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dissertation
Definition of dissertation
Examples of dissertation in a sentence, word history.
1651, in the meaning defined above
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“Dissertation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissertation. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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Meaning of dissertation in English
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- boilerplate
- composition
- corresponding author
- essay question
- peer review
dissertation | American Dictionary
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What Exactly Is A Dissertation (Or Thesis)?
If you’ve landed on this article, chances are you’ve got a dissertation or thesis project coming up (hopefully it’s not due next week!), and you’re now asking yourself the classic question, “what the #%#%^ is a dissertation?”…
In this post, I’ll break down the basics of exactly what a dissertation is, in plain language. No ivory tower academia.
So, let’s get to the pressing question – what is a dissertation?
A dissertation (or thesis) = a research project
Simply put, a dissertation (or thesis – depending on which country you’re studying in) is a research project . In other words, your task is to ask a research question (or set of questions) and then set about finding the answer(s). Simple enough, right?
Well, the catch is that you’ve got to undertake this research project in an academic fashion , and there’s a wealth of academic language that makes it all (look) rather confusing (thanks, academia). However, at its core, a dissertation is about undertaking research (investigating something). This is really important to understand, because the key skill that your university is trying to develop in you (and will be testing you on) is your ability to undertake research in a well-structured structured, critical and academically rigorous way.
This research-centric focus is significantly different from assignments or essays, where the main concern is whether you can understand and apply the prescribed module theory. I’ll explain some other key differences between dissertations or theses and assignments a bit later in this article, but for now, let’s dig a little deeper into what a dissertation is.
A dissertation (or thesis) is a process.
Okay, so now that you understand that a dissertation is a research project (which is testing your ability to undertake quality research), let’s go a little deeper into what that means in practical terms.
The best way to understand a dissertation is to view it as a process – more specifically a research process (it is a research project, after all). This process involves four essential steps, which I’ll discuss below.
Step 1 – You identify a worthy research question
The very first step of the research process is to find a meaningful research question, or a set of questions. In other words, you need to find a suitable topic for investigation. Since a dissertation is all about research, identifying the key question(s) is the critical first step. Here’s an example of a well-defined research question:
“Which factors cultivate or erode customer trust in UK-based life insurance brokers?”
This clearly defined question sets the direction of the research . From the question alone, you can understand exactly what the outcome of the research might look like – i.e. a set of findings about which factors help brokers develop customer trust, and which factors negatively impact trust.
But how on earth do I find a suitable research question, you ask? Don’t worry about this right now – when you’re ready, you can read our article about finding a dissertation topic . However, right now, the important thing to understand is that the first step in the dissertation process is identifying the key research question(s). Without a clear question, you cannot move forward.
Step 2 – You review the existing research
Once the research question is clearly established, the next step is to review the existing research/literature (both academic and professional/industry) to understand what has already been said with regard to the question. In academic speak, this is called a literature review .
This step is critically important as, in all likelihood, someone else has asked a similar question to yours, and therefore you can build on the work of others . Good academic research is not about reinventing the wheel or starting from scratch – it’s about familiarising yourself with the current state of knowledge, and then using that as your basis for further research.
Simply put, the first step to answering your research question is to look at what other researchers have to say about it. Sometimes this will lead you to change your research question or direction slightly (for example, if the existing research already provides a comprehensive answer). Don’t stress – this is completely acceptable and a normal part of the research process.
Step 3 – You carry out your own research
Once you’ve got a decent understanding of the existing state of knowledge, you will carry out your own research by collecting and analysing the relevant data. This could take to form of primary research (collecting your own fresh data), secondary research (synthesising existing data) or both, depending on the nature of your degree, research question(s) and even your university’s specific requirements.
Exactly what data you collect and how you go about analysing it depends largely on the research question(s) you are asking, but very often you will take either a qualitative approach (e.g. interviews or focus groups) or a quantitative approach (e.g. online surveys). In other words, your research approach can be words-based, numbers-based, or both . Don’t let the terminology scare you and don’t worry about these technical details for now – we’ll explain research methodology in later posts .
Step 4 – You develop answers to your research question(s)
Combining your understanding of the existing research (Step 2) with the findings from your own original research (Step 3), you then (attempt to) answer your original research question (s). The process of asking, investigating and then answering has gone full circle.
Of course, your research won’t always provide rock-solid answers to your original questions, and indeed you might find that your findings spur new questions altogether. Don’t worry – this is completely acceptable and is a natural part of the research process.
So, to recap, a dissertation is best understood as a research process, where you are:
- Ask a meaningful research question(s)
- Carry out the research (both existing research and your own)
- Analyse the results to develop an answer to your original research question(s).
