discussion. 

This section reflects on the meaning of the work you have done. You’ll demonstrate understanding of what the results show, and whether they match what you expected. You’ll also examine other ways of interpreting the data, and if your findings are at odds with what you expected, you’ll suggest reasons for why this could have happened.

Whether your results support your hypotheses or not, you’ll contextualise your study with existing research to explain how it contributes to wider discussions about the topic.

Here you’ll go back to your research question, and demonstrate understanding of your research, and the validity of the study. You may make recommendations for future research in this section. 

As you already know, there are different referencing formatting conventions that are used by different subject fields. But since you’ll lose marks if you don’t do them correctly, it is essential to have your references stored accurately, and to format them correctly before you submit your dissertation.

You’ve probably already found the method of keeping references that suits you, such as using reference management software, or using Word referencing, but keep notes as you go, so you can compile your references section easily.

Referencing Help: FREE Harvard Referencing Generator >>

If there is information that you want to be included but isn’t essential to understanding your research, you may add this as part of an appendices. This could include transcripts, copies of surveys or complete tables of raw data.  

Where can I get help with my dissertation?

Although your dissertation must be an independent piece of work, there are still sources of help if you get stuck. There are thousands of online resources, but here are a few more points of help:

Study skills support is available at most universities, and the team may be able to offer you assistance with your dissertation. Bear in mind there is likely to be a huge demand on this service during dissertation time, so ask early if you need their support.  

Your personal tutor or dissertation supervisor can provide general advice, and you’ll probably have several review meetings during the writing period. However, your supervisor is likely to have a large number of students and their availability may be restricted. 

Subject librarians will be able to advise you where to find relevant resources. 

If your mental health is the issue, support can be found from counselling services that are available both from university and from external agencies, while the multifaith chaplaincy team may be able to support you with spiritual matters during your dissertation.

Final thoughts

Your dissertation project is a major part of your final year, and with exams and the pressure to decide your next steps, life can get a bit stressful. You might be planning to apply for a postgraduate degree such as a master’s degree , another type of qualification or moving into employment, but the results of your dissertation will have a huge impact on your prospects, so performing to the best of your abilities is essential.

One top tip we have is to make sure you’re not getting overworked with stress. Try studying outside of your dorm room, in a coffee shop or library. You can discover the best places to study in London on our blog.

While your dissertation is a large piece of work, with great planning and careful management, you can start to enjoy the process. 

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• Subject Guides

Academic writing: a practical guide

Dissertations.

• Academic writing
• The writing process
• Academic writing style
• Structure & cohesion
• Criticality in academic writing
• Working with evidence
• Referencing
• Assessment & feedback
• Reflective writing
• Examination writing
• Academic posters
• Feedback on Structure and Organisation
• Feedback on Argument, Analysis, and Critical Thinking
• Feedback on Writing Style and Clarity
• Feedback on Referencing and Research
• Feedback on Presentation and Proofreading

Dissertations are a part of many degree programmes, completed in the final year of undergraduate studies or the final months of a taught masters-level degree. 

Introduction to dissertations

What is a dissertation.

A dissertation is usually a long-term project to produce a long-form piece of writing; think of it a little like an extended, structured assignment. In some subjects (typically the sciences), it might be called a project instead.

Work on an undergraduate dissertation is often spread out over the final year. For a masters dissertation, you'll start thinking about it early in your course and work on it throughout the year.

You might carry out your own original research, or base your dissertation on existing research literature or data sources - there are many possibilities.

What's different about a dissertation?

The main thing that sets a dissertation apart from your previous work is that it's an almost entirely independent project. You'll have some support from a supervisor, but you will spend a lot more time working on your own.

You'll also be working on your own topic that's different to your coursemate; you'll all produce a dissertation, but on different topics and, potentially, in very different ways.

Dissertations are also longer than a regular assignment, both in word count and the time that they take to complete. You'll usually have  most of an academic year to work on one, and be required to produce thousands of words; that might seem like a lot, but both time and word count will disappear very quickly once you get started! 

Find out more:

Key dissertation tools

Digital tools.

There are lots of tools, software and apps that can help you get through the dissertation process. Before you start, make sure you collect the key tools ready to:

• use your time efficiently
• organise yourself and your materials
• manage your writing
• be less stressed

Here's an overview of some useful tools:

Digital tools for your dissertation [Google Slides]

Setting up your document

Formatting and how you set up your document is also very important for a long piece of work like a dissertation, research project or thesis. Find tips and advice on our text processing guide:

University of York past Undergraduate and Masters dissertations

If you are a University of York student, you can access a selection of digitised undergraduate dissertations for certain subjects:

• History  
• History of Art  
• Social Policy and Social Work  

The Library also has digitised Masters dissertations for the following subjects:

• Archaeology
• Centre for Eighteenth-Century Studies  
• Centre for Medieval Studies  
• Centre for Renaissance and Early Modern Studies  
• Centre for Women's Studies  
• English and Related Literature
• Health Sciences
• History of Art
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Dissertation top tips

Many dissertations are structured into four key sections:

• introduction & literature review

There are many different types of dissertation, which don't all use this structure, so make sure you check your dissertation guidance. However, elements of these sections are common in all dissertation types.

Dissertations that are an extended literature review do not involve data collection, thus do not have a methods or result section. Instead they have chapters that explore concepts/theories and result in a conclusion section. Check your dissertation module handbook and all information given to see what your dissertation involves. 

Introduction & literature review

The Introduction and Literature Review give the context for your dissertation:

• What topic did you investigate?
• What do we already know about this topic?
• What are your research questions and hypotheses?

Sometimes these are two separate sections, and sometimes the Literature Review is integrated into the Introduction. Check your guidelines to find out what you need to do.

Literature Review Top Tips [YouTube]  |  Literature Review Top Tips transcript [Google Doc]

The Method section tells the reader what you did  and why.

• Include enough detail so that someone else could replicate your study.
• Visual elements can help present your method clearly. For example, summarise participant demographic data in a table or visualise the procedure in a diagram. 
• Show critical analysis by justifying your choices. For example, why is your test/questionnaire/equipment appropriate for this study?
• If your study requires ethical approval, include these details in this section.

