Dissertations Overview
Dissertations and major projects
Your degree is likely to finish with an independent research project where you lead your own learning on a single, clearly defined topic of your own choice, in much more depth than previous work. It involves selecting a research question and may include reviewing literature, collecting data, evaluating evidence and drawing conclusions.
Why is it important?
This is your opportunity to explore an area that is of particular interest to you and develop your independence as a researcher, with the guidance and support of your lecturer.
How do I do it?
Final projects vary in exactly what is involved, but since they generally all involve several months of work they have some features in common: managing your time well, carrying out research, reading and recording ideas, planning, writing and redrafting. You may also need to reflect on the whole process.
A Student dissertation experience (3 minutes)
Danielle shares the strategies she used for researching and writing her dissertation.
Dissertation Template
This dissertation template includes the typical sections of a dissertation. Not all projects look the same. Before using this template to format your dissertation, check your assignment documentation to see if you have been given course-specific instructions.
Key terms for dissertations and major projects
Click on the words below to see a description of what they mean in the context of your university studies.
Dissertation quiz
Evaluate your dissertation skills by taking our quiz. If you have already enrolled on succeed@solent, jump to step 2.Step 1 Enrol on succeed@solent. (This link opens in a new tab, close the tab once you have enrolled.)
Step 2 Take the quiz.