what is a dissertation topic

How to Choose a Dissertation Topic – 9 Steps

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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Choosing a dissertation topic is really difficult.

When I had to choose dissertation topic I agonized for weeks.

And I’ve supervised over 50 students’ dissertations across undergraduate, masters and PhD levels. All of my students agonized over their topics, too.

So you’re not alone in your struggle.

The below tips for choosing a dissertation topic are the ones I wish I was given when I was in the process of looking for a suitable topic.

If only I’d known these points, I would have saved a lot of time and stress for myself. So if these tips only help one person out, I’ll be happy.

These tips really work for just about anybody. They’re particularly useful for undergraduate and Masters level students who are writing dissertations. But, I’m sure most doctoral students will also find these points relevant, too. Especially tips 1 – 3.

Here are my tips on how to choose a dissertation topic – I hope they come in handy, and good luck on your research journey!

Read Also: 25 Sociology Dissertation Ideas

1. It Doesn’t have to be Unique (Yet).

This is the one piece of advice I wish I had gotten when I was choosing my dissertation topic.

Many students feel like they need to find a unique topic that will blow their markers away.

I was this student.

I thought that I had to choose a topic and idea that was going to make a unique contribution to knowledge. I thought I had to discover something, or, at the very least, choose a topic that no one has ever done before.

So here’s what I wish someone had told me:

It doesn’t matter if other people have done the same topic as you.

Don’t even let it phase you for a moment if someone else has chosen your topic. Just choose whatever topic you want.

Well, because your unique contribution doesn’t come at the start. It comes at the end!

You’ll find a way to make a unique contribution after you have completed your literature review . There is always time and space to find a new angle or different way of doing the topic than other people.

So, don’t choose your topic because it’s unique or different.

Then … how should you choose your topic? Points 2 and 3 give you some tips…

2. Make it Relevant to your Career Goals.

The first thing I recommend to all my students is to consider how their topic can help progress their careers.

When giving guidance to my students, I ask them these three questions:

a) What sort of specialization do you want in your career? If you’re studying teaching, your questions might be: do you want to be a specialized literacy teacher? do you want to be an expert on behavior management? Do you want to be specialized in play-based learning ?
b) How do you want to differentiate yourself from your competition? Your dissertation topic is going to be the topic you ‘sell’ as your area of expertise in future job interviews. If you want to get a great job, choose a topic that really stands out in the marketplace. Have a think right now for yourself: what areas of your industry are booming? For example, would it be better to specialize in coal or solar panels? Which one would be best to talk about in a job interview in the 21 st Century?
c) Do you want to be a research pro? Most of my students don’t want to be researchers as a career. They do their dissertations to prove mastery of their topic – that’s all. The research is a means to an end. But, if you think you want to go on to do the next level degree (a PhD one day?) then you’ll want to focus on having a high quality methodology, not just an interesting topic.

So, have a think now: is there a topic that will help you get to where you plan on going? What expert knowledge do you want to be able to ‘sell’ in a future interview?

3. Ensure it’s Interesting to You.

You’re going to be wedded to your chosen for a long time. And by the end of this journey you’re going to hate it.

To make your life easier, choose a topic you’re interested in.

Here’s two ways of approaching this:

Choose a Topic you Think About a Lot.

Choose a dissertation topic that you find yourself talking about, complaining about or raving about to your parents. Choose something that makes you angry, inspired or intrigued.

For the next week or so, I recommend taking notes whenever you find yourself thinking idly about something. Is that something you’ve thought about a lot?

Or, Choose a Topic by Looking over Past Assessment Tasks.

Another way of approaching the search for an interesting topic is to look over past assignments.

What assessment task have you done in the past few years that gripped you? Which one did you enjoy the most when you were studying it?

Zoom in on that topic and see if you can turn it into a dissertation.

Bonus tip: If you found a topic that was based on a previous assessment task, see if you can convince the person who taught that subject to be your dissertation supervisor.

4. Keep it Simple.

Too often, students want to choose a topic that is complex and complicated. They come up with a long, detailed research question (usually with the help of their professor) that, really, is hard to understand!

The best strategy is to come up with a topic that is really, really straightforward. At least, the topic should start as simple and straightforward.

Your topic is going to grow and expand into a monster. It’ll be hard to tame and control. You’ll be following random tangents down rabbit holes that end up being dead-ends. You’ll research aspects of the topic and realize it was a completely pointless exercise.

The way to minimize the crazy growth of your research project is to simplify it right from the start. Make it a really simple idea.

For example, I had a student who wanted to research:

“How big is the gap in mathematics outcomes between children from middle-class and working-class backgrounds by age 16?”

I would think that this topic may be achievable by a top academic with a sizeable research grant, but my student was completing a 10,000 word dissertation for graduating her Bachelor of Arts with Honours.

After several agonizing research meetings, we peeled it back over and again until we ended up with something much simpler and more specific:

“What are teachers’ opinions of the impact of poverty on learning?”

Why is this simpler and more specific?

Well, with the second study, my student has a clear focus group (teachers) and an achievable methodology (interviews). This will be far simpler than somehow conducting tests on 16-year old children, getting a significant amount of children to participate in the study, and then dissecting their mathematics test results by income level.

Instead, we aimed small and simple to ensure the task itself was achievable.

We’re not here to win a Nobel prize. You can do that with your multi-million-dollar post-doctoral research grant. Get your degree first.

5. Ensure it’s Achievable.

This piece of advice builds on the previous advice, to “keep it simple”.

Keeping it simple means making sure you have a clear, small-scale focus.

Esuring the project is achievable means choosing a methodology that won’t break you.

Small Scale Qualitative Studies are Achievable for Anyone

I always suggest to my Undergraduate and Masters level students to aim for a small scale study with no more than 20 research participants.

Now, I know there will be many of you out there who want to do quantitative research studies. And in reality, you can do a quantitative study with a small group of students. These usually involve quantitative action research case studies.

If you’re set on a quantitative study, that’s fine. But find a supervisor with the right experience.

Personally, I usually recommend a qualitative focus group analysis for anyone doing their first dissertation.

The biggest mistake you can make is biting off more than you can chew.

Small scale qualitative studies are the easiest option . They can be achieved within your time frame. And you can certainly still get a very high grade.

So, let’s take the example of the previous research question, which we changed from:

For the first study, you will have to develop skills in quantitative data analysis , find a sizeable cohort of students, get permission from their parents, get special permission to study children you’re your university ethics committee, develop a quality testing mechanism, pilot the test, conduct the test, analyze the data, then interpret it.

For the second study, you will not have to develop complex mathematical skills, bother with getting permission to research children, or deal with the rigor of quantitative analysis.

In other words, you will be able to bypass many hurdles you may face.

That’s the benefit of a small-scale qualitative study. It’s a nice easy first dissertation methodology. You can do it and do it well.

I know my position is controversial, but hey … I’m here to tell you how to avoid problems, not to stand on a soapbox.

Consider Textual Analysis, Semiotic Analysis or Secondary Research

Finding people to interview, survey or participate in your study in any way at all can be intimidating.

I find it interesting and really fulfilling. But I understand if you think it’s too much for you at this point in time.

If you don’t want to have to go out and find research participants for your study, I recommend one of these types of study:

Textual Analysis : you can look at policy documents or newspaper articles and analyze their ideological positioning , for example;
Semiotic Analysis : The quintessential semiotic analysis is the analysis of advertising images or movies and the examination of the ways they depict people of different races, social classes or genders;
Secondary Research: Look over other people’s research and try to identify themes across a range of research studies.

Now, these three different methodologies are far outside of the scope of this discussion, but consult with your dissertation supervisor if you’re overwhelmed by the idea of conducting research with real human beings. One of these three methodologies may help you bypass that process, and make the dissertation feel more achievable for you.

6. Search Online for Inspiration

If you’re still struggling to choose a dissertation topic, go online to get inspiration!

There’s a few ways you can do this. Here’s a few good ones:

a) Google Previous Dissertation Topics

Many universities upload their students’ dissertations onto an online repository. This means there are a ton of open, free to access databases of previous students’ dissertations all over the internet.

Simply google “Dissertation” + “pdf” + a topic you’re interested in. If you’re a masters student, you can do “masters dissertation” + “pdf” + the topic; and if you’re an undegrad, then simply do “undergraduate dissertation” + “pdf” + the topic;. Simple!

Up will pop a ton of dissertations that you can instantly download to check out previous students’ successful dissertation topics.

Another benefit of doing this is that you’ll be able to view and model the structure that previous students have used as well. This can be super beneficial for you early on!

b) Look at Recent Articles Published in Journals focused on your Topic

If you scroll through the recent issues of journals in your topic, you’ll find a range of research topic ideas.

To get access to top journals in your topic, simply google “Scholarly Journal” + your topic. For example, I am a professor in education. So I’d google “Scholarly journal” + “Education”.

The homepages for a ton of journals will pop up in the Google search. Quickly scan through the recent issues of those journals to see if any ideas will pop up that interest you!

c) If you’re Studying Education or Teaching, Check Here

Lastly, a quick plug for another post I’ve written for dissertation students:

51+ Dissertation Ideas for Education students .

Go check that out if you want to write a dissertation on the ‘education’ topic.

7. Trust your Dissertation Supervisor

Your dissertation supervisor will have walked many students just like you through the research process before.

Look, I know many dissertation supervisors can be disappointingly aloof and disconnected from your research. And relationships can get very frosty with your supervisors indeed.

Trust your supervisor. They make recommendations for a reason. They know how to navigate the dissertation writing process. If your supervisor makes a recommendation, strong – very strongly – consider it.

Your supervisor also has expertise in one area of research or another. Take advantage of their expertise. Be flexible and let them sway you down certain paths. You need a knowledgeable partner in the research process.

So, trust your supervisor. You need their expertise more than you know.

8. Come up with 3-5 Ideas and Bring them to your Supervisor for Feedback

Your initial dissertation topic ideas will probably need a lot of refinement.

The person who will help you to refine your topic will be your dissertation supervisor. Their main job, unfortunately, is to curb your enthusiasm. It’s to show you what problems you’ll face if you follow certain paths and recommend alterations to ensure your topic is achievable.

So, approach your supervisor with your 3-5 top ideas and watch them do their magic. They should advise you on how to turn your ideas into reality.

Your ideas can be specific or broad – really, it doesn’t matter because you’ll walk out of your supervision meeting with a lot of changed ideas. It doesn’t need to be set in stone.

You could, for example, go up to your supervisor and say something like:

“I’m interested in Erikson’s theory of development. Do you have any suggestions of how I can use Erikson’s ideas for a dissertation?”
“I’m really into conservative politics. What ideas do you have for an achievable topic?”
Any other ideas…

They’ll help you shape and mold your topic into something achievable.

9. Lastly, Stick to your Choice

When I did my dissertation, I questioned my topic daily: I’d always be thinking up new, better ideas for my dissertation!

But once you’re locked in, it’s hard to change your mind. You’re going to get ethics permission to conduct your study, not anyone else’s!

So, my advice is simple:

Once you’ve chosen your topic, commit.

If you’re desperate to do another topic, fine, do another degree. If you’re doing your Master’s right now, bank those other ideas for a potential PhD down the track.

But once you’ve made your choice, really … you’ve got to commit, block out all your regrets and dig in.

Don’t worry about your friends who chose a dissertation topic that is better than yours. Stay in your lane, be content with your topic, and create a great product.

Writing a dissertation is an exercise in being practical more than anything. That start from the very first choice: choosing a dissertation topic that’s achievable and good for your career, and will also put you on the path for top marks.

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What is a Dissertation (And How To Choose a Topic)?

Nailing down a dissertation topic can be difficult. We share thoughts and tips on choosing a topic for your dissertation that will have lasting impact.

Key Takeaways

Most graduate students must complete a dissertation.
A dissertation should be based on an original research topic of your choosing.
Your goal is to choose a dissertation topic that addresses an important, unanswered question in your field.

Graduate in cap and gown reading a book in the library

The Dissertation—A Basic Overview

Graduate students are typically expected to create an original research question and conduct research based on this question while adhering to a formal experimental or scientific process. Subsequently, students must identify and pursue research aims and produce an original research paper providing critical analysis and outlining meaningful findings resulting from the research.

But for many students, selecting a dissertation topic can be the hardest part. That’s why we’ve outlined the helpful tips below.

It’s also worth noting that while high school students and undergraduate students in U.S. schools won’t typically be required to write a dissertation, the tips below can be useful for learning how to choose and write thesis topics at every level of education. Moreover, for students in pursuit of a master’s degree, the same tips can be readily applied to choosing from master’s thesis topics.

What to Know Before Choosing a Topic

For graduate students, a major part of the dissertation process will include working closely with an advisor or mentor. Your mentor will typically provide feedback and guidance at various steps of the process from fielding preliminary dissertation ideas and identifying your dissertation title to analyzing your research data and completing your research paper.

Your mentor may also be a part of the dissertation review board. Most graduate students will be required to defend their dissertation before this committee of scholars and experts. For most graduate students, and some undergraduate students in specialized programs, dissertation completion will be a major part of academic performance evaluation.

Choosing Dissertation Topics

Of course, before you get to all of the challenging steps above, you must choose a dissertation topic. The good news is that you have almost infinite options to choose from within your field. But that’s also the bad news. When it comes to choosing dissertation topics, the toughest part may be narrowing it down to a single topic.

With that in mind, we offer 10 Tips for choosing your dissertation topic .

1. Identify Your Dissertation Type

Dissertation topics will depend on the type of research you intend to do. This, in turn, depends on your field of study. Dissertation topics will often fall into two primary categories—empirical research and qualitative research.

Empirical research is often driven by your own independent field research and data gathering. This is more common in medical and natural science fields such as psychology dissertation topics, nursing dissertation topics, and subjects engaging modern technology such as computer science.

Qualitative research may be more common in fields where critical analysis is essential, such as art dissertation topics, international criminal law, business dissertation topics, and more. In these cases, existing knowledge would serve as a starting point for deeper assessment.

2. Explore Existing Data

Regardless of your subject area, your starting point will likely be existing research. This will help you differentiate between areas of existing knowledge and opportunities for deeper exploration.

Moreover, this step will give you a sense of the higher education dissertation topics that have been used in the past to explore your field. This can be a useful way to help you understand what might qualify as a viable dissertation topic.

3. Record Your Sources

As you delve into existing ideas and findings, you can also begin to gather your own body of sources on the subject. If this research is fruitful, many of these preliminary scholarly sources will form the backbone of your reference list. As you get deeper into your specific dissertation topic, this list will only grow.

