What is the best way to write a Dissertation?

 While it's vital to devote enough time to preparing and structuring your written work while at university, it's critical to prepare thoroughly for that all-encompassing Dissertation Writing Help

From the moment you decide on a subject and create a title to the moment you hand it in, you will experience feelings of enthusiasm, self-doubt, fear, and euphoria. See our list of 5 ways to deal with student stress.

If you're working on your undergraduate, master's, or a doctoral dissertation, the following pointers can help you stay on track.

Pick a research subject that interests you.

It's vital that your research topic is something you find engaging and meaningful - perhaps an issue that fits with your career aspirations, and is important to the wider academic community, says Dr. Alex Patel, learning development adviser at the University of Leicester's Learning Institute.

'Your dissertation is an opportunity to showcase your thoughts and ideas, investigate an area in greater depth and consolidate previous knowledge,' adds Michelle Schneider, learning adviser at the University of Leeds. 'Picking something you're genuinely interested in will keep you motivated.'

If you're struggling for ideas, you can research course materials, academic journals, newspapers and other media, to identify current issues that relate to your field and to find some inspiration for your dissertation subject.

Additionally, Alex recommends that you work with your supervisor to agree on a clear focus or research question, benefitting from their understanding of the research area, appropriate methods, and what might be achievable within your time frame.

'Consider why it's important to tackle the topic you have chosen,' she says. Once you've summarised your findings, think about how they link back to your justification of why this is an important question or topic.

Examine what is expected of you.

Christie Pritchard, learning development adviser at the University of Plymouth, recommends that you familiarise yourself with your faculty's ethics protocols, module handbooks, and referencing style guides to prevent any silly, costly mistakes. Before you begin to plan, make sure you understand what's expected of you. You should find out:

• what academic writing looks like in your discipline
• the word count
• when and where you must submit your dissertation.

Alex advises students to ask questions of other dissertations or academic writing in their chosen discipline, including:

• how is a dissertation structured?
• what types of source are used?
• how are these sources used?
• what forms of analysis are perceived as appropriate?

Finally, Alex points out that you can consider developing a shared understanding of what a dissertation is, through discussion with your supervisor.

Have a definite target in mind and a plan in place.

After you've decided on a subject, Christie says you're ready to write a dissertation proposal. Your presentation, literature review, and methodology would be easier to handle if you can show how your research field is important. ' The intent of your dissertation and how you intend to conduct your study are outlined in your proposal.'

Sticking to a schedule will help you stay focused on your research without being too optimistic, increasing your chances of developing a solid and concise case. Knowing where the thoughts are going will help you stay on track and make only important comments.

If the direction does shift somewhat, there's no problem with adjusting your plan - but your title, headings and content will have to be revised accordingly. Talking through your revised dissertation plan or structure with your supervisor can help you stay focused on the research, and determine if it's logical.

Make notes as you go.

When you're ready to start writing, set a reasonable goal for yourself, such as 1,000 words per week, to keep you motivated and efficient. 'Can you use a meeting with your boss as a deadline?' Alex wonders.

Begin writing right away, and use the writing process to aid your understanding of the subject. If you've finished a part, double-check that you've covered all you wanted to. Each should have a distinct purpose and be well-connected to the rest of the material.

Continue to question

Alex's colleague, Marta Ulanicka, also a learning development adviser at Leicester, stresses the importance of maintaining a questioning and critical mindset throughout the dissertation writing process - both in relation to your own work and findings, as well as those of others.

'Remember to ask yourself how strongly you're convinced by a particular explanation or interpretation and why, and whether there are any potentially valid alternatives,' says Marta.