How to write and research your Master's dissertation

As part of your Master's degree, you'll need to produce an individual project. Whether it's a research project or a literature review will depend on your subject. In all subjects, it will come together in a written project known as your Master's dissertation or Master's thesis.

Master's dissertation: the basics

Most Master's dissertations follow the same structure, with a word count assigned. Your dissertation is there for you to offer commentary and findings in relation to a certain perspective within your field of study. You will independently research your chosen area and choose a viewpoint to explore while critically analysing existing opinions.

How's it different from undergrad?

Likely, you've already completed a dissertation as part of your undergraduate degree, and the aim of a Master's dissertation is exactly the same. You're being asked to review existing research and arguments on your chosen topic, critically analyse and offer evidence to support your viewpoint.

The difference mainly comes in the depth of your research, with a much larger word count given to you. The discussion section of your undergraduate dissertation may only be a few thousand words, whereas it's up to 12,000 for your Master's and will be made up of different chapters.

You'll also be expected to research and write at a higher level. Thinking more critically, identifying specific themes and unpick the literature to support or dispute an argument. You'll also be more confident in your views and can be more assertive in the conclusions you're making.

How long is a Master's dissertation?

Your Master's dissertation could be anywhere between 15,000 and 20,000 words. The exact word count and limitations will depend both on your university and specific faculty. Your university will have clearer guidelines for you to follow.

Dissertation structure

Here were have a brief overview of the structure you will likely follow, what each section will include and the corresponding word counts. It's good to familiarise yourself with this before you start to research and write.

Section	Typical word count	Overview
Abstract	300 words	Provide a concise summary of your dissertation. Cover the question you aim to answer as well as the conclusion you make based on your research.
Introduction	800-1000 words	Give context to the dissertation with the background of the subject area and share the aims of your research.
Literature review	1000 words	Critically analyse the existing literature in your chosen area. Consider both sides of the argument and share how your dissertation will contribute to the literature.
Research methodology	1500 words	This section won't be needed for all subjects. If you are using a particular research method to collect information for your dissertation, you should outline the methods you chose and why.
Results/findings	1000 words	This section will be included if you undertake research, whether a summary or experiment. This may include visualising your data as graphs or tables.
Discussion	12000	The main bulk of your dissertation will be your discussion, which you can split out into related chapters. You'll discuss your findings relating to your question as well as the other literature available.
Conclusion	1500	Here, you'll bring together all your findings and the main thoughts from your discussion chapters. Share why your findings are important and suggest direction for future research.
References		Keep a list of sources you use as you go. Each department will have a different referencing system to use.
Appendices		If you have any transcripts from interviews or questionnaire templates you used, you can attach these to the back of your dissertation.

Tips for writing for your Master's dissertation from students!

• It's important to give yourself time to find the right topic and make sure it's something you can explore in real depth and form a specific angle or argument that makes the basis of your dissertation.
• Don't leave your bibliography to last! It's the worst if you've used a ton of sources and then can't remember what they are and don't have enough time to go back and organise them properly. Keep an ongoing list as you draft your dissertation to make it easier.
• Allow plenty of time for editing and proofreading. You'll want to read over your dissertation a few times in full before you submit, to make sure your points are clear as well as your grammar and spelling are correct. Between writing and editing, step away and come back with fresh eyes a day or two later - you'll pick up on so much more!
• Remember to take breaks. This is probably the most important thing! Not just to ensure you're looking after your wellbeing but also you won't do your best work loaded up on coffee and energy drinks with little sleep. Create a healthy schedule that gives you time to focus while also making time to relax and enjoy the Master's life!

How is your Master's dissertation assessed?

Usually, your Master's dissertation will be assessed by an external examiner - this could be other members of the faculty who haven't supervised your dissertation. They will read through your dissertation and award you a mark. The mark on your dissertation is typically a big component of your overall grade. For most degrees, this will be a classification with honours that you will receieve on graduation day.