Depending on your specific degree and the way your university designs its coursework, you might be asking yourself “but isn’t this just a longer version of a normal assignment?”. Well, it’s quite possible that your previous assignments required a similar research process, but there are some key differences you need to be aware of, which I’ll explain next.
Same same, but different…
While there are, naturally, similarities between dissertations/theses and assignments, its important to understand the differences so that you approach your dissertation with the right mindset and focus your energy on the right things. Here, I’ll discuss four ways in which writing a dissertation differs substantially from assignments and essays, and why this matters.
Difference #1 – You must decide (and live with) the direction.
Unlike assignments or essays, where the general topic is determined for you, for your dissertation, you will (typically) be the one who decides on your research questions and overall direction. This means that you will need to:
- Find a suitable research question (or set of questions)
- Justify why its worth investigating (in the form of a research proposal )
- Find all the relevant existing research and familiarise yourself with the theory
This is very different from assignments, where the theory is given to you on a platter, and the direction is largely pre-defined. Therefore, before you start the dissertation process, you need to understand the basics of academic research, how to find a suitable research topic and how to source the relevant literature.
Difference #2 – It’s a long project, and you’re on your own.
A dissertation is a long journey, at least compared to assignments. Typically, you will spend 3 – 6 months writing around 15,000 – 25,000 words (for Masters-level, much more for PhD) on just one subject. Therefore, successfully completing your dissertation requires a substantial amount of stamina .
To make it even more challenging, your classmates will not be researching the same thing as you are, so you have limited support, other than your supervisor (who may be very busy). This can make it quite a lonely journey . Therefore, you need a lot of self-discipline and self-direction in order to see it through to the end. You should also try to build a support network of people who can help you through the process (perhaps alumni, faculty or a private coach ).
Difference #3 – They’re testing research skills.
We touched on this earlier. Unlike assignments or essays, where the markers are assessing your ability to understand and apply the theories, models and frameworks that they provide you with, your dissertation will be is assessing your ability to undertake high-quality research in an academically rigorous manner.
Of course, your ability to understand the relevant theory (i.e. within your literature review) is still very important, but this is only one piece of the research skills puzzle. You need to demonstrate the full spectrum of research skills.
It’s important to note that your research does not need to be ground-breaking, revolutionary or world-changing – that is not what the markers are assessing. They are assessing whether you can apply well-established research principles and skills to a worthwhile topic of enquiry. Don’t feel like you need to solve the world’s major problems. It’s simply not going to happen (you’re a first-time researcher, after all) – and doesn’t need to happen in order to earn good marks.
Difference #4 – Your focus needs to be narrow and deep.
In your assignments, you were likely encouraged to take a broad, interconnected, high-level view of the theory and connect as many different ideas and concepts as possible. In your dissertation, however, you typically need to narrow your focus and go deep into one particular topic. Think about the research question we looked at earlier:
The focus is intentionally very narrow – specifically the focus is on:
- The UK only – no other countries are being considered.
- Life insurance brokers only – not financial services, not vehicle insurance, not medical insurance, etc.
- Customer trust only – not reputation, not customer loyalty, not employee trust, supplier trust, etc.
By keeping the focus narrow, you enable yourself to deeply probe whichever topic you choose – and this depth is essential for earning good marks. Importantly, ringfencing your focus doesn’t mean ignoring the connections to other topics – you should still acknowledge all the linkages, but don’t get distracted – stay focused on the research question(s).
So, as you can see, a dissertation is more than just an extended assignment or essay. It’s a unique research project that you (and only you) must lead from start to finish. The good news is that, if done right, completing your dissertation will equip you with strong research skills, which you will most certainly use in the future, regardless of whether you follow an academic or professional path.
Wrapping up
Hopefully in this post, I’ve answered your key question, “what is a dissertation?”, at least at a big picture-level. To recap on the key points:
- A dissertation is simply a structured research project .
- It’s useful to view a dissertation as a process involving asking a question, undertaking research and then answering that question.
- First and foremost, your marker(s) will be assessing your research skills , so its essential that you focus on producing a rigorous, academically sound piece of work (as opposed to changing the world or making a scientific breakthrough).
- While there are similarities, a dissertation is different from assignments and essays in multiple ways. It’s important to understand these differences if you want to produce a quality dissertation.
In this post, I’ve gently touched on some of the intricacies of the dissertation, including research questions, data types and research methodologies. Be sure to check out the Grad Coach Blog for more detailed discussion of these areas.
36 Comments
Hello Derek
Yes, I struggle with literature review and am highly frustrated (with myself).
Thank you for the guide that you have sent, especially the apps. I am working through the guide and busy with the implementation of it.
Hope to hear from you again!
Regards Micheal
Great to hear that, Michael. All the best with your research!
Very useful and clear information.
