first class masters dissertation examples

• Study and research support
• Academic skills

Dissertation examples

Listed below are some of the best examples of research projects and dissertations from undergraduate and taught postgraduate students at the University of Leeds We have not been able to gather examples from all schools. The module requirements for research projects may have changed since these examples were written. Refer to your module guidelines to make sure that you address all of the current assessment criteria. Some of the examples below are only available to access on campus.

• Undergraduate examples
• Taught Masters examples

• Study With Us

Dissertation Examples

• Undergraduate Research Opportunities
• Student Voice
• Peer-to-Peer Support
• The Econverse Podcast
• Events and Seminars
• China School Website
• Malaysia School Website
• Email this Page

Students in the School of Economics at the University of Nottingham consistently produce work of a very high standard in the form of coursework essays, dissertations, research work and policy articles.

Below are some examples of the excellent work produced by some of our students. The authors have agreed for their work to be made available as examples of good practice.

Undergraduate dissertations

• The Causal Impact of Education on Crime Rates: A Recent US Analysis . Emily Taylor, BSc Hons Economics, 2022
• Does a joint income taxation system for married couples disincentivise the female labour supply? Jodie Gollop, BA Hons Economics with German, 2022
• Conditional cooperation between the young and old and the influence of work experience, charitable giving, and social identity . Rachel Moffat, BSc Hons Economics, 2021
• An Extended Literature Review on the Contribution of Economic Institutions to the Great Divergence in the 19th Century . Jessica Richens, BSc Hons Economics, 2021
• Does difference help make a difference? Examining whether young trustees and female trustees affect charities’ financial performance. Chris Hyland, BSc Hons Economics, 2021

Postgraduate dissertations

• The impact of Covid-19 on the public and health expenditure gradient in mortality in England . Alexander Waller, MSc Economic Development & Policy Analysis, 2022
• Impact of the Child Support Grant on Nutritional Outcomes in South Africa: Is there a ‘pregnancy support’ effect? . Claire Lynam, MSc Development Economics, 2022
• An Empirical Analysis of the Volatility Spillovers between Commodity Markets, Exchange Rates, and the Sovereign CDS Spreads of Commodity Exporters . Alfie Fox-Heaton, MSc Financial Economics, 2022
• The 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season and Labour Market Transitions . Edward Allenby, MSc Economics, 2022
• The scope of international agreements . Sophia Vaaßen, MSc International Economics, 2022

Thank you to all those students who have agreed to have their work showcased in this way.

School of Economics

Sir Clive Granger Building University of Nottingham University Park Nottingham, NG7 2RD

Legal information

• Terms and conditions
• Posting rules
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Charity gateway
• Cookie policy

Connect with the University of Nottingham through social media and our blogs .

• How it works

Dissertation Examples To Inspire You

Are you looking for inspiration to start working on your dissertation, just need to go through the structure of an already written dissertation to match with your own, or want to check out our quality of work before placing an order with us? Our experts have got you covered.

We have produced hundreds of dissertation examples for you in various subjects and study levels. Find the ones closest to your area of study to see how well our academics can work on your tasks. You can also review and download them in PDF format for ease. View our expert dissertation examples now.

Dissertation Examples For Different Academic Levels

You should know that dissertations vary on different academic levels. They have distinct requirements, like the number of words and references, and are also graded differently. Therefore, you should check for dissertation examples on your particular study level if you want to know exactly what to write.

ResearchProspect has thousands of dissertation samples prepared for you at different study levels. Moreover, if you still have issues, you can connect with our expert dissertation writers to work on your dissertation for you.

Undergraduate Dissertation Examples

It is not compulsory to write a dissertation at an undergraduate level. However, some fields, like social sciences, may require you to write one. They are generally 8000–15000 words long. If you are an undergraduate student looking for inspiration, you can view our subject-wise samples.

Masters Dissertation Samples

Need to write a masters dissertation but don't know where to start? ResearchProspect has dissertations that show the readers how research is done in the field. Our examples are enough to get you started with your own research.

PhD Dissertation Examples

PhD dissertations are the most complicated and are compulsory to get a doctorate degree. You have to include proper references and appendices. It is typically around 70000–100000 words. Don’t feel anxious, though. You can use our samples for inspiration, and if it is not enough, our experts will be happy to assist you with writing one.

Real-World Samples From Actual Studies

A question might arise: How will dissertation examples written to prepare samples be of good quality? At times, students place an order with us, but due to some reason, the order gets cancelled, or the customer leaves us mid-project. In such situations, we are left with the work prepared by our expert writers. These professionals are masters of their fields and have years of experience writing and researching.

Therefore, we use those quality dissertations as samples for our visitors. So, what you view in our dissertation examples section are real-world samples from actual studies, and this is why they are of great help to anyone looking for dissertation inspiration.

Although our free samples include a broad range of work, from qualitative dissertation examples to quantitative dissertation examples, and more, we also get that your requirements may be different from what you see in these samples, so if you get your dissertation written by our experts, you will receive work tailored to your exact requirements.

Can’t find what you are looking for? You can contact our customer support team, which is available 24/7 to help you find a sample related to your field of study.

Filter By Academic Subject:

High-quality biology dissertation examples.

In our biology dissertation examples, you will find impeccably written dissertations on areas such as evolution, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, botany, biotechnology, and more. With these samples, you can get an idea of what we can deliver for any biology-related field. Check out our biology dissertation samples now.

Biology Dissertation

Molecular biology and physiology of isolated chloroplasts from the algae vaucheria....

Academic Level: Master

Quality: 1st / 72%

Seed dormancy and germination in the summer annual Galeopsis speciosa...

Academic Level: Undergraduate

Quality: 1st / 76%

Links Between Mental Health and Employment Outcomes among Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder...

Quality: 1st / 68%

Award-Winning Biomedical Science Dissertations

Use our biomedical science dissertation examples to gain insights into groundbreaking research related to healthcare, medicine, biotechnology, neuroscience, bioinformatics, haematology, and much more. View professionally written biomedical science dissertation examples now.

Biomedical Science Dissertation

Effects of chronic stress on working memory are sex-specific and age-dependent....

Quality: 1st / 70%

Professionally Written Administration Dissertation Papers

Browse through our samples of business administration to review areas such as sales, ethics, commercial enterprise, management sciences, strategic management, organization, and global management. Get inspired from our business administration dissertation examples.

Business Administration Dissertation

The role of attitude inside and outside today’s organizations....

Quality: 1st / 67%

Premium Examples Of Business Dissertation

Want to learn about the new research approaches to real-world business challenges, finance, accounting, administration, ethics, entrepreneurship, human resources, and operations management? Have a look at our business dissertation examples for inspiration.

Business Dissertation

Quality: 1st / 78%

Quality: 1st / 65%

Determinants of patent innovation of Central and Eastern Europe knowledge intensive firms: the roles of R&D...

Quality: 1st / 64%

Analyzing Consumer Role Influencing the Shift from Click-and-Order Stores to Brick-and-Mortar Stores...

Quality: 1st / 61%

The Impact of Gender on Purchase Decision and Buying Behaviour of Thai Consumers...

Academic Level: PHD

Quality: 1st / 73%

Why Manchester United Football Club Has Been One Of The Most Successful Sports Clubs In The World?...

Quality: 1st / 59%

Investigating the Impact of Employee Engagement on Organisational Performance During the Covid-19 Crisis....

Cognitive process of entrepreneurs in the examination of opportunity evaluation.....

Quality: 1st / 71%

Business Management Dissertations Written By Experts

Check out our business management dissertation examples to learn about the research done in fields like marketing, strategy, operations, international business, supply chain management, business development management, and others. Take inspiration from our samples now.

Business Management Dissertation

Human resource development in palestinian higher education, with special reference to evaluation..., the synergy between entrepreneurship and technological innovation and its role in organisational development..., the leadership styles of successful project managers – investigating the successful project delivery....

Quality: 1st / 79%

Technical Computer Science Examples Of Dissertation

Learn from successful research in areas like software engineering, networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, requirement engineering, and much more. Click to view computer science dissertation examples.

Computer Science Dissertation

Automatic generation of control flow hijacking exploits for software vulnerabilities..., enabling smart healthcare applications through visible light communication networks....

Quality: 1st / 62%

Automated generation of architectural feedback from software performance analysis results...

