Writing Structure of a Dissertation

Introduction

• The most important part of any dissertation is the introduction. This is where you introduce the research topic and rational for the project.

Literature Review

• No dissertation is complete without a literature review. This review should cover any pertinent literature or research studies on the topic.

Methodology

• Anyone who reads your dissertation will want to know how you did your research. You have already done the work for this section; simply tell that reader what you have done.

Findings and Discussion

• Your entire dissertation focuses around this section of your paper. Be explicit in describing what you have found. A key part of this section will be discussing your findings. This is your opportunity to tell the reader what you think about your findings.

Conclusions

• This section of your dissertation serves as a wrap-up as well as a look to the future. Explain what you recommend for future researchers or practitioners on the subject.