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Write a dissertation or report with confidence
Writing a dissertation or report can feel overwhelming — especially if it’s your first time. But with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be.
This page brings together practical, step‑by‑step resources from our Study Skills books to help you move confidently from planning your ideas to submitting your final piece of work.
Getting started with your dissertation
Understanding why you’re writing a dissertation and, what your marker is looking for, is the first step to doing well.
In this chapter from Your Undergraduate Dissertation, you’ll explore:
- The purpose of a dissertation
- How it’s structured
- What independent study really means
"After having, over the years, been fed with lots of information, guided step by step through various assignments and been tested on your knowledge and understanding in examinations, you undertake the dissertation as an exercise in independent study"
Check your work before you submit
Putting yourself in your marker’s shoes can make a real difference to your final grade. Use this self‑assessment checklist to review your work before submission and spot areas you can improve.
5 steps to a better dissertation
Step 1: Planning your dissertation
A clear plan helps you manage your time, stay motivated, and avoid last‑minute stress. Learn how to break your dissertation into manageable stages and build a realistic timeline.
Step 2: Choosing your dissertation topic
If you are given free reign to choose your dissertation topic, and you aren’t quite sure what you want to research, then why not grab paper and pens and do a brainstorming session to try and narrow down your focus. You might like to consider some of the points listed below:
- Is your dissertation literature-based or will it involve some data collection?
- Do you prefer quantitative (numeric data) or qualitative (non-numeric data e.g. focus groups) methods?
- Do you like to do practical work in the laboratory or field?
- What topics interest you?
- What courses have you enjoyed the most?
- What books and articles have you recently read and enjoyed?
- Are there any areas of study that would be useful for your future career?
- Is there any emerging research or highly topical areas connected to your
- subject?
- Is there a member of staff that could supervise your chosen area?
Write down your answers and try to identify particular themes or key areas of interest to narrow down your ideas.
This is an extract from Writing Skills for University: From Day 1 to Dissertation.
Step 3: Developing your research question
Research runs throughout your dissertation — but most of it happens before you start writing. Learn how to turn a general topic into a clear, focused research question with this free chapter from Doing Your Social Science Dissertation.
Step 4: Writing your dissertation
Strong academic writing underpins a strong dissertation. Explore expert advice on:
- writing clearly and critically
- grammar, punctuation and originality
- building strong arguments
All to help you communicate your ideas with confidence.
Step 5: Polishing and presenting your work
Presentation matters. From layout and formatting to clarity of language, small improvements can make a big difference to your grade.
This excerpt from Get a Better Grade practical tips to help your work look professional and submission‑ready.
How to write a great report
What is a report?
A report is a practical document where you write up the findings of your investigation into real-world problems – think scientific experiment or business report.
Unlike essays, reports:
- Reports are written for specific readers
- Use the passive voice
- Are signposted with headings and subheadings: Context; Literature Review; Method; Findings; Discussion; Conclusion; Recommendations; References.
This is an adapted extract from Essential Study Skills. If you want more support with assessment writing, explore this chapter:
Lab report writing tips
Lab reports are very different from essays or literature reviews. This short video shares practical tips on what to do before, during, and after writing your lab report — helping you present your results clearly and accurately.