Quality: 1st / 66%

A Bachelor Thesis in Computer Science: Developing Personality for a Wizard-Controlled Agent...

Quality: 1st / 74%

Investigating the Impact of Big Data on Automobile Industry Operations...

Outstanding examples of construction dissertation.

ResearchProspect provides valuable knowledge through research on real-time construction projects. Other areas that our experts have worked with include environmental engineering, transportation engineering, municipal engineering, water resources, and coastal engineering.

Construction Dissertation

Entering construction professionals: survey of work values and career expectations..., a framework for enhancing the success of construction projects undertaken in libya..., criminology.

Gain insights from successful criminology dissertation examples to start your research in fields such as bio-criminology, criminalistics, penology, and sociology. View professionally written samples related to criminology to get inspiration to start working on your research.

Criminology Dissertation

Criminalization, social exclusion, and punishment: the united states prosecution of migrants....

Quality: 1st / 60%

THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF REDUCED STREET LIGHTING ON CRIME: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY...

Family mass murder: an exploratory study of the role of arson..., best-quality design & merchandising dissertations.

Don’t know where to start your dissertation from? Here is a list of free design and merchandising dissertation examples for you to look through in fields such as molecular products, product merchandising, pricing, placement, visual merchandising, digital merchandising, omnichannel merchandising, retail merchandising.

Design and Merchandising Dissertation

Fashion and sustainability: increasing knowledge about slow fashion..., early childhood education examples.

Explore good dissertations related to early childhood education, nurseries, pre-school, state and independent schools, kindergarten, and more. Take inspiration from our well-written early childhood dissertation examples now to start working on your own, or place an order with us.

Early Childhood Education Dissertation

A study to explore nursery home visits from different perspectives...., what is the nature of children's leadership in early childhood educational settings..., play in early childhood education: an examination of teacher roles during free playtime..., samples of economics dissertation.

Want inspiration to start your economics dissertation? ResearchProspect has prepared hundreds of economics dissertation examples related to econometrics, experimental economics, macroeconomics, labour economics, education economics, the law of economics, and game theory.

Economics Dissertation

Financial development, institutions and poverty reduction....

Quality: 1st / 58%

Essays on International Trade and Economic Growth...

Quality: 1st / 75%

Money Supply-Inflation Relationship in Postcommunist Russia...

Three essays on misinformation, mistrust and their influence on public health policy..., the current greek government debt crisis, also known as the greek depression, was a major international..., extraversion and occupational choice..., best-quality education dissertation examples.

Are you looking for the perfect education dissertation examples to learn about the structure and style of how to write a dissertation? We have curated a list of free education dissertation examples related to cultural studies, special education, technology studies, distance learning, and international studies. View our samples now.

Education Dissertation

A critical exploration of the role of pedagogical documentation in a multimodal grade r classroom...., educating the reflective professional in teacher education: professional learning in teaching and in other professions...., impact of reasonable accommodations on disabled student–veteran higher educational achievement..., english teaching and the influence of gender..., top-rated engineering dissertations.

Engineering dissertations can be difficult for some students, considering that they require technical knowledge as well. A great way to learn to write the most amazing engineering dissertations is to check already written engineering dissertation samples in fields like chemical, electrical, mechanical, civil, and computer engineering. ResearchProspect has done it for you here.

Engineering Dissertation

Unwired enterprise systems...., a thesis submitted to the department of civil engineering, college of architecture and civil engineering...., on efficient automated methods for simulation output data analysis..., assessing the impact of bicycle treatments on bicycle safety: a multi-methods approach..., usability-oriented software development process..., an investigation of the impact of the application of ict and knowledge management (km) in improving project..., material selection for innovative design of automotive component..., an analysis of the implications of using digital engineering and bim in the design, construction and maintenance....

Quality: 1st / 77%

Creative Methods for Sustainability Driven Innovation...

Event management.

Discover the best practices in event management, planning, strategy, civic event conventions, incentive travel, reunions, tourism, social life-cycle events, and sports events. Get inspired with the help of our event management dissertation examples.

Event Management Dissertation

Motivation to attend to a cultural event and the role of social network on attendees' satisfaction..., a study on event management case: tomatkarnevalen..., dissertation samples for environmental management students.

Environmental management is an interesting field and you can gain knowledge in the field by checking out our environmental management dissertation examples in areas including natural sciences, natural resources, economics, environmental policy, regulatory environment management, risk based, corporate environmental management, and ecosystem based management.

Environmental Management Dissertation

Sustainable and ethical fashion: study about the retail practices in the dutch fashion industry....

Quality: 1st / 63%

Quality Dissertations In Fashion Studies

Seeking information on psychology of fashion and how clothing choices reflect identity? Our professionals have gathered a list of fashion dissertation examples in areas such as fashion houses, fashion industry, social media and technology, and sustainable fashion practices.

Fashion Dissertation

The dark side of fast fashion – in search of consumers’ rationale behind the continued consumption of fast fashion..., user-generated content and brand engagement in the fashion industry....

Finance dissertations often involve investments and financial markets. In our finance dissertation examples, you can find economic policies, investment strategies, risk management techniques, financial models, fintech and traditional financial institutions. View these samples now.

Finance Dissertation

The impact of board characteristics on firm’s financial performance: evidence from the netherlands...., determinants of the returns on equity of largest portuguese public limited companies..., risk taking in financial markets: a behavioral perspective..., a study of financial risk management in the south korean financial market using var methodology..., impact of the global financial crisis 2008-2009 on the uk construction industry....

Quality: 1st / 69%

Creative Fine Art Dissertation Examples

Fine art dissertation explores the different artistic mediums and practices. From evolution of art movements and role of the artist in society to using technology for arts and its relationship with fields like literature and philosophy. Check out our fine art dissertation examples now.

Fine Arts Dissertation

Techno-humanity paintings: art as social commentary in the digital age...., synthesis..., the formation, circulation and exhibition of teaching collections for art and design education..., ritual and digital craftsmanship: imprudent practices ..., dissertations in graphic design.

Chose graphic design for the fun, but now have to write a dissertation in the field? Do not worry. Check out our graphic design dissertation examples for inspiration. They follow areas including illustration, website design, user experience design, typography, print design, publication design, etc.

Graphic Design Dissertation

Socially engaged graphic design - future prospects..., graphic design / graphic dissent: towards a cultural economy of an insular profession..., well-researched healthcare dissertation samples.

Healthcare dissertations allow you to understand medicine, public health, patient care, nursing, policies and interventions, diseases, treatments, and healthcare practices. For inspiration, view our healthcare dissertation examples curated by experts in the field.

Health Care Dissertation

Epidemiology of asthma in primary school children..., coordination of primary health care..., essays in healthcare operations..., the effect of music therapy on recovery following brain injury..., prize-winning history dissertations.

Review professionally prepared history dissertation samples to understand the tapestry of human events and societies. Our example work will help you work on anything history related, from social, economic, environmental, archaeological, and political, to anthropology and contemporary studies.

History Dissertation

Imagining the “day of reckoning”: american jewish performance activism during the holocaust..., green deserts or new opportunities competing and complementary views on the soybean expansion in uruguay..., understanding captivity anxiety, british identity and the othering of the islamic world: a study of the impacts..., threads of rebellion: an exploration into slave dress as a medium of resistance in texas..., human resource (hr).

Looking for specific dissertation samples in human resources? ResearchProspect has prepared them for you. Check out our HR dissertation examples, from training and development to employee relations, benefits, compensation, and satisfaction, our experts have covered it all for you.

HR Dissertation

Cross-cultural human resource management - the role it plays in the success of different organisations..., international events management dissertation examples, international events management dissertation, international relations dissertations.

Explore diplomacy, global politics, international law, political economy, realism, liberalism, constructivism, and political science with the help of our international relations dissertation examples. They will help you start on your own or allow you to place an order with us.

International Relations Dissertation

How can just war theory help us assess a notion of legitimacy applied to the actions of non-state actors in conflict situations..., the influence of national interests on the eu´s common foreign and security policy..., quality dissertations in the area of law studies.

Use our law dissertation examples as the starting point for your research journey. They will help you with your topic selection, methodology, analysis, formatting, or just act as the reference point when you plan to hire us to write your dissertation, from family law and civil law to corporate law and criminal law.

