Writing up your
Dissertation
Survival Guidance
Jan Loughran
Writing up your dissertation
► Handing
in Procedure
► Quality assurance
► Dissertation Logbook
► Writing up
 Format and key inclusions
 Avoiding Pitfalls
 Maximising Marks
Handing In Procedure
► Print
off TWO copies
► Take to reprographics for binding and pick
up receipt
► Hand in receipt; signed logbook and disc/cd
to NB301 on day of handin
► Dates are in the logbook
► Electronic copies of logbook are on NB001
NBS Research Group organisation
blackboard site
Quality Assurance
► Ensure
you have complied with fonts and
margins
► Put through TURNITIN for plagiarism check
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www.submit.ac.uk
Enrol as user
Put in Code 30671 and password Dissertation
You can resubmit a second time
Originality report takes 24hours
Dissertation Logbook
► Evidence
that you have engaged in process
► Notes of meetings should be filled in in detail by
you
► Supervisor should sign
► Little evidence of engagement will lead to call for
working papers
► Sample will be requested anyway
► Details of working papers in survival guide
► Limited working papers will lead to interview with
supervisor and possible action for plagiarism
Writing up – Format and Key
Inclusions
► Format
details all in full dissertation
handbook in Organisation Blackboard site
NB001
► Abstract
► Acknowledgements
► Appendices:
 Reflective Statement
 Examples of Primary Research data
 Examples of analysed secondary sources etc.
Writing up- Avoiding Pitfalls
► Write
introduction last and ensure it reflects what
you did
► Ensure conclusions are supported by evidence
► Ensure method describes and justifies EXACTLY
what you did and why (in detail)
► Ensure that analysis of results and data gathering
tool cross reference to literature
► Ensure that literature review explains the
arguments that lead to your hypothesis/question
► Spell and Grammar Check
► Reference Reference Reference!
Writing up – Maximising Marks
► Avoid Pitfalls!
► Ensure that presentation is excellent
► Proof read and make sure that editing
hasn’t lost
argument
► Write good introduction that sounds interesting
► Be logical and straight forward in discussion
► Don’t waffle
► Acknowledge supervisor
► Write decent reflective statement
► Ensure logbook is filled in