Many students struggle to narrow down a broad interest into a manageable research question that is feasible within the timeframe and word count.
Tip: Start broad, then narrow down by asking “Is this doable within my word count and timeframe?”
Strategy: Test your topic with the “3-minute explanation” — if you can’t explain it simply in a few sentences, it’s probably too big.
Without regular deadlines, it’s easy to fall behind. Balancing research, reading, analysis, and writing requires planning and persistence. Keeping track of your own thinking and ideas over a long period can mean forgetting where you left off when interrupted.
Tip: Treat your dissertation like a part-time job.
Strategy: Use time-blocking — set aside regular slots in your weekly calendar. Break big tasks into small, timed goals (e.g. “draft 300 words” instead of “write chapter 1”). Anticipate interruptions so they don't derail your thinking process: at the end of a period of working on your dissertation, write a note about where you're thinking is at so when you come back to it, you'll know where to start again.
Students often find it hard to move beyond summarising sources to creating their own argument. Analysing and connecting multiple sources can feel overwhelming.
Tip: Don’t just ask “What does this source say?” but also “How does it connect to my question and to other sources?”
Strategy: Use a matrix or table to compare sources: list key arguments, evidence, and how they relate to each other. This makes patterns (and your own argument) clearer.
Knowing how to order chapters, sections, and evidence so that the argument flows logically is tricky for many.
Tip: Think of your dissertation as telling a story — introduction (set up), chapters (develop the plot), conclusion (resolution).
Strategy: Create a working outline with chapters, subheadings, and estimated word counts. Adjust as your writing develops.
Producing drafts in stages (outline -rough draft - full draft - polished final draft) can feel unfamiliar; some students try to write perfect text from the start.
Tip: Remember, no one writes a polished chapter in one go.
Strategy: Start with bullet points, expand into rough sentences, then refine into polished paragraphs. Treat each draft as a layer, not the finished product.
Keeping track of all sources, citing correctly, and avoiding plagiarism is often a source of stress.
Tip: Keep track of sources as you go — don’t leave referencing until the end.
Strategy: Use a reference manager (e.g. MyBib, Zotero, Mendeley) or a simple spreadsheet to record author, title, page number, and link for every source you use.
Collecting and analysing original data, especially through interviews and surveys where you rely on finding willing participants, can be logistically challenging.
Tip: Be realistic — choose methods that fit your skills, time, and resources.
Strategy: Plan early. If you’re using interviews, observations, or practice-based work, factor in time for permissions, scheduling, and reflection. Keep clear notes so analysis is easier later.
Long projects can feel isolating, and students may worry about whether their work is “good enough.”
Tip: Progress is better than perfection — even a rough draft is progress.
Strategy: Set small, achievable goals and celebrate them. Share your work with a peer, friend, or tutor to get feedback and encouragement.