Thank you. That was quite something to move forward with. Despite the fact that I was lost. I will now be able to do something with the information given.
That’s great, Pheladi. Good luck!
Thank you so much for your videos and writing research proposal and dissertation. These videos are useful. I was struggling, but now I am starting to write. I hope to watch your more videos to learn more about the dissertation.
Before this post, I didn’t know where to start my research, today I have some light and do certain % of my research. I may need for direction on literature review. Big thanks to you.
Very very good Derek
Thanks immensely Derek
You’re welcome 🙂 Good luck with your dissertation/thesis.
Thank you Derek for widening my scope on research, this can be likened to a blind man whose eyes can now see.
Remain bless sir🙏
You guys are doing really great… I am extremely grateful for your help… Keep going.. Please activate that research help for indian students as well I couldn’t access it being an indian.
Hello Derek,
I got stuck in the concept paper because I changed my topic. Now I don’t know where to pick up the pieces again. How can I focus and stay on track. I am getting scared.
Thank you so much Derek, I am a new comer, learning for the first time how to write a good research. These in information’s to me is a mind opener, I hope to learn more from you in the future, Thanks and God bless.
Thanks Guys this means so much to me
A pretty good and insightful piece for beginners like me. Looking forward to more helpful hints and guide. Thanks to Derek.
This is so helpful…really appreciate your work.
Great to hear that
On cybersecurity Analytics research to banking transactions
This was of great help to me and quite informative .
Thank you so much GradCoach,
This is like a light at the end of the tunnel. You are a lifesaver. Thank you once again.
hello, I’m so grateful for such great information. It appears basic, but it is so relevant in understanding the research process.
Your website is very helpful for writing thesis. A big well done to the team. Do you have a website for paper writing and academic publishing or how to publish my thesis, how to land a fully funded PhD, etc. Just the general upward trajectory in the academia. Thank you
I have learned a lot from the lectures, it was beneficial and helped me a lot in my research journey. Thank you very much
Thank you for your gifts of enlightenment to a person like me who’s always a student. May your ‘well’not dry out.
It’s quite a fun and superb, now I have come to believe that the way one teach can have an impact in understanding and can change one’s assumption and position about a subject or a problem, before I came here and learn I consider research methodology a hard thing because, I wasn’t taught by a mentor like this one. Thanks so much who ever have make this effort to make this something easy and engaging
I can’t imagine that world has achieved major aspects of every field of study
Thank you very much for all the valuable, wonderful and comprehensive amount of information… I highly appreciate your support, 100% I recommend you
This topic is intended for my MPhil. Work (The perception of parents on Technical and Vocational Education, the impact on educational policy). May you consider the suitability of the topic for me and refine if the need be. Thank you,
Hello here…
i have gone through the notes and it is interesting. All i need now is a pdf file that contain a whole dissertation writing inclusive of chapter 1 to 5 on motivation as a topic… thanks
Remarkable!!! You made it sound so simple
I got stuck in my writing because I need to change my topic. I am getting scared as I have a semester left 🙁
Thanks for such an educational opportunity and support
Thanks for your educational opportunity and support
Could you please share me with the App. to use for literature review
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Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > Tips for Students > Dissertation Explained: A Grad Student’s Guide
Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students
Dissertation Explained: A Grad Student’s Guide
Updated: June 19, 2024
Published: March 10, 2020
In this article
Higher education is filled with milestones. When completing your PhD , you will be required to complete a dissertation. Even if you’ve heard this word thrown around before, you still may be questioning “What is a dissertation?” It’s a common question, especially for those considering to join or are already in a graduate program. As such, here’s everything you need to know about dissertations.
What is a Dissertation?
A dissertation is a written document that details research. A dissertation also signifies the completion of your PhD program. It is required to earn a PhD degree, which stands for Doctor of Philosophy.
A PhD is created from knowledge acquired from:
1. Coursework:
A PhD program consists of academic courses that are usually small in size and challenging in content. Most PhD courses consist of a high amount and level of reading and writing per week. These courses will help prepare you for your dissertation as they will teach research methodology.
2. Research:
For your dissertation, it is likely that you will have the choice between performing your own research on a subject , or expanding on existing research. Likely, you will complete a mixture of the two. For those in the hard sciences, you will perform research in a lab. For those in humanities and social sciences, research may mean gathering data from surveys or existing research.
3. Analysis:
Once you have collected the data you need to prove your point, you will have to analyze and interpret the information. PhD programs will prepare you for how to conduct analysis, as well as for how to position your research into the existing body of work on the subject matter.
4. Support:
The process of writing and completing a dissertation is bigger than the work itself. It can lead to research positions within the university or outside companies. It may mean that you will teach and share your findings with current undergraduates, or even be published in academic journals. How far you plan to take your dissertation is your choice to make and will require the relevant effort to accomplish your goals.