Law Dissertation

Exploring perceptions of cultural difference in irb family sponsorship decisions..., a critical analysis of the perceptions of, and responses to, female child sex offenders..., transnational groups and tax avoidance: is the relevant law in the u.k., usa and in the eu in need of reform..., a critical evaluation of a force majeure clause in english contract law..., should countries implement a constitutional court for fundamental rights breaches..., free marketing dissertation examples for review.

Want to read research on the latest digital marketing trends or marketing campaigns? Review marketing dissertation examples to improve your research and impress your dissertation committee. These samples are also a testament to the quality of the work we provide and will help you trust us with your project.

Marketing Dissertation

The concept of sensory marketing..., study of the effectiveness of online marketing on integrated marketing communication..., a marketing enigma: consumer brand engagement with health and fitness brands..., an investigation into the effect of social media marketing and content marketing on consumer perception..., dissertations to review for graduate students in mba.

MBA dissertations help you apply your business knowledge to a real-world problem. Our professionally curated showcase research related to topics relevant to MBA like strategic management, leadership, finance, marketing, and more. We hope that the samples will help you formulate good research questions and present your findings in a compelling way.

MBA Dissertation

A study of the evolving needs of hiring managers in the business-to-business technology..., management information systems: a strategic tool for business..., media & design.

The media arts and design dissertations can be complicated for students, and it is better to let experts help you with them. To check out the quality of our work, browse through our media design dissertation examples in areas such as graphic design, communication methods, digital media, gaming, VFX, and much more.

Media Design Dissertation

The character of empty spaces - implementing character of things into graphic design..., newspaper coverage of refugees from mainland china between 1937 and 1941 in hong kong: a content analysis..., dissertation samples in nursing area.

Planning on advancing the science and practice of nursing? Our nursing dissertation examples highlight research on critical issues in healthcare, patient care, nursing practices, policies and ethics, and heath technology. Check them out before hiring us for your dissertations.

Nursing Dissertation

Mental health burden and attitudes and intention to seek mental health services in saudi women living...., a grounded theory of patient flow management within the emergency department...., a dissertation on sustainability competence: directions for nursing..., the experiences and needs of individuals with a variant of uncertain significance (vus) on genetic tests..., where does partnership with parents begin a study to explore nursery home visits from different perspectives...., political science.

Study the different areas of politics, such as comparative politics, American politics, public law, international politics, international relations, political behaviour, political law, and political theory etc. View our politics dissertation examples to better develop your ability to critically analyse political arguments.

Political Science Dissertation

The arab spring uprisings in geopolitical context...., prestige, humiliation and international politics.....

Quality: 1st / 80%

The Violence of Nostalgia: Conspiracy Theorism, White Nationalism, and Restoring American Exceptionalism...

Run forest run - a cross-national study on the effect of property rights and liberty on deforestation....

Engage with our philosophy dissertation examples to learn about the various branches including metaphysics ethics, epistemology, logic, Aristotle, and Kant etc. These will not only provide you with structure and clarity for your own dissertation, but will also help refine your critical thinking skills.

Philosophy Dissertation

The dialectical virtue of ideological reduction...., the case for teaching philosophy in schools...., theistic open futurism: a critical philosophical investigation..., project management dissertation examples.

Use our project management dissertation examples to get inspiration for your research. These samples will allow you to not only understand complex topics like risk management, scope management, monitoring and controlling, change management, and more, but also give you an idea of what you can get when you place an order with us.

Project Management Dissertation

Challenges to adopting hybrid methodology: addressing organizational culture and change control..., impact of project planning on project success: moderating role of transformational leadership..., the most suitable project management methodology to be used in the it industry: comparison between traditional..., an evaluation of the impact of project production management and advanced analytics..., feeding and resource buffers in ccpm and the impact of their use in canadian home..., good quality psychology dissertation examples.

Learn about human behaviour, mental processes, social psychology, cognitive psychology, abnormal psychology, and developmental psychology with the help of our psychology dissertation examples. These will help strengthen your research design and data analysis.

Psychology Dissertation

Emotion profiles in dialectical behaviour therapy: early observations anticipate treatment outcome..., pathways from childhood sexual abuse to sexual risk behaviour in msm: a mixed methods study..., associations between parent stress, parent mobile technology use, and parenting behaviours on..., effects of thinking styles and gender on psychological well-being..., sociology samples.

Engage with the social structures, social inequalities, race, ethnicity, gender, power dynamics, poverty, crime, and discrimination through our sociology dissertation examples. Check out our samples now and contribute well to your field of study.

Sociology Dissertation

Moving beyond the gender binary: a critical analysis and review of contemporary scholarship..., environmental sociology: an analysis of trends..., new professionalism in the making – the case of the tourism sector..., sociology of water: power and politics..., sustainability.

Sustainability dissertations help you make a contribution to the field. The most common topics students often write about include renewable energy, resource management, deforestation, pollution, climate change, environmental policy, and social justice. Review our sustainability dissertation examples now.

Sustainability Dissertation

Fashion and sustainability: increasing knowledge about slow fashion through an educational..., creative methods for sustainability driven innovation..., supply chain management examples.

Check out supply chain management dissertation examples in procurement, marketing channels, logistics, operations management, raw materials, customer relationship management, corporate social responsibility, and more. These samples are a testament to the quality of work you can expect from ResearchProspect.

Supply Chain Management Dissertation

Optimising global supply chain operations....

Take assistance from our tourism dissertation examples related to business tourism, adventure tourism, wildlife tourism, commercial zones, domestic tourism, inbound tourism, and outbound tourism. Place an order with our experts if you like the quality of their work.

Tourism Dissertation

Premium theology dissertations.

With theology dissertations, you can get a deep understanding of biblical theology, history, systematic or dogmatic theology, Christology, pneumatology, cosmology, anthropology, hamartiology, practical theology. So, view our theology dissertation examples now.

Theology Dissertation

“theism and ultimate explanation of the existence of god” against the countering..., trusted by over 1000,000 students.

Thousands of students have used ResearchProspect academic support services to improve their grades. Why are you waiting?

ResearchProspect provides different kinds of writing. I going from simple essays and now my huge assignment in management is completed successfully. Will not even hesitate to order my dissertation here especially now when I know quality is confirmed!

ResearchProspect is very good. When I was looking for essay or dissertation services, one of my friends suggested me to work with this. And I must say they are very professional also provide very high quality services.

Dissertation authoring has been one of my difficult tasks so far. Whenever my friend advised I try out ResearchProspect., I thought it would be a great chance to in fact get the work done. The final output was magnificent and I am glad that I used your services.

Larry Sullivan L.

Dissertation Samples To Inspire Your Creativity

Are you new to writing dissertations and do not know where to start? ResearchProspect’s list of free dissertation examples is here not only to inspire you but also to showcase the quality of our work so you can get stress-free and leave your dissertations to our professionals.

Viewing samples of previously written dissertations allows you to properly structure your dissertation, and you can check how to implement the formatting style coherently.

Additionally, with the help of dissertation samples, you can grasp the approach towards common elements in every dissertation. Every dissertation sample mostly follows the same structure, with main sections - abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, and reference list.

Furthermore, checking out well-written examples of dissertations enables you to appreciate what makes a strong research project, and you can implement those elements in your own dissertation as well.

We have samples for everyone. If you need undergraduate dissertation examples or PhD dissertation examples in your field of study, just browse through our easy-to-use search bar.

Can’t Find What You Are Looking For? Hire An Expert

There is a slim chance that you will not find the right dissertation in our sample section that fits your needs, or even after reviewing these examples, you still cannot wrap your head around how to write a dissertation. That is totally understandable. Dissertation writing is not an easy task. It is based on years of research and is a culmination of what you have learned throughout your degree.

ResearchProspect is here to help you. Our dissertation writers are experienced professionals and academics who can assist you, from choosing the right dissertation topic to completing the writing process and editing and proofreading it. We will assign a writer with experience in your specific field.

We have the complete package for you. If you plan to write your dissertation yourself, we can offer you services like choosing the right topic, thousands of samples for inspiration, and dissertation proofreading and editing. If you want someone else to work on your dissertation, ResearchProspect provides help with full dissertations and writing specific chapters.

So, what are you waiting for? For services, fill out our order form and avail yourself of custom help according to your needs.

Explore More Samples

View our professional samples to be certain that we have the portofilio and capabilities to deliver what you need.

