A Beginner’s Guide to How to Write a Dissertation in 2024

• Sep 02, 2022
• 10 min read

• Tags: Academic Writing, Dissertation

Writing a dissertation requires careful planning and thorough research. In this article, we’ve explained how to write a dissertation in 10 simple steps. This includes practical tips to write all dissertation chapters and structure your dissertation.

We’ve also provided many additional resources like a dissertation writing checklist, dissertation examples, and how to prepare a dissertation defense. Furthermore, we’ve answered questions like: “How long does it take to write a dissertation?” and “What is the suggested dissertation length?” 

To help you understand this concept better, let’s quickly see the steps for writing dissertations! 

1. Select a topic 

To choose a topic, reflect on your interests and review literature in your field. You can also discuss any topic ideas with your supervisor. Aim for a topic that is original and feasible to complete within your timeframe and resources. 

Once you decide on your topic, frame your thesis statement or research question. While a research question is an open-ended inquiry, a thesis statement specifically answers the research question. Here are examples of both: 

Research question: What impact does social media usage have on the mental health of adolescents?

Thesis statement: Excessive social media usage negatively affects the mental health of adolescents by increasing feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

2. Perform research and create a research proposal 

In this step, you need to identify key theories and concepts related to your research topic. You can use advanced tools for research such as Semantic Scholar, Research Rabbit, Dimensions.AI, Connected Papers, Elicit, etc. 

You also need to research the methodologies used to determine the best research methodology approach (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods). 

Once you choose the topic, create a research proposal. This proposal must include: 

• • • Introduction: The introduction provides background, presents the research question, and outlines the objectives.
    • Literature review: A literature review includes relevant studies and establishes the theoretical framework.
    • Methodology: The methodology section describes the research design, data collection, and analysis methods.
    • Significance and contributions: This section highlights the potential impact and novelty of the research.
    • Timeline and resources: The timeline and resources section addresses feasibility, outlines milestones, and lists required resources.

3. Develop a dissertation outline 

To develop a dissertation outline, refer to the dissertation proposal you’ve created. This will give you a good idea of how to divide the content into different sections.  

Dissertations typically begin with a title page, followed by the abstract and acknowledgments page. The front matter also includes a table of contents, and, if applicable, lists of figures, tables, and abbreviations. This is followed by core chapters like the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. 

The dissertation outline varies, depending on whether you’re writing a dissertation for an empirical (science-based) or humanities (arts-based) subject. 

Empirical dissertations have a detailed methodology section about data collection and analysis, followed by a results section. In contrast, humanities dissertations support, oppose, or propose a literary theory, with the methodology section discussing literature selection and analysis.

You can refer to the following dissertation example to create a dissertation outline: 

• • • • Towards a Normal Unified Framework for Developing Formal, Network and Validated Agent-Based Simulation Models of Complex Adaptive Systems 

Once you create a dissertation outline, get it reviewed by your supervisor. 

4. Establish a timeline for completing your dissertation 

To establish a timeline, break down your dissertation into major milestones, such as completing the literature review, data collection, data analysis, drafting each chapter, and revisions. Assign realistic deadlines for each milestone. 

Some suggestions while establishing a timeline are: 

• • • • Use Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets: Create a spreadsheet and add a detailed timeline with tasks, deadlines, and progress tracking. 
      • Set a daily target: Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable goals.

5. Write your dissertation chapters 

In this step, we’ve covered core dissertation chapters such as the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. 

With this, we’ve also added essential sections, including the title page, table of contents, list of abbreviations, tables, and figures, abstract, glossary, bibliography, and appendices. Let’s dive deeper to understand all these components! 

a. Title page 

The title page is the very first page of your dissertation. This page is all about making a great first impression on readers. Add your dissertation title, full name, and the degree you’re pursuing to the title page. 

Also, include your university’s name and the dissertation’s submission date (month and year). With this, mention a submission statement. For example, “A dissertation submitted to the Department of Sociology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Sociology.”

Once you add the necessary details, don’t forget to proofread and format your title page. To avoid mistakes, follow your university’s guidelines. For more tips and guidance, you can read the article, “Creating a Dissertation Title Page”. 

Tip: Write the introduction after completing other important chapters like the literature review, methodology, research, and conclusion. 

b. Abstract 

An abstract is a summary of your entire dissertation. It usually ranges from 150 to 300 words. The abstract should clearly state your research purpose, briefly describe your methodology, highlight your main findings, and summarize your conclusions. 