Moving from Student to Scholar
In essence, a dissertation is what moves a doctoral student into becoming a scholar. Their research may be published, shared, and used as educational material moving forwards.
Thesis vs. Dissertation
Basic differences.
Grad students may conflate the differences between a thesis and a dissertation.
Simply put, a thesis is what you write to complete a master’s degree. It summarizes existing research and signifies that you understand the subject matter deeply.
On the other hand, a dissertation is the culmination of a doctoral program. It will likely require your own research and it can contribute an entirely new idea into your field.
Structural Differences
When it comes to the structure, a thesis and dissertation are also different. A thesis is like the research papers you complete during undergraduate studies. A thesis displays your ability to think critically and analyze information. It’s less based on research that you’ve completed yourself and more about interpreting and analyzing existing material. They are generally around 100 pages in length.
A dissertation is generally two to three times longer compared to a thesis. This is because the bulk of the information is garnered from research you’ve performed yourself. Also, if you are providing something new in your field, it means that existing information is lacking. That’s why you’ll have to provide a lot of data and research to back up your claims.
Your Guide: Structuring a Dissertation
Dissertation length.
The length of a dissertation varies between study level and country. At an undergraduate level, this is more likely referred to as a research paper, which is 10,000 to 12,000 words on average. At a master’s level, the word count may be 15,000 to 25,000, and it will likely be in the form of a thesis. For those completing their PhD, then the dissertation could be 50,000 words or more.
Photo by Louis Reed on Unsplash
Format of the dissertation.
Here are the items you must include in a dissertation. While the format may slightly vary, here’s a look at one way to format your dissertation:
1. Title page:
This is the first page which includes: title, your name, department, degree program, institution, and submission date. Your program may specify exactly how and what they want you to include on the title page.
2. Acknowledgements:
This is optional, but it is where you can express your gratitude to those who have helped you complete your dissertation (professors, research partners, etc.).
3. Abstract:
The abstract is about 150-300 words and summarizes what your research is about. You state the main topic, the methods used, the main results, and your conclusion.
4. Table of Contents
Here, you list the chapter titles and pages to serve as a wayfinding tool for your readers.
5. List of Figures and Tables:
This is like the table of contents, but for graphs and figures.
6. List of Abbreviations:
If you’ve constantly abbreviated words in your content, define them in a list at the beginning.
7. Glossary:
In highly specialized work, it’s likely that you’ve used words that most people may not understand, so a glossary is where you define these terms.
8. Introduction:
Your introduction sets up the topic, purpose, and relevance. It’s where readers will understand what they expect to gain from your dissertation.
9. Literature Review / Theoretical Framework:
Based on the research you performed to create your own dissertation, you’ll want to summarize and address the gaps in what you researched.
10. Methodology
This is where you define how you conducted your research. It offers credibility for you as a source of information. You should give all the details as to how you’ve conducted your research, including: where and when research took place, how it was conducted, any obstacles you faced, and how you justified your findings.
11. Results:
This is where you share the results that have helped contribute to your findings.
12. Discussion:
In the discussion section, you explain what these findings mean to your research question. Were they in line with your expectations or did something jump out as surprising? You may also want to recommend ways to move forward in researching and addressing the subject matter.
13. Conclusion:
A conclusion ties it all together and summarizes the answer to the research question and leaves your reader clearly understanding your main argument.
14. Reference List:
This is the equivalent to a works cited or bibliography page, which documents all the sources you used to create your dissertation.
15. Appendices:
If you have any information that was ancillary to creating the dissertation, but doesn’t directly fit into its chapters, then you can add it in the appendix.
Drafting and Rewriting
As with any paper, especially one of this size and importance, the writing requires a process. It may begin with outlines and drafts, and even a few rewrites. It’s important to proofread your dissertation for both grammatical mistakes, but also to ensure it can be clearly understood.
It’s always useful to read your writing out loud to catch mistakes. Also, if you have people who you trust to read it over — like a peer, family member, mentor, or professor — it’s very helpful to get a second eye on your work.
How is it Different from an Essay?
There are a few main differences between a dissertation and an essay. For starters, an essay is relatively short in comparison to a dissertation, which includes your own body of research and work. Not only is an essay shorter, but you are also likely given the topic matter of an essay. When it comes to a dissertation, you have the freedom to construct your own argument, conduct your own research, and then prove your findings.
Types of Dissertations
You can choose what type of dissertation you complete. Often, this depends on the subject and doctoral degree, but the two main types are:
This relies on conducting your own research.
Non-empirical:
This relies on studying existing research to support your argument.
Photo by freddie marriage on Unsplash
More things you should know.
