A dissertation is a lengthy, formal academic writing piece presenting original research on a specific topic. Typically required at the end of a master’s or doctoral program, a dissertation allows students to demonstrate their ability to independently conduct in-depth research, analyze complex information, and contribute new knowledge or insights to their field of study. It’s Read More
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A dissertation is a lengthy, formal academic writing piece presenting original research on a specific topic. Typically required at the end of a master’s or doctoral program, a dissertation allows students to demonstrate their ability to independently conduct in-depth research, analyze complex information, and contribute new knowledge or insights to their field of study. It’s more than just an extended essay. It’s a structured, evidence-based argument that showcases the writer’s expertise, critical thinking, and mastery of academic research methods. Writing a dissertation is often seen as a significant educational milestone and a culmination of years of study.
A dissertation is a detailed and structured academic writing based on original research. Students usually write it in the final stage of a master’s or doctoral degree. A dissertation aims to explore a specific research question or topic in depth, demonstrate a thorough understanding of the subject, and contribute new knowledge or insights to the academic field. Unlike regular assignments or essays, a dissertation is much longer, involves independent research, and follows a formal educational structure, including chapters like the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and conclusion.
An empirical dissertation involves collecting and analyzing original, first-hand data to answer a specific research question or test a hypothesis. It is widely used in fields that rely on measurable outcomes, such as social sciences, psychology, education, business, health, and natural sciences. This type of dissertation aims to explore real-world phenomena through systematic data collection and evidence-based analysis.
Students begin by identifying a research problem, then design a methodology that may include quantitative methods (such as experiments, questionnaires, and statistical analysis) or qualitative methods (like interviews, focus groups, and thematic analysis). Often, a mixed-methods approach is used to gain a more comprehensive understanding.
The empirical dissertation presents the study’s findings and discusses their significance, limitations, and implications for future research or practice. It demands ethical considerations, especially when dealing with human subjects, and often requires approval from a research ethics board.
Example: A psychology student may conduct semi-structured interviews with high school students to explore the impact of social media use on their self-esteem. After collecting the data, the student would code and analyze the responses using qualitative software and draw conclusions about trends and themes.
A non-empirical, theoretical, conceptual, or literature-based dissertation does not involve collecting new data. Instead, it focuses on analyzing, synthesizing, and critiquing existing research, theories, and arguments within a particular field. This approach is common in disciplines like philosophy, law, literature, history, cultural studies, and the arts.
In this type of dissertation, students formulate a central argument or thesis based on a comprehensive reading and interpretation of scholarly sources. The goal is to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the topic by examining how different authors and schools of thought have addressed it. Students may identify gaps in existing literature, propose new theoretical perspectives, or offer fresh interpretations of well-established ideas.
This dissertation requires a strong command of academic literature, critical analysis, and argumentation skills. Rather than proving something through data, the student contributes to the scholarly conversation by offering well-supported, original insights.
Example: A literature student might analyze feminist themes in 19th-century novels by examining how different authors portray women’s roles and identities, using theories from gender studies and literary criticism. All the evidence would come from texts and scholarly literature.
| Feature | Empirical Dissertation | Non-Empirical Dissertation |
|---|---|---|
| Data Source | Original, first-hand data | Existing literature and theories |
| Common Fields | Psychology, education, sciences, health | Literature, philosophy, history |
| Methodology | Experiments, surveys, interviews, observations | Critical analysis, literature review, and theoretical frameworks |
| Contribution | New data and real-world findings | New interpretations or theoretical insights |
| Skills Required | Research design, data collection/analysis | Critical thinking, reading, and analytical writing |
Both types require academic rigor, critical engagement with sources, and a clear, well-structured argument, but the path to building that argument differs significantly.
Read on How to Choose a Good Dissertation Topic: A Step-by-Step Guide
The length of a dissertation varies widely depending on the level of study, the academic discipline, and the institution’s specific guidelines. While no universal word count applies to all dissertations, there are standard ranges and expectations based on the type of degree being pursued.
Typical Length: 5,000 to 12,000 words
Purpose: This is often the first large-scale research project a student undertakes.
Focus: It introduces students to basic research skills, critical thinking, and academic writing. Students are usually expected to choose a topic, conduct a literature review, and present their findings or analysis, often based on secondary research or small-scale primary studies.
Example: A business student may write a 10,000-word dissertation on the marketing strategies of eco-friendly brands, using case studies and literature.
Typical Length: 12,000 to 25,000 words
Purpose: A master’s dissertation demands deeper research and more academic rigor than an undergraduate one.
Focus: Students must demonstrate independent thinking, research skills, and subject expertise. Depending on the field, it may involve empirical data collection, theoretical analysis, or both.
Example: A public health student may submit a 20,000-word dissertation evaluating the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns in rural areas, supported by survey data and interviews.
Typical Length: 50,000 to 100,000 words (or more, depending on the discipline)
Purpose: The PhD dissertation is a student’s most extensive and significant academic work.
Focus: It must contribute original research and knowledge to the field. A doctoral thesis is expected to demonstrate innovation, knowledge depth, and research methodologies.
Example: A doctoral candidate in education may write an 85,000-word dissertation developing a new framework for inclusive classroom strategies, supported by multi-year field research.
Different academic fields have different expectations in terms of dissertation length:
Tend to be shorter (e.g., 50,000–70,000 words).
Focus on experiments, data analysis, charts, graphs, and clear outcomes.
