ACROBAT | 8-MINUTE READ
What is a dissertation and how to write one.
Understand the meaning of and steps for writing a dissertation.
If you are finishing your degree, you have heard the word dissertation thrown around a lot. Perhaps a professor mentioned it as something you need to start thinking about, or you have seen exhausted students staring at their laptops, buried in books and research. But what exactly is a dissertation, and why is it so important?
A dissertation is a long, research-based document that presents an argument or findings on a specific topic. It is a major requirement in many graduate programs and serves as a way to demonstrate expertise in a field.
In this article, we will explore what a dissertation means, how long one might be, and the steps you can follow to write one that feels both professional and genuine.
What is a dissertation?
Let’s go over the definition of a dissertation. A dissertation is an in-depth academic research project that students complete at the end of their program, usually in master’s or doctoral studies. It involves selecting a topic, conducting original research, and presenting findings in a structured format.
The goal of a dissertation is to showcase your ability to think critically, analyze information, and contribute something valuable to your field. Unlike standard research papers, a dissertation requires a higher level of detail, originality, and argument development. It is often one of the most challenging parts of a degree program, but it is also an opportunity to explore a subject that truly interests you, share your unique perspective, and add something new to the conversation in your field.
How long is a dissertation and how to structure one.
So, how long is a dissertation? The answer will vary depending on the discipline and the specific requirements of your program. Some disciplines focus on data-driven research and have shorter dissertations, while others require extensive literature reviews and theoretical discussions. The key is to ensure that your work is thorough and properly supported by evidence.
In general, expectations include:
- Undergraduate dissertations are usually between 8,000 and 12,000 words.
- Master’s dissertations typically range from 15,000 to 25,000 words.
- Doctoral dissertations can be anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 words, sometimes even longer.
Just like the length, the exact structure of your dissertation may vary depending on your subject area and academic institution, but most dissertations follow a similar outline:
- Title page. The title page is the first thing your readers will see. It typically includes the dissertation title, your full name, your institution’s name, the degree you’re pursuing, and the date of submission.
- Abstract. Summarize your entire dissertation between 150 and 300 words. The abstract helps readers quickly understand the purpose and value of your work.
- Introduction. Set the stage for your research by hooking your reader and providing a straightforward preview of what to expect in the rest of the document. Explain the topic, state your research question, and note why the subject is important.
- Literature review. Examine existing work that has already been done on your subject. Summarize the main points and show that you have a good understanding of the existing research and that your study is needed to add new insights.
- Methodology. Explain how you conducted your research by describing the methods you used (surveys, interviews, experiments, or analyzed documents) and clarify why these methods were the best way to answer your research question.
- Results. Present the data or findings from your research. Depending on your topic and approach, these details may include numbers, graphs, or written observations. Information should be presented in a way that is easy to understand. Visual aids such as charts and tables may help.
- Discussion. Compare and discuss your findings with the existing research, and address any unexpected outcomes you encountered. Show that you have analyzed and thought carefully about your data and its implications.
- Conclusion. Summarize your research and restate its importance by highlighting your key findings and what they mean for your field. You can also suggest areas for future research.
- References. Lists all the sources you cited in your dissertation, following your institution’s preferred citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). Proper citations give credit to other researchers and strengthen the credibility of your work.
How to write a dissertation.
The process of writing a dissertation can seem overwhelming, but breaking it down into steps can make it much more achievable. Before you start, check your institution’s guidelines. Each university has its own requirements for academic writing, formatting, and citation style.
Once you know the needed requirements, here is a guide to help you through each phase of your project.
1. Choose a topic that interests you.
Every great project starts with a question. For your dissertation, choose a topic that genuinely interests you. The right topic is one that offers enough scope for meaningful research.
Ask yourself, What issues or questions do I care about? Think about the courses you have enjoyed, the debates that have caught your attention, or the gaps in research that you have noticed. Write down your thoughts and refine your ideas as you go along.
Think about your long-term academic or career goals when choosing your topic. Does this subject align with where you see yourself in the future? Before finalizing your decision, talk to your advisor to ensure that your topic is feasible.
2. Familiarize yourself by conducting preliminary research.
After you have settled on a topic, familiarize yourself with the existing research. Go through lecture notes and read articles, books, and previous dissertations to understand what others have discovered. This part of the process involves engaging with ideas and developing a critical perspective.
To save time, organize your notes in a way that makes sense to you. Some students may create detailed outlines or concept maps to connect different ideas. Doing this or using AI-powered tools in education can help improve your understanding of the topic and highlight where your research can make a unique contribution.
3. Plan your research approach.
With your background knowledge in hand, decide the best way to collect and analyze your data. Your research methods should fit your dissertation topic and help you answer your research question. Consider if you need to conduct surveys, interviews, experiments, or document analysis.
Create a detailed plan that outlines the following:
- What methods you’ll use
- The resources you’ll need
- A realistic timeline for completing each phase of your research
An outlined plan will help you stay organized and can reduce stress as you move forward with writing your dissertation.
4. Write your proposal.
Write a detailed proposal that outlines your dissertation’s research objectives, questions, and methods you plan to use. Many graduate programs require students to submit a dissertation proposal before beginning their research.
A strong proposal includes an introduction to your topic, a review of key literature, a detailed methodology section, and a timeline for completing different phases of your research. It should explain why your study matters and how it fits within existing academic discussions.
5. Conduct extensive research.
Next, further immerse yourself in the existing research. You must show that you have mastered the subject in your dissertation. Go back to your notes from preliminary research.
Make sure any information you collect is from credible sources, such as peer-reviewed journals, books, and reputable databases. Document your sources carefully to help with the citation process later. Tools such as the Adobe Acrobat AI quiz generator can also help structure research-based assessments.
6. Write the first draft.
Writing a dissertation can be overwhelming, so break it into manageable sections. Start with a basic outline and set realistic goals, such as writing a certain number of words per day or completing a chapter each week. Start with the section you feel most confident about.
Some people find it easier to begin with the methodology or literature review rather than the introduction. The key is to keep making progress. Expect to revise multiple times since first drafts are never perfect — refining your work is a normal part of the writing process.
7. Edit, proofread, and format properly.
After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Come back to your work with fresh eyes and read it aloud to spot any awkward phrases or transitions. Ask a trusted peer, advisor, or mentor for feedback, and use their insights to improve your draft.
Revise your document for clarity, coherence, and logical flow. Remove redundant language and make sure that each section builds naturally on the previous one. You can make formatting easier by using Acrobat online tools like the Word to PDF converter or free PDF editor.
8. Finalize and submit your dissertation.
Before submission, perform a final review of your dissertation. Check that your citations and references are correct and that your formatting meets your institution’s guidelines. Read through your document carefully to catch any remaining errors or unclear sections.
Once you are confident that your work meets all requirements, submit your dissertation with assurance, celebrate your accomplishment, and recognize the significance of this milestone.
Frequently asked questions.
What is the purpose of a dissertation?
Is a PhD a thesis or dissertation?
How long does it typically take to write a dissertation?
What happens if my dissertation is rejected?
Can I change my dissertation topic midway?
Why is writing a dissertation so hard?
How do I stay motivated while writing my dissertation?
Keep exploring