Remember to mention the importance of your research and future implications. Write in clear, concise language, avoid jargon and technical terms, and use the past tense to describe your completed work. 

To ensure the abstract is concise, you can use word and character counters. 

c. Acknowledgements Page 

The acknowledgments page is where you can thank any friends, family, and colleagues who’ve helped you in your dissertation journey. Here, you can express your gratitude to your supervisor who guided you. You can also thank any organizations or institutions that provided funding or resources for your research. 

Following are some important pointers for writing an acknowledgments page: 

• • • • Avoid going overboard with too much praise or overly personal incidents. Keep it professional and focused on your research journey.
      • Don’t write in an overly formal tone. Your acknowledgments page can have a slightly more personal and warm tone compared to the rest of your dissertation.

Here are some common phrases you can use to acknowledge contributions: 

• • • • “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to…”
      • “I am incredibly thankful for the support and guidance of…”
      • “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to…”
      • “I am grateful for the unwavering support of…”
      • “I would like to recognize the support and encouragement of…”
      • “I would like to thank Mr X. for their insightful feedback and suggestions.”

d. Table of Contents

A table of contents lists all the chapters, sections, and subsections of your dissertation, along with their page numbers. You can use Microsoft Word or Google Docs to generate a table of contents for your dissertation. 

Some important points to consider are: 

• • • • Use the same font, font size, and spacing throughout your table of contents to create a professional look.
      • Add indents and numbering to show a hierarchy. 
      • Ensure proper formatting of margins, headers, and footers. 

Browse through the sample table of contents for reference! 

Table of Contents

To understand how to generate an automatic table of contents on MS Word, read the article “Expert Formatting Tips on MS Word for Dissertations”. 

e. List of tables (if applicable)

Make sure to include all the tables that appear in your dissertation, including those in the appendices. Here are some important recommendations: 

• • • • Each table should have a clear and descriptive title.
      • Use a consistent numbering system for your tables (e.g., Table 1, Table 2). 
      • Include the page number on which each table appears.

f. List of figures (if applicable)

Make sure to include all the figures, graphs, charts, and illustrations that appear in your dissertation, including those in the appendices. Following are some practical suggestions you can follow: 

• • • • Avoid very long titles and keep clear, concise titles. 
      • Ensure that the page numbers are aligned consistently (right aligned or as per the requirements). 
      • The list of figures should appear after the list of tables and before the list of abbreviations.

g. List of abbreviations (if applicable)

For every abbreviation, you need to first write the acronym and then provide the definition. An acronym is made up of the first letter of every word. For example, WTO is the acronym of the World Trade Organization. 

Here are some important pointers you can follow: 

• • • • If some of your abbreviations are used more frequently, consider adding a note at your list’s beginning (e.g., “Frequently used abbreviations are marked with an asterisk (*)”).
      • Provide the full term or phrase along with its corresponding abbreviation (e.g., “WHO: World Health Organization”).
      • List the abbreviations in alphabetical order based on the abbreviation, not the full term.

Here is a sample: 

• • • AI: Artificial Intelligence
    • ANOVA: Analysis of Variance
    • CI: Confidence Interval
    • M: Mean
    • SD: Standard Deviation

h. Introduction 

The introduction should be concise and engaging and provide a brief overview of your topic. Follow the checklist given below to create an engaging introduction: 

• • • • • • Start by mentioning background information highlighting the research topic’s importance. 
          • Briefly mention the important contributions of researchers
          • Clearly state the research purpose. 
          • Briefly state the methodology used. 
          • Summarize what the chapters ahead will cover 
          • Ensure that the introduction is concise. (10% of your paper’s wordcount)  

i. Literature review 

This is one of the most time-consuming steps of writing the dissertation. You can refer to academic research resources like Google Scholar, Research Gate, Google Scholar, etc., to find relevant resources. 

To refine your literature review topic, analyze the existing literature to determine if a chronological approach (highlighting research development over time), thematic approach (focusing on recurring themes), or methodological approach (discussing various research methods used) would be most appropriate. 

The following are suggestions for writing a literature review: 

• • • • • • Summarize the contributions of important researchers in your field. Focus on key themes. You can use AI text summarizers to do so. 
          • Use transitional words and sentences to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs and sections of your literature review. For example, “moreover”, “furthermore, “however”, to illustrate”, etc. Highlight any gaps or inconsistencies in the existing research and explain how your study will address them.
          • Ensure that the sources used are cited in-text as per the required style guide (APA, Chicago, MLA, or other. ) You can use citation generators to do so. 
          • Discuss any contradictions in research as this will make your literature review more objective. 
          • If your literature review is lengthy, consider using subheadings to organize the main themes or concepts. This helps break up the text and makes it easier for the reader to follow your argument.

 j. Methodology 

The methodology section must contain any qualitative and quantitative methods used for data collection. It should also contain information on where the study was conducted and which sampling methods were used. 