Methodology Top Tips [YouTube]  |  Methodology Top Tips transcript [Google Doc]

More resources to help you plan and write the methodology:

The Results tells us what you found out . 

It's an objective presentation of your research findings. Don’t explain the results in detail here - you’ll do that in the discussion section.

Results Top Tips [YouTube]  |  Results Top Tips transcript [Google Doc]

The Discussion is where you explain and interpret your results - what do your findings mean?

This section involves a lot of critical analysis. You're not just presenting your findings, but putting them together with findings from other research to build your argument about what the findings mean.

Discussion Top Tips [YouTube]  |  Discussion Top Tips transcript [Google Doc]

Conclusions are a part of many dissertations and/or research projects. Check your module information to see if you are required to write one. Some dissertations/projects have concluding remarks in their discussion section. See the slides below for more information on writing conclusions in dissertations.

Conclusions in dissertations [Google Slides]

The abstract is a short summary of the whole dissertation that goes at the start of the document. It gives an overview of your research and helps readers decide if it’s relevant to their needs.

Even though it appears at the start of the document, write the abstract last. It summarises the whole dissertation, so you need to finish the main body before you can summarise it in the abstract.

Usually the abstract follows a very similar structure to the dissertation, with one or two sentences each to show the aims, methods, key results and conclusions drawn. Some subjects use headings within the abstract. Even if you don’t use these in your final abstract, headings can help you to plan a clear structure.

Abstract Top Tips [YouTube]  |  Abstract Top Tips transcript [Google Doc]

Watch all of our Dissertation Top Tips videos in one handy playlist:

Research reports, that are often found in science subjects, follow the same structure, so the tips in this tutorial also apply to dissertations:

Other support for dissertation writing

Online resources.

The general writing pages of this site offer guidance that can be applied to all types of writing, including dissertations. Also check your department guidance and VLE sites for tailored resources.

Other useful resources for dissertation writing:

Appointments and workshops 

There is a lot of support available in departments for dissertation production, which includes your dissertation supervisor, academic supervisor and, when appropriate, staff teaching in the research methods modules.

You can also access central writing and skills support:

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Dissertation Word Count Breakdown

February 24, 2020

Dr Jana Martiskova

Click here to place an order for topic brief service to get instant approval from your professor.

Table of Contents

Dissertation Word Count and Breakdown– How To Follow The Assigned Word Limit Easily?

Underwriting or overwriting; are two of the most common errors that students make while composing their dissertations..

That is why it is important to know from the beginning how much the dissertation word count of each of the chapters should be. After you have the details of the word count of each of the sections, you can then design your schedule accordingly.

The dissertation word limit is allotted by the university where you study and the Master’s Dissertation word count may vary from the undergraduate dissertation word count or the Ph.D. dissertation word count.

Mostly the dissertation word length is between 10,000 words to 15,000 words but some may even go up to the level of 30,000 words.

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But despite the total dissertation word count allotted, the main problem begins when students have to break down that word ratio into the headings of the dissertation . Here they make the common error of writing more words for a section that can be explained in less count and less count for a section that deserves more words.

So what is the solution to that problem?

Well, there are many online dissertation word count breakdown calculator websites available that can help you in that aspect. One advantage that they have is that they give an option to select degree level and word count is given accordingly.

However, a disadvantage that they serve is that not all of those calculators may be accurate.

So what to do now?

Navigating the complexity of dissertation word count.

If you’re wrestling with the intricacies of managing your dissertation word count, you’re not alone. Online tools and calculators, such as our dissertation word count breakdown calculator, aim to simplify this process. However, the accuracy of these tools can vary, underscoring the importance of choosing a reliable platform.

Choosing Accuracy for Your Dissertation Word Count

When exploring solutions for your dissertation word count, it’s essential to prioritize accuracy. Our online calculator stands out by allowing you to select your degree level, offering a tailored and more precise estimation of your word count.

Understanding the Dissertation Word Count Breakdown

For a more detailed breakdown based on a 10,000-word limit, let’s delve deeper into the word count allocation for each section of your dissertation:

Introduction (10% – 1000 words):

The introduction lays the groundwork for your dissertation, addressing the ‘whys’ behind your research. Dedicate 10% of your word count, equivalent to 1000 words, to this crucial section.

Literature Review (25% – 2500 words):

Analyzing past issues, the literature review is a substantial component, constituting 25% of your total word count, translating to 2500 words.

Methodology (15-20% – 1500 to 2000 words):

Answering the ‘how’ of your research, the methodology section encompasses 15-20% of your word count, ranging from 1500 to 2000 words.

Data Presentation (15% – 1500 words):

Presenting collected data, this section occupies 15% of your word count, totaling 1500 words.

Discussion, Analysis, And Data Interpretation (15-20% – 1500 to 2000 words):

Offering insights into your findings, this segment covers 15-20% of your word count, spanning from 1500 to 2000 words.

Summary, Conclusion, And Recommendations (15% – 1500 words):

Concluding your dissertation, this final section constitutes 15% of your entire dissertation or 1500 words.

Strategizing Your Dissertation Word Count

By adhering to the prescribed word count percentages for each section, you can efficiently manage your dissertation. This structured approach ensures that you allocate the appropriate word count to each vital component, facilitating a well-organized and coherent dissertation.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to streamline your dissertation word count management, consider using our dissertation word count breakdown calculator. For personalized assistance, feel free to reach out to our expert team . We’re here to help you navigate the challenges of dissertation writing and ensure your success. Don’t let the word count complexities hold you back—empower your dissertation journey today!

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Dissertation and thesis support

The NTU Library offers support for undertaking dissertation, research projects, and theses work across all levels of study.

Find support by level of study

Undergraduate dissertation / final year research project, postgraduate masters dissertation / research project, phd or professional doctorate thesis.

A dissertation is an academic report that has a large word limit (5,000 - 10,000 words). It can be the biggest piece of writing you undertake during your undergraduate degree. You may be asked to select a topic to focus on and this may also require choosing a certain type of methodology or undertaking a literature review. We recommend the following material to help get you started.