4. Identify Unanswered Questions

As you explore the existing research, identify unanswered questions. Scholarly research articles will often recognize limitations to the existing study and even identify additional areas for future research. Highlight questions that might be worthy of deeper consideration as you conduct your preliminary research and reading.

5. Expand Your Research Based On Unanswered Questions

Follow the research trail for some of the most intriguing unanswered questions. Find out how deep the research goes on such topics.

Is there additional research that actually does address these questions? Have others in your field proposed similar questions in recent journal articles, scientific conferences or other public contexts? In other words, is this really an original idea? This step should help you eliminate any supposedly “unanswered questions” that are, in fact, answered elsewhere.

6. Consider Feasibility

How will you conduct the study? Using comparative analysis? Field research? Laboratory experiments with innovative technologies? In light of these needs, how realistic will it be to explore a given dissertation topic?

Be sure your institution has the resources to facilitate your research project. If additional funding or outside support is required, consider how realistic it will be to procure this support.

7. Weigh the Ethical Implications

Be sure that any research questions under consideration can be explored with full adherence to experimental ethics. This is an especially important point of consideration for those exploring sensitive topics like domestic violence, modern recovery programs, human rights abuses, and more.

Evaluate the possibility of ethical issues dealing with your topic or proposed experimental framework. Ultimately, your dissertation proposal will have to address these issues. This is a good first step in that direction.

8. Narrow Questions Based on Potential Impact

Now that you’ve narrowed down to dissertation topics that are original, feasible, and ethical, it’s time to think about why a given question might be worthy of exploration.

Some examples of questions you may want to explore include:

How might your education dissertation topic improve our understanding of human cognitive development?
Have you considered economics dissertation topics that might address unequal wealth distribution in America?
Would your international law dissertation contribute to the way the global community handles human rights violations in developing countries?

Think about the ways that your research paper might help bring about real world policy change, improvements to the legal system, enhanced opportunity in the higher education sector, solutions to an economic crisis, more effective business management practices, or anything else that might positively impact knowledge, understanding and real-world outcomes in your field.

9. Identify Opportunities for Future Research

One indicator that you’ve stumbled onto a rich topic for research is the ability to mine the subject for continued exploration. Think about the ways that relevant data, empirical analysis, or consequent findings could spark additional critical thinking.

Can your chosen dissertation topic serve as the basis for future academic work? Will future college students or graduate students find the seedlings for their own research aims in your research?

While you may not necessarily choose to explore these additional questions yourself, one of the primary goals of your dissertation is to make a direct and lasting contribution to your field. Creating opportunities for others to critically analyze your findings and conduct further research is an indication that you have achieved this goal.

10. Factor in Personal Development

Dissertations certainly qualify as major academic achievements. But there’s a lot more to them. Most graduate students are already embedded in professional careers.

One of the best ways to whittle down your prospective dissertation topics is to look for ideas that apply both in your educational and professional pursuits. Indeed, aligning these interests will allow you to dive deeper into a topic that will advance your knowledge and expertise in the field where you currently work.

As a computer science student working in the gaming industry, you may conduct your research on a subject like the impact of educational games on cognitive development. A student pursuing a doctorate in business management while building a startup company might produce a dissertation on the impact of organizational culture when working in a virtual environment.

In other words, consider ways that your chosen dissertation topic can serve to advance your career even as you remain entrenched in your pursuit of a terminal degree.

And for more valuable tips on succeeding in your advanced degree program, see our Guide to Life in Graduate School .

Or get tips on studying, student life, and much more with a look at our Student Resources .

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Dissertation

What Is a Dissertation? | 5 Essential Questions to Get Started

Published on 26 March 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on 5 May 2022.

A dissertation is a large research project undertaken at the end of a degree. It involves in-depth consideration of a problem or question chosen by the student. It is usually the largest (and final) piece of written work produced during a degree.

The length and structure of a dissertation vary widely depending on the level and field of study. However, there are some key questions that can help you understand the requirements and get started on your dissertation project.

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When and why do you have to write a dissertation, who will supervise your dissertation, what type of research will you do, how should your dissertation be structured, what formatting and referencing rules do you have to follow, frequently asked questions about dissertations.

A dissertation, sometimes called a thesis, comes at the end of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. It is a larger project than the other essays you’ve written, requiring a higher word count and a greater depth of research.

You’ll generally work on your dissertation during the final year of your degree, over a longer period than you would take for a standard essay . For example, the dissertation might be your main focus for the last six months of your degree.

Why is the dissertation important?

The dissertation is a test of your capacity for independent research. You are given a lot of autonomy in writing your dissertation: you come up with your own ideas, conduct your own research, and write and structure the text by yourself.

This means that it is an important preparation for your future, whether you continue in academia or not: it teaches you to manage your own time, generate original ideas, and work independently.

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During the planning and writing of your dissertation, you’ll work with a supervisor from your department. The supervisor’s job is to give you feedback and advice throughout the process.

The dissertation supervisor is often assigned by the department, but you might be allowed to indicate preferences or approach potential supervisors. If so, try to pick someone who is familiar with your chosen topic, whom you get along with on a personal level, and whose feedback you’ve found useful in the past.

How will your supervisor help you?

Your supervisor is there to guide you through the dissertation project, but you’re still working independently. They can give feedback on your ideas, but not come up with ideas for you.

You may need to take the initiative to request an initial meeting with your supervisor. Then you can plan out your future meetings and set reasonable deadlines for things like completion of data collection, a structure outline, a first chapter, a first draft, and so on.

Make sure to prepare in advance for your meetings. Formulate your ideas as fully as you can, and determine where exactly you’re having difficulties so you can ask your supervisor for specific advice.

Your approach to your dissertation will vary depending on your field of study. The first thing to consider is whether you will do empirical research , which involves collecting original data, or non-empirical research , which involves analysing sources.

Empirical dissertations (sciences)

An empirical dissertation focuses on collecting and analysing original data. You’ll usually write this type of dissertation if you are studying a subject in the sciences or social sciences.

What are airline workers’ attitudes towards the challenges posed for their industry by climate change?
How effective is cognitive behavioural therapy in treating depression in young adults?
What are the short-term health effects of switching from smoking cigarettes to e-cigarettes?

There are many different empirical research methods you can use to answer these questions – for example, experiments , observations, surveys , and interviews.

When doing empirical research, you need to consider things like the variables you will investigate, the reliability and validity of your measurements, and your sampling method . The aim is to produce robust, reproducible scientific knowledge.

Non-empirical dissertations (arts and humanities)

A non-empirical dissertation works with existing research or other texts, presenting original analysis, critique and argumentation, but no original data. This approach is typical of arts and humanities subjects.

What attitudes did commentators in the British press take towards the French Revolution in 1789–1792?
How do the themes of gender and inheritance intersect in Shakespeare’s Macbeth ?
How did Plato’s Republic and Thomas More’s Utopia influence nineteenth century utopian socialist thought?

The first steps in this type of dissertation are to decide on your topic and begin collecting your primary and secondary sources .

Primary sources are the direct objects of your research. They give you first-hand evidence about your subject. Examples of primary sources include novels, artworks and historical documents.

Secondary sources provide information that informs your analysis. They describe, interpret, or evaluate information from primary sources. For example, you might consider previous analyses of the novel or author you are working on, or theoretical texts that you plan to apply to your primary sources.

Dissertations are divided into chapters and sections. Empirical dissertations usually follow a standard structure, while non-empirical dissertations are more flexible.

Structure of an empirical dissertation

Empirical dissertations generally include these chapters:

Introduction : An explanation of your topic and the research question(s) you want to answer.
Literature review : A survey and evaluation of previous research on your topic.
Methodology : An explanation of how you collected and analysed your data.
Results : A brief description of what you found.
Discussion : Interpretation of what these results reveal.
Conclusion : Answers to your research question(s) and summary of what your findings contribute to knowledge in your field.

Sometimes the order or naming of chapters might be slightly different, but all of the above information must be included in order to produce thorough, valid scientific research.

Other dissertation structures

If your dissertation doesn’t involve data collection, your structure is more flexible. You can think of it like an extended essay – the text should be logically organised in a way that serves your argument:

Introduction: An explanation of your topic and the question(s) you want to answer.
Main body: The development of your analysis, usually divided into 2–4 chapters.
Conclusion: Answers to your research question(s) and summary of what your analysis contributes to knowledge in your field.

The chapters of the main body can be organised around different themes, time periods, or texts. Below you can see some example structures for dissertations in different subjects.

Political philosophy

This example, on the topic of the British press’s coverage of the French Revolution, shows how you might structure each chapter around a specific theme.

Example of a dissertation structure in history

This example, on the topic of Plato’s and More’s influences on utopian socialist thought, shows a different approach to dividing the chapters by theme.

Example of a dissertation structure in political philosophy

This example, a master’s dissertation on the topic of how writers respond to persecution, shows how you can also use section headings within each chapter. Each of the three chapters deals with a specific text, while the sections are organised thematically.

Example of a dissertation structure in literature

Like other academic texts, it’s important that your dissertation follows the formatting guidelines set out by your university. You can lose marks unnecessarily over mistakes, so it’s worth taking the time to get all these elements right.

Formatting guidelines concern things like:

line spacing
page numbers
punctuation
title pages
presentation of tables and figures

If you’re unsure about the formatting requirements, check with your supervisor or department. You can lose marks unnecessarily over mistakes, so it’s worth taking the time to get all these elements right.

How will you reference your sources?

Referencing means properly listing the sources you cite and refer to in your dissertation, so that the reader can find them. This avoids plagiarism by acknowledging where you’ve used the work of others.

Keep track of everything you read as you prepare your dissertation. The key information to note down for a reference is:

The publication date
Page numbers for the parts you refer to (especially when using direct quotes)

Different referencing styles each have their own specific rules for how to reference. The most commonly used styles in UK universities are listed below.

&	An author–date citation in brackets in the text…	…corresponding to an entry in the alphabetised reference list at the end.
	A superscript or bracketed reference number in the text…	…corresponding to an entry in the numbered reference list at the end.
	A footnote in the text that gives full source information…	…and an alphabetised bibliography at the end listing all sources.

You can use the free APA Reference Generator to automatically create and store your references.

APA Reference Generator

The words ‘ dissertation ’ and ‘thesis’ both refer to a large written research project undertaken to complete a degree, but they are used differently depending on the country:

In the UK, you write a dissertation at the end of a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and you write a thesis to complete a PhD.
In the US, it’s the other way around: you may write a thesis at the end of a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and you write a dissertation to complete a PhD.

The main difference is in terms of scale – a dissertation is usually much longer than the other essays you complete during your degree.

Another key difference is that you are given much more independence when working on a dissertation. You choose your own dissertation topic , and you have to conduct the research and write the dissertation yourself (with some assistance from your supervisor).

Dissertation word counts vary widely across different fields, institutions, and levels of education:

An undergraduate dissertation is typically 8,000–15,000 words
A master’s dissertation is typically 12,000–50,000 words
A PhD thesis is typically book-length: 70,000–100,000 words

However, none of these are strict guidelines – your word count may be lower or higher than the numbers stated here. Always check the guidelines provided by your university to determine how long your own dissertation should be.

At the bachelor’s and master’s levels, the dissertation is usually the main focus of your final year. You might work on it (alongside other classes) for the entirety of the final year, or for the last six months. This includes formulating an idea, doing the research, and writing up.

A PhD thesis takes a longer time, as the thesis is the main focus of the degree. A PhD thesis might be being formulated and worked on for the whole four years of the degree program. The writing process alone can take around 18 months.

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What is a thesis?

What is a dissertation, getting started, staying on track, thesis abstract, lit(erature) review.

A thesis is a long-term project that you work on over the course of a semester or a year. Theses have a very wide variety of styles and content, so we encourage you to look at prior examples and work closely with faculty to develop yours.

Before you begin, make sure that you are familiar with the dissertation genre—what it is for and what it looks like.

Generally speaking, a dissertation’s purpose is to prove that you have the expertise necessary to fulfill your doctoral-degree requirements by showing depth of knowledge and independent thinking.

The form of a dissertation may vary by discipline. Be sure to follow the specific guidelines of your department.

PhD This site directs candidates to the GSAS website about dissertations , with links to checklists, planning, formatting, acknowledgments, submission, and publishing options. There is also a link to guidelines for the prospectus . Consult with your committee chair about specific requirements and standards for your dissertation.
DDES This document covers planning, patent filing, submission guidelines, publishing options, formatting guidelines, sample pages, citation guidelines, and a list of common errors to avoid. There is also a link to guidelines for the prospectus .
Scholarly Pursuits (GSAS) This searchable booklet from Harvard GSAS is a comprehensive guide to writing dissertations, dissertation-fellowship applications, academic journal articles, and academic job documents.

Finding an original topic can be a daunting and overwhelming task. These key concepts can help you focus and save time.

Finding a topic for your thesis or dissertation should start with a research question that excites or at least interests you. A rigorous, engaging, and original project will require continuous curiosity about your topic, about your own thoughts on the topic, and about what other scholars have said on your topic. Avoid getting boxed in by thinking you know what you want to say from the beginning; let your research and your writing evolve as you explore and fine-tune your focus through constant questioning and exploration.

Get a sense of the broader picture before you narrow your focus and attempt to frame an argument. Read, skim, and otherwise familiarize yourself with what other scholars have done in areas related to your proposed topic. Briefly explore topics tangentially related to yours to broaden your perspective and increase your chance of finding a unique angle to pursue.

Critical Reading

Critical reading is the opposite of passive reading. Instead of merely reading for information to absorb, critical reading also involves careful, sustained thinking about what you are reading. This process may include analyzing the author’s motives and assumptions, asking what might be left out of the discussion, considering what you agree with or disagree with in the author’s statements and why you agree or disagree, and exploring connections or contradictions between scholarly arguments. Here is a resource to help hone your critical-reading skills:

https://guides.library.harvard.edu/sixreadinghabits

https://youtu.be/BcV64lowMIA

Conversation

Your thesis or dissertation will incorporate some ideas from other scholars whose work you researched. By reading critically and following your curiosity, you will develop your own ideas and claims, and these contributions are the core of your project. You will also acknowledge the work of scholars who came before you, and you must accurately and fairly attribute this work and define your place within the larger discussion. Make sure that you know how to quote, summarize, paraphrase , integrate , and cite sources to avoid plagiarism and to show the depth and breadth of your knowledge.

