Given the magnitude of effort and time a dissertation demands, you must contemplate how the theme might affect your professional future. Should your aspirations involve lecturing at a higher educational tier or extending your studies, the focus of your dissertation will inevitably pave the way for your teaching and research endeavors.
This perspective, as emphasized by
Francesco Lelli, represents one end while the other suggests its relevance may not matter post-graduation. Lelli delineates seven potential outcomes your dissertation could result in upon completing your studies.
- Your thesis will be (almost) forgotten
- Your thesis will be used by another student
- A student association will use your thesis
- Your thesis will contribute to the research of your supervisor
- You will co-author a publication that uses part of the content of your thesis
- Your thesis will contribute to some national or international research project
- Your thesis will be used in the company where you were doing your internship
How Long Is a Dissertation?
The
length of a dissertation is around 10,000 to 12,000 words at the undergraduate level. These projects provide students with their first taste of independent research, allowing them to explore a particular area of their discipline. While shorter than their postgraduate counterparts, they still include essential sections like the
introduction,
abstract,
preface, literature review, methodology, results,
acknowledgements and conclusion.
For most master’s programs, dissertations tend to hover between 15,000 to 25,000 words. Unlike undergraduate projects, master’s dissertations require a more in-depth exploration of the chosen topic. The expectation here is for students to showcase a mastery of the subject.
Doctoral dissertations are more exhaustive in nature, typically ranging from 50,000 words to over 100,000 in some cases. Ph.D. candidates are expected to make a novel contribution to their field. This often requires comprehensive research, experimentation, and analysis, leading to a longer dissertation. Given the extensive nature of the research, Ph.D. dissertations have more sections.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Dissertation Topic
Choosing a dissertation topic is a significant step in your academic journey. It’s an opportunity to showcase your passion, knowledge, and research skills. While the process can be challenging, the outcome can be incredibly rewarding, setting the foundation for your future in the academic and professional world.