Books and literature

• Carey, M. 2013.,  The social work dissertation: using small-scale qualitative methodology . 2nd ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
• Fisher, C. M., and Buglear, J., 2007.,  Researching and writing a dissertation: a guidebook for business students . 2nd ed. Harlow: Prentice Hall.
• Harrad, S., 2008.  Student projects in environmental science. Chichester: John Wiley.
• Naoum, S. G., 2013.  Dissertation research & writing for construction students . 3rd ed. London: Routledge.
• Smith, K., Todd, M.J., Waldman, J., 2009.   Doing your undergraduate social science dissertation . London: Routledge.
• Walliman, N., and Appleton, J. V., 2009.  Your undergraduate dissertation in health and social care: the essential guide for success . Los Angeles: Sage.
• Walliman, N., and Buckler, S., 2008.  Your dissertation in education. London: SAGE.
• plus many more available via  Library OneSearch about dissertations, research methods, literature reviews, etc.

Useful links

• Writing an undergraduate dissertation (Royal Literary Fund)
• Literature reviews (an interactive presentation about what a literature review is, and how to go about writing one).

Further help

• Attend  one of our workshops about dissertation research, literature reviews, proofreading, etc.
• Book an appointment to talk to a member of staff.
• Talk with your dissertation or research project supervisor.

A masters degree usually has some sort of extended individual project. It typically involves a high word count (between 12,000 and 20,000 words). The structure is similar to an undergraduate dissertation, but you will be expected to investigate your topic in greater detail, and develop your research methodology skills further. The following resources will help you get started.

• Biggam, J., 2015.   Succeeding with  your master's dissertation: a step-by-step handbook. 3rd ed.  Maidenhead: McGraw Hill.
• Hart, C., 2005.   Doing your masters dissertation: realizing your potential as a social scientist. London: Sage.
• Jesson, J., Matheson, L., Lacey, F. M., 2011.   Doing your literature review: traditional and systematic techniques .  London: Sage.
• Murray, L., and Lawrence, B., 2000.  Practitioner-based enquiry: principles for postgraduate research .  London: Falmer Press.
• Parija, S. C., and Kate, V., 2018.  Thesis writing for Master's and PhD Program .  Singapore: Springer Nature.
• Wallace, M., and Wray, A., 2016.   Critical reading and writing for postgraduates .  3rd ed. Los Angeles: Sage.
• Dissertation Guide (Royal Literary Fund)
• Attend  one of our workshops about dissertation research for taught postgrad students, literature reviews, proofreading, etc.

Undertaking a thesis at postgraduate research level requires you to conduct a literature review and original research. The NTU Doctorate Plus programme supports you throughout this process. Take a look at our  Research Students page to see what help is available.

You can also consult the  Researcher Development Brochure to see the full range of workshops available to postgraduate researchers, including guidance for academic writing, research methodologies, and practical support for working with long documents.

• Churchill, H. & Sanders, T., 2007.  Getting your PhD : a practical insider's guide . London: SAGE.
• Dunleavy, P., 2003. Authoring a PhD : how to plan, draft, write, and finish a doctoral thesis or dissertation.  Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Hayton, J., 2015.  PhD : an uncommon guide to research, writing & PhD life . James Hayton PhD: James Hayton.
• Lee, N.-J., 2009.  Achieving your professional doctorate . Maidenhead: Open University Press.
• Murray, R., 2016.  How to write a thesis.4th ed . Maidenhead: Open University Press.
• Phillips, E. and Pugh, D., 2015.  How to get a PhD: a handbook for students and their supervisors. 6th ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
• plus many more available via  Library OneSearch about research methods, literature reviews, etc.
• Theses by previous NTU research students – view these online in the thesis collection in  IRep .
• Research Development Gateway – this NOW learning room provides a wide range of resources to support your skills development as you undertake your thesis.
• Attend one of our  workshops for more advice on getting started with your literature review, keeping up-to-date and managing your references.
• Book an appointment with your  Research Support Librarian .
• Talk with your supervisory team.

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University home > Academic Quality and Policy Office > Postgraduate Education > Regulations and code of practice for research degree programmes > Area G: PGR dissertations, examinations, and outcomes  > Dissertation content and format

Dissertation content and format

The regulations in this section cover the content and format of a research degree dissertation (thesis) submitted for examination and subsequently deposited with the library.

On this page

General requirements.

• English language requirements 

Dissertation length

Creative works, professional practice, ethical approval, preliminary pages, main body of the text, digital media and research data.

17.1. PGR students  must submit a dissertation based on their research activities. Students are responsible for the content of their dissertation and for the decision to submit for examination. Comments from supervisors on the contents of the dissertation are only advisory.

17.2. The dissertation together with the oral examination must fulfil the relevant criteria for the award of a research degree.

17.3. The dissertation must comply with the University’s academic integrity standards .

17.4. Following their award, PGR students must deposit the definitive version of their dissertation with the Library for public access . The dissertation will be publicly available in full unless a request to defer or to redact is approved.

17.5. Where stated, the regulations on dissertation content and format also apply to submissions for doctoral degrees by published work.

English language requirements

17.6. PGR students must submit their dissertation or submission by published work in English, except for:

17.6.1. Students in the School of Modern Languages, who can choose to submit their dissertation in the language of the culture studied.

17.6.2. In exceptional cases, students who have agreement from the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) to submit their dissertation in another language. In these cases, the student must make a request to the Faculty PGR Director, who will make a recommendation to the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) for a decision.

17.7. Where a dissertation is submitted in a language other than English, it must contain an extended summary in English. For example, a summary must be at least 5,000 words for a Doctor of Philosophy dissertation.

17.8. The maximum word counts for dissertations are listed below. References, appendices and lists of contents are excluded from the word count.

∗ There are separate rules on word counts for the PhD in musical composition, for combined PhDs in musicology and composition and for the MPhil in Musical Composition.

17.9. Doctoral degrees by published works have separate rules on the word count.

17.10. Examiners can refuse to examine a dissertation if it exceeds the maximum word count. Examiners can also direct the student to reduce the word count as part of required corrections after the examination.

17.11. PGR students can submit a dissertation containing creative works alongside a written commentary.

17.12. The commentary, which will form the focus for examination, must be of sufficient length to provide an extensive analytical account setting the creative works in their research context. For example, a commentary for a Doctor of Philosophy must be at least 30,000 words.