A thesis is a long-term, large project that involves both research and writing; it is easy to lose focus, motivation, and momentum. Here are suggestions for achieving the result you want in the time you have.

The dissertation is probably the largest project you have undertaken, and a lot of the work is self-directed. The project can feel daunting or even overwhelming unless you break it down into manageable pieces and create a timeline for completing each smaller task. Be realistic but also challenge yourself, and be forgiving of yourself if you miss a self-imposed deadline here and there.

Your program will also have specific deadlines for different requirements, including establishing a committee, submitting a prospectus, completing the dissertation, defending the dissertation, and submitting your work. Consult your department’s website for these dates and incorporate them into the timeline for your work.

Accountability

Sometimes self-imposed deadlines do not feel urgent unless there is accountability to someone beyond yourself. To increase your motivation to complete tasks on schedule, set dates with your committee chair to submit pre-determined pieces of a chapter. You can also arrange with a fellow doctoral student to check on each other’s progress. Research and writing can be lonely, so it is also nice to share that journey with someone and support each other through the process.

Common Pitfalls

The most common challenges for students writing a dissertation are writer’s block, information-overload, and the compulsion to keep researching forever.

There are many strategies for avoiding writer’s block, such as freewriting, outlining, taking a walk, starting in the middle, and creating an ideal work environment for your particular learning style. Pay attention to what helps you and try different things until you find what works.

Efficient researching techniques are essential to avoiding information-overload. Here are a couple of resources about strategies for finding sources and quickly obtaining essential information from them.

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/writing_in_literature_detailed_discussion/reading_criticism.html

https://students.dartmouth.edu/academic-skills/learning-resources/learning-strategies/reading-techniques

Finally, remember that there is always more to learn and your dissertation cannot incorporate everything. Follow your curiosity but also set limits on the scope of your work. It helps to create a folder entitled “future projects” for topics and sources that interest you but that do not fit neatly into the dissertation. Also remember that future scholars will build off of your work, so leave something for them to do.

An abstract is a short (approximately 200-word) summary or overview of your research project. It provides enough information for a reader to know what they will find within the larger document, such as your purpose, methodology, and results or conclusion. It may also include a list of keywords. An abstract is an original document, not an excerpt, and its contents and organization may vary by discipline.

A literature review establishes a set of themes and contexts drawn from foundational research and materials that relate to your project. It is an acknowledgment that your scholarship doesn’t exist in a vacuum. With the review, you identify patterns and trends in the literature to situate your contribution within the existing scholarly conversation.

What is a literature review? A literature review (or lit review, for short) is a critical analysis of published scholarly research (the "literature") related to a specific topic. Literature here means body of work, which traditionally was done in written form and may include journal articles, books, book chapters, dissertations and thesis, or conference proceedings. In the case of design, however, literature has an expanded breadth since the body of work is oftentimes not represented by words. A design review may include plans, sections, photographs, and any type of media that portrays the work.

A literature review may stand on its own or may be inside a larger work, usually in the introductory sections. It is thorough but not exhaustive--there will always be more information than you can reasonably locate and include. Be mindful of your scope and time constraints and select your reviewed materials with care. A literature review

summarizes the themes and findings of works in an area
compares and contrasts relevant aspects of literature on a topic
critically assesses the strengths and omissions of the source material
elaborates on the implications of their findings for one's own research topic

What does a literature review look like? Each discipline has its own style for writing a literature review; urban planning and design lit reviews may look different than those from architecture, and design lit reviews will look significantly different than reviews from the biological sciences or engineering. Look at published journal articles within your field and note how they present the information.

Introduction: most scholarly articles and books will have a literature review within the introductory sections. Its precise location may vary, but it is most often in the first few paragraphs or pages.

Dedicated literature reviews: these are stand-alone resources unto themselves. You can search for "literature review" and a topic, and you may find that one already exists. These literature reviews are useful as models within your field, for finding additional sources to explore, and for beginning to map the general relationships within the scholarly conversation around your topic. Be mindful not to plagiarize the source material.

Database search tip : Add the phrase "literature review" to your search to find published literature reviews.

Browsing through theses and dissertations of the past can help to get a sense of your options and gain inspiration but be careful to use current guidelines and refer to your committee instead of relying on these examples for form or formatting.

Theses at the Frances Loeb Library is a research guide to finding p ast GSD theses.

DASH Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard.

HOLLIS Harvard Library’s catalog provides access to ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global .

MIT Architecture has a list of their graduates’ dissertations and theses.

Rhode Island School of Design has a list of their graduates’ dissertations and theses.

University of South Florida has a list of their graduates’ dissertations and theses.

Harvard GSD has a list of projects, including theses and professors’ research.

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EdDPrograms.org

What is an Ed.D. Dissertation? Complete Guide & Support Resources

Wondering how to tackle the biggest doctoral challenge of all? Use our guide to the Ed.D. dissertation to get started! Learn about the purpose of a Doctor of Education dissertation and typical topics for education students. Read through step-by-step descriptions of the dissertation process and the 5-chapter format. Get answers to Ed.D. dissertation FAQs . Or skip to the chase and find real-world examples of Doctor of Education dissertations and websites & resources for Ed.D. dissertation research.

What is an Ed.D. Dissertation?

Definition of an ed.d. dissertation.

An Ed.D. dissertation is a 5-chapter scholarly document that brings together years of original research to address a problem of practice in education. To complete a dissertation, you will need to go through a number of scholarly steps , including a final defense to justify your findings.

Purpose of an Ed.D. Dissertation

In a Doctor of Education dissertation, you will be challenged to apply high-level research & creative problem-solving to real-world educational challenges. You may be asked to:

Take a critical look at current educational & administrative practices
Address urgent issues in the modern education system
Propose original & practical solutions for improvements
Expand the knowledge base for educational practitioners

Topics of Ed.D. Dissertations

An Ed.D. dissertation is “customizable.” You’re allowed to chose a topic that relates to your choice of specialty (e.g. elementary education), field of interest (e.g. curriculum development), and environment (e.g. urban schools).

Think about current problems of practice that need to be addressed in your field. You’ll notice that Ed.D. dissertation topics often address one of the following:

Academic performance
Teaching methods
Access to resources
Social challenges
Legislative impacts
System effectiveness

Wondering how others have done it? Browse through Examples of Ed.D. Dissertations and read the titles & abstracts. You’ll see how current educators are addressing their own problems of practice.

Ed.D. Dissertation Process

1. propose a dissertation topic.

Near the beginning of a Doctor of Education program, you’ll be expected to identify a dissertation topic that will require substantial research. This topic should revolve around a unique issue in education.

Universities will often ask you to provide an idea for your topic when you’re applying to the doctoral program. You don’t necessarily need to stick to this idea, but you should be prepared to explain why it interests you. If you need inspiration, see our section on Examples of Ed.D. Dissertations .

You’ll be expected to solidify your dissertation topic in the first few semesters. Talking to faculty and fellow Ed.D. students can help in this process. Better yet, your educational peers will often be able to provide unique perspectives on the topic (e.g. cultural differences in teaching methods).

2. Meet Your Dissertation Chair & Committee

You won’t be going through the Ed.D. dissertation process alone! Universities will help you to select a number of experienced mentors. These include:

Dissertation Chair/Faculty Advisor: The Chair of the Dissertation Committee acts as your primary advisor. You’ll often see them referred to as the Supervising Professor, Faculty Advisor, or the like. You’ll rely on this “Obi Wan” for their knowledge of the field, research advice & guidance, editorial input on drafts, and more. They can also assist with shaping & refining your dissertation topic.
Dissertation Committee: The Dissertation Committee is made up of ~3 faculty members, instructors and/or adjuncts with advanced expertise in your field of study. The Committee will offer advice, provide feedback on your research progress, and review your work & progress reports. When you defend your proposal and give your final defense , you’ll be addressing the Dissertation Committee.

3. Study for Ed.D. Courses

Doctor of Education coursework is designed to help you: a) learn how to conduct original research; and b) give you a broader perspective on your field of interest. If you take a look at the curriculum in any Ed.D. program, you’ll see that students have to complete credits in:

Practical Research Methods (e.g. Quantitative Design & Analysis for Educational Leaders)
Real-World Educational Issues (e.g. Educational Policy, Law & Practice)

When you’re evaluating possible Ed.D. programs, pay attention to the coursework in real-world educational issues. You’ll want to pick an education doctorate with courses that complement your dissertation topic.

4. Complete a Literature Review

A literature review is an evaluation of existing materials & research work that relate to your dissertation topic. It’s a written synthesis that:

Grounds your project within the field
Explains how your work relates to previous research & theoretical frameworks
Helps to identify gaps in the existing research

Have a look at Literature Review Guides if you’d like to know more about the process. Our section on Resources for Ed.D. Dissertation Research also has useful links to journals & databases.

5. Craft a Dissertation Proposal

During the first two years of your Doctor of Education, you’ll use the knowledge you’ve learned from your coursework & discussions to write the opening chapters of your dissertation, including an:

Introduction that defines your chosen topic
Literature Review of existing research in the field
Proposed Research Methodology for finding the answer to your problem

When you’re putting together these elements, think about the practicals. Is the topic too big to address in one dissertation? How much time will your research take and how will you conduct it? Will your dissertation be relevant to your current job? If in doubt, ask your faculty advisor.

6. Defend Your Dissertation Proposal

About midway through the Ed.D. program, you will need to present your proposal to your Dissertation Committee. They will review your work and offer feedback. For example, the Committee will want to see that:

Your research topic is significant.
Your research methodology & timeline make sense.
Relevant works are included in the literature review.

After the Committee approves your proposal, you can get stuck into conducting original research and writing up your findings. These two important tasks will take up the final years of your doctorate.

7. Conduct Original Research into Your Topic

As a Doctor of Education student, you will be expected to conduct your own research. Ed.D. students often use a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods (quantitative/qualitative) approach in this process.

Quantitative Research: Collection & analysis of numerical data to identify characteristics, discover correlations, and/or test hypotheses.
Qualitative Research: Collection & analysis of non-numerical data to understand & explain phenomena (e.g. questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus groups, video artifacts, etc.).

Your Ed.D. coursework will ground you in research methods & tools, so you’ll be prepared to design your own project and seek IRB approval for any work involving human subjects.

Note: Occasionally, universities can get creative. For example, the Ed.D. program at San Jose State University asks students to produce a documentary film instead of conducting traditional research.

8. Write the Rest of Your Dissertation

Once you have written up the first few chapters of your dissertation (Intro, Literature Review & Proposed Methodology) and completed your research work, you’ll be able to complete the final chapters of your dissertation.

Chapter 4 will detail your research findings.
Chapter 5 is a conclusion that summarizes solutions to your problem of practice/topic.

This is where you and your faculty advisor will often have a lot of interaction! For example, you may need to rework the first few chapters of your dissertation after you’ve drafted the final chapters. Faculty advisors are extremely busy people, so be sure to budget in ample time for revisions and final edits.

9. Defend Your Dissertation

The final defense/candidacy exam is a formal presentation of your work to the Dissertation Committee. In many cases, the defense is an oral presentation with visual aides. You’ll be able to explain your research findings, go through your conclusions, and highlight new ideas & solutions.

At any time, the Committee can challenge you with questions, so you should be prepared to defend your conclusions. But this process is not as frightening as it sounds!

If you’ve been in close contact with the Committee throughout the dissertation, they will be aware of your work.
Your faculty advisor will help you decide when you’re ready for the final defense.
You can also attend the defenses of other Ed.D. students to learn what questions may be asked.

Be aware that the Committee has the option to ask for changes before they approve your dissertation. After you have incorporated any notes from the Committee and addressed their concerns, you will finalize the draft, submit your dissertation for a formal review, and graduate.

Ed.D. Dissertation Format: 5 Chapters

Chapter 1: introduction.

Your Doctor of Education dissertation will begin with an introduction. In it, you’ll be expected to:

Provide an overview of your educational landscape
Explain important definitions & key concepts
Define a real-world topic/problem of practice
Outline the need for new studies on this topic

Chapter 2: Literature Review

The literature review is a summary of existing research in the field. However, it is not an annotated bibliography. Instead, it’s a critical analysis of current research (e.g. trends, themes, debates & current practices). While you’re evaluating the literature, you’re also looking for the gaps where you can conduct original research.

Sources for a literature review can include books, articles, reports, websites, dissertations, and more. Our section on Resources for Ed.D. Dissertation Research has plenty of places to start.

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

In the research methodology, you’ll be expected to explain:

The purpose of your research
What tools & methods you plan to use to research your topic/problem of practice
The design of the study
Your timeline for gathering quantitative & qualitative data
How you plan to analyze that data
Any limitations you foresee

Chapter 4: Results & Analysis

Chapter 4 is the place where you can share the results of your original research and present key findings from the data. In your analysis, you may also be highlighting new patterns, relationships, and themes that other scholars have failed to discover. Have a look at real-life Examples of Ed.D. Dissertations to see how this section is structured.

Chapter 5: Discussions & Conclusions

The final chapter of your Ed.D. dissertation brings all of your work together in a detailed summary. You’ll be expected to:

Reiterate the objectives of your dissertation
Explain the significance of your research findings
Outline the implications of your ideas on existing practices
Propose solutions for a problem of practice
Make suggestions & recommendations for future improvements

Ed.D. Dissertation FAQs

What’s the difference between a dissertation and a thesis.

Dissertation: A dissertation is a 5-chapter written work that must be completed in order to earn a doctoral degree (e.g. Ph.D., Ed.D., etc.). It’s often focused on original research.
Thesis: A thesis is a written work that must be completed in order to earn a master’s degree. It’s typically shorter than a dissertation and based on existing research.

How Long is a Ed.D. Dissertation?

It depends. Most Ed.D. dissertations end up being between 80-200 pages. The length will depend on a number of factors, including the depth of your literature review, the way you collect & present your research data, and any appendices you might need to include.

How Long Does it Take to Finish an Ed.D. Dissertation?

It depends. If you’re in an accelerated program , you may be able to finish your dissertation in 2-3 years. If you’re in a part-time program and need to conduct a lot of complex research work, your timeline will be much longer.

What’s a Strong Ed.D. Dissertation Topic?

Experts always say that Doctor of Education students should be passionate about their dissertation topic and eager to explore uncharted territory. When you’re crafting your Ed.D. dissertation topic , find one that will be:

Significant

See the section on Examples of Ed.D. Dissertations for inspiration.

Do I Have to Complete a Traditional Dissertation for an Ed.D.?

