A Guide For Online Dissertation Structure

Undeniably the longest form of academic writing, a dissertation demonstrates the perfect amalgamation of research and development. The academic piece requires solid research implementation, writing and analytical skills. The structure of a dissertation binds the components together. It provides you with a clear roadmap of what to include in each chapter and go about certain references with the aim of justifying the end objectives constructively.

This informative blog unfolds the bigger picture by elaborating on the nitty-gritty aspects of a dissertation format and what it takes to produce a well-knit paper.

Happy reading!

Learn How to Structure Your Dissertation Online

A dissertation is basically a long-form academic assignment based on an original analysis you conducted. This is probably the longest piece of academic writing that includes a close analysis of the original literature and development of ideas with the aim of restating the thesis, suggesting alternative research avenues, constructive evaluation, and justification of methods. As a result, it becomes necessary for students to follow a concrete dissertation guideline prior to initiating the final draft.

Here’s a brief overview of a guide for ideating dissertation structures accurately. Take note.

•  Include your name, department, institution, degree program, and submission date in the title page.
• Use the acknowledgments section as a space to thank everyone who helped you and contributed to the research.
• The abstract section should state your main topic and research objectives. It should also describe methods and summarize the main results.
• The methodology chapter describes your research plan and elaborates on the analytical avenue you would choose and how the research was conducted. 
• The table of contents must list all your chapters, including the corresponding headings and page numbers.
• Conclude the paper concisely by establishing a strong correlation between the thesis statement and the main body paragraphs.
• Include a reference list cited with the details of all the sources you have used in order to keep the odds of plagiarism at bay.

Now that you have a roadmap to follow pick the right ideas, implement constructive strategies, and never miss an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your professor.

What is a Dissertation Structure?

The structure of a dissertation ties together the elements of perfectly conducted research. For example, there are two ways you can travel the world – a) pack your bag and set for the journey without roadmaps and plannings, and b) create an itinerary and follow the same to determine a seamless journey. Which one sounds like a plan? Well, you have your answer. That’s exactly what a dissertation structure does to your academic piece.

The perfect structure includes the right blend of title pages and literature reviews, methodologies and results, and discussions and concluding notes. Each of these sections is significant in terms of rolling out the perfect outline and allowing students to abide by an academic flowchart while conducting research and ideating strong analytical perspectives across dissertations and case studies. Moreover, following a concrete structure allows you to tell your readers what was done earlier and how differently you choose to develop the study further.

Dissertation Structure and Requirements

You cannot proceed with a well-knit dissertation without following a concrete structure and elemental guidelines. There are several areas and aspects one must prioritize to determine success at the end of the day. So, take a look at the core components you need to design and develop a dissertation par excellence.

Keep each of these elements in mind, and incorporate the right practices to ensure perfection at the end of the tunnel. From the first page to the final stage, you should abide by a concrete outline to ensure a smooth flow, striking the right balance between developing ideas and drawing connections.

Well, here are some added hacks and tricks to set your next project ahead of the rest.

• Always look for original ideas and perceptions.
• Keep referring to the original literature.
• Do not state the same point again and again.
• Keep things rationally relevant and acceptable.
• Avoid elaborating on controversial events.
• Use references from verified libraries and government portals.
•  Decide whether your methods are qualitative or quantitative.
• Do not include any new information in the concluding notes.

Rather, you can use the appendices to add a piece of extra information for your readers.

So, keep these points in mind whenever you plan to write a dissertation, implement the right strategy, stick to a concrete plan and roadmap, and land the perfect piece.

How To Write and Structure a Dissertation?

Structuring and writing a dissertation takes a lot of effort, dedication, and insights. So, are you ready for the ride? Take note of the following suggestions, surefire tips, and strategies to structure and write your next dissertation like a champ.

Here’s all you need to know in this context of the discussion.

Landing the Perfect Dissertation – Structure and Sections

• Come Up With A Clear Title
• Develop A Constructive Abstract
• Come Up With A Strong Introduction
• Develop The Lit Review and Method
• Elaborate On the Results Followed by Discussions
• Draw A Compelling Concluding Note

Come Up With A Clear Title

First things first, you must come up with a clear and concise title. The title page should be succinct and specific, precisely indicating the research question and design.

Develop A Constructive Abstract

Now, focus on the dissertation abstract, as it will provide first-time readers with the bigger picture of the journey they are about to embark on.

Come Up With A Strong Introduction

Make sure your introduction chapter includes attention-grabbing statements, proper background, and context and that it introduces the problem and focuses on the solution.

Develop The Lit Review and Method

The literature review section must highlight what is already known about the area/subject of analysis and investigation and elaborate on the need for further research.

Elaborate On the Results Followed by Discussions

Now, talk about the final results you would derive and move on to the “discussions” section in order to highlight further areas and aspects showing the significance of your research findings.

Draw A Compelling Concluding Note

Lastly, summarize your dissertation by reminding your readers of the origin, objectives, and ideas incorporated during the research. Remember, you should not include new information here.

From the literature review to the introduction chapter, every element is equally important and must be implemented correctly in every doctoral dissertation. So, keep these points and suggestions in mind and carry out new research with precision.

Dissertation Structure Examples

Here’s a brief overview of an outline for a dissertation elaborating on a smooth-flowing mechanism.

Now, here is a sequential pattern highlighting the key elements of a dissertation outline one must follow.

So, now that you are aware of the structure examples and the essential elements that define the exactness of an outline for a dissertation keep each of these points in mind and implement the right strategies to structure your next academic piece like a pro.

Online Dissertation Structure – Exploring Different Citation Styles

As you know, a dissertation is meaningless without references and accurate citations; let’s discuss the different citation style manuals and patterns you must observe across various papers.