USEFUL LINKS

LEARNING RESOURCES

COMPANY DETAILS

• How It Works

Have a language expert improve your writing

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

• Knowledge Base
• Dissertation

Prize-Winning Thesis and Dissertation Examples

Published on 9 September 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on 6 April 2023.

It can be difficult to know where to start when writing your thesis or dissertation . One way to come up with some ideas or maybe even combat writer’s block is to check out previous work done by other students.

This article collects a list of undergraduate, master’s, and PhD theses and dissertations that have won prizes for their high-quality research.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

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

Table of contents

Award-winning undergraduate theses, award-winning master’s theses, award-winning ph.d. dissertations.

University : University of Pennsylvania Faculty : History Author : Suchait Kahlon Award : 2021 Hilary Conroy Prize for Best Honors Thesis in World History Title : “Abolition, Africans, and Abstraction: the Influence of the “Noble Savage” on British and French Antislavery Thought, 1787-1807”

University : Columbia University Faculty : History Author : Julien Saint Reiman Award : 2018 Charles A. Beard Senior Thesis Prize Title : “A Starving Man Helping Another Starving Man”: UNRRA, India, and the Genesis of Global Relief, 1943-1947

University: University College London Faculty: Geography Author: Anna Knowles-Smith Award:  2017 Royal Geographical Society Undergraduate Dissertation Prize Title:  Refugees and theatre: an exploration of the basis of self-representation

University: University of Washington Faculty:  Computer Science & Engineering Author: Nick J. Martindell Award: 2014 Best Senior Thesis Award Title:  DCDN: Distributed content delivery for the modern web

The only proofreading tool specialized in correcting academic writing

The academic proofreading tool has been trained on 1000s of academic texts and by native English editors. Making it the most accurate and reliable proofreading tool for students.

Correct my document today

University:  University of Edinburgh Faculty:  Informatics Author:  Christopher Sipola Award:  2018 Social Responsibility & Sustainability Dissertation Prize Title:  Summarizing electricity usage with a neural network

University:  University of Ottawa Faculty:  Education Author:  Matthew Brillinger Award:  2017 Commission on Graduate Studies in the Humanities Prize Title:  Educational Park Planning in Berkeley, California, 1965-1968

University:  University of Ottawa Faculty: Social Sciences Author:  Heather Martin Award:  2015 Joseph De Koninck Prize Title:  An Analysis of Sexual Assault Support Services for Women who have a Developmental Disability

University : University of Ottawa Faculty : Physics Author : Guillaume Thekkadath Award : 2017 Commission on Graduate Studies in the Sciences Prize Title : Joint measurements of complementary properties of quantum systems

University:  London School of Economics Faculty: International Development Author: Lajos Kossuth Award:  2016 Winner of the Prize for Best Overall Performance Title:  Shiny Happy People: A study of the effects income relative to a reference group exerts on life satisfaction

University : Stanford University Faculty : English Author : Nathan Wainstein Award : 2021 Alden Prize Title : “Unformed Art: Bad Writing in the Modernist Novel”

University : University of Massachusetts at Amherst Faculty : Molecular and Cellular Biology Author : Nils Pilotte Award : 2021 Byron Prize for Best Ph.D. Dissertation Title : “Improved Molecular Diagnostics for Soil-Transmitted Molecular Diagnostics for Soil-Transmitted Helminths”

University:  Utrecht University Faculty:  Linguistics Author:  Hans Rutger Bosker Award: 2014 AVT/Anéla Dissertation Prize Title:  The processing and evaluation of fluency in native and non-native speech

University: California Institute of Technology Faculty: Physics Author: Michael P. Mendenhall Award: 2015 Dissertation Award in Nuclear Physics Title: Measurement of the neutron beta decay asymmetry using ultracold neutrons

University:  Stanford University Faculty: Management Science and Engineering Author:  Shayan O. Gharan Award:  Doctoral Dissertation Award 2013 Title:   New Rounding Techniques for the Design and Analysis of Approximation Algorithms

University: University of Minnesota Faculty: Chemical Engineering Author: Eric A. Vandre Award:  2014 Andreas Acrivos Dissertation Award in Fluid Dynamics Title: Onset of Dynamics Wetting Failure: The Mechanics of High-speed Fluid Displacement

University: Erasmus University Rotterdam Faculty: Marketing Author: Ezgi Akpinar Award: McKinsey Marketing Dissertation Award 2014 Title: Consumer Information Sharing: Understanding Psychological Drivers of Social Transmission

University: University of Washington Faculty: Computer Science & Engineering Author: Keith N. Snavely Award:  2009 Doctoral Dissertation Award Title: Scene Reconstruction and Visualization from Internet Photo Collections

University:  University of Ottawa Faculty:  Social Work Author:  Susannah Taylor Award: 2018 Joseph De Koninck Prize Title:  Effacing and Obscuring Autonomy: the Effects of Structural Violence on the Transition to Adulthood of Street Involved Youth

Cite this Scribbr article

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

George, T. (2023, April 06). Prize-Winning Thesis and Dissertation Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 5 August 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/prize-winning-dissertations/

Is this article helpful?

Tegan George

Other students also liked, how to choose a dissertation topic | 8 steps to follow, how to write a thesis or dissertation conclusion, dissertation & thesis outline | example & free templates.

Dissertation & Thesis Examples 📖

Real-world examples and samples from leading universities

Need some inspiration for your study? You’ve come to the right place. Here we showcase a collection of dissertation and thesis   examples to help you get started. All of these are real-world studies from actual degrees (typically PhD and Master’s-level).

PS – If you’re looking for examples of specific dissertation chapters (e.g., literature review or methodology), you can also check out our collection of free templates .

Discipline-Specific Examples

• Business & management
• Political science

Stage-Specific Examples

• Proposal/pitch
• Literature review
• Methodology

Examples: Business & Management

Below you’ll find a sample of business and management-related dissertations and theses covering a range of topics.

Title: Interaction Among Supply Chains: Consumers, Firms and Policymakers Author: Yuanchen Li Year: 2020

This PhD thesis examines the dynamics of supply chain relationships across three levels: the interactions between firms and consumers, suppliers and buyers, and firms and governments. The research aims to provide insights into the complexities of supply chain dynamics and their implications for various stakeholders.

Title: Essays in Firm-Level Patenting Activities and Financial Outcomes Author: Michael J Woeppel Year: 2020

This doctoral dissertation explores financial dynamics in two key areas: investment valuation and the performance of small innovative firms. The first chapter introduces a new metric, PI q, which incorporates the replacement cost of patent capital into the traditional Tobin’s q calculation. The second chapter examines small innovative firms, finding that they achieve higher returns for up to five years compared to non-innovators.

Title: Analysis of Design Artifacts in Platform-Based Markets Author: Vandith Pamuru Subramanya Rama Year: 2020

This dissertation investigates design issues within digital platform-based markets through three essays. The first essay explores the economic impact of augmented-reality games like Pokémon Go on local businesses, specifically restaurants. The second essay delves into the sponsored search ad-market, examining the effects of market frictions on bidding behaviors in auctions. The third essay examines user-generated content platforms, focusing on how the loss of elite status affects user contributions.

Title: Gaming the IRS’s Third-Party Reporting System: Evidence From Pari-Mutuel Wagering Author: Victor Charles Ferguson Year: 2020

This dissertation investigates if taxpayers deliberately avoid IRS third-party reporting mechanisms, focusing on an IRS amendment in 2017 that changed how gambling winnings are reported. Specifically, it looks at the impact on thoroughbred racing wagers in the US, using Canadian tracks as a control.

Title: Essays on Product Innovation and Failures Author: Moonsik Shin Year: 2020

This dissertation delves into how strategic decisions made by firms can lead to innovation failures, a relatively underexplored area compared to studies on successful innovations. The research is structured into three essays. The first explores how inter-organisational relationships, specifically investments from venture capitalists, can influence innovation failures due to pressures such as time constraints imposed on portfolio companies. The second essay examines the role of acquisitions in innovation failures, suggesting that challenges like adverse selection and integration issues post-acquisition can significantly hinder a firm’s innovation outcomes. The third essay looks at how incremental product development can lead to failures if new products are too dependent on existing technologies, which may themselves be flawed.

Need a helping hand?