17.13. There are separate rules for dissertations that contain musical composition for the Doctor of Philosophy, the Master of Music, and the Master of Philosophy degrees.

17.14. The definitive version of the dissertation deposited with the library must combine a permanent record of the creative works with the commentary.

17.15. PGR students can, where relevant, include material related to the professional practice in which their research is embedded, such as portfolios of work and project reports. This must be accompanied by an extensive commentary that provides a critical evaluation that sets the material in its academic and research context. The commentary will form the focus of the examination.

17.16. If a PGR student has obtained ethical approval for their research, they must include a statement in their dissertation including the date approval was granted and any approval reference number/s.

17.17. PGR students must include preliminary pages at the beginning of their dissertation. This includes submissions for doctoral degrees by published works. The preliminary pages must be presented on separate pages and in this order.

17.17.1. Title page.

17.17.2. Abstract.

17.17.3. Dedication and acknowledgements. This page is optional.

17.17.4. Covid-19 statement. This page is optional.

17.17.5. Author’s declaration.

17.17.6. Contents page/s.

17.18. PGR students must arrange the title page as follows.

17.18.1. The title of the dissertation at the top of the page. If the dissertation is in a language other than English, the title must be given in that language and in English.

17.18.2. The student’s name below the title in the centre of the page.

17.18.3. The following statement at the bottom of page. ‘A dissertation submitted to the University of Bristol in accordance with the requirements for award of the degree of … in the Faculty of ...’ followed by the name of the school and month and year of submission.

17.18.4. The word count (which excludes references, appendices and lists of contents) at the bottom right-hand side of the page.

17.19. PGR students must include an abstract of no more than 300 words. If the dissertation is in a language other than English, the abstract must be given in that language and in English.

Dedication and acknowledgements

17.20. This page is optional. PGR students can include a personal dedication and acknowledgment of the role of others in their work and life.

Covid-19 statement

17.21. This page is optional. PGR students can include a Covid-19 statement in their examination copy to highlight how restrictions related to the pandemic modified or limited their research and the contents of their dissertation. The policy on PGR dissertations and the impact of Covid-19 restrictions  provides more information.

Author’s declaration

17.22. PGR students must include the following declaration unless their degree is part of partnership for a dual or joint award with another University. Students must print their name rather than sign the declaration.

I declare that the work in this dissertation was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the University's Regulations and Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes and that it has not been submitted for any other academic award. Except where indicated by specific reference in the text, the work is my own work. Work done in collaboration with, or with the assistance of, others, is indicated as such. Any views expressed in the dissertation are those of the author. SIGNED: [print name]. DATE:

17.23. Where the degree is part of a dual or joint award partnership with another University, students must include the following declaration. Students must print their name rather than sign the declaration.

I declare that the work in this dissertation was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the University's Regulations and Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes and that it has not been submitted for any other academic award (other than one authorised as part of a dual or joint award approved in advance by the University). Except where indicated by specific reference in the text, the work is my own work. Work done in collaboration with, or with the assistance of, others, is indicated as such. Any views expressed in the dissertation are those of the author. SIGNED: [print name]. DATE:

Contents page/s

17.24. PGR students must include a contents page/s. The contents list must indicate the page number for each item and must include:

17.24.1. Chapters, including any sections and subsections.

17.24.2. A reference list.

17.24.3. The bibliography.

17.24.4. An abbreviation list.

17.24.5. Any appendices.

17.24.6. A list of tables and illustrations covering the tables, photographs, diagrams, etc. in the order they appear in the text and with the relevant page number.

Text and numbering

17.25. PGR students must present the text in the dissertation in double or 1.5 line spacing and in a font size that ensures readability. The pages must be numbered consecutively at the bottom centre of the page.

Referencing style

17.26. PGR students must set out citations and references in a style appropriate for the discipline and which is consistent throughout the dissertation.

17.27. If a PGR student uses their published works as full chapters in the dissertation, they must follow the policy on integrating publications as chapters in a PGR dissertation.

17.28. For the examination version of dissertations, PGR students must submit any digital media, such as databases or digital images, appended to the dissertation in a standard format. The student must include a statement in their dissertation covering the programme/s used and the file size/s.

17.29. For the definitive version deposited with the Library, PGR students must combine digital media files with the dissertation text in a single pdf file where this is practicable.

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Writing An Undergraduate Dissertation: A Complete Guide On Word Count, Structure And Formatting Requirements

An undergraduate dissertation or a bachelor’s dissertation is an important and extended piece of research on a single topic. Usually, a student is asked to write a dissertation during the final year of his degree. The student is free to select his dissertation topic according to his interest. After selecting a topic to write a dissertation, it is required to explore it in-depth. While writing an undergraduate dissertation, it is also necessary for a student to work with an advisor. Therefore, while creating a monument of an undergraduate dissertation, it is also an unavoidable thing for the students to get fulfil the requirements and guidelines of the advisor. If a student is not able to write an undergraduate dissertation, then he/she can get help from dissertation writing services . A complete guide about the word count, structure and formatting requirements of an undergraduate dissertation is given below;

Guide On Word Count

When you are asked to write a dissertation, then some guidelines to write a dissertation are also provided. In these guidelines, there comes the word count of a dissertation. Therefore, the first tip to get an idea about the word count of a dissertation is to read out the requirements and guidelines of your advisor. Mostly, the word count for an undergraduate dissertation is between 10,000 words to 15,000 words. Anyhow, there are also some advisors who can demand more than 15,000 words of dissertation. After getting an idea about the word count of an undergraduate dissertation, most of the students don’t have enough idea about the word count.

10,000 words

If we talk about the weight of different sections of an undergraduate dissertation guide regarding the word count point of view, then we come to know that the weight of introduction is 10%, the weight of the literature review is 30%, the weight of research methodology is 15%, the weight of findings and results is 5%, the weight of discussion is 30%, and the weight conclusions and recommendations is 10%. For example, if we are going to write an undergraduate dissertation of 10,000 words, then our introduction will consist of 1000 words, our literature review will consist of 3000 words, the word count for the research methodology will be 1500, the word count for the findings and results will be 500, the word count for the discussing chapter will be 3000 words and the word counts for conclusions and recommendations will be 1000.

