Dissertations and Research Projects

Dissertations usually fall into one of three main types:

1. Research based You carry out a piece of original research as part of your study using quantitative or qualitative methods. 
2. Review or audit This could be a detailed literature review perhaps combined with reflective practice and asking for recommendations to develop a new idea, procedure or policy.
3. Thematic Using a theoretical framework and select examples within your subject to construct an argument or thesis 

The type of dissertation you do will depend upon your discipline and the approach you decide to take to your methodology. In some courses, you will be instructed as to which type of dissertation you will be expected to do. Ensure you read your dissertation assignment brief or handbook carefully to see if your tutors have any specific requirements for your dissertation.  

Deciding on a topic for your dissertation or research project is both exciting and challenging. You're able to pursue a topic that holds significant personal interest but it must also be feasible, focused and of signifcance to your field.

This interactive tutorial works through that process (just click on the image),
along side the Choosing a dissertation topic worksheet

To aid you in planning your research, download our Research mapper that poses some key questions you will need to address at an early stage. For a more comprehensive approach to devising a research project, have a look at the Project Planner option (under Tools) on  SAGE Research Methods . 

Research Question Models 

In fields such as health and social care, models such as PICO or SPIDER are often used to formulate research questions. You can find out more about these models from this NHS Guide. If your tutor has recommended using such a model, our PICO searching form or SPIDER Searching Form can take you through the steps to build your research question and guide you into your literature searching as part of your literature review.  

Before embarking on your dissertation or research project, you may be asked to complete a proposal outlining your ideas and intentions before you begin your research. Take a look at the tutorial below.

A proposal might include the following headings:

Dowload our Research Proposal Structure for a more detailed breakdown of the sections of a research proposal. However, bear in mind that some courses may have specific requirements for structures or templates, that you're expected to use for proposals so check the relevant guidance on your Blackboard module site. 

An important part of any research, it can be part of a wider primary research project or secondary research in its own right.  Either way you will need to demonstrate that you have carried out a systematic search and identified any relevant sources. 

The results should be presented as a critical survey of the existing research on your topic, which may identify gaps in current knowledge. The discussion will generally be structured around the themes that emerge from the literature. 

Watch the video below for an introduction and then access the Literature review page for more information on how to conduct a literature review, various search forms and other resources.

See the Literature review page for lots more information

Research methods can feel challenging at first but after some reading and thinking about research, hopefully it will feel  start to feel a bit clearer.

Work through our Research methods tutorial  as a way to ease into this aspect of research. 

Not sure what's the difference between methodology and methods, or what ontology means? No idea about which methods are valid for your proposed research? The Sage Project planner is a good place to start.  It takes you through the research planning process, explaining all the terminology and helping you make key decisions in your research design.

Dissertations tend to have a specific stucture, so please read your module guide and/or check with your tutor about the sections that are required for your particular dissertation.

Here are a couple of generic templates identifying conventionally key sections and what goes in them.

• Research dissertation structure
• Literature Review dissertation structure.

If you are not already familiar with formatting, these guides to using Headings and creating contents pages might be useful for organising the content.

Otherwise you need the same skills that you use to write your normal assignments, making sure you maintain a critical stance.  Some of these resources should help

• Thematic dissertation planner
• Academic writing
• Critical thinking (reading and writing)
• Referencing

 The Academic Phrasebank also provides some good tips on how to word specific sections of your dissertation.

 Additional reading and signposting of resources casn be found in the Dissertation reading list

Enlist the support of your dissertation supervisor. They will be able to help you with refining your topic, selecting your methodology and will provide guidance throughout your research process.

SAGE Research Methods - This resource helps you gain a deeper understanding of research methodologies, approaches and specific data collection tools. Browse sections or search for specific terms. As well as books, articles and videos, SAGE Research methods also includes useful features such as the Methods Map and Project Planner.

Tools and Software for Dissertations - A list of apps and platforms for conducting research including survey tools and data analysis software.

Final Chapter - developed by Leeds University, this resource is a very good guide to tackling your dissertation.

Academic Phrasebank – a fabulous resource showing you phrases and words in introduce your dissertation, critically analyse your findings or use evidence in your discussions.