Examples: Psychology Dissertations

Title: Development and Validation of the Instrumental Support Inventory for Spouses Author: Ryan P. Egan Year: 2020

This research develops and validates the Instrumental Support Inventory for Spouses (ISI-s), a new tool to measure the practical support received from a romantic partner. The study involved two phases: initially, 372 married individuals helped refine the 39-item inventory across five categories through exploratory factor analysis, assessing reliability and validity. The second phase tested the inventory with 298 parents and their partners, using a longitudinal design, confirming its reliability and validity further.

Title: Dysfunctional Individuation, Spiritual Struggle and Identity in Emerging Adults: A Developmental Approach Author: Katheryn J. Klukow Kelley Year: 2020

This study investigates why emerging adults are participating less in organised religion, yet showing increased spirituality, attributing this shift to the process of religious identity development. The research involved a longitudinal survey of 788 students at a religious university, using structural equation models to analyse data collected at four points over an academic year.

Title: Depression Dynamics across a Decade: Density in Daily Depressive Affect and Yearly Depressive Symptoms Author: Raquael J. Joiner Year: 2020

This thesis investigates depression through a dynamic systems perspective, which views changes in depressive symptoms as part of an interconnected network of emotions and states, rather than isolated events. The research focuses on how the density of depressive affect—essentially the compactness and intensity of depressive symptoms—varies within individuals over a decade. By examining data at five different timepoints, the study aims to understand how these symptoms cluster daily and how this clustering influences transitions into or out of depressive states year by year.

Title: Maternal and Adolescent ADHD, Aggression, and Dysfunctional Discipline: Mediating Roles of Maternal Emotion Dysregulation and Stress Author: Natalie M. Ehret Year: 2020

This dissertation explores the challenges that parents face when both they and their children exhibit symptoms of ADHD, as well as oppositional defiant and aggressive behaviours. It investigates how these symptoms in mothers and adolescents may influence parenting discipline, focusing specifically on the roles of maternal emotion dysregulation and stress in shaping disciplinary practices. The study employs a process-oriented approach to better understand these complex dynamics.

Title: Linguistic Markers of Maternal Focus within Emotional Conversations: The Role of Depressive Symptoms and Maltreatment Author: Brigid Behrens Year: 2020

This study explores the relationship between maternal well-being and the language used during parent-child conversations about past emotional events. It specifically examines the use of first-person singular (“I”) and first-person plural (“we”) pronouns during a reminiscing task, to determine how maternal language might reflect cognitive biases. The research includes 229 mother-child dyads, both maltreating and non-maltreating, who are part of a larger clinical trial focused on Reminiscing and Emotion Training.

Examples: Education Theses

Title: Functions and Purposes of Outdoor Education in Singaporean Education and Society: An Instrumental Case Study Author: Susanna Ho Year: 2011

This research aims to explore the roles outdoor education can play in Singapore, by conducting a case study of one school’s programme. Employing interviews, participant observations, and document analysis with tools like NVivo software, the study uses a grounded theory framework to interpret findings. It also incorporates Gert Biesta’s educational functions to assess outdoor education within Singapore’s specific context.

Title: The Impact of Internationalisation of Higher Education on Nursing Education in an Australian University: A Case Study Author: Elizabeth Alexandra Lavender Year: 2014

This study examines the impact of the rapid internationalisation of higher education on the School of Nursing and Midwifery at La Trobe University, Australia. It explores how global trends and policies, particularly the shift from ‘Aid to Trade’, have influenced educational practices within the school. The research uses a case study approach, incorporating document analysis and interviews with 15 university staff experienced in international education.

Title: Diabetes Education from the Podiatrist Perspective Author: Julia Yungken Year: 2020

This thesis investigates how diabetes education is delivered by podiatrists to patients, and the retention of this education over time. Through a series of four articles, the research first conducts a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine current educational practices. It then follows a study with three podiatrists and 24 patients over six months to observe educational retention. Additionally, a survey among Australian podiatrists assesses various educational methods and experiences. The study utilises diverse methodologies including observational studies, cognitive assessments, and surveys to understand and enhance the educational practices in diabetes care provided by podiatrists.

Title: Empowering Saudi Arabian Primary Teachers Through Participatory Action Research to Improve Their Professional Knowledge and Practices Regarding Gifted Learners Author: Faisal Yahya Alamiri Year: 2013

Title: Developing a National Assessment Model to Inform Educational Policy in Bhutan Author: Gembo Tshering Year: 2012

Examples: Healthcare-Related Dissertations

Title: Impact of the Increased Use of Telehealth on Health Care Management and Administration: The Case of New Care Management Practices Author: Immacula Pierre Year: 2024

This qualitative study explored the perceptions of healthcare managers on telehealth’s role and its influence on healthcare practices during the pandemic, focusing on aspects like provision and quality control. Through video-conferenced semi-structured interviews with 10 healthcare managers across various U.S. settings, the research aimed to understand the benefits, challenges, and the future role of telehealth.

Title: Healthcare Facilities Management Leadership Style Compared to Traditional Healthcare Business and Clinical Leaders Author: Joshua Ashlock Year: 2020

This dissertation explores leadership style differences between two groups within healthcare: traditional business and clinical leaders (represented by members of the American College of Healthcare Executives, ACHE) and healthcare facilities management leaders (represented by members of the American Society of Healthcare Engineers, ASHE). The research focuses on comparing transformational, transactional, and passive-avoidant leadership traits between these groups.

Title: Leadership Support as an Influence on Frontline Healthcare Employee Retention in the Washington Metropolitan Area (DMV) Author: Tamika Fair Year: 2023

This qualitative case study addresses the significant issue of high turnover rates among frontline healthcare employees in the DMV area, examining how the lack of support from healthcare leadership contributes to this problem. Through semi-structured interviews with 11 primary healthcare administrators in the DMV region, the research investigates how leaders engage with frontline workers and assesses their preparedness to tackle high staff turnover.

Title: Electronic Patient Portals: Promotion of Access by Healthcare Workers Increases Patient Engagement Author: Dena Todd Year: 2022

This integrative literature review examines strategies for promoting electronic patient portal (EPP) access in healthcare settings, a requirement highlighted by the Health Information for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2010. The review underscores the importance of EPP systems in providing patients with access to their personal health information, including medications, lab results, diagnostics, and appointments. It discusses the potential risks for healthcare organisations that fail to offer such access, notably the loss of federal funding.

Title: Understanding Workplace Conditions Contributing to Physician Burnout Prevalence in Maryland State Author: Fatima Adefunke Queen Year: 2023

This dissertation utilises a qualitative multiple-case study to examine the workplace conditions that contribute to physician burnout in Maryland, particularly among primary care providers who show burnout rates of up to 50%. The study involved interviews with 21 physicians, including Medical Doctors (M.D.s), Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNPs), and Nurse Practitioners (NPs). Using Shanafelt’s well-being framework, the research aimed to understand the factors leading to burnout and its subsequent impact on physician attrition.

Examples: Political Science Theses

Title: The Influence of Peer Relationships on Political Socialisation Among College Students Author: Zachary Thomas Isaacs Year: 2021

This thesis investigates the role of peer relationships in the political socialisation of college students. This is an area not extensively covered by existing research, which primarily focuses on parental influence and often excludes the post-18 age group. A survey was conducted among college students aged 18 to 24, to explore how they communicate with their peers regarding politics and the effects of these interactions on their political socialisation.

Title: The Impact of Political Culture on Political Reactions: A Case Study of EU Sanctions on Russia Author: Kenzie Robin De Keyser Year: 2020

This dissertation examines the complex political impacts of European Union (EU) sanctions on Russia, taking into account the nuanced interplay between Russia’s political culture and the economic interdependencies between the EU and Russia. The research utilises the Cross-Cultural Competency (3Cs) Theorem to analyse key elements of Russian political culture—Russian Orthodox Christianity, geography, autocracy, and economic development— which are crucial in shaping the country’s political responses and governmental structure.

Title: Biased Representation: How Compulsory Voting and Campaign Finance Interact to Influence Government Responsiveness Author: Sarah Steinberg Year: 2016

This thesis investigates the interaction between compulsory voting and campaign finance, focusing on how they influence government responsiveness. It argues that the significant financial influence in political campaigns can lead to an elite bias, where government policies favour wealthier interests. The study uses statistical analysis and case studies from two countries to explore whether compulsory voting, which typically results in nearly universal voter turnout, can mitigate this bias.

Example: Dissertation Proposal

Example: literature review chapter, example: methodology chapter.