12000 words

On the other hand, if you are going to write an undergraduate dissertation of 12000 words, then the word counts for introduction, literature review, research methodology, findings and results, discussions, and recommendations will be 1200, 3600, 1800, 600, 3600 and 1200 respectively. For example, if you are asked to write an undergraduate dissertation of 15000 words, then the word counts for introduction, literature review, research methodology, findings and results, discussions, and recommendations will be 1500, 4500, 2250, 750, 4500 and 1500 respectively. In a similar way, you can adjust the word count for your undergraduate dissertation.

Firstly, The structure is the name of arranging the different sections of an undergraduate dissertation in the form of a well-written and well-organized academic paper. Secondly, The overall structure of a dissertation may vary from one university to another university but the basic structure of an undergraduate dissertation remains the same. Thirdly, The basic structure of an undergraduate dissertation consists of the following things;

Preliminary Pages

Preliminary pages of an undergraduate dissertation, there come all the things that are written before the main body or introduction of a dissertation. The essential preliminary pages of an undergraduate dissertation are a title page, summary in the form of an abstract, acknowledgement, contents, list of tables, list of figures, and definitions. Moreover, you can also include some other preliminary pages according to the requirements of your advisor.

Introduction

It is an essential section or chapter of an undergraduate dissertation. With the help of an introductory chapter, the students can introduce their topic and problem statement.

Literature review

In this chapter, it is necessary for the students to provide all the possible answers to their descriptive research questions. This chapter provides an idea about the existing literature that is relevant to the topic of your dissertation.

Research Design or Research Methodology

To write a dissertation, we will have to gather the data. This is possible only if we conduct effective research. For this reason, we will have to select a suitable research design or research methodology. A research design or research methodology provides complete detail about the appropriate research method that you have selected to gather the data for your dissertation.

Findings and Results

This guide will provide the complete detail about the findings and results of your dissertation.

In this chapter, it is necessary for the students to discuss their topic in detail.

It includes all the main points of your dissertation. There is no need to include new points in this section.

Recommendations

The main aim of writing this section is to provide some tips about the follow-up research to the other researchers.

Reference list

It includes complete detail of all the resources from where you have gathered the data for your dissertation.

Formatting requirements

The formatting guide of an undergraduate dissertation is relevant to the appearance or presentation of the content. In the formatting, there come a lot of things. First of all, there comes the quality of the paper. It would be best to try to use high quality and long-lived paper. The typeface of your dissertation should be in between 10 to 12 font points. The paper margin should be 1.5 inches from all sides. There should be double spacing between the words throughout the dissertation.

The formatting style of a dissertation depends upon the requirements of your advisor. It can be MLA, APA or Chicago. Students should do the pagination in the upper left corner of the page. Students should do the pagination in Roman numerals. The students should try to add footnotes at the bottom of the page.

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At Affordable Dissertation UK, when you submit papers for proofreading, we remove embarrassing errors and mistakes from your documents once and for all. When editing the dissertation, we improve the tone and presentation of your work. Proofreading generally comes after the editing process, and it happens when the document is near the final stage of publication. It is one of the last checks that our editors perform before submitting your papers back to you. 

What happens when I place an order?

We can work with any formatting or citation style guide. You can go through the list we have provided below, but if you do not see your style guide here, chances are high that we have still followed it. If you have any questions regarding it, feel free to ask us. Our team of expert dissertation proofreaders is adept at following all the academic formatting styles and the most important of them are the following: 

Can I choose a writer?

When you submit your papers to us for review, we scan them for all kinds of errors and mistakes. Our team reviews the dissertation thoroughly and provides you with a detailed report on the changes they make to the work. They look for contextual, thematic, grammatical, syntax, and formatting mistakes. Also, they provide you with suggestions on areas that need improvement in your papers. You can also request presentation tips from your assigned writer.

Measures Taken to Provide Plagiarism Free

You do not essentially need to format your dissertation before you send it to us for proofreading purposes. All that you need to do is tell our team of proofreaders your desired formatting style, and we will make sure that your entire dissertation follows that citation guide. Make sure that you have checked with your professor and that you know what citation style is required in your dissertation.

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

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

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

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

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Table of contents

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

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

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

Why is the dissertation important?

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

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

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

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

How will your supervisor help you?

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

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

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

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

Empirical dissertations (sciences)

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

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

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

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

Non-empirical dissertations (arts and humanities)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Structure of an empirical dissertation

Empirical dissertations generally include these chapters:

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

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

Other dissertation structures

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

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

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

• Political philosophy

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

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

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

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

Formatting guidelines concern things like:

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

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

How will you reference your sources?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Breakdown of Number of Words in Each Chapter in Dissertation

• Nancy Whitehouse
• March 21, 2022

Table of Contents

This is a guide for structuring a dissertation. It covers each and every aspect of dissertation structure. You won’t go wrong with this dissertation structure and breakdown of the word count for each chapter.

Do you have a clear idea about the word count of each chapter in your dissertation?

It’s important to know this information since it will give you an idea about how many words you should write in each chapter.

Your dissertation is different from all other thesis papers you’ve written before. It needs to have a well-defined structure, and that’s what this article is going to help you with.

One of the most common ways of structuring a dissertation is in the chapters and sections. This article will give you an example of how long each chapter should be and what proportion of the total word count they loosely form.

Introduction

10% of your total word count

This is the first main chapter of a dissertation. The introductory chapter of a dissertation should consist of roughly 10% of the whole dissertation. 

This chapter of the dissertation has numerous purposes. The first main chapter of a dissertation is effective in setting the stage, so to speak, for the following chapters and the major questions, ideas and methods to be used in answering these questions will be introduced in this chapter.

Literature Review

30% of your total word count

The literature review chapter is the second chapter of a dissertation or thesis and should consist of 30% of the whole dissertation. It is arguably one of the most important chapters in the whole dissertation, because it is where you state your purpose and justify its significance while referring to existing research on the topic.

The literature review chapter lays the foundation to your dissertation. It enables you to prove your idea and provides a strong rationale as to why the literature on your topic is inadequate. In addition, it allows you to justify why there is indeed a need to do this study in the first place. 

