The Process of Writing a Dissertation
During the final year of my doctoral studies, I spent over 18 months working on my dissertation. It became more than just a research project. It challenged how I thought, how I managed my time, and how I handled feedback. At first, I underestimated how much planning was needed. I thought I could write the first three chapters in a few weeks. In reality, I spent months collecting data, reviewing literature, and rewriting my argument to fill a gap that my advisor later called “both original and practical.”
Writing a dissertation is not just an academic requirement. It is proof that you can work independently, think critically, and contribute something new to your field. Whether you are a Ph.D. candidate, a master’s student, or writing a final project as an undergraduate, this work can shape your career. When I applied for my first postdoctoral position, the hiring committee asked detailed questions about my dissertation. They were more interested in my research methods and ability to handle complex problems than in my grades. Your dissertation may open doors that no exam score ever will.
Of course, the process is hard. I remember nights when I stared at the screen for hours without typing a word. There were times I received feedback that made me want to give up. What helped me was breaking the project into parts and treating each section as a small goal. I also consulted a great thesis writing service and even joined a peer writing group. We shared weekly updates, exchanged drafts, and kept each other motivated. That simple act of accountability made a huge difference.
In this article, I share a step-by-step process based on my own experience as a student and as a supervisor. I have guided over 40 students through their dissertations in fields like education, business, and applied linguistics. Some worked full time. Some were writing in English as a second language. Others had to restart after changing topics. What they all had in common was a need for clear steps, practical tools, and encouragement.
If you are feeling lost or overwhelmed, know that you are not alone. I have been there. Many others have been there too. With the right plan, good habits, and clear structure, you can complete your dissertation and be proud of your work. The journey will test you, but it will also teach you more than any class ever could.
What Is a Dissertation? A Personal View from Experience
I still remember holding the first printed copy of my dissertation. It was nearly 250 pages, the result of two years of focused research, setbacks, progress, and more coffee than I care to admit. It was not just a long paper. It was the most detailed and demanding writing I had ever done. A dissertation is often described as a long essay, but that does not explain its full meaning. It is a deep academic investigation, where you must not only understand your subject but also contribute something new to it. In my case, that meant developing a framework for student motivation in bilingual classrooms.
From what I have seen while supervising both master’s and undergraduate dissertations, many students are confused at the start. They think a dissertation is just a longer essay. But while an essay shows that you understand a topic, a dissertation asks you to explore a question that has not been fully answered before. You must show critical thinking, research skills, and independence. In the United Kingdom, most degree programs require a dissertation or final project. This applies to Ph.D., postgraduate, and even many undergraduate courses. And it is not just a box to check. Done well, a dissertation can help you stand out when applying for jobs or further study.
In my first semester of writing, I struggled with narrowing down my topic. I changed directions three times. The turning point came when I realized that a dissertation must focus on one clear question, not a wide topic. That lesson now forms part of every workshop I teach. If you try to do too much, you end up showing very little. Focused research leads to stronger arguments and easier writing.
When I worked with one international student writing in English as a second language, she faced challenges in expressing her ideas clearly. Together, we created a structure that helped her write step by step. She passed with distinction. This showed me that writing a good dissertation is not about being perfect in English. It is about having strong ideas and presenting them clearly, one section at a time.
Writing a dissertation also teaches you how to manage your time, deal with feedback, and keep going even when you feel stuck. These are skills that stay with you beyond university. Whether you are just starting your topic or already deep into the literature review, know that writing a dissertation is a journey. It is not easy, but with the right mindset and support, it is possible for anyone to succeed.
The Difference Between a Thesis and a Dissertation
In general, both terms get used interchangeably globally but can vary between regions and Universities. The significant difference comes in when both are complete. Thesis projects demarcate the end of degree programs, while dissertation may occur during the degree program. It does not matter if it is a Ph.D., Masters, or bachelor’s dissertation that one is currently working on since the structure is similar, and the steps of doing research are identical in all the cases. One exception is that doctoral papers are complex and detailed.
| Tip or Topic | Dissertation | Thesis | Real Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Level | Usually for a doctoral (PhD) degree | Usually for a master’s degree | PhD in Psychology requires a dissertation based on original research |
| Main Goal | To create new knowledge through original research | To show deep understanding of existing research | Thesis on Shakespeare analyzes existing literature, not new discoveries |
| Length and Depth | Longer and more detailed (150 to 300 pages) | Shorter (usually 40 to 80 pages) | My own thesis in education was 55 pages, while my doctoral dissertation exceeded 200 |
| Use of Research | Includes original data collection and analysis | Focuses on analysis and summary of others’ research | Thesis included a review of studies; dissertation required interviews and survey data |
| Structure | Complex with chapters like Methodology, Findings, Discussion | Simpler structure, mostly Introduction, Literature Review, Analysis, and Conclusion | Dissertation had 8 chapters, while the thesis had only 4 |
| Time Required | Takes 2 to 5 years to complete | Usually completed in 1 to 2 semesters | My master’s thesis took 4 months; my dissertation took over 3 years |
| Advisor Role | Advisors expect more independence and leadership | More guidance and feedback provided throughout | During my thesis, my advisor gave weekly comments. For my dissertation, I submitted drafts independently |
| Final Defense | Must defend the dissertation in front of a committee | May or may not require an oral defense | My thesis was submitted and graded, while my dissertation required a two-hour defense session |
Most Common Challenges
If you do not write a dissertation, then be ready to face turbulence and troubles. Even genius students face challenges at this stage of their study. Dissertation writing is not like any essay writing since it has a unique structure underpinning scientific investigation or inquiry. The following are challenges that students face while working on their dissertation projects.
- Lack of project planning: This involves delays in starting the dissertation paper. The majority of the students think they have adequate time to complete the research and write the report.
- Insufficient research skills: In the absence of research skills, a dissertation’s writing becomes an uphill task to climb. Writing a dissertation is more than collecting some relevant reference materials.
- Failing to meet strict academic writing standards. Failing to follow formatting guidelines, structure, style, and language provided by the institution or school when writing a dissertation project may make matters worse.
Writing a Dissertation Step-by-Step
- They were getting a manageable and exciting research topic. A well-defined topic is a requirement to conduct a successful research project. An exciting and manageable topic will yield authentic research work hence a higher academic score. Candidates get to choose their dissertation research topics, unlike assignments and essays. The research topic does not need to be narrow or broad.
- Develop dissertation proposal: Once a student selects a research topic, the next step is to create a dissertation research proposal. The proposal aims to convince the committee members or supervisor of the advantages of the research proposal. You need to prove that your research work will add value to the request’s scientific and academic communities.
- Data collection, research, and investigation: In the dissertation writing process, this essential part. Avoid using irrelevant and outdated academic sources that do not add value to the body of knowledge. Getting highly authentic and relevant reference resources is the secret to succeeding in writing a dissertation project. Therefore, you do not need to rush the process of academic research.
- Writing flawless dissertation: Once your research proposal goes through, do not waste time, and embark on your research work immediately. Writing the dissertation will define the mark you will earn in the long run and even whether you will graduate or not. You will need a sober mind and logical analysis of data, and correct interpretations.
- Edit, proofread and improve your manuscript: This stage comes right after writing all your dissertation sections. Before you begin, you will need to reboot and focus your creative mind on seeing your ideas from a fresh perspective. If time allows, you can get a second or a third eye to look at your work and provide positive criticism. At the end of this stage, you will eliminate factual, spelling, and grammar errors.