A dissertation is certainly no easy feat. Here’s a few more things to remember before you get started writing your own:
1. Independent by Nature:
The process of completing a dissertation is self-directed, and therefore can feel overwhelming. However, if you approach it like the new experience that it is with an open-mind and willingness to learn, you will make it through!
2. Seek Support:
There are countless people around to offer support. From professors to peers, you can always ask for help throughout the process.
3. Writing Skills:
The process of writing a dissertation will further hone your writing skills which will follow you throughout your life. These skills are highly transferable on the job, from having the ability to communicate to also developing analytical and critical thinking skills.
4. Time Management:
You can work backwards from the culmination of your program to break down this gargantuan task into smaller pieces. That way, you can manage your time to chip away at the task throughout the length of the program.
5. Topic Flexibility:
It’s okay to change subject matters and rethink the point of your dissertation. Just try as much as possible to do this early in the process so you don’t waste too much time and energy.
The Wrap Up
A dissertation marks the completion of your doctoral program and moves you from being a student to being a scholar. While the process is long and requires a lot of effort and energy, you have the power to lend an entirely new research and findings into your field of expertise.
As always, when in the thick of things, remember why you started. Completing both your dissertation and PhD is a commendable accomplishment.
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Dissertation 101: Tips for researching and writing a doctoral dissertation
By Elizabeth Exline
When Rose Lorenzo got close to finishing her master’s degree at University of Phoenix (UOPX), she came to a crossroads. She could walk away with her degree and focus on building her company, Lorenzo Financial , or she could scratch the itch for more academic knowledge and pursue her doctorate.
Lorenzo chose the latter. (And still managed to build her company, lay the groundwork to launch a new school and eventually get accepted to law school.)
“Although I knew what I wanted to study, I wish I had known how to choose the right topic and how to narrow that topic down before I started,” Lorenzo recalls.
Lorenzo, of course, is talking about the dissertation , that book-length document that’s both the capstone of the doctoral degree and the driving force behind a doctoral program’s years of study and academic research.
But settling on a topic is just one part of a process that can intimidate even the most determined scholar. What’s exactly involved in a dissertation? And what’s the point of one anyway? Here, we take a deeper dive into the dissertation experience.
What is a dissertation?
A dissertation is an academic document prepared by a doctoral student that contains original research about a topic. The student identifies the topic, conducts the research, writes the dissertation and defends it in front of a committee led by a dissertation chair and other doctoral faculty who decide whether the research meets the doctoral level research standards. If it does, the student will successfully complete the doctoral program, have their dissertation published in ProQuest and earn a terminal degree , which means the highest education level that can be earned in a field.
The dissertation, in other words, is important. But why all the fuss in the first place? According to Rodney Luster, PhD, a dissertation can enhance society’s overall knowledge and understanding about an issue and ignite a person’s area of interest and expertise, as well as enhance that expertise .
Luster is the chair for the Center for Leadership Studies and Organizational Research within the College of Doctoral Studies at University of Phoenix , and he points to his own dissertation by way of example.
His research concerned what is currently known as vicarious trauma, a phenomenon he witnessed among his college students after the 9/11 attacks. His students hadn’t been anywhere near the attack, and yet he noticed they displayed classic signs of trauma. This piqued his interest.
“I was able to conduct what I understand was the first research study looking at vicarious trauma in the general population, and that has opened up a lot of doors,” Luster explains.
Now an expert on the concept, he has seen the phenomenon after subsequent events, such as Hurricane Katrina.
Lorenzo’s research was more tailored to her area of interest. She ultimately whittled down her topic from how leadership impacts entrepreneurial success or failure to how it impacts female entrepreneurs specifically.
Topics, in other words, offer the freedom for students to follow their curiosity and experience with the goal of potentially solving a problem or adding to a field’s body of knowledge .
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Practitioner doctorate vs. PhD – 5 things to know before getting started
Dissertation vs. thesis — what's the difference.
Some people may confuse a dissertation with a thesis, but they’re not the same thing. While similar in nature in that they are both the capstone of an academic program, the biggest difference is where a dissertation and a thesis fit in the educational journey. As explained, a doctoral student completes a dissertation, while a thesis is a research paper for a master’s-level student or sometimes within a bachelor’s program.
There are other differences as well. One is the level of research involved. Often, a thesis is based on existing research. This means that an undergrad or graduate student will compile various research findings to defend a theory or idea in a thesis. A dissertation on the other hand requires doctoral students to conduct, present and defend their own research.
The two documents differ in length too. A thesis is often much shorter and can range from 40 to 60 pages for an undergraduate thesis and from 60 to upward of 100 pages for a master's thesis. A dissertation is 150 to 300 pages, or 80,000 to 100,000 words. As noted, whether it’s presented in front of a panel of faculty or academics as an oral defense is another key difference. This is often required for a dissertation, but oral defense of a thesis may depend on the program or institution.
