A dissertation is a major piece of writing and research that students undertake during their graduate studies. It’s usually required to earn a master’s or doctoral degree. Writing a quality dissertation often feels like an overwhelming task, but there are ways to streamline the process and complete your dissertation faster. In this article, expert Kirill Yurovskiy will tell you what a dissertation is, its purpose, standard structure and most importantly – give tips on how to write productively and quickly.
What is a Dissertation?
A dissertation is an original, extensive research project completed by graduate students. It makes an original contribution to academic knowledge in your field and demonstrates your expertise in research methodology and scholarly writing. Dissertations are typically book-length pieces of writing running from 100 to 300 pages. The word count is usually between 20,000 to 80,000 words. Dissertations are the final hurdle in earning a graduate degree; you cannot be awarded your degree until your dissertation is submitted and approved.
Dissertation Purpose and Goals
The primary purposes of a dissertation are to:
– Demonstrate your ability to conduct independent, original research within your subject area
– Analyze and evaluate literature and theories critically
– Present, organize and analyze data competently
– Articulate research methodology and justify your technical decisions
– Draw conclusions from your research and convey its significance to your field
The goal is to make an original contribution to knowledge on your chosen research topic by creating new knowledge or insights, challenging existing ideas, or applying theories or methodologies in new ways. Your dissertation should demonstrate advanced academic skills to propel your career.
Dissertation Structure
While there can be variations by academic field, a dissertation usually contains the following sections:
– Abstract: A short summary condensing the key details
– Introduction: Provides background context and outlines the scope, focus, purpose and organization
– Literature Review: Critically analyzes the current body of literature on your topic
– Methodology: Explains and justifies the technical decisions and research methods
– Results/Analysis: Presents findings and interprets their meaning
– Discussion: Explores the significance of the results and ties them back to existing research
– Conclusion: Highlights contributions to the field and suggests areas for future exploration
– References
Choosing a Focused Topic
To accelerate your writing, choose a highly-focused, well-defined dissertation topic with clear parameters. An overly broad scope will require extensive time-intensive research. Narrow it down to a specific research question that can be thoroughly addressed within your page length. Your advisor can guide you in selecting a topic with enough substance to merit a dissertation but focused enough to research efficiently.
Creating a Writing Timeline
Mapping out milestones is imperative when writing rapidly. Segment your large project into smaller attainable goals with realistic time frames. Devote the same time slots each week to writing then hold yourself accountable. Try blocking 2 hours daily or aiming for 10 hours weekly. Mark deadlines for finishing each chapter in a calendar. Account for external review and revisions in your timeline as well.
Writing Efficiently
Implementing some key writing strategies and habits can help you draft each chapter with greater speed:
– Outline the sections and subsections first
– Set a manageable daily word count goal
– Write first drafts quickly without editing
– Save research and editing for later stages
– Create templates for tables, figures, formatting
– Use writing productivity software or tools
– Make your writing time distraction-free
Highly productive writing sessions will accelerate your output.
Getting Feedback
Secure constructive feedback from your advisor and peers regularly throughout the writing process, rather than just at the end. This provides helpful input that can be incorporated right away to improve subsequent chapters. It also prevents you from getting too deep into the writing if significant changes are required. Create a culture of open communication with your support system.
Staying Motivated
Dissertations are mentally taxing. When determination fades, remember why you embarked on graduate studies and visualize the exhilaration of being called “Doctor.” Combat stress with healthy habits and celebrating small wins. Remind yourself of subjects that energize you. Schedule activities you enjoy and spend time with uplifting people. Use encouragement from your support network on tough days.
Conclusion
Writing a dissertation at a rapid pace while upholding academic rigor is achievable through narrowing your research scope, organizing your workload, employing efficient writing techniques, soliciting continuous feedback and sustaining your motivation. With diligence and a thoughtful approach, you can produce an outstanding dissertation promptly and propel your career forward with your new degree. You’ve got this!