Psst... there’s more!

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

Hi Grad Coach team, Thank you for your very awesome information. I am an Urban Planning student and I am doing my MSc Spatial Planning at the University of Dundee. My methodology is “Research by Design”. It means I will use design outcomes for a project for my dissertation in urban design.

I am writing to see if you can add a template in Architecture and Urban Planning field in your lists of dissertation.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

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

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

• Print Friendly

Dissertation Research in Education: Dissertations (Examples)

• Research Process
• Reference Works
• Searching Known Items
• ERIC Thesaurus
• Dissertations
• Internet Research
• Dissertations (Examples)
• Citation Guide
• Submitting Your Dissertation

Selected Dissertations

The dissertations found on this page link to the complete text.  They all  come from graduates of MC's Educational Leadership Program.

• A study of achievement in traditional high schools and the early college high school model in Mississippi by Tammy Cain Smith 2021
• Factors that Affect Teacher Attrition in Southern Mississippi by Monica Chinelle Watts 2021
• Academic and Behavioral Outcomes of Expelled Students After Their Return to the Regular School Setting by Roderick Ramon Henderson 2021
• A Study of the Effects of Teacher Certification on Third Grade Reading Achievement by Clancy A. Freeman 2021
• A Study of the Factors that Influence Secondary Education Teacher Perceptions of Inclusion in the Classroom by Michael Evans 2021
• The Barriers and Challenges Facing Female High School Principals in Mississippi by Dalal Saud Alruwaili 2021
• The Perceptions of Special Education Administrators' Responsibilities and Challenges in Public School Districts in Mississippi by LaTrina F. Baker-Smith 2021
• Traditional and Block Scheduling: A Comparative Study of Student Achievement of English II End-Of-Course Exam Scores and High School English Teachers' Perspectives of Scheduling Models by Jermarcia "Jay" Levy. 2020
• Assigning Quality Homework to Dyslexic Students: A Mixed-Methods Phenomenological Study of Teachers by Sonya Bridges. 2020
• Job Satisfaction: A Study of Teacher Morale in Low and High Performing Schools by LaTondra Shontae Robinson. 2020
• A Study of the Perceptions of Elementary School Principals Toward Speech Language Services in a Mississippi Public School District by Talatha Bingham. 2019
• Women as High School Principals: Perceptions of Mississippi Principals and Superintendents Concerning Barriers and Facilitators for Job Obtainment By Letonia Bailey Johnson. 2019
• Parent Involvement: Perceptions of Parents and Teachers in an Urban School District by LaConda Michelle Arnold. 2018
• Comparing the Shortage of Teachers in the United States and the United Kingdom by Mohammad Alsobaihi. 2017
• Teachers' Perceptions of the Use of Technology in the Classroom and the Effect of Technology on Student Achievement By Sharon Robinson Hoye. 2017
• Comparing Educational Leadership and Conflict Resolution in the United States and Saudi Arabia by Aymen Alqurashi. 2017
• Comparing teacher preparation programs in the United States and Japan by Noah Alharthi. 2016
• << Previous: Internet Research
• Next: Citation Guide >>
• Last Updated: Feb 21, 2024 3:02 PM
• URL: https://mc.libguides.com/eddoc

How to Improve Your Dissertation From a 2:1 (B) to a 1st (A) Grade

Achieving a First Class mark on a dissertation is slightly more difficult than it is for shorter assignments. This is simply due to the complexity of the dissertation compared to most types of coursework. However, the greater length of time that students have to complete a dissertation means that a First Class is definitely achievable. With some attention to the following details, you can increase your chances of moving from a 2:1 to a First.

First Class Dissertation

Be innovative.

You can set yourself up for earning a first by developing an original and innovative research plan from the start. The best dissertations demonstrate creative, independent thinking. Remember that the dissertation is often viewed as a starting point to a more advanced research career, so proving your ability for original thinking is a great way to show your potential to examiners.

Be Critical

The difference between a 2:1 dissertation and a first class dissertation is often the degree of critical thinking that it demonstrates. You should show an ability to think beyond common knowledge and deduce conclusions through insightful and analytical applications of theory. Although this may seem challenging, it is a skill that you will naturally develop from a wide reading of journal articles in your field. You can also enhance your ability for critical writing by discussing your ideas in seminars and conferences.

Create a Complex Argument – One of the best ways to convey your critical thinking abilities is by creating a complex but coherent argument. This involves combining multiple strands of established ideas to develop a highly specific analytical framework. You should be able to clearly define your overarching philosophy and methodology, and consider how this relates to various theoretical trends in your field. You should avoid convoluted arguments that include too many different ideas; instead, choose two or three complementary approaches and combine them to create a unique viewpoint on your subject.

Use Obscure Source Material

A good way to impress examiners and move from a 2:1 to a first class dissertation is to locate and make use of relatively unknown source material. This can take the form of primary sources obtained from historical archives and research laboratories or lesser-used secondary sources that you might secure through interlibrary loans. Using these materials will demonstrate your dedication to your research and your ability to judge the value of comparatively obscure sources.

Include Tables, Figures and Appendices

A First Class dissertation will include relevant tables, figures and data sets. These can provide essential information to support your overall argument. It is usually best to include these in an appendix at the end of your dissertation so that you can refer to the data multiple times throughout the work.

Write several drafts of your first class dissertation

Finally, be sure to write several drafts of your dissertation so that you can refine it to the level necessary to achieve a First. Often students will receive a 2:1 simply because they overlooked small typographical errors or clumsily written expression. By rewriting the dissertation several times you will be able to eliminate unnecessary phrases and increase its overall clarity. It will also give you more chances to receive feedback from tutors, which is essential if you want to move from a 2:1 to a first class dissertation!

Further Reading:

• Thinking Critically
• Surviving Your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process.

First class dissertation is not easy to complete – it required skill, time and determination. If you need a first class dissertation, but struggle to complete it – our dissertation editing and improvement service can be a solution for you.

You may also like

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Dissertation
• Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

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

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

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

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

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

Table of contents

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

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

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

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

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

 Download Word template    Download Google Docs template

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

Example 1: Passive construction

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

Example 2: IS-AV construction

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

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

Example 3: The “I” construction

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

Example 4: Mix-and-match

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

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

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

Research bias

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

 (AI) Tools

• Grammar Checker
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Text Summarizer
• AI Detector
• Plagiarism Checker
• Citation Generator

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

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

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

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

Cite this Scribbr article

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

George, T. (2023, November 21). Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved August 6, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/dissertation-thesis-outline/

Is this article helpful?

Tegan George

Other students also liked, dissertation table of contents in word | instructions & examples, figure and table lists | word instructions, template & examples, thesis & dissertation acknowledgements | tips & examples, what is your plagiarism score.

Postgraduate Studentships - Search for funding opportunities.

• Studying a Postgraduate degree

How to write a winning Masters Dissertation

Share this article.

• Facebook Sharer
• Twitter Sharer
• LinkedIn Sharer

Explore other topics

• Finding a Masters Course
• Funding a Postgraduate course
• Living as a Postgraduate student
• Popular masters degree subjects
• Student Wellbeing

Think Postgrad

An example of how to write a winning masters dissertation.

Dr John Biggam, author of " Succeeding with your Master's Dissertation ", gives expert advice on how to write a winning masters dissertation.

'Think up your own exam question and answer it.' That would be the ideal exam question, most students would agree.

Yet, when that scenario becomes a reality in the context of a master's dissertation it can cause confusion and no little angst on the part of students seeking guidance on structure and content.

This short article offers some pointers on how to get started and succeed.

In the first instance, here's a quick win to give you confidence: Create a dissertation template. This is where you type up your cover page and chapter/section headings on separate pages (as they will appear in the final submission).

For example: Title/Name/Course/Year, Abstract, Acknowledgements, Contents, Abbreviations, Figures/Tables, Chapter 1 Introduction, Chapter 2 Literature Review, Chapter 3 Research Methods, Chapter 4 Findings, Chapter 5 Conclusion, Chapter 6 References, Appendices, Appendix 1, Appendix B.

Already you have created a dissertation folder with at least 15 pages! Take a copy with you to supervision meetings. At a glance, both you and your supervisor can incrementally see what you have done and what you have still to do.

