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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

A clear and accessible guide explaining some of the processes that might get taken for granted. The practical ‘Action Plan’ at the end of each chapter is useful for student and supervisor alike.

Mrs Irene Scott
Faculty , Chester University
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A very practical book especially useful for individuals writing a Masters Dissertation. The chapter summaries are particularly helpful as are the Action Plans. The Checklist Summary at the end is also extremely helpful.

Mrs Isobel Townsend
Social Work, Robert Gordon University
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An excellent read clear guidance for those doing their Masters dissertation.

Mrs Jayne Daly
Faculty of Buisness Law and Education, Staffordshire University
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A good easy read to help with Masters level study.

Mrs Louise Boole
Nursing, Counselling & Psychotherapy, Derby University
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Helps to make sense of the academic nature of masters/BSc for progression discussions. Learners choose top-up or pre-reg courses. Helps to inform decisions.

Mrs Samantha Hodgkinson
Health & Social Care, Sheffield College
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A useful textbook for anyone feeling stuck - provides helpful, accessible tips. This is a clear guide to steer your way through what can be a challenging process.

Ms Angela Hilton
School of Education, Wolverhampton University
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useful, practical, clear and helpful

Ms Anne Morris
Social Science , London Metropolitan Uni (North Campus)
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Excellent! A very thorough guide to completing a dissertation - at any level.

Ms Fiona Meddings
Health , Bradford University
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Very clear text, with helpful guidance to help steer the novice researcher.

Ms Lynda Stobert
Faculty of Health (City South Campus), Birmingham City University
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Shown to colleagues and planning to adopt for my personal use and colleague also ordered

Ms Lynn Greenwood
School , Bradford University
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