Writing a PhD dissertation is often considered lengthy and monotonous as it requires an individual to do extensive research work along with completing the coursework in a specialized field. One can also feel the ecstasy and a sense of pride as an individual’s original findings and innovation are published under their name. Unlike assignments or internal exams, PhD dissertation works on lengthy, original research work, which is almost double thesis writing.
PhD dissertation is not only about presenting facts but also focuses on asking questions, finding research gaps, and engaging with the current literature to support your argument. Writing a dissertation also focuses on adapting to new academic standards, pursuing scholarly writing, finding new connections and cultures.
Dissertation can seem overwhelming at the start, but with careful planning, strategy and time management, an individual will move towards a rewarding journey. This blog is carefully crafted for individuals who are interested in pursuing a PhD dissertation and acts as a student guide for successful PhD dissertation.
Table Of Content
🔷 What is a PhD Dissertation?
🔷 Purpose of PhD Dissertation
🔷 Steps Towards a Successful PhD Dissertation
🔷 Challenges for Students and How Can they Overcome Them
🔷 Conclusion
🔷 Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PhD Dissertation?
PhD Dissertation is an original and independent research work required in the doctoral program. With the help of a dissertation, the students try to explore a research question to produce a comprehensive written document based on the specialized topic. A PhD dissertation is 40,000 – 90,000 words, taking an individual’s 3 – 5 years duration. PhD dissertation can be done in various disciplines including Economics, Finance and English literature. Depending on the disciplines of the master’s degree, an individual should pursue a specialization related to it.
The words PhD Dissertation and Thesis PhD are used interchangeably depending on the country you live in. In the US, dissertation is used for a doctoral degree and thesis is known for a master’s degree. Whereas, in the UK, a dissertation is completed in the master’s or undergraduate studies, and a thesis writing is done for a doctoral degree.
Purpose of PhD Dissertation
A PhD in dissertation is known for its lengthy and in-depth exploration on a specific field of study. An individual who is interested in a PhD should be able to deeply dwell into a topic, critically evaluating the literature and finding new observations to provide original contributions.
There is a twin purpose of a PhD dissertation including contributing to the existing knowledge and demonstrating student’s ability to provide expertise in the field. With the help of original research work, an individual needs to fill in the literature gap, challenge the existing theories, and propose a new perspective.
Steps Towards a Successful PhD Dissertation
Writing a PhD can be excruciating for an individual with no guidance. Mentioned below is a step-by-step guide for a successful PhD dissertation to help you with your doctorate.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Research Topic for PhD Dissertation
While writing a PhD dissertation, it is important to choose a topic that matches your interests and career goals. Because a PhD degree extends between 3 – 5 years, a topic that matches your interest can help you with the completion of the degree. It is also important for an individual to conduct deep research on the chosen topic to examine the research materials available. Along with that, one should select a topic by narrowing it down and not picking up an overly broad field of study. Along these lines, make sure to get the topic approved by your appointed supervisor.
Step 2: Conducting Literature Review for PhD Dissertation
Literature Review is said to be one of the most time-consuming parts of the dissertation as it includes conducting deep research on the existing work related to your topic. It includes reviewing relevant research, analyzing and evaluating sources, including academic journals, books, research papers, and much more.
With the help of deep research, an individual can successfully find the research gaps that exist in the literature wherein more research should be done. A Literature Review helps an individual in commanding their research-based knowledge while also supporting their research work.
Step 3: Drafting a Strong Research Proposal for PhD Dissertation
A Research Proposal is a formal structured document that explains what you plan to research, why it is worth it and how you plan to investigate it. Research Proposal is usually presented before the committee during the personal interview round to examine the individual’s interest areas and research work. Your research proposal should be able to convince the committee of your suitability and manageability.
Step 4: Selecting the Right Methodology for PhD Dissertation
Research Methodology works as a medium between readers and researchers to explain how the data was collected for PhD dissertation. The medium could be data collection like experiments, surveys, interviews, participant observation, and much more. It is also used by the researchers to explain how the results will not be of personal biases.