Research Methodology

15% of your total word count

The research methodology chapter of a dissertation consists of 15% of the whole dissertation. This chapter describes the techniques, processes, methodologies and methods used to conduct the research project. The chapter is comprehensive and describes the theoretical framework under which data collection process was followed.

Findings/Results

5-10% of your total word count

The findings or results chapter of a dissertation consists of 5% – 10% of the whole dissertation. This is the chapter where you present your data, findings and results in a logical and clear way that is easy to follow for anyone else who wants to check your work.

25-30% of your total word count

The analysis or discussion chapter of a dissertation consists of 30% of the whole dissertation. In these words, you will have to provide a complete overview of the implications of the results which are relevant to the main theme of your dissertation.

The main purpose of this chapter is to sort out where and how do all your previous research results fit in with each other and what they might lead to, so that they can be more easily interpreted by the readers and intended audience.

The dissertation conclusion chapter is the last part of a dissertation and it’s also, arguably, the most important part of a dissertation . It sums up the problem that you have tried to solve, its nature, your methodology for completing the research and main conclusions about it in addition to your recommendations. 

In this chapter you will get to summarise the main points of your dissertation and leave the reader with no doubts as to why they should accept your arguments and find your research convincing.

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Dissertation Format Regulations

Please click on each of the seven headings below to see the regulations which must be followed to format your dissertation correctly:

1. Number of copies

One electronic copy must be uploaded to the Assessed Assignment Submission area, within the module section of Minerva.

A hard copy of the Dissertation is not required.  

If you need to upload any additional data in a separate document, there is an additional submission area to upload this.

2. Indicative length

The main body of the Dissertation must not exceed the word limit.

Does Count toward word count

The word count covers everything within the main text of the Dissertation, including:

• the abstract and contents page
• lists of tables and illustrative material
• any tables, diagrams, subtitles, footnotes and references which are included within the main text.

Does not Count toward word count

The word count does not include;

• the title page and front cover
• any acknowledgements
• bibliographies
• end lists of references

Words presented as images

Any words presented in graphs, tables, or other graphics must be included in the word count.

Words displayed in these formats may need to be counted manually, as they will not be detected by the word count function on most word processing software.

Appendix Abuse

You must not use appendices to present matters of substance which should be included in the main body of the text.

The text must remain understandable without reference to any appendices.

3. Text and Layout

Font and size.

Dissertations should be presented using a standard font, and a font size of between 10 and 12 points.

Text must not be presented using only upper case letters.

Line Spacing

All standard text must be presented using double or one and a half line spacing.

Indented quotations and footnotes have an exception to the above rule, and may use single spacing.

For Microsoft Word this means standard dissertation text should have a spacing setting of either 2.0 or 1.5

Margins along all sides of the document (left, right, top and bottom) should not be less than 2.5cm (25mm).

For reference, the "normal" margins setting on a Microsoft Word document is 2.54cm on all sides - this is acceptable.

4. Pagination

All pages of text and appendices in your dissertation should be numbered consecutively.

Images and diagrams should also have their own consecutive numbering where possible.

5. Title Page

You must use the Leeds University Business School Dissertation / Project coversheet as your title page.

This can be downloaded from the Forms and Guidance Page

6. Table of Contents

Your dissertation document must include a contents page.

The contents page should list all main numbered chapter headings (such as 1, 2 , 3).

It is good practice to break down chapters into numbered sections, and these should also be listed on your contents page (such as 1.1, 1.2, 1.3).

Please carefully check the section above on word counts (2. indicative length) for information on which text contributes to your maximum permitted word count.

7. Acknowledgements

It is common to include a list of acknowledgements at the start of your dissertation, but you do not have to do so.

Students may wish to acknowledge the help their Supervisor provided, as well as the support of others such as family members or friends.

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Thesis word count and format

Three months ago you considered whether you required a restriction to the access of your thesis, and you submitted your ‘Approval of Research Degree Thesis Title’ form. You’ve now finished writing up your thesis and it’s time to submit. We require your thesis to be presented and formatted in a certain way, so it’s important you read through the requirements below, before submitting your thesis. Find out more about thesis submission policy  (.pdf)

The completed thesis should be saved in PDF format. Once saved, please review the file to ensure all pages are displayed correctly.

Page layout

• Double line spacing should be used for everything except quotations, footnotes, captions to plates etc.
• It is desirable to leave 2.5cm margins at the top and bottom of the page.
• The best position for the page number is at the top right 1.3cm below the top edge.
• The fonts of Arial or Times New Roman should be used throughout the main body of the thesis, in the size of no less than 12 and no greater than 14

Illustrations (Graphs, diagrams, plates, computer printout etc.)

Illustrations embedded within the thesis should be formatted, numbered and titled accordingly:

a) Illustration upright - Caption at the bottom, Illustration number immediately above the

Illustration.

b) Illustration sideways - Caption at right-hand side with Illustration number above it.

Numbers for graphs, diagrams and maps are best located in the bottom right hand corner.

For further advice, please consult your supervisor.

Word counts

The following word counts are the maximum permitted for each level of award*:

What's excluded from the word count

*In all cases above, the word count includes quotations but excludes appendices, tables (including tables of contents), figures, abstract, references, acknowledgements, bibliography and footnotes (as long as the latter do not contain substantive argument). Please note these are word limits, not targets.

Specific requirements

For degrees which involve Practice as Research (PaR), no less than 50% of the research output should be the written thesis. The written thesis for PaR degrees may be comprised of a range of written elements including, but not limited to, a critical review, a portfolio, and/or a statement on theoretical discourse or methodology.

**In cases of practice-based PhD’s or MPhil’s these suggested word counts may be different. It is normally expected that the written component would comprise no less than 50% of the overall output.

Each copy of the thesis should contain a summary or abstract not exceeding 300 words.

As an example, see how the  layout of your title page (.pdf) should be.

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10. assessment, 10.10. dissertation.

You can go 10% +/- the word limit without penalty, markers will not mark anything that is beyond 10% of the word count.

Every word submitted is counted, with the only exception of the bibliography.

Examples of items which are included in the word count are:

• table of contents
• wording under a diagram
• words in graphs
• tables and diagrams.

This is not an exclusive list, consequently you should keep in mind that all words count- use them wisely.