How to write a dissertation
Figuring out a dissertation topic is a process as individualized as the students in a doctoral degree program. Luster usually encourages candidates to begin with a title .
“That’s going to be your selling point for everything, and it has to be understandable. It must be concise. It must have a theoretical construct in it. The title will take you a lot of places and will help lead you into the writing process.”
To this Lorenzo adds a less lofty but equally valid cross-check: She learned to really drill down any topic with the question, “ Who cares? ” If there are people who are invested in learning more about the topic (if there are, in other words, people who care), it may warrant further research.
These preliminary exercises lay a solid foundation for the dissertation process, but the actual research and writing can still feel intimidating. Luster, for example, had written a book before starting his dissertation, and points out that a dissertation “is not like any other writing that you’ve done.”
So, where do you start? At UOPX, you start in your first class.
Understanding ACCESS
The dissertation process at UOPX was revamped and rolled out in September 2019, notes Shawn C. Todd-Boone, EdD, the associate dean for ACCESS, research and residency at the College of Doctoral Studies.
Luster says the process was reimagined based on extensive feedback and on a desire to make the process more effective and efficient.
One of the first ways the dissertation process changed was with the development of ACCESS , an acronym for “ advancing community, critical thought, engagement, scholarship and success .”
This sequence is incorporated into the first three interdisciplinary courses of any doctoral program at UOPX with an eye toward introducing doctoral candidates to what Luster calls a “theoretical mindset.”
The ACCESS program attempts to nurture a culture of inquiry that helps retain doctoral candidates while inspiring them to innovate in their fields, Boone says.
ACCESS, in other words, sets the tone for the entire doctoral process, which is founded on innovation, research and critical thinking.
The five phases of the dissertation
Writing the dissertation occurs in what Luster describes as five phases over the course of different classes. These are:
- Phase 1: Develop a prospectus , which is an outline of the research project.
- Phase 2: Draft the first chapter of the dissertation, which is known as the précis .
- Phase 3: Undergo a concept review and develop the second chapter.
- Phase 4: Focus on the proposal , write the third chapter and review chapters one through three.
- Phase 5: Obtain the approval of the Institutional Review Board , which evaluates research according to the University’s ethical standards.
Better together: How three friends made earning their doctorates a team sport
The uopx difference.
The five phases of the dissertation writing process aren’t ubiquitous. Doctoral students work on a dissertation while going through the program at UOPX — which was very much intentional, according to Boone.
“We have five phases in the dissertation process and a deliverable at the end of each phase to encourage students to finish and to complete on time if they commit to the process,” Boone explains.
This is a notable improvement, according to Lorenzo. “It is more effective to start your research on day one than wait, because it's easier to identify the gap in research and eliminate wasted research time on topics that are not relevant to your study, and [it] helps contribute to the literature review of the study,” she says.
But this process isn’t the only benefit UOPX students enjoy. The doctoral program has several other distinctive features:
- Once upon a time, students interviewed potential research chairs to take on the oversight of their program. The result was stressful, with doctoral candidates often casting a wide net in the hope of securing a chair and then potentially ending up with someone who wasn’t quite the perfect fit. Today, UOPX takes the stress and potential mismatch out of the equation. “Students do not search for dissertation committee members ,” Boone says. “We assign them.”
- Dissertations from UOPX tend to focus on functional application more so than just theory, Luster notes. This means topics have real-world applications, and communities and industries may benefit from the research. For example, one recent dissertation explored the integration of nurse graduates into hospital settings during COVID-19.
- Doctoral candidates have access to diverse and extensive resources . In addition to comprehensive documentation about the dissertation process at UOPX, candidates can leverage one-on-one appointments with the University’s library staff, engage in workshops with research chairs and seek opportunities to work as research assistants.
- Rather than what Luster calls a sink-or-swim approach, UOPX has invested in a mentor-driven approach . “I think that makes us largely different and successful with students, especially adult learners,” Luster says.
In the end, that sense of a safety net — both in terms of mentorship and the doctoral community itself — is one of the biggest reassurances doctoral candidates enjoy.
Lorenzo, for example, keeps in touch with a core group of colleagues she met through the program. “No one understands what you’re going through except for [your peers],” she notes.
Or, as Luster puts it: “You don’t have to worry, because you’ll acquire this information along the way, and you have a lot of good people to help you.”
How long is a doctoral dissertation?
Most are 100 to 300 pages and organized by chapters and/or sections and subsections. There are also often requirements for text size, page size and spacing that can depend on your doctoral program.
What are the parts of a dissertation?