Make sure to mention all tools and materials used in the research. Also, don’t forget to include a justification of the use of the methods (why you used them) along with limitations and sampling bias. 

Following are some important pointers to follow while writing the methodology section: 

• • • • • • Use subheadings to break down the section into smaller, more manageable parts. For example, “Research Design,” “Data Collection,” “Sampling Strategy,” “Data Analysis,” and “Ethical Considerations.”
          • Define any technical terms or jargon that may be unfamiliar to your readers. 

 k. Results 

The results section is where you present your key findings without interpreting them. It includes relevant data, statistical analysis, and findings from your research. 

To structure your results section, you can use subheadings, figures, and tables wherever relevant. In this section, it’s important to present the results objectively without interpreting them. Here are some dos and don’ts for crafting the results section. 

Dos 

• • • • • • Use past tense to describe your results (e.g., “The analysis revealed…”)
          • Use transition words to connect ideas and create a smooth flow (e.g., “moreover,” “furthermore,” “however”)

Don’ts  

• • • • • • Interpret or discuss your results in this section (save that for the discussion chapter)
          • Include raw data or intermediate calculations (present only relevant summary data)
          • Use vague or ambiguous language (e.g., “the results were significant” without providing specific data)
          • Overuse technical jargon or abbreviations (define terms if necessary)
          • Include citations or references to other studies (unless essential for context)
          • Introduce new methods or materials not mentioned in the methodology chapter
          • Use emotional or subjective language (e.g., “we were thrilled to find…”)

l. Discussion 

In the discussion section, you need to explain the results of your study briefly. Here are some important pointers for writing this section: 

• • • • • • Briefly restate the main research questions or hypotheses. 
          • Use concrete examples, data, or quotes to strengthen your points.
          • Discuss whether your findings support or contradict your initial expectations 
          • Provide possible explanations for the outcomes. 
          • Compare and contrast your results with previous research in your field.
          • Identify and discuss any limitations or weaknesses of your study design, methodology, or data analysis.

Now let’s understand how do you write a dissertation’s conclusion! 

m. Conclusion 

It’s essential to create a concise conclusion without introducing any new information not previously discussed. Here are some important points to keep in mind while creating a conclusion for a dissertation: 

• • • • • • Restate your research question or problem.
          • Summarize key findings and results.
          • Explain the significance and contribution to your field.
          • Acknowledge limitations and challenges.
          • Suggest areas for future research.
          • End with a strong, memorable statement. 

Bonus tip! You can also use conclusion generators provided by PapersOwl, Ahrefs, and other tools to create an engaging conclusion. 

6. Create your references page 

This is a crucial step where you need to list all the references you’ve used in alphabetical order. It’s crucial to cite all sources as per the chosen style guide (APA, MLA, Chicago, or other). 

The following are some important steps while creating a references page: 

• • • • • • Arrange your references in alphabetical order. 
          • Include DOIs for online sources when available.
          • Use a hanging indent for each reference entry (first line extreme left, subsequent lines indented).
          • Use single-spacing within each reference entry and double-spacing between entries.
          • Capitalize titles according to the chosen citation style guidelines.

7. Create your appendixes page, glossary, and bibliography (when applicable) 

It’s important to consult your university’s guidelines for creating an appendixes page, glossary, and bibliography. 

Here are some suggestions for creating an appendices page: 

• • • • • • Label each appendix with a letter (Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.) and a descriptive title.
          • If you have multiple appendices, include a table of contents at the beginning of the appendix section.
          • Use consistent formatting (fonts, headings, spacing) throughout your appendices.

Now let’s understand more about the glossary of a dissertation. A glossary is usually placed after the table of contents or at the end of the document.

Here’s how to create a glossary for your dissertation: 

• • • • • Mention terms that are specific to your field of study or that have a particular meaning in your dissertation. 
        • Organize your glossary entries in alphabetical order based on the terms.
        • If your dissertation uses acronyms or abbreviations, include them in your glossary along with their full forms.
        • Provide the full form first, followed by the acronym or abbreviation in parentheses.
        • If certain terms are closely related or have overlapping meanings, consider including cross-references to other relevant terms in your glossary. Here is an example: 

Artificial Intelligence (AI): A branch of computer science that focuses on creating intelligent machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. 

