What is this topic about?

Many of Arden’s programmes require you to complete a dissertation—an extended piece of original work that allows you to deeply explore any area of your subject, serving as the centrepiece of your studies. This significant project offers you the opportunity to conduct your own research and investigate issues that matter to you. You'll be supported by a dedicated dissertation tutor, who will guide you through the specifics of your thesis. The Learning Success Hub offers a variety of resources to help you choose a topic, start to find literature and navigate your research journey.

Workshops

What is a Dissertation?

This workshop introduces the purpose and potential of an extended research project, addressing key questions: ‘How do I find a topic? What academic skills are necessary for a dissertation? What can I write about? What is a literature review?’ 

Before this session you may want to attend: Understanding Research, Academic Judgement 

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Identifying a Research Topic

This workshop is for those students approaching their final year research project, helping you generate ideas for research topics, assess whether the topic could realistically be carried out and get you started on the first stages of research.

Before this session you may want to attend: Evaluating Resources, Understanding Research 

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How to Format Your Dissertation

Writing a dissertation involves many skills, including the ability to present your work clearly. This workshop will help you to explore the basics of dissertation structure, providing hints and tips for using Word effectively when writing your dissertation. 

After this session you may want to attend: Proofreading 

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How to Write an Annotated Bibliography

This workshop will equip you with the understanding, and evaluative and analytical frameworks for writing a meaningful annotated bibliography, as well as developing reflective thinking techniques to situate your work within your broader research/subject. 

After this session you may want to attend: Understanding Research

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Resources

mini-module Mini Modules
Dissertation Research Toolkit Mini Module

Videos

What is a dissertation?
What is the process of a dissertation at Arden?
How to structure a dissertation
How to generate ideas for a dissertation
How to conduct preliminary research for your dissertation
How to turn a research topic into research questions
How to test your research questions
How to conduct a literature review (1): Finding sources
How to conduct a literature review (2): Evaluating Sources
How to conduct a literature review (3): Writing a review
What are literature reviews and what is their purpose?​
What are some types of literature reviews?
How to conduct a critical review and find a research gap​
How to design a research project
What is quantitative research?
What is qualitative research?
What is the findings section?
How to write the findings section
What is the discussion section?
How to write the discussion section