Whilst we appreciate it is difficult to reach exactly the required word count, you should aim to reach as close to this as possible without going over. 

At Masters Level, we would expect students to be able to edit their own work to produce an essay within the maximum word count.

There is no minimum word count.  However, dissertations that are considerably shorter than the maximum word count may fail to fully address the topic and will be marked accordingly.

Your submitted dissertation should have a top sheet which should include the following information only:

• Module number (i.e. SOLMxxx)
• Module Title
• Final Word count
• Student I.D number (this is not username lcxxx, check your MySiS or Student I.D card)

There is no official style guide for the dissertation.  However, although there are no specific requirements regarding format or font size, we recommend you use a 12 point font in a common font style, double space the main text and use margins of at least 2 cm.  Footnotes should be no smaller than 10 point, normally in the same font as the main text.

Your name should not appear anywhere on your dissertation.  There are no further rules with regards to the title page; you may use colour or graphics if you wish.

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10000 Word Dissertation Breakdown for New Students -Uniresearchers

Writing a lengthy dissertation can be a bit tricky task because organizing the structure and deciding the word count. It is because of this reason that there are dissertation help in the UK to provide students with correct guidance on how to write a lengthy dissertation. There are many dissertation writing services in the UK. A dissertation is required to be structured in a particular manner and the word count and the type of research topic also plays a key role in the. Of the total word count, 10% of it should be dedicated to writing the introduction part which is the first chapter of the dissertation. Since a base or platform of the entire dissertation is required to be created within this chapter, therefore, 10% of the word count is required to be allotted to this section. Within this section, the research aims and objectives, research questions, the background of the research and the outline of the research are covered. Since each of these aspects are required to be covered in small portions of words therefore, 10% of the word count is justifiable in this section. Thus, in a dissertation of 10000 words, 1000 words are required to be allotted to the introduction chapter.

The next chapter is the literature review which is one of the lengthiest chapters of the dissertation as the theoretical foundation of the dissertation is required to be build in this chapter. Of the total word count the literature review section is required to have a 30% of the total word count. In this chapter the views and the opinions of the different authors and scholars are covered and arguments are presented to understand the different perspective about the subject. Furthermore, the theories and the models related to the research subject are covered in this chapter. Since arguments and counter arguments are required to be given in all the sub headings of the literature review to enhance the overall quality, the high word count is

allotted to this section. Not only this, a sub section of research gap is also required to be covered in the literature review which although does not require majority of the word count but still, clarity of aspects is required to be considered which makes it up to a significant portion of the word count. Thus, 30% of the total word allotment for the literature review section is justifiable. Therefore, in a dissertation of 10000 words 3000-word count allotment to the literature review is apt.

The next chapter of the dissertation is research methodology which is known for providing a blueprint of information about the manner in which the research is intended to be carried out. The different research methods are discussed at a stretch in this chapter. Basically Sounder’s onion model is used in this chapter to understand the manner in which research aspects are bifurcated and the manner in which each of them is required to be selected. Furthermore, the philosophical approach and the data analysis approach is required to be presented in this chapter. Not only this, the manner in which data is to be analysed is discussed along1 with the sampling aspects. Therefore, allotting a total of 15% of the total word count to this chapter is sufficient. Data findings is the next chapter which is headed after the research methodology chapter. In this section, the collected data is simply put down in words and therefore, allotting just 5% of the total word count is sufficient. An in-depth analysis of dissertation findings is required to be provided in this section which does not cover much of word count. Critical thinking and discussion is the next chapter involved which is again the main part of the dissertation and thus a major part of the word count is required to be allotted to this section. A comprehensive overview of the results and their relevance to the dissertation is required to be covered in this dissertation. The findings are required to be discussed in congruence with the themes of the dissertation. Therefore, in a dissertation of 10000, allotting 3000 words to this chapter is justifiable. Conclusion is the last chapter of the dissertation which is required to be about 10% of the total word count. Thus, in this chapter, all the necessary information and findings from the dissertation are required to be summarised and at the same time, some recommendations are also required to be provided. Thus, in a dissertation of total 10000 words, 1000 words are justifiable for the conclusion chapter.

It is necessary to maintain the word count per section throughput the entire document as it helps in preventing from over boarding with the writing and at the same time ensures that nothing is underwritten. A 10000 word dissertation structure is given below-

Structing the dissertation

A dissertation is required to have 5 or 6 chapters. The format consists of-

• Topic introduction
• Analysis of existing literature for forming theoretical base
• Outline of how conclusions were coming upon
• In-depth analysis of findings and relevance to the field
• Summary of results that demonstrates the value of study
• ent id details are given

Acknowledgement – expressing the gratitude to all who contributed in the dissertation Abstract – providing a brief synopsis of work Table of contents – List of chapters along with page numbers are provided. List of figures – the figures used in dissertation along with the page number are mentioned

Introduction – Groundwork of the dissertation is presented

Literature Review – compiling the previous data from the past researches.

Methodology – the overall credibility of the research can be found out on the basis of methodology provided.

Results – the data gathered from the different sources is presented in this chapter. This chapter can be organised in different manner as per the requirements.

Discussion – the significance and application of findings of the research are discussed in this chapter. The findings are analysed and explained how they relate to the hypothesis.

Conclusion – the summary of the dissertation is presented along with the recommendations based on the findings. List of references- an exhaustive reference list of different sources used is given. Appendix – only relevant information that is in context to the information used in the dissertation is included in this section.

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What is a Dissertation in the UK?

In General , University by Think Student Editor December 18, 2022 Leave a Comment

In the UK, it can be hard to figure out what university is all about and how different it is from previous levels of education. Some people say it’s harder, some say it’s easier but what you really need to know is what you actually do and study at university. Especially if you try comparing it through the different modules, it can be hard to consider as it will depend on the type of degree you study and where you go. However, one common feature of degrees in the UK is the dissertation. This can help to give you an insight into the level of a university degree compared to previous qualifications.

In short, in the UK, a dissertation is a type of research project that can be undertaken at university by both undergraduate and master’s degree students. The research of your dissertation may be done first hand through lab work or other investigation. Alternatively, it can be done through analysing and evaluating the research or arguments of others. Your final dissertation will be a long academic report that answers your question. It can range from about 5,000 to 50,000 words depending on the level you take it at and your university.