Pivotal to your research are your overall research aim and individual research objectives. These in effect form your 'exam question' (in fact, you can turn them into questions if you want). Your overall aim is a general statement on your chosen study area; your research objectives are the individual sub-tasks that you believe will collectively achieve your overall research aim. Number your research objectives for easy reference.

The following summary advice is intended for those attempting a traditional dissertation i.e. a literature review followed by the collection and analysis of empirical data (see the above example masters Dissertation example).

• Write it last!
• Keep to one paragraph (otherwise you run the risk of writing a mini essay)
• Identify the problem/issue that you investigated
• Outline how you did your research (i.e. your research methods)
• State your main findings/conclusion(s)
• Indicate your recommendations

INTRODUCTION

Provide a clear dissertation structure, to include, for example, some of which can be combined:

• Research focus
• Overall Aim and research objectives
• Outline research methods (and timescales)
• Value of your research
• Outline structure of dissertation

Make your individual research objectives SMART:

Emphasise the value of/need for your research

Include pertinent references, but avoid starting your literature review early!

LITERATURE REVIEW

• Remind the reader of your research objectives (that is, those related to your literature review)
• Avoid student drift (i.e. going off-track) by having headings that relate to your research objectives
• Develop meaningful discussions (pretend the reader knows nothing about your subject area - carefully lead them by the hand, incrementally building up your discussions)
• Provide evidence of critical evaluation (i.e. offer views, support views)
• Use a wide variety of sources (journals, books, reports, etc.)
• Take care to reference properly. Lazy referencing undermines the scholarly worth of your dissertation.
• Summarise main findings and highlight emerging issues (to justify empirical research)

MASTERS DISSERTATION RESEARCH METHODS

Be very focused in this section - your readers (i.e. markers) are not interested in reading about every research method under the sun. So:

• Identify and describe your chosen research strategy (case study, experimental research, etc.) and justify why your chosen research strategy meets your research needs.
• Identify, describe and justify your data collection techniques (interviews, questionnaires, observation, etc.)
• Provide implementation details (where, when, with whom, sample size, etc.) to the extent that someone could replicate your work
• Explain how you will analyse your data
• Outline limitations/potential problems (but explain why your work is valid and reliable)

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

• Keep this section/chapter simple: describe your data, compare/contrast data collected with literature review findings (following analysis framework set out in research methods chapter)
• When analysing results, keep focused on individual research objectives - this helps avoid student drif
• Highlight main empirical findings

This is where you seek cyclical closure i.e. refer back to your initial research objectives and offer concluding commentary on your completed work:

• Remind the reader what you set out to do, i.e. refer back to your overall aim and specific research objectives
• Summarise lit. rev. and empirical findings (related to individual research objectives) - For each set research objective, elicit main conclusions from your work
• Offer recommendations (if appropriate), including helpful ideas on implementation
• Hopefully the pointers above give you an idea of best-practice in terms of structure and what examiners look for in a completed dissertation. In short, you set the 'exam question', broken into parts (research objectives), so make sure you answer each part!

Further advice and guidance on how to write a winning masters dissertation can be found in Dr John Biggam's book 'Succeeding with your Master's Dissertation: A Step by Step Handbook.'

• Looking for a Masters? Search and compare Masters courses now on MastersCompare
• Receive Email Updates of the latest Masters opportunities and funding as they are added to PostgraduateStudentships and MastersCompare .
• Advertisers
• Cookie Policy
• Terms and Conditions

Sorry! You need to sign up

Sign up to Postgraduate Studentships

Sign up to compare masters

Opportunity added!

Thanks for making your selection. Click below to view your list.

Course Added

Thanks for making your selection. Click below to view your comparisons.

Think Postgrad Ltd 2008-2024 Website By Parachute

Find Dissertations and Theses

Explore University of Salford dissertations and theses using Library Search. Access resources and tips for finding other academic works.

Popular pages on the Library website

Find University of Salford dissertations and theses

During the course of your studies, you may find that you need to search for dissertations or theses. Maybe you would like to see what other research has been undertaken in relation to your topic, or perhaps you would like to see what a dissertation or thesis looks like? There are many reasons why looking for this type of research can be useful.

You can use Library Search to help you find them and there are a number of different ways to search, depending on what you want to find.

You can access dissertations and theses by previous University of Salford students. Use the 'Advanced Search' option in Library Search to find these, and take a look at our University of Salford e-theses collection . This collection covers mostly PhD level research.

Digital dissertations - University of Salford

For help accessing our University of Salford dissertations and theses, watch this video:

Finding University of Salford dissertations and theses

Use databases to find other dissertations and theses.

There are a number of dissertation and theses databases you can use to find dissertations and theses from other academic institutions. You can access these through Library Search .

Some of the databases you can access include:

• EBSCO Open Dissertations
• EThOS – Electronic Theses Online System
• ProQuest Dissertations and Theses

Find out more about the ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database on our blog post: ProQuest Dissertations and Theses

We also have a ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global LibGuide to help you find out more.

For help accessing the wide range of dissertation and theses databases, watch this video:

Helpful tips when looking for dissertations and theses

• Identify a couple of keywords to start with and use these when searching. Don't try to enter too many keywords all at once as it's often useful to see what else there is around your topic.  Also, entering too many keywords can make your search too specific and you may struggle to find what you need. Do not try searching using your whole dissertation topic title – this will not work!
• Can't find what you need? Many databases only contain PhD level manuscripts. Using 'Advanced Search' options within databases can sometimes allow you to specify other manuscript levels.
• Don't worry about topic area too much if you just want to see what a dissertation looks like and get a rough idea of layout and format.
• Ensure you are looking at the correct level of research for your study. There is a BIG difference between a Masters' dissertation and a PhD level thesis!
• Always check any guidelines you have been given by your school in regard to the layout, format and length of your own dissertation, so you know what to expect. If in doubt, speak with your supervisor.

Get help writing a dissertation

• Read our Dissertations and Theses guidance for help on writing and formatting a dissertation.
• Check out our Online resources for dissertation students Reading List – it contains links to really useful online dissertation resources and textbooks to help get you started.
• Contact your Academic Support Team for further help and advice.

Further recommended resources

The University of Leeds has a selection of dissertation examples with an indication of the mark awarded to the student. Additional support resources are located on their Final Chapter webpage.

Department of History

Dissertations.

Since 2009, we have published the best of the annual dissertations produced by our final year undergraduates and award a 'best dissertation of the year' prize to the best of the best.

• Best Dissertations of 2022
• Best Dissertations of 2021
• Best Dissertations of 2020
• Best Dissertations of 2019
• Best Dissertations of 2018
• Best Dissertations of 2017
• Best Dissertations of 2016
• Best Dissertations of 2015
• Best Dissertations of 2014
• Best Dissertations of 2013
• Best Dissertations of 2012
• Best Dissertations of 2011
• Best Dissertations of 2010
• B est Dissertations of 2009

• Schools & departments

Dissertation archive

Student dissertations held by the library.

Undergraduate dissertations

PPLS Library holds undergraduate Psychology dissertations submitted from 1947 to 2019. These are available on request from the librarian.  If you are unable to visit the library, the librarian can make a search on your behalf.  Since 2006 dissertations were submitted online to the Edinburgh Research Archive.  EASE login is required to see full-text.

Undergraduate dissertations are not publicly available until one academic year after their original submission.

Edinburgh Research Archive

Postgraduate theses and dissertations

Doctoral and MPhil  theses are held in the Centre for Research Collections at the University Library.

Centre for Research Collections

Most can be found by searching DiscoverEd and are now usually available online.

PPLS Masters dissertations were submitted electronically from 2006 onwards and are held online in the Edinburgh Reseseach Archive (ERA).  Psychology Masters dissertations from 1998 to 2004 are held in the PPLS library. They are available on request from the librarian.

Masters dissertations are not available publicly until one academic year after their original submission.

  Edinburgh Research Archive

Find theses on your subject

The library also subscribes to useful resources for accessing  dissertations and theses worldwide.

Information about finding theses

Harvard University Theses, Dissertations, and Prize Papers

The Harvard University Archives ’ collection of theses, dissertations, and prize papers document the wide range of academic research undertaken by Harvard students over the course of the University’s history.

Beyond their value as pieces of original research, these collections document the history of American higher education, chronicling both the growth of Harvard as a major research institution as well as the development of numerous academic fields. They are also an important source of biographical information, offering insight into the academic careers of the authors.