No. If you’re struggling with the idea of a traditional dissertation, check out this guide to Online Ed.D. Programs with No Dissertation . Some Schools of Education give Ed.D. students the opportunity to complete a Capstone Project or Dissertation in Practice (DiP) instead of a 5-chapter written work.

These alternatives aren’t easy! You’ll still be challenged at the same level as you would be for a dissertation. However, Capstone Projects & DiPs often involve more group work and an emphasis on applied theory & research.

What’s the Difference Between a Ph.D. Dissertation and Ed.D. Dissertation?

Have a look at our Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. Guide to get a sense of the differences between the two degrees. In a nutshell:

Ed.D. dissertations tend to focus on addressing current & real-world topics/problems of practice in the workplace.
Ph.D. dissertations usually put more emphasis on creating new theories & concepts and even completely rethinking educational practices.

How Can I Learn More About Ed.D. Dissertations?

Start with the section on Examples of Ed.D. Dissertations . You can browse through titles, abstracts, and even complete dissertations from a large number of universities.

If you have a few Doctor of Education programs on your shortlist, we also recommend that you skim through the program’s Dissertation Handbook . It can usually be found on the School of Education’s website. You’ll be able to see how the School likes to structure the dissertation process from start to finish.

Ed.D. Dissertation Support

University & campus resources, dissertation chair & committee.

The first port of call for any questions about the Ed.D. dissertation is your Dissertation Chair. If you get stuck with a terrible faculty advisor, talk to members of the Dissertation Committee. They are there to support your journey.

University Library

An Ed.D. dissertation is a massive research project. So before you choose a Doctor of Education program, ask the School of Education about its libraries & library resources (e.g. free online access to subscription-based journals).

Writing Center

Many universities have a Writing Center. If you’re struggling with any elements of your dissertation (e.g. editing), you can ask the staff about:

Individual tutoring
Editorial assistance
Outside resources

Mental Health Support

It’s well-known that doctoral students often face a lot of stress & isolation during their studies. Ask your faculty advisor about mental health services at the university. Staff in the School of Education and the Graduate School will also have information about on-campus counselors, free or discounted therapy sessions, and more.

Independent Dissertation Services

Dissertation editing services: potentially helpful.

There are scores of independent providers who offer dissertation editing services. But they can be expensive. And many of these editors have zero expertise in educational fields.

If you need help with editing & proofreading, proceed with caution:

Start by asking your Dissertation Chair about what’s permitted for third party involvement (e.g. you may need to note any editor’s contribution in your dissertation acknowledgments) and whether they have any suggestions.
The Graduate School is another useful resource. For example, Cornell’s Graduate School maintains a list of Editing, Typing, and Proofreading Services for graduate students.

Dissertation Coaches: Not Worth It

Dissertation coaches are defined as people who offer academic & mental support, guidance, and editorial input.

That means the person who should be your coach is your Dissertation Chair/Faculty Advisor. Remember that faculty members on the Dissertation Committee can also provide assistance.
If you’re looking for extra support, you might consider consulting a mentor in your line of work and collaborating with fellow Ed.D. students.

But hiring an independent Ed.D. dissertation coach is going to be an absolute waste of money.

Dissertation Writing Services: Just Don’t!

Universities take the dissertation process very seriously . An Ed.D. dissertation is supposed to be the culmination of years of original thought and research. You’re going to be responsible for the final product. You’re going to be defending your written work in front of a phalanx of experienced faculty members. You’re going to be putting this credential on your résumé for everyone to see.

If you cheat the process by having someone else write up your work, you will get caught.

Ed.D. Dissertation Resources

Examples of ed.d. dissertations, dissertation databases.

Open Access Theses and Dissertations
ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
EBSCO Open Dissertations

Ed.D. Dissertations

USF Scholarship Repository: Ed.D. Dissertations
George Fox University: Doctor of Education
UW Tacoma: Ed.D. Dissertations in Practice
Liberty University: School of Education Doctoral Dissertations
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor: Dissertation Collection

Ed.D. Dissertation Abstracts

Michigan State University: Ed.D. Dissertation Abstracts

Ed.D. Dissertation Guides & Tools

General ed.d. guides.

SNHU: Educational Leadership Ed.D./Ph.D. Guide

Dissertation Style Manuals

Chicago Manual of Style

Style manuals are designed to ensure that every Ed.D. student follows the same set of writing guidelines for their dissertation (e.g. grammatical rules, footnote & quotation formats, abbreviation conventions, etc.). Check with the School of Education to learn which style manual they use.

Examples of Ed.D. Dissertation Templates

Purdue University: Dissertation Template
Walden University: Ed.D. Dissertation Template

Each School of Education has a standard dissertation template. We’ve highlighted a couple of examples so you can see how they’re formatted, but you will need to acquire the template from your own university.

Literature Review Guides

UNC Chapel Hill: Writing Guide for Literature Reviews
University of Alabama: How to Conduct a Literature Review

Resources for Ed.D. Dissertation Research

Journal articles.

EBSCO Education Research Databases
Education Resources Information Center (ERIC)
Emerald Education eJournal Collection
Gale OneFile: Educator’s Reference Complete
Google Scholar
NCES Bibliography Search Tool
ProQuest Education Database
SAGE Journals: Education

Useful Websites

Harvard Gutman Library: Websites for Educators
EduRef: Lesson Plans

Educational Data & Statistics

Digest of Education Statistics
Education Policy Data Center (EPDC)
ICPSR Data Archive
National Assessment of Educational Progress
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
UNESCO Institute for Statistics

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Dissertation Topics

Updated on
Apr 24, 2023

The final step in a PhD or Master’s course is the submission of a dissertation . A dissertation is a research paper that summarises the research conducted and includes findings either on a question or a topic chosen by the student. It is important as it demonstrates a student’s knowledge of the subject and ability to use research methods to define a topic. Students are required to select a dissertation topic of their choice. Choosing a topic can be confusing so this blog helps you understand how to narrow down a dissertation topic and provides a list of dissertation topics in various disciplines.

This Blog Includes:

Empirical dissertation, non-empirical dissertation, different types of research methods for dissertation, how to choose a dissertation topic, list of dissertation topics subject-wise, economics dissertation topics, mba dissertation topics, medical dissertation topics, arts and humanities dissertation topics, law dissertation topics, science dissertation topics, social science dissertation topics, psychology dissertation topics, dissertation topics in education, what makes a good dissertation topic, types of dissertation.

There are mainly two types of dissertations- empirical and non-empirical. The choice of the dissertation depends mainly on your field of study.

An empirical dissertation involves collecting data and researching through methods where conclusions of the study are strictly drawn from concretely empirical evidence, and therefore “verifiable” evidence. It focuses on collecting and analyzing original data. Students can conduct research using qualitative and quantitative research methods like case studies, surveys, observation, laboratory experiments, and interviews. Empirical research tests hypotheses in order to arrive at valid research outcomes and assumptions are tested.

A non-empirical dissertation involves the use of theoretical data and working with existing research or other texts, presenting original analysis, and argumentation, but there is no original data. It focuses more on theories, methods, and their implications for educational research. Non-empirical research theorizes the logical assumptions of research variables and assumptions are entirely theorized.

Also Read: Dissertation Topic in Finance

Two types of primary research for the dissertation include qualitative and quantitative research methods:

Quantitative Research Methods gather information through numerical data. It is used to quantify opinions, behaviors, or other defined variables. It can be used to study a large group of people. The information is gathered by performing statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques. Examples of quantitative research methods include online surveys software , experimental research, correlational research, longitudinal study, cross-sectional, causal-Comparative research, descriptive research, etc
Qualitative research methods gather non-numerical data. It is used to find meanings, opinions, or underlying reasons from its subjects. It is associated with studying human behavior from an informative perspective. It aims at obtaining in-depth details of the problem. Examples of qualitative research methods include case studies, Observational methods, one-on-one interviews, focus groups, text analysis, etc
Mixed method research is where quantitative and qualitative methods of research are combined

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Over 150 Dissertation Topics Ideas in 18 Branches of Science

Updated 20 Sep 2024

Choosing a relevant dissertation topic means taking the first step toward obtaining an academic degree. Let's talk about how to do it right. Also, as a bonus, we have prepared ten dissertation topics for each popular scientific discipline.

How to Choose a Dissertation Topic?

Let’s find out how to choose a dissertation topic. You should understand that the dissertation has:

to be relevant. It is important to identify what research already exists on this topic and how you can expand it. Historiography and the conclusions of your predecessors will help you. Some of them are dogmatic, and some need rethinking;
to have scientific significance . The topic of the thesis must have scientific significance. This means that you will have to clearly formulate the goals and objectives of your research;
to have practical applications. When choosing a topic, it is worth paying attention to practical significance. Determine who / what will benefit from this research and where its results can be applied;
to correspond to a certain structure. A dissertation is a scientific work, and it should be created according to a certain structure, as can be seen in the table of contents in a dissertation, regardless of whether it is about the humanities or technical sciences.

Naturally, this imposes some restrictions on the choice of dissertation topics. Get a degree faster by hiring experts to " write my dissertation in no time".

Where do I find ideas for my dissertation topic?

There are several options where you can find a topic for your dissertation:

analyze the topics from the most recent works in your field;
study examples of dissertations of your colleagues;
find out what topics have been discussed at recent scientific conferences;
ask your scientific advisor.

What makes a good dissertation title?

The right choice of the dissertation title is important. So, when choosing a topic, you should take into account its relevance and the novelty of the formulation of a scientific problem. The relevance of the topic is determined in this case by two parameters - the need for its study by science and its applicability in practice.

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Dissertation Topics in Education

Education is one of the fastest-growing areas for scientific research. Here are ten good topics for a dissertation.

The Role of Technology in Enhancing Learning Outcomes in K-12 Education.
Evaluating the Impact of Montessori Methods on Early Childhood Education.
The Effectiveness of Bilingual Education in Improving Students' Linguistic Competence.
Inclusive Education: Strategies for Supporting Students with Special Needs in Mainstream Classrooms.
The Influence of Parental Involvement on Student Academic Achievement and Social Development.
STEM Education: Approaches to Increasing Female Participation in Male-Dominated Fields.
The Impact of School Leadership on Teacher Morale and Student Achievement.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Environmental Education Programs in Promoting Sustainable Practices Among Students.
Digital Literacy in Education: Preparing Students for the Digital Age.
The Role of Physical Education in Promoting Mental Health Among Students.

Dissertation topics in Higher Education

Analyzing the Impact of Online Learning on Higher Education Post-Pandemic.
Diversity and Inclusion: Strategies for Creating Equitable Learning Environments in Universities.
The Role of Higher Education in Promoting Entrepreneurial Skills and Mindsets.
Assessing the Financial Sustainability of Higher Education Institutions in the 21st Century.
The Influence of Globalization on Curriculum Development in Higher Education.
Mental Health Services in Universities: Accessibility and Impact on Student Success.
The Effectiveness of Community Engagement Programs in Enhancing University Reputation and Student Experience.
Challenges and Opportunities of Implementing E-Learning Platforms in Universities.
The Role of Internships in Higher Education: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice.
Leadership Development Programs in Higher Education: Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders.

Dissertation Topics in Educational Leadership

If earlier practical workers in the field of education waited for scientists and central authorities to develop new methods, today, due to the rapid development of this area, they themselves create innovative models of pedagogical (educational) systems. Here are ten topical topics for a dissertation in the discipline.

Exploring the Impact of Transformational Leadership on School Culture and Student Achievement.
The Role of Educational Leaders in Addressing Equity and Social Justice Issues in Schools.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Professional Development Programs for School Leaders.
Leadership Strategies for Enhancing Teacher Performance and Student Outcomes in Low-Performing Schools.
The Impact of School Leadership on Implementing Technology-Enhanced Learning.
Strategies for Building Resilient Educational Communities in Times of Crisis.
The Role of School Leaders in Fostering Innovation and Creativity in Education.
Leadership and Management Challenges in Multicultural Educational Settings.
Assessing the Role of Ethical Leadership in Promoting Integrity and Accountability in Education.
The Influence of Leadership Styles on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention.

Dissertation Topics in Business

Economic disciplines present tremendous opportunities for choosing a dissertation topic. Here are ten of them.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Transforming Customer Service Operations.
Analyzing the Impact of Social Media Marketing on Brand Loyalty among Millennials.
Sustainable Business Practices: Evaluating the Economic Benefits of Going Green.
The Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility on Consumer Buying Behavior.
Entrepreneurship in the Digital Age: Key Factors for Success in Online Startups.
The Impact of Brexit on European Businesses: Challenges and Opportunities.
Global Supply Chain Management: Strategies for Mitigating Risks and Enhancing Efficiency.
The Role of Innovation in Maintaining Competitive Advantage in the Tech Industry.
Consumer Perceptions of Privacy and Security in E-commerce Transactions.
The Effectiveness of Strategic Alliances in the Aviation Industry.

Dissertation Topics in Management

The dissertation on management reflects the ability of an applicant for a scientific degree to correctly create ways of effective management in production and find solutions to improve the work of socio-economic mechanisms of different directions. Here are ten topics for this discipline.

Leadership Styles and Their Impact on Employee Motivation and Performance.
Managing Remote Work: Strategies for Enhancing Productivity and Employee Well-being.
The Role of Cultural Intelligence in Managing Diverse Workforces.
Evaluating the Impact of Organizational Change on Employee Satisfaction and Turnover.
Risk Management in Project Management: Tools and Techniques for Success.
The Influence of Corporate Governance on Firm Performance and Accountability.
Agile Management: Principles and Applications in Non-IT Industries.
Consumer Behavior Analysis for Effective Retail Management.
Strategies for Managing Innovation and Creativity in Large Organizations.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership and Management.

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Finance Dissertation Ideas

The financial industry is constantly undergoing changes that can be intelligently reflected in your dissertation. Here is a list of ten hot topics.

Cryptocurrency: Investigating its Viability as a Mainstream Investment Option.
The Impact of Interest Rate Changes on the Stock Market.
Financial Technology (FinTech) Innovations: Implications for Traditional Banking.
Analyzing the Effectiveness of Budgeting Practices on Organizational Financial Health.
The Role of Microfinance in Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries.
Corporate Financial Strategies for Mitigating the Impact of Economic Downturns.
The Influence of Credit Rating Agencies on Financial Markets.
Sustainable Finance: Exploring the Growth of Green Bonds and Their Impact on Environmental Projects.
Behavioral Finance: How Psychological Factors Influence Investment Decisions.
The Effect of Corporate Tax Policies on Investment and Economic Growth.

