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[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”21px” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font_size=”64px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font_size=”64px” header_4_line_height=”1.2em” header_5_font_size=”64px” header_5_line_height=”1.2em” header_6_font_size=”64px” header_6_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”23px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_2_font_size_phone=”33px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_3_font_size_phone=”33px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_4_font_size_phone=”33px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_5_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_5_font_size_phone=”33px” header_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_6_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_6_font_size_phone=”33px” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
How To Structure Your Research Like A Pro \ud83c\udf93<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Merriweather||on||||||” text_text_color=”#afafaf” text_font_size=”16px” custom_margin=”10px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
By: Derek Jansen<\/a> (MBA) Reviewed By: David Phair<\/a> (PhD) | Updated August 2025<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”46px||0px||false|false” locked=”off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” positioning=”none” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” sticky_position=”top” sticky_offset_top=”100px” sticky_limit_bottom=”section” sticky_position_tablet=”none” sticky_position_phone=”none” sticky_position_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/gradcoach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sidebar-Ad-Website-4.png” alt=”Free Research Toolkit” title_text=”Sidebar Ad – Website (4)” url=”https:\/\/gradcoach.com\/toolkit\/” url_new_window=”on” align=”center” disabled_on=”on|off|off” admin_label=”Workshop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” box_shadow_style=”preset4″ box_shadow_horizontal=”5px” box_shadow_vertical=”5px” global_module=”119567″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=NUvo2IXZ1kE” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ededed” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ locked=”off”]<\/p>\n A clear structure keeps your dissertation logical, organised, and easy to follow.<\/p>\n By following this flow, you\u2019ll ensure your dissertation tells a clear, convincing research story from start to finish.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]S<\/span>o, you\u2019ve got a decent understanding of what a dissertation is<\/a>, you\u2019ve chosen your topic<\/a> and hopefully you\u2019ve received approval for your research proposal<\/a>. Awesome! Now its time to start the actual dissertation or thesis writing journey.<\/p>\n To craft a high-quality document, the very first thing you need to understand is dissertation structure<\/strong>. In this post, we\u2019ll walk you through the generic dissertation structure and layout, step by step. We\u2019ll start with the big picture, and then zoom into each chapter to briefly discuss the core contents. If you’re just starting out on your research journey, you should start with this post, which covers the big-picture process of how to write a dissertation or thesis<\/a>.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_3_font_size_tablet=”” header_3_font_size_phone=”” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In this post, we\u2019ll be discussing a traditional<\/strong> dissertation\/thesis structure and layout, which is generally used for social science research across universities, whether in the US, UK, Europe or Australia. However, some universities may have small variations<\/strong> on this structure (extra chapters, merged chapters, slightly different ordering, etc).<\/p>\n So, always check with your university<\/strong> if they have a prescribed structure or layout that they expect you to work with. If not, it’s safe to assume the structure we\u2019ll discuss here is suitable. And even if they do have a prescribed structure, you\u2019ll still get value from this post as we\u2019ll explain the core contents of each section. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”3%||3%|2%|true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”3%||3%|6%|true|false” custom_padding_phone=”|6%||9%|true|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_width_all=”2px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As I mentioned, some universities will have slight variations on this structure. For example, they want an additional \u201cpersonal reflection chapter\u201d, or they might prefer the results and discussion chapter<\/a> to be merged into one. Regardless, the overarching flow will always be the same, as this flow reflects the research process<\/strong>, which we discussed here<\/a> \u2013 i.e.:<\/p>\n In other words, the dissertation structure and layout reflect the research process of asking a well-defined question(s), investigating, and then answering the question – see below.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/gradcoach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dissertation-circle-800.png” alt=”A dissertation’s structure reflect the research process” title_text=”dissertation-circle-800″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.26.0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.26.0″ header_3_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_3_font_size_tablet=”” header_3_font_size_phone=”” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To restate that – the structure and layout of a dissertation reflect the flow of the overall research process<\/strong>. This is essential to understand, as each chapter will make a lot more sense if you \u201cget\u201d this concept. If you\u2019re not familiar with the research process, read this post<\/a> before going further.<\/p>\n Right. Now that we\u2019ve covered the big picture, let\u2019s dive a little deeper into the details of each section and chapter. Oh and by the way, you can also grab our free dissertation\/thesis template here<\/a> to help speed things up. The title page of your dissertation is the very first impression the marker will get of your work, so it pays to invest some time thinking about your title. But what makes for a good title? A strong title needs to be 3 things:<\/p>\n Typically, a good title includes mention of the following:<\/p>\n For example:<\/p>\n A quantitative investigation [research design] into the antecedents of organisational trust [broader area] in the UK retail forex trading market [specific context\/area of focus]. <\/em><\/p>\n Again, some universities may have specific requirements regarding the format and structure of the title, so it\u2019s worth double-checking expectations with your institution (if there\u2019s no mention in the brief or study material).<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_module=”125349″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_code][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.26.0″ header_3_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_3_font_size_tablet=”” header_3_font_size_phone=”” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n This page provides you with an opportunity to say thank you to those who helped you along your research journey. Generally, it\u2019s optional (and won\u2019t count towards your marks), but it is academic best practice to include this.<\/p>\n So, who do you say thanks to? Well, there\u2019s no prescribed requirements, but it\u2019s common to mention the following people:<\/p>\n There\u2019s no need for lengthy rambling. Just state who you\u2019re thankful to and for what (e.g. thank you to my supervisor, John Doe, for his endless patience and attentiveness) \u2013 be sincere. In terms of length, you should keep this to a page or less.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.26.0″ header_3_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_3_font_size_tablet=”” header_3_font_size_phone=”” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n The dissertation abstract<\/a> (or executive summary for some degrees) serves to provide the first-time reader (and marker or moderator) with a big-picture view of your research project. It should give them an understanding of the key insights and findings from the research, without them needing to read the rest of the report \u2013 in other words, it should be able to stand alone<\/strong>.<\/p>\n For it to stand alone, your abstract should cover the following key points (at a minimum):<\/p>\n So, in much the same way the dissertation structure mimics the research process, your abstract or executive summary should reflect the research process, from the initial stage of asking the original question to the final stage of answering that question.<\/p>\n In practical terms, it\u2019s a good idea to write this section up last<\/a>, once all your core chapters are complete. Otherwise, you\u2019ll end up writing and rewriting this section multiple times (just wasting time). For a step by step guide on how to write a strong executive summary, check out this post<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=”Testimonial Video” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f4f4f4″ custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|false|false” border_style_all=”dotted” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_module=”124992″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n See how Kelsee went from lost and confused<\/b> to conquering her PhD.<\/div>\nTL;DR – Dissertation Structure<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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The Caveat<\/h3>\n
Overview: S<\/strong>tructuring A Dissertation<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nTitle page<\/h3>\n
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Acknowledgements<\/h3>\n
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Abstract or executive summary<\/h3>\n
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I didn\u2019t know if I was good enough<\/span>.<\/i><\/b><\/h2>\n