This section provides some guidelines relating specifically to the preparation and presentation of a dissertation for Masters students. However, if you have any queries or concerns to which you cannot find an answer in these pages, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your supervisor, the programme director or any other member of the programme team.

EdD students should refer to the Code of Practice for Research Degree Students for guidance on thesis preparation, submission and examination http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ris/pgr/code.

You should view the work you have done throughout the programme as an underpinning for your dissertation – especially all the good habits you have learned about using the literature, structuring, style, accurate referencing and so on! Nevertheless, moving on to a dissertation is often the most challenging and exciting aspect of a postgraduate programme since it provides an opportunity to pursue your own particular interests in much greater depth. A wide variety of study is possible including original empirical investigation, involving a range of methodologies and theoretical perspectives; and historical, literary and philosophical investigations.

In general, it is expected that a dissertation will demonstrate:

• clearly articulated aims, research questions and rationale for the research
• understanding of relevant literature
• choice and use of, and justification for, appropriate research methods
• understanding of associated ethical issues
• systematic analysis of data/information
• ability to sustain a coherent and structured argument
• ability to reflect on the research process
• good presentational skills

Please see your student handbook, here, for the policy on Word Limits and Penalties on Assessed work.

This section is designed to guide you through the various stages of your dissertation study, from defining your research question/s to presenting your finished work. At the end of the booklet you will find an example of a ‘Research Proposal Form’ (Appendix 3) and a ‘Research Timetable Form’ (Appendix 4). Even if you have already submitted versions of these, you may find them a useful tool for re-thinking and revising some of your ideas. Copy the forms, if you wish, and use them for trying out and developing different ideas. A ‘Proposed Research Timetable Form’ should be completed and a copy given to your supervisor as soon as possible after your first meeting. Build into the timetable any factors that you already know about which may affect the work you are able to do on your dissertation (e.g. personal and/or family commitments; holiday dates; busy periods at work; times when participants may be unavailable or libraries closed; dates when your supervisor may not be available, etc.). We realise that you may need to revise your research timetable during the course of your work but, for time management purposes, it is always helpful to have a clear idea in mind of what you hope to achieve within a particular timescale.