Thesis Topics in Marketing

Now let's take a look at the next ten marketing topics.

The Impact of Influencer Marketing on Consumer Purchase Intentions in the Beauty Industry.
Analyzing the Effectiveness of Personalized Marketing Campaigns in E-commerce.
Sustainability in Marketing: How Green Marketing Influences Consumer Choices.
The Role of Brand Storytelling in Building Brand Identity on Social Media.
Consumer Perceptions of Ethical Marketing Practices and Their Impact on Brand Loyalty.
The Influence of Augmented Reality (AR) on the Shopping Experience in Retail.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Content Marketing Strategies in SaaS Businesses.
The Impact of Packaging Design on Consumer Buying Behavior in Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG).
Digital Word of Mouth: Its Influence on Brand Reputation and Consumer Trust.
Marketing Strategies for Engaging Generation Z: A Study of Preferences and Trends.

Law Dissertation Topics

The law is gradually changing and is the basis for the development of new topics for PhD theses. The choice is made in the field of lawmaking or changes in law enforcement practice. Below we have prepared ten hot topics.

The Evolution of Intellectual Property Rights in the Digital Age.
Analyzing the Impact of GDPR on Online Privacy and Data Protection.
The Role of International Law in Managing Global Environmental Challenges.
Legal Challenges in the Enforcement of Cybersecurity Laws Across Borders.
The Effectiveness of Legal Frameworks in Combating Human Trafficking.
Corporate Governance and Accountability: A Study of Recent Legal Reforms.
The Influence of Legal Policies on Refugee and Asylum Seeker Rights.
Comparative Analysis of Family Law: Custody Disputes Across Different Jurisdictions.
The Legal Implications of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in the Workplace.
Criminal Justice Reform: Evaluating the Impact of Restorative Justice Practices.

Psychology Dissertation Topics

Successful defense of a dissertation in psychology will allow you to realize your own potential in the field of research of human mental processes and get a high-paying, prestigious job. Here is a list of ten interesting topics in the discipline.

The Psychological Impact of Social Media Usage on Teenagers.
Exploring the Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Mental Health.
The Effect of Workplace Stress on Employee Mental Health and Productivity.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Its Effectiveness in Treating Anxiety Disorders.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Personal and Professional Success.
Parenting Styles and Their Impact on Child Development and Behavior.
The Psychology of Decision Making: How Cognitive Biases Influence Choices.
The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Psychological Well-being.
Social Isolation: Psychological Effects During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The Role of Psychological Support in Chronic Illness Management.

Dissertation Topics in Nursing

Here’s a list of ten dissertation topics examples in nursing.

The Role of Nurses in Managing Patient Anxiety in Pre-operative Settings.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Telehealth Nursing Practices in Rural Areas.
The Impact of Nursing Leadership Styles on Team Performance and Patient Care.
Strategies for Improving Pain Management in Postoperative Patients.
The Role of Nurses in Promoting Mental Health Among Adolescents.
Challenges and Strategies in Providing Nursing Care for Dementia Patients.
The Impact of Nurse-Patient Ratios on Job Satisfaction and Patient Outcomes.
Innovations in Nursing Education: Preparing Nurses for Future Healthcare Challenges.
The Effectiveness of Nursing Interventions in Managing Chronic Heart Failure.
Nursing Ethics: Decision-Making in End-of-Life Care.

History Dissertation Topics

Below we have prepared ten topics on this theoretical discipline.

The Role of Propaganda in Shaping Public Opinion During World War II.
Economic Policies and Their Impact on the Great Depression's Length and Severity.
The Influence of the Cold War on Space Exploration Initiatives.
Decolonization and Nationalism: A Comparative Study of African Nations Post-1945.
The Impact of the Silk Road on Cultural Exchange Between the East and West.
Women's Suffrage Movements: A Comparative Analysis Between Two Countries.
The Role of Religion in the Formation of Medieval European Societies.
The Effects of the Industrial Revolution on Urbanization and Social Class.
The Evolution of Naval Warfare Tactics From the Napoleonic Wars to World War I.
The Cultural and Political Impact of the Beatles in the 1960s.

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Computer Science Dissertation Ideas

When choosing a dissertation topic, keep in mind that it is based on physical and mechanical laws that have been studied and proven. The scope for creativity in such disciplines is limited, and it is really difficult to introduce something new. Here is a list of relevant topics for your dissertation.

Developing a Machine Learning Model to Predict Stock Market Trends.
Enhancing Cybersecurity Measures Through Blockchain Technology.
Improving Data Privacy in Social Networks Using Cryptographic Techniques.
Automated Detection of Fake News Using Natural Language Processing (NLP).
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Personalized Education.
Developing Efficient Algorithms for Managing Big Data in Healthcare.
Augmented Reality (AR) Applications in Enhancing E-commerce Shopping Experience.
Internet of Things (IoT): Enhancing Smart Home Security.
Optimizing Cloud Computing Resources for Sustainable Energy Consumption.
The Impact of Quantum Computing on Cryptography.

Human Resources Thesis Ideas

Here is a thesis topic list in the human resources discipline.

The Effect of Remote Work on Employee Engagement and Organizational Commitment.
Analyzing the Impact of Diversity and Inclusion Programs on Corporate Culture.
The Role of HR in Managing Change During Mergers and Acquisitions.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Employee Wellness Programs on Job Satisfaction.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Recruitment and Selection Processes.
Strategies for Developing Leadership Skills Within an Organization.
The Influence of Organizational Culture on Talent Retention.
Assessing the Role of Performance Appraisal Systems in Employee Development.
The Impact of Flexible Work Arrangements on Employee Productivity.
Ethical Considerations in Human Resource Management Practices.

Sociology Dissertation Topics

Sociology is a fairly new science, and it opens up opportunities for scientific research. Here are ten dissertation topics for a sociology discipline.

The Impact of Social Media on Youth Identity Formation.
Urbanization and Its Effects on Community Social Structures.
The Role of Education in Social Mobility: A Comparative Study.
Analyzing the Societal Impact of the Global Refugee Crisis.
The Influence of Popular Culture on Gender Norms and Expectations.
Social Implications of Genetic Testing and Personal Privacy.
The Effect of Economic Inequality on Crime Rates in Urban Areas.
Cultural Assimilation vs. Cultural Preservation Among Immigrant Communities.
The Role of Public Spaces in Promoting Social Integration.
The Impact of Environmental Policies on Community Health and Well-being.

Ecology Dissertation Ideas

Environmental protection is very important these days - due to the constantly growing number of the world's population, the greenhouse effect, environmental pollution, and other problems. Here are ten master-degree topics in this discipline.

Assessing the Impact of Urbanization on Local Bird Populations.
The Role of Coral Reefs in Marine Biodiversity and the Effects of Climate Change.
Analyzing the Effectiveness of Plastic Pollution Reduction Strategies in Coastal Areas.
The Impact of Invasive Species on Native Plant and Animal Communities in Wetlands.
Evaluating the Success of Reforestation Projects in Tropical Rainforest Ecosystems.
The Effects of Agricultural Runoff on Freshwater Ecosystems.
Climate Change and Its Impact on Arctic Wildlife: Polar Bears and Seals.
The Role of Bees in Pollination and the Effects of Pesticides on Bee Populations.
Sustainable Fishing Practices and Their Impact on Marine Life Conservation.
Analyzing the Carbon Sequestration Potential of Urban Green Spaces.

Biology Thesis Topics

Biology studies all aspects of life, in particular: structure, functioning, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms on Earth. Below we have prepared ten PhD thesis topics on this discipline.

The Genetic Basis of Disease Resistance in Plants.
Studying the Effects of Microplastics on Marine Invertebrates.
The Role of Gut Microbiota in Human Health and Disease.
Investigating the Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria.
The Impact of Climate Change on Migratory Patterns of Birds.
Exploring the Potential of CRISPR-Cas9 for Gene Editing in Disease Treatment.
The Role of Epigenetics in Cancer Development.
Analyzing the Biodiversity of Fungi in Forest Ecosystems.
The Effects of Endocrine Disruptors on Wildlife Reproduction.
Investigating the Role of Venom in Predator-Prey Interactions.

Art Dissertation Titles

Art is one of the general categories of aesthetics, art history, and artistic practice. Let's find out ten dissertation ideas in this discipline.

The Evolution of Street Art and Its Role in Urban Expression.
Analyzing the Impact of Digital Media on Traditional Painting Techniques.
The Role of Art Therapy in Mental Health Treatment.
Feminist Art Movements: Contributions and Impact on Contemporary Art.
The Influence of Cultural Heritage on Modern Art Forms in Africa.
Surrealism and Dreams: Exploring the Unconscious Mind Through Art.
The Impact of Social Media on Contemporary Art and Artist Visibility.
Exploring the Intersection of Technology and Art in Digital Installations.
Art Censorship: A Study of Its Effects on Freedom of Expression.
The Role of Museums in Preserving and Promoting Indigenous Art.

Architecture Thesis Topics

Architecture is the science of construction, design of buildings, or entire systems of structures that make up the spatial environment necessary for human life and activities. Here are ten thesis topics for this discipline.

Sustainable Urban Planning: Strategies for Green Infrastructure in Cities.
The Impact of Architectural Design on Human Psychology in Workspaces.
Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings: Challenges and Opportunities.
Exploring the Role of Public Spaces in Enhancing Community Engagement.
The Influence of Climate Change on Future Architectural Practices.
Innovative Materials and Techniques in Energy-Efficient Building Design.
The Integration of Nature and Architecture in Biophilic Design.
Affordable Housing Solutions for Growing Urban Populations.
The Future of Smart Cities: Technology and Urban Development.
Cultural Identity and Modern Architecture in the Middle East.

Political Science Topics

Political science is the science of a special sphere of people's life associated with power relations, with the state-political organization of society, political institutions, principles, norms, the action of which is designed to ensure the functioning of society, the relationship between people, society and the state. Here are ten master thesis topics for this discipline.

The Role of Social Media in Modern Political Campaigns.
Analyzing the Impact of Globalization on National Sovereignty.
The Effectiveness of International Sanctions as a Foreign Policy Tool.
The Rise of Populism in Europe: Causes and Consequences.
Climate Change Policy: A Comparative Analysis of National Strategies.
The Role of the United Nations in Resolving Contemporary Conflicts.
Electoral Systems and Their Impact on Democracy and Political Stability.
The Influence of Lobbying on Public Policy and Legislation.
Gender Equality in Politics: Barriers and Opportunities for Women Leaders.
The Impact of Migration on Domestic Politics in Host Countries.

As we stand on the brink of a technological revolution that will fundamentally alter the way we live, work, and relate to one another, the importance of understanding and leveraging emerging trends in global business, politics technology has never been more critical. The rapid pace of change presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses, requiring leaders to adopt innovative strategies, embrace digital transformation, and foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. For example, the application and new interpretation of affiliate marketing as a basis for influencer marketing with the help of reliable affiliate marketing software .

In conclusion, the future of global business and technology is both exciting and daunting. The ability to navigate this complex landscape will depend on our capacity to anticipate changes, understand the implications of emerging trends, and adapt strategies accordingly. By embracing innovation, prioritizing sustainability, and fostering inclusive growth, businesses can not only survive but thrive in this new era. As we move forward, it is clear that the leaders of tomorrow will be those who view change not as a threat, but as an opportunity to redefine the boundaries of what is possible.

The correct choice of topic is not yet a guarantee of the success of the dissertation, but this is an important stage that determines the further stages of work. Therefore, take the time and effort to find and formulate the topic. And note, that our thesis writing service is always here to help you.

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Written by David Kidwell

David is one of those experienced content creators from the United Kingdom who has a high interest in social issues, culture, and entrepreneurship. He always says that reading, blogging, and staying aware of what happens in the world is what makes a person responsible. He likes to learn and share what he knows by making things inspiring and creative enough even for those students who dislike reading.

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626 Dissertation Topics for Ph.D. and Thesis Ideas for Master Students

If you are about to go into the world of graduate school, then one of the first things you need to do is choose from all the possible dissertation topics available to you. This is no small task. You are likely to spend many years researching your Master’s or Ph.D. topic and writing the text. This means that choosing a dissertation topic should not be taken lightly.

No worries! Just read this article by our Custom Writing service, and you’ll find:

a collection of great thesis topics on finance, education, management, law, etc.
a range of tips on choosing a killing Ph.D. topic.
👍 Top 10 Dissertation Topics
🆚 Thesis vs Dissertation
🔝 Top 10 Thesis Topics
🎓 Thesis Topics List
✅ How to Choose a Topic

👍Top 10 Dissertation Topics

Ethical alternatives to animal testing.
What’s the future of the Dead Sea?
Does accent affect singing ability?
The importance of corporate values.
How does inflation affect small businesses?
Is homeschooling the future of education?
How does Tourette’s syndrome affect one’s daily life?
How to conduct market analysis for e-commerce.
Has globalization affected cultural appropriation?

🆚 Dissertation vs. Thesis: Is There a Difference?

People often consider a thesis and a dissertation to be the same thing. Yet, there is an important distinction between them. The key difference is that you need a thesis to complete a master’s degree, while a dissertation is necessary for obtaining a doctorate. Keep in mind that it’s vice versa in European higher education.

Here are some other differences:

	Thesis	Dissertation
	A thesis is usually shorter than a dissertation at approximately 100 pages.	A dissertation is usually 200-300 pages long.
	In a thesis, you build your work on an already existing idea.	In a dissertation, you need to present entirely original hypothesis.
	A thesis involves preliminary research.	A dissertation requires deeper original research.

Despite these differences, theses and dissertations have a lot in common:

You need them to complete a degree.
Both require certain levels of expertise and writing skills.
You defend an argument in both of them.
Plagiarism is prohibited in both theses and dissertations.

🔝 Top 10 Thesis Topics for 2024

The consequences of obesity.
The influence of social media .
Economic development and happiness.
Feminism in the United States.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Racism in schools and colleges.
Overeducation in the labor market.
DNA evidence in criminal justice.
Sales forecasting techniques.
Wage difference among athletes.