A dissertation generally includes a Dissertation Acceptance Certificate, a title page, a copyright statement, an abstract (detailing the objective of the research, the methods and the outcome), a table of contents, the research itself and supplemental information (either as an appendix with charts and tables or as an uploaded file with digital information). Some dissertations include front and back matter, such as acknowledgments, a dedication, a glossary, a bibliography and related features.
Is a dissertation required for a doctorate?
Not always. While most doctoral and PhD degree programs require a dissertation, some don’t, and others require a capstone project.
What's the difference between a PhD and a doctorate?
Individuals who complete a PhD focus on producing new knowledge to contribute to a theory or body of research. Individuals who complete a practitioner doctorate , on the other hand, focuses on how to apply knowledge to a field or particular issue.
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Definition of 'dissertation'
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Home » Dissertation – Format, Example and Template
Dissertation – Format, Example and Template
Table of Contents
A dissertation is a significant piece of academic work that presents original research on a specific topic, often required to complete a degree. Writing a dissertation involves extensive research, critical analysis, and a thorough understanding of the subject. This guide provides an overview of the format, an example of a typical dissertation structure, and a template to guide you through the process.
Dissertation
A dissertation is a formal, structured document that reports on independent research, typically undertaken at the end of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Its purpose is to demonstrate the author’s ability to conduct research, analyze findings, and contribute new insights to the field.
Key Components of a Dissertation :
- Title Page : Includes the dissertation title, author’s name, institution, and date.
- Abstract : A brief summary of the research, findings, and implications.
- Acknowledgments : An optional section to thank contributors or supporters.
- Table of Contents : A list of all sections and subsections, with page numbers.
- Introduction : Introduces the topic, background, research questions, and objectives.
- Literature Review : Summarizes and analyzes existing research related to the topic.
- Methodology : Details the research design, data collection, and analysis methods.
- Results : Presents the research findings without interpretation.
- Discussion : Analyzes findings, interprets results, and compares them with existing literature.
- Conclusion : Summarizes the research, answers the research questions, and suggests implications.
- References : Lists all sources cited in the dissertation.
- Appendices : Contains supplementary materials, such as raw data or additional documentation.
Dissertation Format
A dissertation format follows a structured layout, with each chapter serving a specific purpose. Universities may have different formatting requirements, but most dissertations share a common structure.
1. Title Page
The title page is the cover of your dissertation. It should include:
- Title of the dissertation
- Author’s full name
- University name and department
- Submission date
- Supervisor’s name
2. Abstract
The abstract provides a concise summary of the research, including:
- Research question or objective
- Methodology
- Key findings
- Conclusion or implications
Example Abstract : “This study explores the impact of social media on consumer purchasing behavior. Using a mixed-methods approach, survey and interview data were collected from 300 participants. The findings indicate a positive correlation between social media usage and purchase intention, highlighting the significance of social media in influencing consumer decisions.”
3. Acknowledgments
In this optional section, you can thank anyone who contributed to the completion of the dissertation, including advisors, colleagues, friends, or family.
4. Table of Contents
The table of contents lists all main sections and subsections, providing page numbers for easy navigation.
5. Introduction
The introduction sets the context for your research, presenting:
- Background information
- The research problem or gap
- Research questions or hypotheses
- Objectives of the study
Example Introduction : “With the rapid growth of social media, consumers’ interactions with brands have fundamentally changed. This dissertation examines the relationship between social media exposure and consumer purchasing behavior, aiming to understand how platforms like Instagram and Facebook influence buying decisions.”
6. Literature Review
The literature review analyzes existing research related to your topic, focusing on:
- Relevant theories and models
- Key studies and findings
- Gaps in the literature
Example Literature Review Structure :
- Introduction to Key Theories : Overview of theories related to consumer behavior and social media influence.
- Analysis of Existing Research : Discussion of studies that explored social media’s impact on marketing.
- Identification of Gaps : Highlight areas that lack research, justifying the need for the current study.
7. Methodology
The methodology section explains your research approach, including:
- Research design (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods)
- Data collection methods (surveys, interviews, experiments)
- Sampling techniques
- Data analysis techniques
Example Methodology : “A mixed-methods approach was chosen for this study. Quantitative data was collected through an online survey with 300 respondents, while qualitative data was gathered from ten in-depth interviews. The survey data was analyzed using SPSS, and interview transcripts were coded to identify themes.”
In the results section, present your findings objectively:
- Summarize key data points and patterns.
- Use tables, charts, and graphs to visualize results.
- Avoid interpreting the results here—save that for the discussion.
Example Results : “Out of the 300 survey respondents, 65% indicated that they are likely to purchase a product after seeing it on social media. Analysis also showed that younger users, particularly those aged 18-24, are more influenced by social media advertising.”
