Writing your dissertation
Your 3rd year Semester A should be spent planning and writing first drafts and getting feedback. Semester B, therefore, should be all about perfecting it – finishing your writing, taking on feedback constructively and completing the writing process. Remember, referencing and preparing your presentation are vital tasks as well, so don’t leave them to the last minute.
It is also worth considering the other deadlines you will have around the same time as your dissertation deadline – being prepared will save you any additional stress as the deadlines start to pile up.
Dissertation writing tips
If you don’t know where to start with actually writing your dissertation watch this video for Owen’s 5 key tips for writing your dissertation.
Time management
When you start writing your dissertation you will have lots of other commitments, like your other university work, a job, friends, household chores as well as finding time for yourself. It is therefore very easy to put off your dissertation especially when the deadline seems so far away. However, that date will come around quickly. So, entering 3rd year with a good idea of what you want to do for your dissertation and with a start on some research will put you at an advantage. From that point on, put aside one day a week or a couple of afternoons/evenings a week to solidly work on your dissertation.
To reach the final deadline comfortably it is useful to see your dissertation as separate smaller assignments – try setting yourself smaller deadlines to make the final one feel less daunting. With any essay, it is useful to have it completed in advance of the deadline to give you plenty of time for proofreading and formatting. Each course will have its own method of referencing, so make sure you know how yours is supposed to be laid out.
If you have doubts about your original topic and decided to change the title, don’t worry. Try looking at some of your core textbooks and list areas that interest you and make a note of ones that would fit together well. With this, you will have the basis for a new idea to discuss with your dissertation supervisor.
You will have put lots of work into your original plan so don’t disregard the work you’ve already put in – some of it will still be relevant and your research could be adapted. So, don’t be disheartened, if you’ve given yourself enough breathing space you will have plenty of time to catch up.
Katie & Rebecca – Lincoln students
Editing
This can be one of the biggest challenges, but it is necessary to ensure you keep to the word count. Additionally, spelling, punctuation, and grammar are very important, and you could easily lose marks for mistakes – ask a friend or family member to proofread chapters, but like other assignments they cannot write it for you.
Taking regular breaks can also help the editing process. After taking some time away, you’ll see things that you didn’t notice beforehand or be able to re-write a section to make it clearer. Going back to your work with a fresh pair of eyes is definitely a good idea.
Beth – Lincoln Graduate
Writer’s block
When you can’t think of what to write, don’t!
Go out for a walk, clean your room, do something menial that requires little brain power – subconsciously, you’ll be mulling over ideas and often, that’s when you’ll crack what to write next.
Beth – Lincoln Graduate