🎓 Thesis Topics & Ideas

Below, you’ll find a collection of excellent topics for a thesis. To simplify the task, it’s not a bad idea to use a topic chooser. We’ve also prepared a checklist that will help you make the right choice. If you agree with the following statements, you’ve chosen a good thesis topic:

You are interested in this subject. It will be easier for you to work on it if you like your area of research. Remember that you will have to spend long hours looking through various data. You need to stay motivated.
The topic is helpful in your career path. Choose a topic that you can apply to further research if you plan to pursue your career in the academic field. Choose something that you can use in your CV if you decided to work in the industry.
There is enough available research data. Don’t choose a topic that is too trivial or uncommon. It is essential to find enough relevant information. Consult your supervisor to understand if you can proceed with it.
The topic isn’t too broad or too narrow. Otherwise, it will be harder for you to find credible sources and relevant data.
You already have an understanding of it . Make a list of thesis topics that include the issues you have researched before. It will save you some time and allow you to evaluate your opportunities.
Your topic is unique. Make sure there are no other papers that explore exactly the same issue. The value of your work is your original contribution to the research. If somebody has already investigated the topic, there is not much sense in proceeding with it.

The picture shows the main characteristics of a good thesis topic.

Wondering where to find the most current topic for your research? We’ve collected them below.

Computer Science Thesis Topics

Computers surround us everywhere. From hospitals to home offices, it’s impossible to imagine life without them. A doctorate in computer science can allow you many career opportunities!

The latest developments in AI use for healthcare services . Healthcare in the US is expensive for its citizens. One way to reduce the cost is using computer algorithms. This technology research topic lets you explore how AI helps physicians with their tasks.
Computer security for public institutions. Several allegations about hackers stealing data from the US government emerged in recent years. With this dissertation idea, study public cybersecurity. Also, discuss ways to improve cybersecurity practices.
Visual recognition system architecture: real-time object detection. Discuss a system based on neural networks capable of detecting objects. Focus on the virtual environment. You can alter this trending topic in computer science for real-life settings.
Blockchain application outside financial technologies. Analyze and discuss the implications of using blockchain systems outside of the fintech sector. For example, study its use for public services and in government agencies. This topic allows exploring ways of applying established algorithms.
Machine learning and text structures. Discuss ways of visualizing text categorization. Focus on complex hierarchical structures of texts. This topic is suitable for postgraduates.
Encrypted search: security, performance, and usage. Discuss the use of encryptions to protect data. Say how we can improve it for effective information search.
Use of computers in education . Study how algorithms can improve learning. This topic can be altered for other fields. For example, choose AI in business or agriculture.
Graphics and visual computing: current state and the future. By now, CAD programs are an integral part of every engineer’s tool kit. Your thesis can analyze the potential of those programs. What would improve their performance? Is there a chance that they will become obsolete?
Multimedia databases parsing and indexing. Netflix and YouTube require technology to search across their multimedia databases. This dissertation can be a survey on best practices. Or, add a company name to the title and focus your research on it.
AI Marketing: the use of algorithms to improve advertising. In the previous list of research question examples, you can choose a narrow marketing theme. Then, discuss the implications of such algorithms.
Study computation of models for virtual environments .
Cybersecurity challenges for automated vehicles.
AI and vehicle automation: potential safety gaps.
Computer graphics: perspectives for medical imaging.
Research the use of computer algorithms for medical analysis.
Discuss the role of bioinformatics in healthcare improvement.
How is a computer-aided design used in creating automobile parts?
Review the best practices for System Level Testing of distributed systems.
Agile project management for software engineers.
Software development risks analysis for successful employment.
Study the security mechanisms for WLAN networks .
Malicious botnets and network worms: an overview.
What are the best practices in ICT systems development?
Web-based document management systems using XML.
Best algorithms for cluster generation.
Methods for improving Open Web Architecture.
Analyze software solutions for the increased energy efficiency.
Protection of systems against terror attacks: a case study and analysis.
New methods of risk management during software development.
Analyze how Web space requirements are changing.
Analyze how e-publishing is affecting libraries.
New methods for studying the behavior of malware, viruses, and worms with the use of secure programming and runtime environments.
Analyze redundancy and fault recovery in the 4G wireless network.
Analyze the implementation and analysis of the optimal algorithm vs the heuristic algorithm for the generation of clusters.
Analyze how full-text databases affect search engines.

Humanities and Art History Thesis Topics

Do you want to put your passion into words? Would you like to share your ideas with the world? Then pursuing a Ph.D. in the arts or humanities is the right path for you.

The history of cinema : past and present. With this history dissertation topic, focus on how cinema developed. Explore the period starting from the first short films by the Lumiere brothers. Finish the discussion with modern-day Hollywood examples.
Art or commerce: a case study of Hollywood films. Discuss the intersection between artistic expression and profit. This exciting arts topic focuses on modern cinema. You can use examples of art-house movies and modern commercially successful ones.
Hollywood vs. Bollywood . Compare the two distinct film production centers for this art thesis. Next, discuss how local cultures impact Hollywood and Bollywood movies’ direction, genres, and plots.
The use of visual tools in interior design . This dissertation topic is an intersection between arts and computer science. The focus is on how visualization tools help to create design projects.
Racism in the 21st-century literature. Focus on how the narratives about racism have changed. Include examples from poetry and prose of this era. Compare it to works published in the past.
The cultural aesthetic of Afrofuturism in literature. This dissertation idea allows you to explore the intersection of arts. Specifically, see how culture, philosophy of science, and history manifest in Afrofuturism.
The social value of ecopoetry. Analyze how literature that focuses on ecological problems. Discuss environmental consciousness and environmental issues.
Graphic novels: the best examples and implications for the development of literature. What does it mean when literary classics are converted into graphic novels? Incorporate the question if graphic novels can become part of the literary canon.
Theater of the Absurd in the 1950s and 1960s. Discuss this form of theatrical art. Examine how it emerged and why it became influential.
Post World War II art: cinema and literature. Use examples of films and literary works. Discuss major works of the post-WWII era and their themes.
Futurism and the Czech avant-garde : the artistic connection between Europe’s East and West.
Study the phenomenon of the hero archetype.
Assess dancing as a form of meditation.
Review the common elements of various African dances.
Folk dances across Western Europe.
Discuss regional dances and dance as a ritual.
Animation as a modern art form.
Research the art of glass-making and its prospects for the future.
Analyze the cultural impact of The Beatles beyond music.
Literature censorship in the US.
Examine the intersection of ecology and arts.
Heidelberg Project: is it a model for creating art in urban areas?
Study kinetic sculptures of the 20th century.
What characterizes social activism in 20 th -century rock music?
Jazz in the 21st century: a potential for revival.
The history of design in various periods of human existence (the ancient times, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, etc.).
Design as art.
Philosophy of design.
Separate branches of design ( interior design , car design, toy design, etc.).
Stylistic peculiarities of a certain designer.
Web design as a modern quintessence of design.
Social significance of design.
The birth of Communism as it relates to Stendhal.
The relationship between politics and literature in the 19 th century.
An analysis and case study of artists and art during times of war.
How contemporary art is related to American suffering.
Analyze of how racism relates to the family unit.

List of Science Topics for Your Thesis

A dissertation in science will probably require you to run numerous experiments. Many of them will probably go wrong. But the one that does work might be the next big breakthrough! Find a suitable research theme in the following list of topics:

Bacterial injections for the treatment of cancer tumors. Injecting bacteria into tumors is a fairly new approach to treating cancer. Review the mechanism of action and evaluate the potential of this method for curing cancer.
Computer imagining and AI for cancer detection. Examine how AI-assisted cancer screening improves accuracy. Include early detection implications and usage in hospitals.
Ethics of organ donations and transplantation. With this dissertation topic in science, examine the ethics of encouraging people to donate their organs. Include the implications for medical research and practice.
An epidemiological and molecular approach to cancer prevention. This topic idea suggests assessing the current understanding of how cancer develops as well as potential prevention strategies.
Ways of speeding up vaccine development and testing. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that the process of vaccine development is relatively slow. It takes a long time to ensure proper testing. You may discuss these issues in your biochemistry dissertation.
The current state of research into ultra-fast rechargeable batteries. The topic of batteries and energy attracts lots of attention. With this topic, you can examine how to improve the design of aluminum-ion batteries. Include ways to decrease their charging time.
Nanotechnologies in drug delivery: electrospraying. Current research shows the great potential of nanotechnologies. In particular, the electrospraying technique makes nanoparticle delivery more efficient.
Prevalence of various Helicobacter Pylori virulence in a population. Conduct quantitative research and examine a sample of patients to determine the number infected with Helicobacter Pylori.
The relationship between gut microbiota and the person’s appetite. Your research can explore the theory that the gut microbiome has varied effects on the person’s body. Review the implications for obesity treatment for different gut microbiomes.
The age of antibiotics: is it over? Examine the use of antibiotics and the reasons for its decline. Discuss the evolving nature of bacteria that require remedies other than antibiotics. Include quantitative data in this dissertation for a specific type of disease.
CRISPR method for studying human DNA.
The study of human evolution: latest discoveries.
Denisovans from Siberia: a new type of hominid discovered.
Study the use of AI in archeology.
Conduct a study of the Neanderthal genome sequence.
What are the ways of improving solar cell efficiency?
The carbon footprint of modern production: how do companies damage the environment?
Research the use of cesium in solar panels.
The era of supercapacitors: are we ending the use of batteries?
Assess the efficiency of Robot Suits for people with permanent paralysis.
Microscale medial robots: potential applications.
Look into stem cell mobilization and its mechanisms.
Discuss the ethics of automated cars.
Space robotics: can we design robots capable of exploring space?
Evaluate the efficiency and potential of lithium-based rechargeable batteries.
Morality and ethics of stem cell research.
Is behavior controlled or affected by genetics and to what level.
A look at methods of improving risk factors post-stroke.
Analyze of Chinese herbal practice and its relevance to conventional medicine.
Analyze the effect schools have on childhood obesity.

New methods of using existing data to gather information that is useful.
An in-depth look at the factors affecting the decline of the immune system with age.
Analyze of the potential effect of nanotechnology on health and the environment.
Analyze of toxicity levels of inhaled nanoparticles.
The usefulness of nanotechnology in curing some types of cancer.
An analysis and case study of the treatment of patients who have experienced a loss of memory.
Analyze the use of DNA typing of remains to identify missing people and the victims of crime.
The response of immune deficiency diseases to the activation of T-cell subsets.
The influence and importance of IT in the field of biomedicine.

Architecture Thesis Topics

Architecture is more than just aesthetics. That’s become especially clear ever since the doctrine “form follows function” gained traction. Whether you’re into baroque or Bauhaus, there’s plenty to discover about architecture.

Religious architecture in the British Empire. Research the transformation of religious buildings and how it affected architecture in general.
Modernist architecture in the USSR at the beginning of the 20th century. Compare modernist architecture in the USSR with other countries.
Urban greening and its influence on buildings’ design. The dissertation proposal can include green roofs as the main point of research.
Brutalism and its history in New York. Provide historical research of brutalism in New York and discuss how it affects modern architecture.
Modern-day aboriginal settlements in Australia. Using examples from media and research, indicate how aboriginal settlements are perceived and handled today.
Transformation of the urban design in the 21st century. Using London, Hong-Kong, and New York as examples, provide an in-depth discussion of changes in the urban design.
The architectural history of Seattle. Conduct research and write a proposal that will compare different architectural styles seen in Seattle.
Integration of culture in environmental design. In this proposal, you can use large cities in Asia as primary examples of the synergy between culture and architecture.
The architecture of residential buildings during the second half of the 20th century. Choose one or several large cities (e.g., Berlin, Miami, Kyoto) as the basis for your research.
The history of Moscow Avant-Garde. Use both Soviet and modern Russian research on Avant-Garde to present the topic accurately.
Use of computer visuals in architecture.
Review the trends in modern furniture design.
Ecology and architecture: integration of green technologies.
Discuss the multiculturalism of contemporary urban architecture.
The history of architecture in urban areas of the US: the study of New York.
Modern city design case study.
Research ways of using wood in modern architecture.
Commercial architecture: aesthetics and usability.
Evaluate the design of municipal buildings in the US.
Creativity in postmodernist architecture.
How do we integrate smart home technology into architecture?
Small scale homes: a study of growing interest in small housing.
Discuss the use of lighting in building design.
Study innovations in structural design in the digital age.
What are the implications of inclusive architecture?
Sustainable architecture: recycling spaces and materials.
Renewable energy in home design.
Assess open concept homes for American families.
Conduct a study of family homes design.
Research architecture suitable for middle-class families.

Thesis Topics in English Literature & World Literature

Was your New Year’s Resolution to re-read the 100 most influential classical works? Then you might want to consider writing a thesis in advanced higher English. Check out these engaging prompts:

In-depth stylistic analysis of The Trial by Franz Kafka . Explain what stylistic devices Kafka used in his story.
The influence of The Hound of the Baskervilles on the development of modern detective stories. Prepare several comparisons of The Hound with modern detective stories to pinpoint its influence.
The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum : women characters in Heinrich Böll’s fiction. Using the book mentioned in the topic, examine how the German writer depicted women in his prose.
Analysis of the terrorism portrayal in modern journalism: The New York Times case study. Pick several articles related to terrorism published in NYT and describe in detail how it is portrayed (keywords, images, etc.).
A formalist approach to Dostoevsky: analysis of The Brothers Karamazov . Provide the reader with an explanation of the formalist approach and use it to analyze the novel.
The depiction of sexual violence in young adult literature. Pick several YA novels published in the 2010s for your research.
The use of repetition in Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot . Analyze how repetition is used for emphasis and other effects in the play.
Feminism and gender in Margaret Atwood’s Cats’ Eye . Review the book from a feminist point of view and discuss how gender issues are presented in the book.
How does Phillip K. Dick use intertextuality in The Man in the High Castle ? Find as many references to other literary and historical sources as you can and elaborate how Dick uses them and for what aims.
The influence of Steppenwolf on postmodern American literature: the contribution of Herman Hesse. Using Steppenwolf as the primary source, discuss what characteristics common for postmodern literature Hesse uses in this novel.
How does racism manifest itself in classical literature?
Discuss the oppression of women in The Handmaid’s Tale.
Gender roles in The Miniaturist and A Doll’s House : a comparison.
Moral ambiguity in David Harrower’s works.
Literary techniques in the Perks of Being a Wallflower.
The setting in The Murder in the Rue Morgue and its influence on the detective genre.
Review the tropes first introduced in The Moonstone.
Study the depictions of police’s work in Skinner’s Rule .
Assess the influence of Victorian Gothic horror on popular culture.
Social criticism in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
Analyze cyberpunk elements in Gibson’s Neuromancer.
Themes of social equality in modern literature.
Research the views on Native American writers in Nature’s Poem.
Critique of contemporary children’s literature .
Gothic elements in Charlotte Bronte’s works.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Dracula : a comparative analysis.
Terror in The Picture of Dorian Gray .
Examine the connection of mental health and society in J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye .
Magical realism and romanticism in Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.
How does the cut-up technique contribute to the narration in William S. Burroughs’ Naked Lunch?

