What are the different types of dissertations in UK universities?

What is a dissertation? 

A Masters dissertation is a detailed study of a specific topic the student chooses during their Masters degree. A dissertation is time-intensive and necessitates extensive research and writing under the guidance of a supervisor. Many may wonder about the dissertation’s length. The dissertation may be lengthier in theoretical and shorter in practical subjects, depending on the discipline. However, the average word count of a typical dissertation is between 15,000 and 20,000 words.   

Check our study guide on how to write a dissertation to get help with dissertation writing  

Introduction 

A dissertation is the most crucial part of the academic journey for students, for it demonstrates their writing, reasoning and critical thinking skills, their ability to identify the literature gap and how they conduct the study and analyse the data to answer the research question. In addition, a dissertation also helps the student make career choices for their future. The choice of dissertation type depends on the dissertation title selected and the problem identified, ultimately determining the types of research methodology involved (Lamis, 2022).  

In the UK, students can pursue several different types of dissertations. The most common types of dissertation are as follows: 

1. Empirical dissertations: Empirical dissertation involves collecting and analysing new data to address a research question or hypothesis. 
2. Non-empirical dissertations: This type of dissertation is based on existing literature, theory, or concepts and does not involve collecting new data. It may involve a systematic review, meta-analysis, or theoretical analysis. 
3. Narrative dissertations: In this type of dissertation, the research question or theme is explored by telling a tale or sharing a personal experience.  
4. Case study dissertations: This type of dissertation involves an in-depth analysis of a single case or a small number of cases to explore a research question or theme.  

For an example of a comparison of a case study, click here. 

1. Mixed methods dissertations: This type of dissertation involves mixed method research that combines quantitative and qualitative methods to explore a research question or hypothesis. 
2. Practice-based dissertations: This type of dissertation is common in creative fields such as art, design, and architecture and involves the creation of a practical project alongside a written thesis. 
3. Theoretical dissertations: This dissertation focuses on developing new theories or refining existing ones in a particular field (Balmer, 2020). 

Conclusion 

The type of dissertation chosen by the student is determined by the problem identified, which subsequently determines the research question and methodology. Empirical, non-empirical, case study, mixed methods, practice-based and theoretical are the most common types of dissertation in UK universities. It’s important to note that different universities may have specific requirements and guidelines for different types of dissertations, so it’s always essential to consult with your advisor or get dissertation help services and review your university’s guidelines before beginning your dissertation. 

To know more about how a dissertation would be, check our Dissertation examples  

Our team of experts at Tutors India has offered dissertation writing services for Masters students in multiple disciplines. We have numerous examples of dissertations that help students structure a dissertation. We help in choosing dissertation titles for Masters dissertations. In addition, we also help in writing a dissertation proposal, dissertation abstract, dissertation introduction, literature review, data analysis and referencing etc. We ensure high-quality assistance and follow the university guidelines for structuring the dissertation. 

Reference: 

Lamis BOUIEDDA, N. B. (2022). The Role of Writing Techniques in Enhancing the Quality of Master Dissertation Writing. 

Balmer, A., & Murcott, A. (2020). Writing a dissertation. In The craft of writing in sociology (pp. 128-144). Manchester University Press.