Spanning from the ‘theses and quaestiones’ of the 17th and 18th centuries to the current yearly output of student research, they include both the first Harvard Ph.D. dissertation (by William Byerly, Ph.D . 1873) and the dissertation of the first woman to earn a doctorate from Harvard ( Lorna Myrtle Hodgkinson , Ed.D. 1922).

Other highlights include:

• The collection of Mathematical theses, 1782-1839
• The 1895 Ph.D. dissertation of W.E.B. Du Bois, The suppression of the African slave trade in the United States, 1638-1871
• Ph.D. dissertations of astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin (Ph.D. 1925) and physicist John Hasbrouck Van Vleck (Ph.D. 1922)
• Undergraduate honors theses of novelist John Updike (A.B. 1954), filmmaker Terrence Malick (A.B. 1966),  and U.S. poet laureate Tracy Smith (A.B. 1994)
• Undergraduate prize papers and dissertations of philosophers Ralph Waldo Emerson (A.B. 1821), George Santayana (Ph.D. 1889), and W.V. Quine (Ph.D. 1932)
• Undergraduate honors theses of U.S. President John F. Kennedy (A.B. 1940) and Chief Justice John Roberts (A.B. 1976)

What does a prize-winning thesis look like?

If you're a Harvard undergraduate writing your own thesis, it can be helpful to review recent prize-winning theses. The Harvard University Archives has made available for digital lending all of the Thomas Hoopes Prize winners from the 2019-2021 academic years.

Accessing These Materials

How to access materials at the Harvard University Archives

How to find and request dissertations, in person or virtually

How to find and request undergraduate honors theses

How to find and request Thomas Temple Hoopes Prize papers

How to find and request Bowdoin Prize papers

• email: Email
• Phone number 617-495-2461

Related Collections

Harvard faculty personal and professional archives, harvard student life collections: arts, sports, politics and social life, access materials at the harvard university archives.

How to Write a First Class Dissertation

How to get a first in your dissertation.

A dissertation paper has two main goals: to prove that the student has acquired extensive knowledge about a selected topic and to demonstrate the student's ability of using pertinent research methods. Knowing how to write a first class dissertation implies a level of knowledge and training fit for future academic endeavours, as well as for achieving professional or personal goals.

A first class dissertation is a research paper of the utmost quality, with a final grade of at least 70 percent. This implies that the paper will show signs of excellence when it comes to clarity, presentation, originality and understanding of the key issues; furthermore, a first class dissertation gives evidence for the student's independent manner of thinking and judgement. Furthermore, when learning how to write a first class dissertation, students need to acknowledge the importance of constant communication with their supervisors. The steady feedback offered this way would assure that any problems encountered during their research would be dealt with immediately. Avoiding one's supervisor is thus a costly mistake, often resulting in the student receiving a second or third class grade for his or her dissertation.

Writing the Dissertation Paper

A student who knows how to write a first class dissertation is able to understand and apply the knowledge offered by his bibliographical sources in a creative manner that demonstrates critical thinking and originality. Furthermore, a first class dissertation requires an excellent use of writing skills when constructing the arguments and bringing the evidence for a certain point of view. The chosen bibliographic materials need to be of the utmost relevance and recency, regardless of the where the student has acquired them from (Internet websites, libraries, etc.).

Generally, a dissertation consists of several separate sections:

• The introduction should provide a background of the chosen study. A well-written thesis needs to be introduced within this section. A student who knows how to write a first class dissertation needs to be able to attract and prepare his readers for the content of the paper. By emphasising on the goals and objectives the dissertation aims to achieve, the author makes the audience more perceptive to the arguments brought within the paper. A good hint would be to edit your introduction once the paper is finished, as this is one of the most difficult parts to write of an academic paper.
• The literature review is the second part of the paper; in it, the author underlines the problems that are going to be discussed, presenting every relevant piece of evidence. By analysing the theories presented by the specialised literature, you will prepare the grounds for the next section of the dissertation, the methodology.
• The methodology enlarges on every specific method of data analysis used in the thesis. Knowing how to write a first class dissertation implies using qualitative research methods, rather than quantitative ones. Furthermore, a research design needs to be specified, along with a timetable that identifies the number of days and weeks spent studying every aspect of the discussion. The methods of analysing the data also need to be specified. Overall, the better the author explains the methods and processes he used for bringing evidence to his thesis, the more credible his paper will be.

A good academic impression is built by offering arguments for all the pros and cons related to the subject of the thesis. Someone who knows how to write a first class dissertation will bring evidence both for and against the subject he aims to prove, and will not refrain from admitting the limitations of his study. Furthermore, every table, statistic, figure or chart needs to be thoroughly explained; failure to do so will result in losing valuable marks.

• The conclusion provides a recap of the whole discussion and brings it to a satisfactory end. Every current issue related to the chosen research topic is to be presented in this section, without adding any new information that asks for additional explanations. A student who knows how to write a first class dissertation will also present the limitations he or she has encountered during the research, and direct the reader to other recommended studies that can provide additional information about the subject. A good conclusion offers a sense of closure to the paper and reinforces the author's credibility at the same time; like the introduction, the conclusion is a section students find quite difficult to construct.
• Lastly, the works cited page and the appendix are added at the end of the dissertation. Pay attention to the formatting style you have chosen; any inadvertencies will automatically lead to the loss of valuable marks.

Use of Language, Style and Formatting

Aiming for a top mark requires paying proper attention to language and style. A first-class academic paper should be written in a formal style, using the appropriate terminology.

A student who knows how to write a first class dissertation will avoid colloquial and informal expressions; however, an excessive use of scientific terminology or technical language is undesirable. Clear, concise sentences are the most appropriate for making oneself understood. A pompous style employing lengthy sentences will probably diminish the interest of the reader.

Furthermore, avoid using the first person in your text; “the researcher/author” is commonly used in academic papers when referring to the person who has devised the thesis. Furthermore, words that express qualitative judgments (such as “bad”, “good”, “perfect”, etc) should be avoided, “correct” or “incorrect” being more fit for presenting your arguments or opinions.

The specifications of the formatting style needs to be respected at all times. Usually, academic papers employ the Harvard or APA style, but instructors may specify the use of other referencing standards.

Lastly, proofread and spell-check the text. If you can show the paper to a native English speaker, do so, asking him or her to tell you where you might improve on your use of language. If you know how to write a first class dissertation, then you know that incorrect use of language and grammar will lower your marks. For the best results, consider using our proofreading and editing section ; furthermore, the dissertation writing section can help you by offering well-written dissertation you can use as models during future academic endeavours.

[button url="http://www.academicsciences.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/How-to-Write-a-First-Class-Dissertation.pdf" ]To download this guide for free, click here![/button]

Are you struggling with the perfect dissertation? Academic Sciences provide custom essays and model answers which can help you manage your dissertation writing and help get you the grade you want. We have a variety of solutions available to you to suit your academic level, time frame and budget. Have a look through our academic guides and if you are still struggling, consider giving us a call or placing an order for your dissertation on-line.

School of Social and Political Science

Msc dissertation library.

The online Dissertation Library includes content from all postgraduate degrees in the School, including all taught and research MScs and the Masters of Social Work (MSW).

As an SPS masters student in the School of Social and Political Science, you are given exclusive access to the Library.

Please note that dissertations from any given academic year may not be uploaded before March/April of the following year.

• First Class dissertations
• Placement-based dissertation reports
• analytical reports
• other variants on the academic dissertation
• The Online Dissertation Library is available to all MSc students currently registered to study at the School of Social and Political Science.
• Copyright of a dissertation is retained by the author and The University of Edinburgh. Ideas contained in a dissertation remain the intellectual property of the author and their supervisors, except stated otherwise.
• Students will be aware of the School guidance on plagiarism . All dissertations have been submitted through the Turnitin plagiarism detection software. Students making use of these dissertations in their own work must reference them as with any other source material. Should plagiarism occur - either intentionally or inadvertently - the usual penalties will be applied.
• Users may download dissertations for their own use only. Downloaded dissertations must not be passed on to anyone else.
• The online Dissertation Library is provided as a service to current Masters students to support them by providing examples of good previous dissertations. Any student found misusing the system will lose access to it and further penalties may be applied.
• Dissertations are anonymous and no information pertaining to final marks, etc, will be provided.

Public Availability of Dissertations' form  (Document download, 109KB)