Criminal Justice Thesis Topics

Are you a forensic science student who prefers research to actual police work? In that case, a dissertation in criminology is a great idea. This way, you can work on preventing crime from the comfort of your desk.

Recidivism rates among underage Latino first-time offenders: a quantitative study. Research a group of first-time offenders of a particular age (e.g., 18 to 25 years old).
A comparative analysis of the incidents of gun violence in the USA during the 2010s. Choose several prominent examples and compare them to each other.
Troublesome statements: the role of witnesses in potentially false accusations. In this dissertation, you can write about the unreliability of statements, using documented examples.

The patterns of drug trafficking in Germany’s largest cities: a case study of Berlin and Hamburg. Analyze the changes in these patterns in the 2010s.
Money laundering and corruption in the United States in the 21st century. Using media reports, create dissertation research about corruption schemes.
Mental health and self-perception of second-time sex offenders. Determine if their self-perception changes.
School shootings in the USA: causes and risk factors. Using recent and historical data, analyze the cases of mass shootings.
The influence of cyberbullying on suicide rates among Australian adolescents (13-17 years old). You can base your dissertation report on various research on cyberbullying published in Australian scholarly journals.
Child abuse and its influence on serial killer’s perception of victims. Discuss interconnections between abuse and potential sadistic behavior.
The history of forensic interviewing in the USA. Present research and practices that contributed to its development.
Use of artificial intelligence for forensic investigations.
Criminal behavior at a young age and its implications for the future.
Drug use: pattern of recurring arrests among American youth.
Incarcerated parents: the impact on the child’s perception of crime.
Research the reforms of the US criminal justice system.
Propose strategies for improving the juvenile detention system.
Police officer’s abuse of power: analysis of reports.
Race and criminal justice: the case of War on Drugs.
What are the possible alternative forms of incarceration?
A study of public perception of modern serial killers.
Training of sniffer dogs.
The implications of eyewitness testimony.
Abuse in Hollywood: a case study of Harvey Weinstein.
Bias against African Americans during investigations.
A study of college violence.
Legal implications of medical marijuana legalization .
Ethics of criminal justice: the problem of confidentiality.
Review the challenges linked with domestic violence investigations.
Suggest ways of preventing crimes in schools.
Gender bias during crime examinations.

Geography Thesis Topics

If you enjoy unveiling Earth’s secrets, this section is for you. Here you’ll find geography dissertation ideas ranging from studies of movement to regional phenomena.

Species that became extinct in the 20th century: qualitative research. Address the human influence on various species.
Current issues in the exploration of Arctic. Discuss difficulties and specifics of such explorations.
A comparison of urban back gardens in the USA and the UK. You can compare their design and other features (for example, vegetation used for decoration).
The causes and outcomes of floodings in the USA in the 2010s. Address climate change as one of the leading causes.
Prevention of ecosystem changes with modern technology. Provide various examples of how technology is used to sustain ecosystems.
Changes in travel destinations in the 2000s: a comparison of the USA and Canada. Demonstrate what changes in preferences were documented in these countries and show what destinations were especially popular.
The perception of environmentally friendly technologies and their impact on the environment by citizens of large metropolitan areas: a case study of Miami. Explain how various projects based on environmentally friendly technologies are launched in Miami.
A negative impact of global warming on weather conditions in Iceland. Discuss how tourism in Iceland is affected by these changes.
The influence of industrialization on climate change. Address the causes of climate change, using industrialization and its consequences as a basis.
Compare Greenfield and Brownfield land use for construction projects.
Investigate the significance of red salmon for Kamchatka.
The social impact of climate change : a study of migration patterns.
The potential of community gardening in underprivileged neighborhoods.
Study the link between the strengths of hurricanes and climate change.
What can be done to stop gentrification in your community?
Evaluate coastal tourism, its effect, and implications.
The impact of reservoir locations on water quality.
How did industrialization affect the development of Chicago?
Study soil pollution levels in your community area.
Conduct an analysis of air quality in your city.
Eco-tourism, its history, and perspectives.
Differences in soil chemistry across several locations.
The impact of organic farming on water quality in your area.
Compare the sustainability of organically vs. conventionally farmed tomatoes.
Research air pollution levels and data on airborne illnesses in your area.
What’s the relationship between rock climbing and cliff vegetation?
Study the changes in soil fertility upon volcanic eruption.
How does the Chernobyl disaster continue to affect the surrounding area?
Determine the patterns of floods in a particular area of your choice.

Sociology Thesis Ideas

Sociology studies how humans live together. A dissertation is a great way to dive deeper into a particular subject. You can get as specific as your heart desires! Check out our sociology thesis topics:

Single parent stigma and its influence on family’s quality of life and parent-child relationships. Present examples from recent research that illustrate how the dynamics of these relationships change over time due to stigma.
Women empowerment in Saudi Arabia in 2000s: breakthroughs and challenges. Discuss how this empowerment affected legislation and women’s rights.
Long-term alcohol addiction and self-perception in young adults. With the help of research, demonstrate whether self-perception of these adults transforms significantly due to their addiction.
Adoption and its influence on parent-child relationships. Present and discuss challenges that such families face.
Comparison of traditions related to family dinners in the USA and the UK. What specific differences are there and how can they be explained?
Influence of the emo culture on suicide rates in high school students. Address the influence of such cultures on adolescents’ behavior.
The rates of secularization in elderly individuals living in urban and rural areas. Compare the rates and explain why they are different.
Influence of forced outing on transgender individuals and concomitant changes in their quality of life. Explain the effects of forced outing and why this impact is dangerous.
Comparison of anti-nuclear movements in Germany and Japan in the 21st century. Explain in detail what differences and similarities are prominent.
Performance rates of teenagers in schools in low-income neighborhoods: a case study of Boston schools. When writing your dissertation proposal, consider various factors (poverty, limited access to technology, etc.) that affect performance rates of these teenagers.
Black Lives Matter movement’s immediate impact on racism.
Research causes of minority bias in the US.
Affirmative action and its impact on the perception of varied racial groups.
The impact of religion on people’s attitudes towards race.
Review the challenges of the US LGBT community.
Bias towards transgender studies.
Social activism against gender discrimination in the 21st century.
The impact of social assistance in schools on a child’s future.
Research the changes in education after WWII.
Analyze scholarship policies in the US.
The impact of student debt on youth’s perception of education in the US.
Outcomes of public vs. private schools: a comparison.
Research the preservation of culture in American immigrant families.
Applying Marx’s conflict theory to social justice movements.
Assess changing trends in social norms in a country of your choice.
Attitudes towards prejudice among people of different social backgrounds.
Comparison of women’s rights in Western and Middle Eastern countries.
The impact of capitalism on one’s social values.
How does capitalism benefit society across multiple post-soviet countries?
Compare healthcare access in autocracies vs. democracies.

💡 Dissertation Topics for Ph.D. students

Below you’ll find a list of excellent dissertation ideas in different fields of study. They are more difficult than thesis topics and require more research. Jump to the section that interests you and find the topic that suits you best! But first:

What Makes a Good Ph.D. Topic?

Usually, universities would expect your dissertation to be original and relevant in the field of the research. Moreover, it would be worthwhile if it has the potential to make a change.

This checklist will help you see whether you’ve made the right choice. Your dissertation topic is good, if:

You have an opportunity to research it fully. You need to know that there is enough data and a theoretical basis. Do some prior research to understand if you will be able to answer all your dissertation questions.
You can fill the gaps in the existing knowledge. Your research matters if you can provide some new information that contributes to the field of your studies.
Your dissertation title is catchy. Try to make it worth the reader’s attention from the first glance.
You can evaluate how much time you need. It is vital to understand all the stages of your research and the challenges you might face to plan your work.
You know the subject well. You will need to explore your topic in-depth. It’s good to have some previous knowledge about it. Starting the research from the very basics will take more time and effort.
You have enough resources to investigate it. Both time and money matter in this case. You need to do high-quality research and meet your deadlines.

Dissertation Topics in Education

Learning is a lifelong experience, and the importance of schools cannot be overestimated. Research in this area is critical to improving education standards. Have a look at these topic ideas to get inspired:

Gamification as tools for enhancing learning abilities: theory and practice. Many studies have been conducted on different learning approaches. For young learners, engagement is as critical as the outcome. Therefore, this work focuses on gamification and its effect on children’s improvisation and learning.
Studying the connection between classroom quality and the learning outcome in kindergarten. Children are strongly affected by their environment, especially when it comes to learning. This dissertation topic example is all about looking into different classroom settings and their effect on kids’ learning outcomes.
Evaluating the process of implementation of inclusive education in the US. Professionals argue that inclusive education carries multiple benefits for all students (not just those with limited abilities.) However, it is quite a challenging process to implement all the changes.
Factors influencing the decision to transfer to the higher education abroad. In this work, you can focus on finding out the reasons for such a decision. Why do undergraduate students choose to leave their home country? What are the most important factors?
Online education vs. traditional face-to-face lessons for adult learners: compare and contrast. Online courses have their own benefits. However, would adult learners prefer them to in-person classrooms? How does it affect their learning and motivation?
How does working as a taxi driver and navigating change a person’s brain?
To what extent can reality television be disempowering for students?
The role of homework in the lives of immigrant adolescents.
The impact of teachers’ shocking behaviors in fostering students’ creativity.
The determinants of flossing behavior in college students .
The classification of drinking styles in the college-age population.
Integrating the computer into the curriculum: why you can’t simply plug it in.
The preconditions for serious music-making avocation in computer science students.
Adult graduate difficulties with learning new technologies.
The effect of academic performance on the health of students.
The impact of mathematic coaching on students’ self-esteem .
The influence of internet on the emotional maturity of students.
Academic achievements of students who decide to become teachers.
Is it true that students are more likely to do homework given by good-looking professors?
Informal learning in rural areas via social networks.
Educational blogging for professors: the social networks of educationists.
Does learning existentialism cause suicides?
Is it possible to reduce summer learning loss without students’ consent?
Can we reject classical math and do it at the same time? Yes, we can.
What are major career prospects with a degree in Liberal Arts?
Using electronic games in museums as an effective education tool.

Business Dissertation Topics

There are many things a business administrator should keep in mind. Finances, marketing, and development are just the tip of the iceberg. So, the choice of topics is practically endless. Check out this selection to narrow down the possibilities:

How are business strategies adjusted to the globalization process? Small businesses’ perspective. Globalization means huge and profitable opportunities. To seize them, all businesses and companies should make some changes in their strategies. Investigate what would be the best action plan for them.
Cultural changes and the effect of feedback in an international company: a case study. Choose a multinational company. Study the impact of feedback (both from the employees and customers) on its organizational culture changes. What reaction does it provoke in the company?
Human resource management approaches in international non-profit organizations. In this study, look into the strategies HR managers apply in non-profit organizations. One of their main responsibilities is to monitor the performance of the employees. However, at the international level it becomes more difficult.
Leadership and organizational culture in making decisions about business strategies. In this research, you study the influence of the organizational culture on leaders. In the case of trying to initiate changes in the business strategy, how is a leadership decision taken?
The role of “foreign direct investment” in companies in developing countries: a case study of a large business. For this paper, pick a suitable company first. Aim for large companies in developing countries. Then conduct research and find out what strategies they have for foreign direct investments.
COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on workplace management in small businesses . The COVID-19 pandemic caused many companies to readjust their HR policies. For instance, they allowed their staff to work from home. Research this phenomenon in your thesis.
Social entrepreneurship for large companies. If you want to make the world a better place, social entrepreneurship is a suitable method. We usually associate it with small start-ups. But what about large companies? With this topic, you can research how the concept works for big firms.
How innovation affects demand in technology-driven businesses. This MBA dissertation topic combines business studies and technology. Examine how companies create products for establishing markets.
Management strategies in times of COVID-19: a case study. The pandemic has forced companies to use Zoom , Skype, and messaging instead of regular meetings. Review how executives can apply traditional management models in the digital space.
The impact of burnout on employees. Interview staff members and determine how burnout affects performance. Include the name of a company or industry in your dissertation’s title.
Tourism management in the Middle East.
How do natural disasters impact the demand for essentials?
Compare and contrast Asian and American leadership styles.
How does fluctuation in the stock market impact business operations?
The art of delegation: how to do it effectively and when to avoid it.
How can one efficiently lead a company when unforeseen circumstances occur?
What factors determine employees’ work satisfaction?
Study the link between a company’s success and innovation.
What can business managers do to bridge the gap between generations?
Research the benefits of global and local brand management.
What causes changes in Chinese business culture?
Choose a small business and analyze its strategy.
Organizational changes : what factors impact transformation?
Internet banking : barriers to usage.
Create a business plan that is focused on a specific issue.
Conditions necessary for quality management in MNCs.
The role of E-commerce for food retailers.
Conduct a case study with the purpose to analyze one or several social phenomena.
Workplace ethics in small businesses.
The phenomenon of remote working and how it is affecting businesses.
Comparison of Generation X and the Millennial Generation.
Managing the Millennial Generation.
Current trends in consumer behavior in relation to advertising.
Analyze which countries margin financing is effective and why.
Analyze the macroeconomic factors affecting exchange rates.
An empirical analysis of the impact of organizational performance and leadership .

