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Doing Your Master's Dissertation
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Doing Your Master's Dissertation
From Start to Finish

First Edition
Additional resources:


April 2013 | 176 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
'From finding a research topic through to the final write up, this clear guide takes the mystery out of graduate-level research. This book will help your project succeed' - James V. Spickard, Professor of Sociology, University of Redlands, US
 
Just starting your Master's? Worried about your dissertation? This book is an indispensible guide to writing a successful Master's dissertation. The book begins by addressing issues you'll face in the early stages of writing a dissertation, such as deciding on what to research, planning your project and searching for literature online. It then guides you through different aspects of carrying out your research and writing up, helping you to:
  • Write a research proposal
  • Choose one or more methods
  • Write the introduction and conclusion
  • Discuss the literature
  • Analyse your findings
  • Edit and reference
  • Formulate research questions
  • Build your argument

The book offers guidance that other books often miss, from dealing with emotional blocks, to ways of identifying your strengths and weaknesses, and improving your writing. It addresses the social aspects of the writing process, such as choosing and working with an advisor, using social media and forming student work groups for added help and inspiration. Each chapter ends with an action plan, which is a resource section that features exercises and reflection questions designed to help you apply what you've read to your own work.

Student Success is a series of essential guides for students of all levels. From how to think critically and write great essays to boosting your employability and managing your wellbeing, the Student Success series helps you study smarter and get the best from your time at university. 


 
Help! How Do I Find a Research Topic?
 
Overcoming Barriers and Getting Started
 
Basic Rules of Writing
 
Who Can Help You? Establishing Support Networks
 
A Guide for Searching the Literature
 
Reviewing Research Literature
 
How Do I Formulate Research Questions?
 
Easier Said Than Done - Choosing a Suitable Research Design and Method
 
The Art of Keeping a Steady Course - Structuring the Analysis
 
Beginning and End - Introduction and Conclusion
 
Chaos and Order - Editing and Referencing
 
When Is It Finished? Checklist Summary

'From finding a research topic through the final write up, this clear guide takes the mystery out of graduate-level research. This book will help your project succeed'
-James V. Spickard, Professor of Sociology, University of Redlands, US


An important text for master's level dissertation. Complete with relevant learning/research tools.

Dr John Opute
Management , London South Bank University
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very clear and helpful text for very specific area

Dr Stephen Skuce
Religion , Cliff College
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This book is a well structured, easy to follow guide but more basic and less informative than Chris Hart's more comprehensive book on the same topic which is our recommended choice for this module.

Miss Alison Woolf
School of Education and Community, Glyndwr University
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This text is actually what it says, from start to finish. From choosing your research topic all the way to the final piece, it gives clear direction and guidance through well-defined sections. A well-written text that any postgraduate would find helpful at any point through their research.

Miss Ella Malton
Department of Health & Social Studies, Grimsby Institute of HE And FE
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A clear and practical guide to support students when they are working independently and need reassurance.

Miss Liz McGuire
PGCE Secondary, Leeds Trinity and All Saints
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Extremely useful book to 'dip into' as a reference for those students involved in Masters modules. Very accessible to all students with clear advice and supporting information.

Mr Andrew Sheehan
Department of Education, Newman University College
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A valuable resource for our MA group

Mr Graham Griffiths
Teaching, Health and Care, Bradford College
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Excellent book - clear and full of information which will help any students starting their master's dissertation.

Mrs Alicia Hawkes
Education, Totton College
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This is an indispensible guide for writing a disseration with excellent advice, taking you stage by stage. The front cover is rather uninspiring.

Mrs Claire Pescott
Dept of Care & Continuing Education, Ystrad Mynach College
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