This essential guide takes students through the planning for each stage of their dissertation, from hatching an idea to handing in their finished project. Short, succinct chapters cover everything from devising a research question and engaging with the literature to choosing a methodology and structuring an argument. It features ten sample dissertations from a range of subject areas, so that students can better anticipate what lies ahead, practical advice at every step and action plans to keep students on track.
This book is the ideal companion to all students completing a dissertation as part of their undergraduate or postgraduate studies, whatever their subject area.
New to this Edition:
- Expanded content on using theory and writing abstracts
- Includes more examples from students' dissertations, including an outline for a performing arts dissertation

Acknowledgements
Introduction
PART I: GETTING STARTED
1. Getting Strategic
2. Exploring Ideas
3. Working With Your Supervisor
PART II: PLANNING YOUR RESEARCH
4. Starting Your Reading
5. Focussing Your Research Question
6. Time Planning a Longer Project
7. Your Research Plan
8. The Supervisor's Perspective
PART III: PLANNING YOUR LITERATURE REVIEW
9. Think: What Are You Looking For?
10. Finding It
11. Reading It
12. Making Sense of It
13. Planning It
PART IV: THINKING ABOUT METHODOLOGY
14. Aim and Objectives
15. Make Sure Your Methods Match Your Aims!
16. Using Theory
17. The 'Systematic' Approach: Literature Review as Methodology
PART V: WHAT'S IN A DISSERTATION?
Science / Technology / Healthcare
Dissertation 1: Biomedical Science
Dissertation 2: Sport Science
Health and Social Care / Social Science / Business / Education
Dissertation 3: Healthcare
Dissertation 4: Business
Dissertation 5: Business (Hospitality)
Dissertation 6: Education
Dissertation 7: Development Studies
Dissertation 8: Business
Humanities/Arts
Dissertation 9: History
PART VI: WRITING AND ARGUMENT
18. Writing Paragraphs
19. The Language of Argument
20. Writing Style: Using 'I'
PART VII: PLANNING YOUR ENDGAME
21. Be Clear About What You Are Aiming For
22. The Conclusion and Introduction
23. First Impressions and Last Thoughts
24. Journey's End?
References
Index.