Step 5: Editing, Proofreading and Meeting the Academic Standards
Writing a PhD dissertation also requires an individual to frame their research in a way that meets academic standards. This also includes a certain format from APA, MLA, Chicago, etc. that is used with a font, font size, double spaced line, and much more. An individual working on the dissertation should make sure that they meet these standards to avoid any rejection.
Along with that, an individual must proofread their research. A PhD dissertation is allowed on a 10 – 14% of plagiarism, one exceed that is rejected. There should be no grammatical error, even your dissertation should be either in US English or UK English, depending on the university.
Step 6: Preparing for Viva Voce for PhD Dissertation
With the completion and acceptance of your PhD Dissertation draft, a researcher reaches the final stage of viva voce. Once you can also research online sources and network with individuals to help with PhD dissertation viva.
Your viva voice is attended by the committee, your supervisor, and other university faculty. Once your presentation is over, the committee will ask questions relating to your methodology, result and conclusion to demonstrate the mastery in the process. The viva voice tries to examine what the individual has learnt and if they have actually contributed to the dissertation.
Challenges for Students and How Can they Overcome Them
Many individuals go through some of the common challenges which make them feel overwhelmed. Mentioned below are the challenges along with the ways to overcome them.
1. Time Management: Many of the researchers constantly struggle to balance their coursework, research work and other personal commitments, often missing the deadlines.
Solution: A researcher can prepare a timeline with milestones using project management tools. Along with that, one can make a timetable in a way that fixed hours of writing and reviewing is done every day.
2. Difficulty in Choosing a Research Topic: Dissecting one focused topic for your research work can be hard, also because of the chances of getting rejected, which can overwhelm the researchers.
Solution: One can make a list of potential ideas and discuss it with the supervisors, while also reviewing the available research material.
3. Overwhelmed with Dissertation Process: An individual can sometimes feel overwhelmed with the process, making them feel confused about where to begin and how to begin.
Solution: One can consider seeking PhD dissertation writing services which provide an individual with expert guidance on everything you want. It help is also beneficial for working professionals who have little to no time for themselves. PhD writing services provide an individual with services like editing to prepare you for viva voce.
4. Stress and Mental Fatigue: A researcher can also feel overwhelmed with the research work as dissertation is long, extending to 3 – 5 years.
Solution: One should practice exercise, meditation, and seek counselling services to maintain a healthy academic-life balance.
Conclusion
It is an academic research extending up to 5 years or more, depending on the university. An individual needs to present their original research work on the topic of their own choice, to help fill the research gap in literature. Dissertation is useful to establish new research while also upgrading your job position.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the word limit for PhD Dissertation? Is it similar to the Thesis Writing in Postgraduate?
The word limit for a PhD Dissertation is 80,000 – 100,000 words, roughly expanding to 250 – 300 pages. It is not like writing a thesis during postgraduate studies, which typically requires 18,000 – 20,000 words, roughly 65 – 80 pages.
What are some of the skills gained with the completion of PhD Dissertation?
Completion of a dissertation helps individuals gain research and analytical skills, critical thinking, academic writing, time management, persistence, and adaptability—all of which are valuable for future career and academic growth.
What is the purpose of a PhD Dissertation?
The purpose of a dissertation is to demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and understanding to earn a degree in an advanced field. Additionally, it helps identify research gaps in existing literature, contributing to academic knowledge.
How can I overcome my lack of motivation and writing blocks?
Researchers often face lack of motivation and writing blocks. These can be overcome by breaking tasks into smaller sections, setting daily writing goals, and using free writing techniques to let out ideas and maintain progress.
What are some of the most important elements of a PhD dissertation?
Key elements include introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Secondary elements such as appendices, work cited, abstract, and glossary should also be included for completeness.
