This essential guide takes students through the planning for each stage of their dissertation, from hatching an idea to handing in their finished project. Short, succinct chapters cover everything from devising a research question and engaging with the literature to choosing a methodology and structuring an argument. It features ten sample dissertations from a range of subject areas, so that students can better anticipate what lies ahead, practical advice at every step and action plans to keep students on track.This book is the ideal companion to all students completing a dissertation as part of their undergraduate or postgraduate studies, whatever their subject area. New to this Edition:- Expanded content on using theory and writing abstracts- Includes more examples from students' dissertations, including an outline for a performing arts dissertation

Acknowledgements.- Introduction.- PART I: GETTING STARTED.- 1. Getting Strategic .- 2. Exploring Ideas.- 3. Working With Your Supervisor.- PART II: PLANNING YOUR RESEARCH.- 4. Starting Your Reading.- 5. Focussing Your Research Question.- 6. Time Planning a Longer Project.- 7. Your Research Plan.- 8. The Supervisor's Perspective.- PART III: PLANNING YOUR LITERATURE REVIEW.- 9. Think: What Are You Looking For?.- 10. Finding It.- 11. Reading It.- 12. Making Sense of It.- 13. Planning It.- PART IV: THINKING ABOUT METHODOLOGY.- 14. Aim and Objectives.- 15. Make Sure Your Methods Match Your Aims!.- 16. Using Theory.- 17. The 'Systematic' Approach: Literature Review as Methodology.- PART V: WHAT'S IN A DISSERTATION?.- Science / Technology / Healthcare.- Dissertation 1: Biomedical Science.- Dissertation 2: Sport Science.- Health and Social Care / Social Science / Business / Education.- Dissertation 3: Healthcare.- Dissertation 4: Business .- Dissertation 5: Business (Hospitality) .- Dissertation 6: Education.- Dissertation 7: Development Studies .- Dissertation 8: Business .- Humanities/Arts.- Dissertation 9: History.- PART VI: WRITING AND ARGUMENT.- 18. Writing Paragraphs.- 19. The Language of Argument.- 20. Writing Style: Using 'I'.- PART VII: PLANNING YOUR ENDGAME.- 21. Be Clear About What You Are Aiming For.- 22. The Conclusion and Introduction.- 23. First Impressions and Last Thoughts.- 24. Journey's End?.- References.- Index.