Once you have chosen a topic and begun shaping a research question or working title, the next step is to plan how your ideas will develop into a full dissertation. This stage is about clarifying your thinking and deciding how you will approach your research.
The interactive Research Planning Tool has been designed by Academic Skills Advisors to help you interrogate your thinking and generate an initial plan for a research project.
In Your Research Project: How to Manage it, Andy Hunt describes the dissertation as a pivotal moment in your studies where you transform yourself from "a diligent student into a dynamic and successful project manager" (2005:4). Rather than responding reactively to a strictly defined task or assignment, you will find that you are in charge of the entire project in a large block of time. Hunt argues that to complete the dissertation project successfully, the whole process needs to be managed well; and that this means you will need to play two complementary roles: the Worker and the Manager:
"The dual role of the Worker and the Manager is what is needed to get you through your project. It is important to keep these in balance. Too much management and nothing actually gets done! Too little management and the wrong things get done" (2005: 7).
So what are your responsibilities in each role?
Your Manager is responsible for the big picture:
Your Worker is responsible for getting things done:
A question to ask yourself at this stage is what kind of Manager do you want to be (firm, but fair?)? And what kind of Worker do you want to be (reliable, productive?)?
Reference
HUNT, Andy. 2005. Your Research Project How to Manage It. London: Routledge.
Your Research Project
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This book guides the student through the transition from passive learner to active researcher. Covering everything from choosing and refining a research topic to writing the actual report, the book shows students how to manage their workload, and how to approach the viva. Key areas covered include: personal time management aims and objectives working towards success common problems the final report and publishing your results the viva voce examination. It is ideal for all final year undergraduates and students on Masters degrees, and contains useful information for course supervisors and tutors to pass on to the students who approach them for advice.
1. Use the Research Planning Tool to develop your ideas
The interactive ASK Research Project Planning Tool is designed to help you interrogate your thinking and generate an initial plan (very useful for a research project proposal too).
2. Sketch out an outline
Sketch out a rough outline of topics and ideas - this doesn't need to be fixed - keep it flexible and use it to guide your initial research. A rough outline turns a big, abstract project into smaller, manageable parts. Drafting an outline also helps you spot areas that need research. You might think of this rough outline as scaffolding for your dissertation - it gives shape and support while you build your dissertation. Or you might see this outline as a roadmap which gives you the confidence to get started in a particular direction (even if you find yourself changing direction at some point!).
The template below can be downloaded to help sketch out an early outline for your dissertation. Answer the guiding questions, then sketch your structure. Keep it flexible - it’s a tool to help organise your thinking at this stage and can help to give you a direction.
3. Create a timeline
Use the Assignment Calculator to create a dissertation timeline or schedule to work towards.
The Assignment Calculator can help you plan your assignment; manage your time; and spread your workload between now and the deadline. Enter the start and end dates for your assignment to get a breakdown into stages of work, a suggested completion date for each, and links to useful resources.
Example timeline/ schedule:
4. Keep track of progress
Create a calendar with key milestones and have a planner to track progress. Mapping out the process makes it visual and puts you in control of the process and your time.
The example Gantt planner shows how a student has broken their dissertation into stages and mapped this to the time available. (Top tip - When planning work over a period of time, it can be helpful to start from the deadline and work backwards.)
Template Gantt Planner and 15-week Calendar to download below.
Example Gantt planner:
5. Set aside time each week
Set aside research/writing timeslots each week.
A dissertation is a long-term project, and progress comes from steady, regular work rather than last-minute effort. One of the most effective ways to stay on track is timeblocking - scheduling specific slots in your week that are dedicated only to your dissertation. Treat these timeblocks like appointments you can’t miss. Start by looking at your weekly timetable, identify when you’re most focused, and set aside realistic chunks of time (e.g. two hours, three times a week). Even small, consistent sessions add up, helping you maintain momentum and reduce stress.
Map your week -
Block out dedicated time - Start small: aim for 2 - 3 sessions per week, 1 - 2 hours each. Add them to your calendar or weekly planner (digital or paper) and treat them as non-negotiable appointments. Plan what to do in each block - instead of just writing “work on dissertation,” be specific: e.g. "read 2 articles", "draft 500 words", or "analyse interview data" - this helps avoid procrastination.
Stay flexible - Life happens - if you miss a block, reschedule it instead of skipping it. Adjust your routine as deadlines get closer (you may need longer or more frequent sessions).
Build in breaks and rewards - Don’t overload yourself: take short breaks in longer sessions. Remember to give yourself small rewards for sticking to your plan (e.g. coffee, walk, or something fun).
Planning Your Dissertation
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