9. Discussion
The discussion section interprets your results, linking them to the research questions and literature review. This section should:
- Analyze what the results mean in the context of your research questions.
- Compare findings with previous research.
- Identify limitations and implications of your research.
Example Discussion : “The positive correlation between social media usage and purchase intention supports existing literature on digital marketing effectiveness. However, the study’s reliance on self-reported data may limit generalizability. Future research should consider longitudinal designs to explore long-term effects.”
10. Conclusion
The conclusion provides a summary of the study, covering:
- Answers to research questions
- Implications for theory, practice, or future research
Example Conclusion : “This study concludes that social media significantly influences consumer purchasing behavior, particularly among younger demographics. Businesses should consider targeted social media strategies to engage this audience effectively.”
11. References
All sources cited in the dissertation should be listed in the references section, following a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
12. Appendices
The appendices section includes supplementary materials, such as:
- Survey questions or interview guides
- Raw data or calculations
- Additional charts, graphs, or tables
Dissertation Template
[University Name]
Dissertation Title
[Author’s Name]
[Submission Date]
- Brief summary of the research, methodology, and findings.
- Express gratitude to those who helped with the research.
- List of chapters, sections, and subsections with page numbers.
- Background, research questions, and objectives.
- Summary and analysis of relevant research, identifying gaps.
- Description of research methods, sampling, and analysis.
- Presentation of findings with tables or charts.
- Interpretation of findings, comparison with existing research.
- Summary of findings, answers to research questions, implications.
- List of all sources cited in the dissertation.
- Supplementary materials or data.
Tips for Writing a Dissertation
- Plan and Organize : Create a clear outline before you begin writing, and follow a timeline for completing each chapter.
- Use Reliable Sources : Ensure that your literature review includes credible and recent sources to strengthen your research.
- Stay Objective : Present findings objectively, without inserting personal bias.
- Edit and Proofread : Carefully review each chapter, and consider using professional editing services for the final draft.
- Follow Formatting Guidelines : Adhere to your institution’s formatting and citation guidelines to meet academic standards.
Writing a dissertation requires careful planning, thorough research, and a systematic approach to presenting findings. By following the recommended format, using a clear structure, and organizing each chapter effectively, you can create a comprehensive dissertation that showcases your research skills and knowledge.
- Murray, R. (2011). How to Write a Thesis . Open University Press.
- Ridley, D. (2012). The Literature Review: A Step-by-Step Guide for Students . Sage Publications.
- Thomas, G. (2017). How to Do Your Research Project: A Guide for Students in Education and Applied Social Sciences . Sage Publications.
- Turabian, K. L. (2013). A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations . University of Chicago Press.
- Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches . Sage Publications.
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IMAGES
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In American English, a dissertation is a research paper that’s required to earn a doctorate degree, while a thesis is a research paper required to earn a master’s degree. Dissertations and theses (the plural of thesis) are often mixed up because they’re both lengthy research papers written for higher education, especially as part of a ...
The meaning of DISSERTATION is an extended usually written treatment of a subject; specifically : one submitted for a doctorate. How to use dissertation in a sentence.
A dissertation is designed to be your own. Meaning that what you write about should be a new idea, a new topic, or question that is still unanswered in your field. Something that you will need to collect new data on, potentially interview people for and explore what information is already available. Generally, an idea will need to be approved ...
A dissertation is a long-form piece of academic writing based on original research conducted by you. It is usually submitted as the final step in order to finish a PhD program. Your dissertation is probably the longest piece of writing you’ve ever completed. It requires solid research, writing, and analysis skills, and it can be intimidating ...
DISSERTATION definition: 1. a long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one that is done in order to receive…. Learn more.
A dissertation (or thesis) is a process. Okay, so now that you understand that a dissertation is a research project (which is testing your ability to undertake quality research), let’s go a little deeper into what that means in practical terms. The best way to understand a dissertation is to view it as a process – more specifically a ...
While the format may slightly vary, here’s a look at one way to format your dissertation: 1. Title page: This is the first page which includes: title, your name, department, degree program, institution, and submission date. Your program may specify exactly how and what they want you to include on the title page. 2.
A dissertation is an academic document prepared by a doctoral student that contains original research about a topic. The student identifies the topic, conducts the research, writes the dissertation and defends it in front of a committee led by a dissertation chair and other doctoral faculty who decide whether the research meets the doctoral ...
2 meanings: 1. a written thesis, often based on original research, usually required for a higher degree 2. a formal discourse.... Click for more definitions.
A dissertation is a formal, structured document that reports on independent research, typically undertaken at the end of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Its purpose is to demonstrate the author’s ability to conduct research, analyze findings, and contribute new insights to the field. Key Components of a Dissertation: