How to Write a MSc Dissertation

1. MSc Dissertation Writing How to Write a MSc Dissertation • Tips by www.theacademicpapers.co.uk

2. Main Points of MSc Dissertation Task to Be Considered 1. The Structure of a Dissertation 2. Dissertation Objectives 3. Dissertation Topics 4. Dissertation Introduction 5. Dissertation Literature Review 6. Contextual Outline 7. The Empirical Analysis 8. Summary & Conclusion 9. Dissertation Writing 10. Availability of Data

3. Dissertation Structure There is a standard model for dissertations, although some variation is acceptable (depends upon supervisor). Students should look at previous dissertations. • Introduction (5-7 pages). • Review of the theoretical literature (15-20). • Contextual description of relevant information (5-10). • Empirical analysis (20-25). • Summary and conclusions (5). The dissertation should be around 15,000 words (60 double-spaced pages), not including appendices etc.

4. Dissertation Objectives An MSc Dissertation has a number of complementary objectives: • An extended project on a topic of interest. • To undertake original research in a topic based upon material relevant to the MSc specialization. • To utilise the analytical and empirical skills acquired during the MSc. • To demonstrate students’ capacity to analyse appropriate theory and empirical evidence in a structured manner.

5. Dissertation Topics Students have a free choice regarding the topic of their Dissertation research. The topic must be relevant in some way to the material covered on the MSc. There are several sources of ideas: • Staff research presentations. If topics are of particular interest, discuss your ideas with the staff member. • Previous dissertations. Applying similar questions to another country, industry, issue. • MSc course papers. • Academic journal articles.

6. The Introduction The objective of the Introduction is to set out the context of the research, including the key issues. • Context • Objectives of the Research • Outline of the Dissertation This should be the first part to be written and is an ideal document to be prepared prior to the first supervision meeting. The Outline is a guide to planning the structure and timing of the research.

7. The Literature Review The objective of the Literature Review is to summarise and analyse the relevant theoretical literature relating to the topic. It is not easy and will take some time to do. It should demonstrate: • An understanding of the relevant theories. • A critical appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of these theories. • A summary discussion of previous empirical studies, including research methodology and results. • A brief conclusion placing your research in the context of the theoretical and empirical literature.

8. Contextual Outline This Chapter is intended to provide descriptive background information relating to the research topic. Many dissertations tackle topics relating to specific countries and/or industries which require more general information to support the research. A contextual chapter is therefore not always necessary. This Chapter can be relatively short and is often the easiest to write. It should be started relatively early, soon after the draft Introduction.

9. The Empirical Analysis This Chapter is the heart of the Dissertation and where a substantial proportion of the total marks are awarded. • The empirical methodology should relate to the research objectives and justified in the Literature Review. • It should make good use of the available data. • The results should be explained and analysed in the context of their statistical validity, the relevant empirical literature and the objectives of the Dissertation. • There should be a brief summary and conclusions.

10. The Summary & Conclusions This is a brief Chapter summarising the Dissertation. This should have short summaries of the context, objectives, literature, empirical analysis and the principal findings of the Dissertation. This Chapter can only be written after the rest of the research has been completed. It may be necessary however, to re-write the Introduction before submission.

11. Dissertation Writing Writing-up an extended piece of research is not easy. A Dissertation is not a test of English grammar but care should be taken in writing it. • All writing (draft and final) must be word-processed and spell-checked before being given to supervisors. • Students should see writing-up as a continuous process and not to be left to the final week(s). • Supervisors are likely to recommend re-writing drafts to incorporate errors and omissions. • It is normally best to write in Ariel 11pt or Times Roman 12 pt. Drafts should be 1.5 or double-spaced.

12. The Availability of Data Data is the major factor in determining whether a dissertation topic is viable – and therefore the marks obtainable. • Access to data is a key factor in choosing a topic. • The choice of topic and the availability of data is inter-dependent. • Where appropriate data is available, it should be collected as soon as possible, ready for later analysis. Students undertaking empirical analysis should have collected their data by the end of June.