Now let’s learn more about the bibliography of a dissertation. A bibliography is a comprehensive list of all the sources you consulted during your research. It includes those resources you directly cited in your dissertation and those that informed your understanding of the topic.

A bibliography is usually mentioned at the end of a dissertation. Here are some important pointers while creating a bibliography: 

• • • • • Consistently follow the guidelines and formatting rules specified by the chosen style (APA, MLA, Chicago, or other). 
        • Use a reference management tool like EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley to generate citations and bibliographies.
        • Arrange your bibliographic entries in alphabetical order based on the author’s last name or the first significant word in the title. 
        • If you have multiple works by the same author, arrange them chronologically by publication year.

8. Perform a plagiarism check 

This is an important step to prevent any unintentional plagiarism. Here’s what you need to know to perform a plagiarism check: 

• • • • • • Familiarize yourself with the different types of plagiarism, including mosaic plagiarism and self-plagiarism. 
          • Use plagiarism checkers provided by Grammarly, QuillBot, PlagiarismDetector.net, etc. 
          • Rewrite any plagiarized sentences. 

Also read: How to Avoid Plagiarism in 2024 (10 Effective Strategies!)

9. Edit, proofread, and format your dissertation 

This is where you check your text’s spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting. If your sentences are lengthy and complex, you need to simplify them. Here are some useful suggestions: 

• • • • • • Use grammar checkers provided by QuillBot, Scribbr, Grammarly, and Duplickecker to check grammar. 
          • Use spell checkers provided by Reverso, Ginger, etc., to check the spelling. Alternatively, you can use online dictionaries like Merriam-Webster for US English. 
          • You can also use writing software like Hemingway Editor to identify complex, wordy sentences, and weak words. 
          • For formatting, check for consistency in the margins, line spacing, fonts, font size, all indents, alignment, headers, and footers. 

10. Get feedback from your advisor 

Getting feedback from your advisor is a crucial step after writing a dissertation. Your advisor will review your work and provide expert guidance. They will identify strengths and weaknesses, ensure alignment with academic standards, enhance clarity and coherence, address methodological issues, suggest additional resources, and help you prepare for the defense. 

How long does it take to write a dissertation? 

It can take 1-2 years to write the dissertation. However, the actual time can vary, depending on the topic’s complexity and the research required. 

It’s essential to work closely with your supervisor and committee to ensure that you’re making steady progress. 

What is the suggested dissertation length? 

While there’s no universal standard, here’s a general guideline for dissertation length, keeping in mind that specific requirements vary significantly by institution, department, and research area:

Dissertation writing checklist 

Dissertation writing checklist 

Once you write the dissertation, you’ll need to prepare for your dissertation defense. Let’s understand what is a dissertation defense and explore practical tips to showcase your research. 

Disssertation defense simplified

A dissertation defense is an opportunity for the student to present their research findings, defend their methodology, and demonstrate their expertise. 

It typically involves an oral presentation before a committee of faculty members. They ask questions, provide feedback, and assess the quality and significance of the student’s work. 

Following are some practical tips for preparing a dissertation defense: 

• • • • • • Practice delivering your presentation multiple times to improve your confidence and timing. 
          • Create visual aids, such as slides or handouts, to support your presentation. 
          • Use graphs, charts, or tables to present complex data or concepts. 
          • Be prepared to summarize each chapter and answer detailed questions about your research.
          • Take deep breaths and try to remain calm and composed during your defense.

Now, you can start working on your dissertation. However, writing a dissertation is not enough. You’ll also need to edit and proofread your dissertation. As trusted providers of editing and proofreading services, we’d love to help you! 

What did you think about this article on how to write a dissertation? Share your thoughts in the comments section! 

Here are some useful resources for you: 

• • • Top 10 Online Dissertation Editing Services of 2024
    • Expert Formatting Tips on MS Word for Dissertations
    • Dissertation Proofreading | Definition & Standard Rates
    • 350 Best Dissertation Topic Ideas for All Streams in 2024
    • Academic Writing in 2024: 5 Key Dos & Don’ts + Examples

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Priya

Priya has a talent for academic research and enjoys simplifying complex topics. When she's not helping students improve their writing, she can be seen reading poetry, playing the harmonium, or learning classical dance.