AAA (American Anthropological Association)

AAA Reference Entry: Smith, Wells D. 2011. “Notes on Cultural Events in the European Countries.” Cultural Anthropology 26 no. 4 (August): 468–477. https://www.egov.org/stable/44545454

AAA in-text citation: (Smith 2011)

APA (American Psychological Association)

APA Reference Entry: Bergman, J. & Miller, P. (2018). Self-Reflection: A first-person account of nonverbal interaction. The American Journal of Psychology, 144(3), 444–464. https://doi.org/11.5307/amerjpsyc.134.4.0442

APA in-text citation: (Bergman & Miller, 2018)

Chicago (Author-date format)

Chicago Reference Entry: Encarnação, João, and Gonçalo Calado. 2011. “Effects of Recreational Drugs on Youngsters.” Journal of Anti-drug Research” 21, no.7 (December): 1109–1116. https://www.jstor.org/stable/453803546.

Chicago in-text citation: (Encarnação and Calado 2018)

MLA (Moden Language Association)

MLA Reference Entry: Walker, Clare. “Exploring the Chaucerian Era.” The Chaucer Review, vol. 57, no. 4, Apr. 2020, pp. 137–150. https://doi.org/10.5315/chaucerrev.55.2.0167.

MLA in-text citation: (Walker 155)

Harvard

Harvard bibliography entry: Cooper, L. (2011) ‘How is technology valued? Evidence from modern-day tech trends, The Tech Journal, 121(596), pp. 1882–1901. doi:10.1111/ecoj.12401.

Harvard in-text citation: (Cooper,2011)

OSCOLA (The Oxford University Standard for the Citation of Legal Authorities)

OSCOLA footnote citation: 1. Chris Wells, ‘The Mutation of Criminal Law in Contemporary Constitutions: Thinking Sociologically about Crimes and Punishments’ [2012] MLR 204.

Please note that the aforementioned citation styles and entries are only examples and replicas of real-world references and citation formats. Simply follow the key inclusions demonstrated above, take note of the essentialities, and implement them while working on your next dissertation.

Also, here is a list of some of the most recommended font styles for citations.

• 11-point Calibri
• 11-point Arial
• 10-point Lucia Sans Unicode
• 12-point Times New Roman
• 11-point Georgia
• 10-point Computer Modern Default

Let’s safely assume that you are now aware of the broader dimension and what it takes to ensure a well-structured dissertation. Simply abide by the rules and essentialities of drafting the perfect research paper, as discussed in this blog, and embrace academic prosperity like never before.

Cheers!

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Frequently Asked Questions

H3: How should my dissertation be structured?

Here’s how you should structure your dissertation. Take note of these surefire suggestions and never look back.

• First things first, follow the right format to initiate the task of writing a dissertation.
• Now, take note of each of the key components that define a perfectly structured dissertation.
• These include a title page, methodology, introduction, body, conclusion, literature review, research proposal, and bibliography.
• Keep referring to the preliminary pages as you proceed. It helps you maintain a smooth transition.

So, keep these points in mind to ensure the perfect dissertation outline and never miss out on landing the perfect academic piece at the end of the day. Also, note that you must take the introduction chapter seriously and leave no stone unturned to elaborate on your objectives clearly and concisely.

What is the basic structure of a dissertation?

The basic structure of a dissertation includes a title page, an introduction, a literature review, headings, and a concluding section. However, there are other essentials, such as a methodology chapter, theoretical framework, accurate descriptions, figures and tables, a summary, and a reference list. So, take note of the information shared here, include each of these elements to structure your dissertation flawlessly, and leave a lasting impression on your professor. After all, it takes the right determination and new insight to add a dash of perfection to research works.

What are the 7 chapters of a dissertation?

The seven chapters of a dissertation include:

• Chapter 1: The Introduction
•  Chapter 2: Literature Review
• Chapter 3: Methodology
•  Chapter 4: Presentation of Research
• Chapter 5: The Results
•  Chapter 6: The Discussion of Results
• Chapter 7: The Conclusion

So, keep these points and aspects in mind for future research papers, include each of these components diligently, and never miss out on drafting the best dissertation every time. Also, you must heed the importance of developing an ideal research question, ideating research aims, and developing the existing research avenue in a much stronger and more constructive way.

 What is the correct format of a dissertation?

Take note of the following elements defining the correct format of an ideal dissertation.

• The Pretext Pages
• Title Page
• Introduction
• Body Paragraphs
• Research Question
• Existing Research
• Executive Summary
• Core Chapters
• Final Chapter
• Copyright Page
• Conclusion
• Bibliography and more …

Simply keep a note of each of these elements and aspects as mentioned above, embrace the best practice, and never miss out on landing the perfect dissertation like a pro. Remember, you must prioritize proper attribution in this context. Your dissertation must inform readers of your perspectives and objectives in a rationally acceptable manner.

What is the hardest part of a dissertation?

Concluding the literature review is said to be the hardest part of a dissertation. It includes a brief introduction to your dissertation topic, key concepts, and a review of the existing literature. Now that you are stuck in this gridlock and finding the research process convoluted, please remember the three basic elements you must include and implement in order to ensure perfection at the end of the tunnel. Lay a complete focus on your own research, ideate the research process and literature review, refer to previously published material for fairer insights, and keep advancing towards embracing academic success in its best form.

What is the easiest part of a dissertation?

The conclusion chapter is said to be the easiest part of a dissertation. Here’s why.

• Here, you just need to establish a correlation between the thesis statement and the main body paragraphs.
• Once done, you can add up a couple of takeaways and suggest alternative research avenues.

However, remember that you cannot add any new information or perspective to the concluding section of a dissertation. Refer to well-knit dissertation examples and templates for more insights.