MSc Dissertation Structure
1.
Abstract (<500 words)
Why to conduct this research (3-4
sentences)
How you did it (2-3 sentences)
What are the key findings (4-5 sentences)
Implications of your research (2-3
sentences)
2.
Introduction (1500 – 2000 words)
Why choose this research – identify
research subjects
What have / haven’t been done in the area
(briefly) – knowledge gap
Research aim and objectives
Structure of the dissertation
3.
Literature review (4000 – 5000
words)
Identify the key concepts of your research
What have / haven’t been done in the area
(detailed)
Where is the knowledge gap
4.
Research methodology (2000 –
3000 words)
Research methods available
How similar researches have been done –
what works and what doesn’t
Justify your own choice of research
method(s)
Rationale of your research design
Details of your research process
5.
Data analysis (4000 – 5000
words)
Present the data collected: table, diagram
What does the data mean in the context of
your research
Link back to the existing literature to
understand the data
6.
Conclusion (1500 – 2000 words)
Why you chose this research
How you did it
Your conclusions / recommendations
Your contribution to knowledge
Limitation of the research / Further
research
7.
Reference
60-120 references are expected, mainly from
academic sources
Only Harvard reference format
8.
Appendices
Questionnaire
Interview structure / questions
Interview transcripts
Other relevant documents which will help
your readers to understand your work