Often broken into publishable journal article formats.
Usually longer (e.g., 80,000–100,000 words).
Emphasize critical discussion, theoretical depth, historical context, and comprehensive literature reviews.
Chapters may function as individual studies or essays that collectively support the thesis.
May fall in the mid-range (e.g., 15,000–80,000 words) depending on the degree level and the scope of research.
Can include case studies, policy analysis, or theoretical discussions.
Institutions may have different rules about what counts toward the total word count. Some include all sections, while others exclude the following:
Bibliography/References
Appendices (surveys, raw data, transcripts)
Tables, figures, and charts
Footnotes or endnotes (may or may not be included)
Always consult your department’s dissertation guide or supervisor to clarify these details.
| Degree Level | Typical Word Count | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 5,000 – 12,000 words | Basic research skills, literature-based, or small studies |
| Master’s | 12,000 – 25,000 words | In-depth research, empirical or theoretical |
| PhD (Doctorate) | 50,000 – 100,000+ words | Original research, significant contribution to the field |
| Sciences | 50,000 – 70,000 words | Concise, data-driven |
| Humanities | 80,000 – 100,000+ words | Analytical, literature-heavy, argument-focused |
Here are a variety of dissertation examples across academic levels and disciplines to give you a clear idea of how dissertation topics are structured and approached
Subject: Marketing
Title: The Influence of Influencer Marketing on Buying Decisions Among Gen Z Consumers
Type: Empirical (survey-based)
Description: Surveys young consumers to assess how social media influencers affect their shopping habits.
Subject: History
Title: The Role of Women in the French Revolution: A Historiographical Analysis
Type: Non-Empirical (literature-based)
Description: Examines how historians have interpreted women’s involvement in revolutionary France.
Subject: Public Health
Title: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Anti-Smoking Campaigns in Urban Communities
Type: Empirical (data collection and analysis)
Description: Surveys and health data assess behavioral change after public health interventions.
Subject: Education
Title: A Comparative Study of Online vs. In-Person Learning Outcomes in Higher Education
Type: Mixed Methods (quantitative and qualitative)
Description: Combines survey data and student interviews to evaluate learning effectiveness.
Subject: English Literature
Title: Trauma and Memory in Postcolonial Narratives: A Study of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Works
Type: Non-Empirical (textual analysis)
Description: Analyzes themes of trauma in postcolonial literature using literary theory.
Subject: Computer Science
Title: Developing Deep Learning Algorithms for Real-Time Object Detection in Autonomous Vehicles
Type: Empirical (algorithm design and testing)
Description: Introduces and tests a novel machine learning model for improving vehicle safety systems.
Subject: Psychology
Title: The Long-Term Cognitive Effects of Childhood Trauma: A Neuropsychological Perspective
Type: Empirical (clinical research and analysis)
Description: Uses longitudinal data and brain imaging to study cognitive development in trauma-exposed individuals.
Subject: Political Science
Title: Democratic Backsliding in Eastern Europe: Causes, Consequences, and International Responses
Type: Non-Empirical (theoretical and policy analysis)
Description: Examines political theory, historical trends, and case studies to explain democratic erosion.
You can find real academic dissertation examples in online databases like:
ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global (for academic access)
Open Access Theses and Dissertations (OATD): https://oatd.org
EThOS (UK dissertations): https://ethos.bl.uk
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Start by focusing on a subject area that genuinely interests you. Make sure there’s sufficient academic material to support your research and that the topic is feasible within your timeframe and available resources. Originality, relevance to your field, and alignment with your future goals are also important factors.
Yes, but changes should be discussed with and approved by your supervisor. Minor refinements are common, but significant shifts may require a new proposal or ethics review, especially if research has already begun.
The proposal is essential as it outlines your research objectives, methodology, and significance. A strong proposal helps clarify your direction and is often required for supervisor approval and institutional ethics clearance.
This might indicate your topic is too narrow or specialized. Consider broadening your focus, using interdisciplinary angles, or consulting with a librarian for access to additional databases or resources such as grey literature or academic repositories.
Only those involving human participants or sensitive data typically need ethical clearance. However, you should always confirm with your academic department, as requirements vary by institution and project type.
Helpful tools include:
Reference Managers: Zotero, Mendeley, EndNote
Data Analysis: SPSS, R, NVivo, ATLAS.ti
Writing & Organization: Scrivener, Notion, Trello
Editing: Grammarly, Hemingway Editor
These can help streamline research, writing, and data management.
Set small, achievable goals and break the project into manageable parts. Use productivity techniques like the Pomodoro method, track your progress, and consider peer accountability or writing groups to stay on schedule.
Yes, particularly at the PhD level. Some institutions allow a “thesis by publication” format, where journal articles are included as chapters. Always check institutional guidelines and obtain any necessary copyright permissions.
Starting late or procrastinating
Choosing a topic that’s too broad or too narrow
Not using a clear structure
Inadequate referencing or plagiarism
Ignoring feedback from supervisors
Failing to back up work regularly
If required, the dissertation defense (or viva voce) involves presenting your work to a panel of examiners who will question your research choices, findings, and conclusions. Preparation is key: rehearse answers, anticipate critiques, and clearly explain your research rationale.
Yes, it’s uncommon if you’ve followed guidelines and submitted original work. Failing typically results from issues like plagiarism, lack of coherence, unsupported arguments, or not meeting academic standards. In most cases, students are allowed to revise and resubmit.
Evan John