Continue reading to learn more about what a dissertation at university involves. This includes more about the different types of dissertation and the different forms of research, as well as the finer details such as the word count and how it differs from a thesis.

Table of Contents

What is a university dissertation in the UK?

To put it simply, in the UK, a dissertation is a research project that can be taken as part of a bachelor’s or master’s degree . This research project will normally be based around a question or at least a specific theme that you as the student come up with yourself.

Then you will need to answer this question using your research and produce an extended academic report . To learn more about what a dissertation is and how to get started, check out this guide by the University of Westminster.

The word dissertation itself comes from the Latin word “dissertare” which means “to debate”. This has been taken into English quite literally and so its original meaning can help to give you a different perspective when looking at a dissertation .

As it means “to debate”, that is also what you have to do during your own dissertation. You will have to argue for different ideas that relate to your question. To learn more about this, check out this article by the Royal Literary Fund.

Are there different types of dissertation in the UK?

As mentioned above, you can take a dissertation at two different levels in the UK, undergraduate degree level or master’s degree level. Due to the differences between these dissertations, it could be argued that they are the two types of dissertation that you can take in the UK.

The main difference between a dissertation at undergraduate level and one at master’s degree level is the word count and the depth. This is because at undergraduate degree level the most you will typically write for your dissertation is about 15,000 words, whereas at master’s degree level it could be up to about 50,000 words. While this is not always the case, the difference in these figures is huge and therefore so is the amount of work that you will have to put in .

On top of that, a master’s dissertation is a lot more intense than undergraduate study. This is due to several factors but the main one is that you have to complete your master’s dissertation a lot more independently. For more information about the differences between undergraduate and master’s dissertations, check out this informative article by Ivory Research.

What are the types of dissertation research?

When carrying out your dissertation, you will soon find that there are different ways you can go about your research. The two main ways are empirical research and non-empirical research.

A dissertation with empirical research will require you to carry out the data collection first-hand . This means that in order to answer your dissertation question you will have to carry out primary research.

This may include lab work or some other form of investigation, which may even involve members of the public . This type of research is especially for scientific-based degrees, which can even include social sciences, such as psychology.

A dissertation with non-empirical research will be based on research and data that has already been carried out . This means that you will have to research, then analyse and evaluate, pre-existing arguments and debates within your field. This type of research is especially for subjects included in the humanities, such as history.

For more information about these types of research, check out this article by Top Universities.

How many words is a dissertation in the UK?

When it comes to writing a dissertation, one of the first things you need to know is how to structure your dissertation. The most important part of this is knowing what your word count needs to be.

Please note that the word count of your dissertation can vary quite a bit from university to university, and even between different departments at a university . Due to this, the figures below will mostly just be a rough guide and you will need to check with your own university to see the word count they set for their dissertations.

For an undergraduate degree, you will often have to write somewhere between 5,000 and 15,000 words for your dissertation . Due to being at a higher level, a master’s degree has a higher wound count. For a master’s degree, you may have to write somewhere between 10,000 and 50,000 words .

To learn more about how many words there are in a university dissertation in more depth, you can also look at this Think Student article .

While this can seem like a lot, this will be broken down into specific sections, such as the introduction, research philosophy, methodology, ethics and reflection on findings sections. Due to having a clear aim for each bit, these sections can make it easier for you to meet the word count. For more on the structure of a dissertation, check out this guide by the University of Westminster.

How much is a dissertation worth in the UK?

At whatever level you take a dissertation, it makes up an important part of your degree, especially at master’s degree level. This is especially as a dissertation can be worth quite a significant part of your degree, although the specific amount will depend on your university.

At undergraduate level, a dissertation will normally range from 30 to 40 credits in your final year . As you typically need to take 120 credits each year, this means that your dissertation will be worth 25% to 33.33% of your final year.

The effect this will have on your final grade will depend on how your university calculates these . Many universities in the UK use a weighted grading system, meaning that your final year will be considered more strongly than your first and second years. For more on the weighted grading system, check out this Think Student article .

At master’s degree level, a dissertation will normally be 60 credits out of 180 credits in total. This is a third of your total credits and it may even cover as much of your final grade. However, this will be up to how your university calculates your final grade.

For more information about the credits of a master’s degree dissertation, as well as plenty of other dissertation tips, check out this guide by Northumbria University.

When are dissertations due in the UK?

As each individual university or even university department sets their own deadline, when a dissertation is due can vary greatly between each one. Due to this, it is best to go directly to your university if you want to find out.

However, undergraduate dissertations tend to have deadlines at the end of their second term. Check out this article by Ivory Research for a guide to dissertations, which includes information on deadlines.

Master’s degree deadlines are typically in August or September . Although this is true for most universities, it is best to check with your individual institution for exact dates. You want to make sure you are working towards the correct deadline!

What is the difference between a dissertation and a thesis?

When considering university terms, it can be hard to figure out what each specific term means and how they differ from each other. This is especially true for the terms dissertation and thesis, as if you already have some knowledge of each term, they can appear to be very similar or even the same.

To put it simply, the difference between a dissertation and a thesis depends on what country you live in. I n the UK, the main difference is that a dissertation is a part of an undergraduate and a master’s degree, whereas a thesis is a part of a doctorate degree, such as a PhD . For more information about PhDs, check out this Think Student article .

This in itself brings about a range of other differences, such as in terms of word count, the research methods and even the depth of study between a dissertation and a thesis . As mentioned above, for a master’s dissertation, you will typically need to write between 10,000 and 50,000 words.

For a PhD thesis, you may need to write between 70,000 to 100,000 words, depending on what your university has set for your course . Another kind of doctorate degree, known as a professional doctorate, may only need about 40,000 words for the thesis. For more on these word counts, check out this article by Scribbr as well as this guide by the University of Essex.

However, in other countries, the terms dissertation and thesis may be used interchangeably, meaning that you could use either term for whatever level of study it is . Also, in some countries, such as the US, the terms dissertation and thesis are used in the opposite way to how they are in the UK.

This means that for undergraduate and master’s level you would refer to this research project as a thesis and for higher levels, such as a PhD, it would be a dissertation. To learn more about the differences in general, check out this article by Scribbr.