Guidance on the structure of a PG Dissertation

7MG001 (40 credits 12,000-15,000 words); 7MG002 (60 credits 15,000- 18,000 words)

Chapter 1-Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to justify the topic of the dissertation or research project as being worthy of research. To do this successful the student should: Introduce the topic and its context. Locate the topic within current academic literature. Draw from non-academic literature sources (e.g. specific company literature, government reports, newspapers etc.) to demonstrate the wider relevance of the topic. Show the contemporary nature of the study. Present the research questions to be studied as a logical consequence of the argument they have constructed. Summarise the chapter and introduce the next chapter. (Proportion of word count, approximately 10%)

Chapter 2- Literature Review

Do not cut and paste text into the literature review. The purpose of this chapter is to review and critically analyse the academic literature pertinent to the research question(s) this chapter also provides material to be used in the data collection stage. To do this successfully the student should: Ensure the reviewed literature is relevant by using the research question(s) as sub-headings, at least in the draft stage. Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the academic debates relevant to their topic. Critically analyse key contributions, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, testing their internal consistency, and acknowledging and presenting the inevitable counter-arguments. Avoid presenting literature uncritically this does not demonstrate understanding. Avoid presenting only the positive side of an argument, as a researcher he/she must acknowledge and evaluate the negative aspects of their chosen topic. Summarise the chapter and introduce the next chapter. (Word count 30%)

Chapter 3-Research Methodology

The purpose of this chapter is to justify the research methodology chosen by the student as following accepted academic convention. To do this successfully the student should: Support and substantiate his/her claims throughout with reference to appropriate research methodology literature. Justify the research strategy chosen. Ensure the strategy is consistent with his/her identified research approach (qualitative or quantitative for example). Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the type of research approach chosen and the data collection methods employed. Identify the limitations of the research. Summarise the chapter and introduce the next chapter. (Word count 15%)

Chapter 4-Results, Analysis & Discussion

The purpose of this chapter is to present the data and analyse the findings in relation to the literature reviewed in chapter two. To do this successfully the student should: Ensure relevance by using the research questions as sub-headings, at least in the draft stage. Present the data in a clear and coherent manner, using tables, graphs etc. as he/she sees fit. Critically discuss the findings in relation to the literature in chapter two, identifying areas of agreement and disagreement, and give some thought as to why the results he/she obtained were so. Identify any results that were puzzling or unexpected and consider why this was so. Summarise the chapter and introduce the next chapter. (Word count 35%)

Chapter 5 - Conclusions, Implications & Recommendations

The purpose of this chapter is to conclude the study by drawing together all the key points and to identify recommendations drawn from the research. To do this successfully the student should: Conclude the study effectively by drawing together all the main issues, state their implications and make recommendations - presenting them in a coherent narrative. Reflect upon the process of the research identifying what went well and what should have been done differently. Identify the limitations of the study. Identify any areas of further study highlighted during the research process. Include any personal/professional reflections. Summarise the whole of the study. (Word count 10%) 2