You may have decided on your title or are considering the focus of your topic. You may have a great idea but wondering how to begin. Wherever you are in the process, this resource will provide you with the information to get you on the right track. You will develop creativity, judgement, communication, organisation and persistence as you work on your final project or dissertation.
Your supervisor will provide guidance for your project and will have knowledge of your subject area. You will have the opportunity to book meetings at regular intervals with them so use this valuable resource and book in advance. Attend the meetings and make notes on the advice you are provided with – if you are not sure – ask! Your supervisor is there to support you and provide advice so take it up!
To build your final project or dissertation, depending on your topic and course, you will need to use a range of primary and secondary sources and manage and analyse your data.
Your Faculty librarian is the expert for finding the information you need and can explain how to use search engines and which ones are suitable for your focus area. They will explain how to refine and change your search terms for maximum effect, how to access journal articles and databases and how to look for the current literature in your subject area efficiently. If the research paper or book you need is not available in the library your librarian can also explain how to request an inter-library loan.
Book an appointment with them online via Teams or in person.
There are plenty of study skills books in the library to help. Some popular examples are How to write an undergraduate dissertation and Doing your research project. If you want to find more study skills books you can search FINDit or checkout the study skills books highlighted on the 'Develop your skills' tab on any of the subject guides Library produce. A wider resource list is available via reading lists online, called Study skills reading list.
Students are often daunted by referencing and have concerns about plagiarism.
Try to keep a record of all the material you read as you go along – it takes a lot more time afterwards finding where that important reference came from. Check out USW Study Skills' guide to Referencing or see the 'Workshops' on the Study Skills course on Blackboard.
It’s a good starting point to have a plan or structure in mind. Talk to your tutor so that you can form a basis for your dissertation or project.
The University of Reading provide the following useful resources:
Dissertations and major projects
Final chapter – access this external resource for information dedicated to the final dissertation /project, from how to choose your topic to proof reading.
This page relates to Level 6 study.