Law Dissertation Topics for Ph.D. Students

Legal science is not dull as one may think. It’s crucial to evaluate laws at any point in time. Do they fit the current norms? Does something or someone need more protection than before? If you want to garnish your legal education with a Ph.D., here are some topic suggestions:

Trust law: the circumstances when fully secret and half-secret trusts are necessary. Find out what are the principles that dictate the enforcement of the trusts. There are specific circumstances that determine whether creating trusts would be adequate and relevant. Make sure to take them into consideration.
Termination of employment in case of employees tested positive for HIV/AIDS. Your task would be to conduct research and see how HIV/AIDS employees are influenced in the workplace. The most common issues are discrimination and termination of employment.
The influence of the Global War on Terrorism on international criminal law. When the US launched the campaign against terrorism in 2001, international criminal law faced some changes. You can study the most significant changes that have been made.
The level of effectiveness of the US copyright law in relation to the rights of users. It’s an empirical research topic that would require collecting lots of data. Try to find some cases when the users were left cheated by copyright law. It would bring some diversity to the research and make it more interesting.
Study the effect that the US immigration policy has on education right now. Educational institutions are also required to adjust to changes connected with immigration. Different requirements and different curriculums are implemented to fit their needs. You are about to look into this issue.
Select a country and analyze its worker protection laws. Compare the rights and obligations of employees in two countries of your choice. What potential improvements can solidify employee rights?
Protection of minorities, legal precedents. Minority rights are becoming more and more relevant. This topic allows you to discuss how laws can be changed to reflect it.
Regulation of cryptocurrency. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies allow for anonymity. Besides, they are not regulated by any state. In your thesis, you can analyze cryptocurrency regulations.
Fake news : legal responsibility. Review how the United States legal system approaches disinformation. Focus on false publications on news resources. Another possible topic is improvements to defamation laws.
Freedom of expression : a case during a pandemic. This topic is about false information in times of COVID-19. Examine how a state can balance freedom of expression with the spread of false information. Focus on this disease and the fake news about it.
Legal practices for preventing possible future pandemics.
Research ways of online journalism protection.
International law vs. the right to self-determination: comparative case studies of de facto states.
Review the history of fiscal laws in America.
Limits to freedom of expression in the US legal system.
Enforcing regulations concerning domestic violence.
Study criminal responsibility for drug possession in the US.
Criminalization of violence against women.
Review the legal framework for addressing foreign involvement in elections.
What was the government response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Health standards for immigrant detention centers in the US.
Research the loopholes in the US immigration laws.
Birthright citizenship in the US: pros and cons.
1951 Refugee Convention: is it obsolete?
Illegal immigrants and their rights in the US justice system.
How criminal laws have been impacted around the world by the war on terror.
Choose a country and analyze their policies on discrimination.
Evaluate the protection given to minority shareholders as dictated by company law.
Provide a critical analysis of the law of omissions liability.
Investigate and analyze complaints filed in the criminal justice system.
A critical analysis of the reform of homicide laws.
The morality and impact of euthanasia and how Canada sets a precedent.
A detailed analysis of gender and race profiling of suspects in the criminal justice system.
Analyze the right to bear arms relative to the context in which the law was written into The Constitution.
Create case studies that represent a review of criminal negligence related to the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007.

Psychology Dissertation Topics

The mysterious ways of the human mind offer many research opportunities. Psychology encompasses sub-fields such as behavior and cognition. Whatever your area of expertise, you’ll undoubtedly find something interesting in the list below.

The current effect of the “price ending” method on the consumers’ behavior . Nowadays, everybody knows the most popular trick that shops pull to make customers buy the products. However, does understanding it make it easier to resist it? Is this psychological trap still working?
Burnout at the executive positions in massive US corporations: is it possible to prevent? The phenomenon of burnout is the most common issue that employees face nowadays. But there are ways to detected it at an early stage. Could they be used to predict and prevent this problem?
Mindfulness practices and their influence on students’ learning abilities at the top universities (e.g., Harvard). Mindfulness is proved to be extremely useful in overcoming stress and anxiety issues. However, does it affect the learning outcome of the students who study at the best universities in the world?
The individual struggles with gender issues and their impact on global gender inequality. Everything always starts with a small thing. For this paper, study the relation between some individual cases and the global issue. How do personal struggles contribute to the worldwide movement for justice?
The positive influence of irrational beliefs on mental well-being. In psychology, irrational beliefs are a set of values and opinions that people believe in despite rational evidence against them. However, what positive effect can they bring?
Ways of raising awareness of mental health problems. Mental health has been discussed more openly in recent years. Review how this open discussion affects views on personal mental health. As another idea for a psychology dissertation topic, research a specific illness.
Student burnout and ways to prevent it. Focus on the problems students face and what strategies can reduce their stress.
Pandemic and mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many people to be in isolation from social contacts. Review the potential effects of this practice on people’s well-being. Discuss possible strategies for supporting mental health during possible future pandemics.
Weight, self-image, and mental health. A clinical psychology thesis can focus on the psychology behind excess weight. Discuss how weight affects a person’s perception of self. Assess implications for clinical psychologists who work with overweight patients.
Social media vs. reality: normalizing real people. Review current efforts of social media accounts in normalizing body image. Explain how this can reverse the damage that edited photos have on mental health.
How does gender bias affect mental health in America?
What factors affect women’s self-esteem in the workplace?
Specifics of transgender mental health.
Research the effect of immigration on mental well-being.
Study the psychology of racism and ways to combat it.
What distinguishes the mental health of minorities in the US?
Research the psychology of dissent in the Soviet Union.
The connection between stress and overeating: latest developments.
Assess the role of social support for losing weight.
What’s the role of prejudice in politics?
Assess the role of endurance in combating stress.
Developing hardiness: strategies and exercises.
What’s the effect of emotional resilience on mental health?
Helping teenagers overcome stress via relaxation techniques.
Look into the perception of anger and its effect on mental health.
Understanding the function of the prefrontal cortex in terms of how it is connected to other parts of the brain.
Understanding how the prefrontal cortex makes us human.
How emotional and anxiety disorders are connected to social cognition that is impaired.
Analyze the ability of an MRI to determine brain function.
Analyze the relationship between emotional and episodic memory.
A comparison of the plasticity of the child’s brain and the adult brain.
Analyze the continued relevance of Piaget’s theory of cognitive development.
An in-depth look at the social intuitionist model and how it relates to the emotion and reason involved in moral judgement.
How the evolution of the human brain can be understood in terms of children cognitive development.
A demonstration of the multi-dimensional nature of schizophrenia.
How rational thinking and impulse contribute to decision-making.
A systematic analysis and review of the psychology of religion.
How exposure to nature affects happiness.

Nursing Dissertation Topics

A nurse’s work is hard. Unfortunately, they rarely get the credit they deserve. With a Ph.D., you could become an advocate on the problem. Or you could concentrate on optimizing their work environments.

Exercise, changes in lifestyle , and self-tracking for diabetes prevention and management. Center your research on different lifestyle changes (exercise, reduced smoking and drinking) and explain how and why it prevents diabetes.
Influence of stigma related to HIV/AIDS on representatives of ethnic minorities: a case study of Native Americans. Using research, provide compelling evidence of how Native Americans are stigmatized and discriminated against.
Chronic illness management at home: recommended evidence-based practices. Using current nursing and other professional research, discuss how adults and seniors manage chronic and autoimmune diseases.
Depression and stress and their relation to preterm births in first-time mothers. Collect several articles about the issue and using their conclusions show how depression causes preterm births.
Burnout in nurses: factors that cause it and practical solutions for prevention. Present outcomes of burnout (decreased performance and concentration, subpar workplace environment) and illustrate how it affects hospitals on a more significant scale.
Public health: community-based measures to prevent morbid obesity. In this research, you can list various methods that include exercise and education and explain in detail how they prevent the spread of obesity.
Risk factors and injury rates in psychiatric nursing. Present statistics on different types of injuries in psychiatric institutions.
Cultural diversity and inclusion in nursing education. When researching diversity, make sure you are using examples of different minority groups’ perception of education.
Euthanasia legislation in the USA: ethical issues and debates. Provide a thoughtful discussion of ethical and legal issues surrounding euthanasia.
Organizational climate and its influence on perceived patient safety. Your study should focus on the importance of positive relationships between staff members, and its influence on the prevention of medical errors.
Dietary practices and their influence on the quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. SLE is a complex disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Describe nutritional research approaches to SLE.
Fluoride application training in dental nursing.
Describe the specifics of nursing care for patients with diabetes.
Assess gender disparity in nursing research.
Study nurse burnout prevalence in neonatal care in your community.
Nursing staff advising DASH diet: effects on patients’ blood pressure.
What are the challenges of asthma management for nurses?
Nursing for autistic patients: the best strategies.
Racial differences in nursing care: a case study.
Evaluate nurses’ role in pain management for patients with dementia.
Study the connection between nursing staff turnover and burnout.
How is the role of a nurse changing in the modern healthcare system?
Review nursing practices for managing elderly patients.
A holistic approach to obesity management in nursing.
Describe the specifics of nursing in rural areas.
Physical activity and mental health: a nursing case study.
Discuss nursing pain relief strategies for general care.
Determine the ethical implications of nursing malpractice.
Nurses consultations for spinal cord injuries.
Nursing in an urban setting: challenges and prospects.
What are the specifics of pain management in obstetrical nursing?

Marketing Dissertation Topics

Good marketing is what made you buy that product you didn’t know you needed. Marketing needs plenty of scientific research for it to be successful. You can contribute to this effort with one of the following topic ideas:

Compare and contrast the effectiveness of traditional and digital marketing in the last five years. Marketing moves towards digital campaigns more and more every year. Though, traditional marketing still exists, of course. Your task is to compare every aspect of these two types in the span of the previous five years.
The specifics of the relationship marketing and its influence on the loyalty rates among customers: a case study of fast-food chains. Take a few fast-food chains to conduct this research. Then analyze their relationship marketing strategies. There should be a correlation between the methods they use and the loyalty of their customers.
Direct marketing and artificial intelligence: how do companies use it? The industry of marketing couldn’t have missed the opportunity to use the latest technologies for their benefit. Artificial intelligence helps some companies gain a competitive advantage. Find out what those benefits are.
Collectivism and individualism : how does culture influence supermarkets? There are some apparent differences in cultures when it comes to shopping. Each shop owner has to implement a specific marketing strategy for targeting the customers. Work on aspects that make those strategies successful in different cultures.
The strategies that make personalized products sell effectively. Everybody loves customized products, but it seems like not everybody is willing to share their data to get it. Therefore, businesses are forced to work it out. This research looks into marketing tools and methods they use to sell personalized products.
Influence of online shopping apps on impulsive buying behavior . Using prominent examples such as Amazon and eBay, elaborate how apps affect customer’s decision to purchase an item through recommendations.
Product design and its impact on consumer’s purchase decision. When preparing this thesis topic, consider using examples of large corporations such as Apple or IKEA to prove your point.
Customer loyalty : the importance of satisfaction and loyalty programs. Conduct research using available surveys on satisfaction and draw conclusions from these statistics.
Ethnic differences and their impact on brand perception. This research can review the types of products that target White or Black Americans specifically.
Preferences for green products: analysis of the income’s influence on consumer decisions. Compare what households are more likely to prefer green products.
Shopping habits of Muslim consumers in the USA: qualitative research. Here, you will need to do research by engaging Muslim Americans in your study; you can use interviews or surveys for this topic.
Social media and its impact on the promotion of small business. Make sure your reader understands how social media can promote or negatively present small business through customers’ comments.
Does globalization make preferences of customers from different socioeconomic backgrounds similar? Interview people from lower, middle, and upper class and discuss the preferences of American households.
Social media usage by international companies: a case study of Electronic Arts. Study the influence of customers’ reviews and opinions on EA’s sales.
Consumers’ perception of transaction safety in online shopping applications. Discuss how consumers learn to differentiate between reliable and unreliable apps for payments .
Marketing high tech products: a case study.
Study changing marketing techniques during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The future of big data uses in marketing.
Conduct a comparative analysis of offline vs. online advertising .
Explore the relationship between marketing strategies and sales.
Holiday marketing strategies in the 21st century.
Is marketing tailed towards model devices effective?
Study the rise of influencer marketing.
Review the newest trends in digital advertising.
Brand management in 2020: an analysis.
Assess the effect of advertising on consumer behavior.
Targeted ads: are they efficient?
How did marketing change during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Assess brand management’s contribution to consumer loyalty.
Impact of social media marketing on brand perception.
Google Analytics insights for marketing campaigns.
Marketing for minority populations.
Youtube marketing: the effectiveness of videos for brand promotion.
How does partnering with influencers impact brand perception?
Social influencer marketing for SMEs.

History Dissertation Topics

History is written not only by the victors but also by history students. Your dissertation can shine a light on understudied cultures. Or perhaps you want to focus on how a specific event impacted the world. Find inspiration among the following dissertation questions and ideas:

The historical context of the creation of Guernica by Pablo Picasso . War wasn’t the only inspiration for Pablo Picasso during the process of making Guernica . In this paper, you would look into the environment of the artist and try to identify what else brought him to the creation of this masterpiece.
Bismarck and radical nationalism: what influenced the political state? For this research, you would study the underlying reasons for German Nazism before the beginning of World War II. What factors gave it a start when Otto von Bismarck was in charge?
The rise of Bollywood: historical context. This paper focuses on the success of Indian Bollywood movies in the 1930s. You would need to look into the events that made those movies famous in the whole world. Don’t forget to mention the social views of Bollywood movies.
The influence of secrecy in the technology intervention during World War II. You would study the role that the US Patent and Trademark Office played in the development of special war technology . Secrecy helped to keep it away from the public and enemies. How did it influence the war?
Italian prisons in the 19th century: how were they managed after Unification? This paper would require you to study documentation on the management system prison used in Italy at the beginning of the 19th century. You should try to find some practices that might have been socially harmful.
Gender perceptions in the Middle Age. When preparing the dissertation, use both historical and literary sources to show how gender was presented.
Secularization in the American South during the post-war period. Provide a detailed discussion of secular societies forming in the South after the 1940s.
Representation of Jewish history in contemporary art: a case study of Art Spiegelman’s Maus . Using the comic book as the primary basis, explain how Jewish culture and history are presented there.

Quote by Elie Wiesel: “In Jewish history there are no coincidences.”

The history of medieval warfare and its influence on Modern Era warfare . When constructing this thesis, make sure you are using both historical and current research to provide details.
American-British relations during the Cold War Era . Explain how the Cold War Era changes these relations and what has affected it the most.
Germany’s foreign relations during the 1980s. Present a detailed overview of different foreign relations (e.g., with the USA, the USSR, the UK) Germany had during this period.
The financial crisis in the USA in 2007-2009. Using research and media sources, explain to the reader how the crisis is still affecting the USA.
The development of Austrian identity after World War II. In this case, you can use both historical evidence and Austrian literature that provides personal opinions of writers and artists on the issue.
The impact of the Great Depression on the American involvement in the World War II. To show your understanding of historical processes, demonstrate how the Great Depression affected the USA’s perception of WWII.
How I stopped worrying and learned to love the bomb: the development of nuclear warfare in the 20th century. Discuss the development of nuclear warfare in the USA and the USSR.
What was the role of China in the Cold War?
How did the Spanish Flu affect the pandemics that followed it?
Determine the influence of the stock market crash in 1929 on the World Wars.
First Battle of Marne’s impact on the outcomes of WWI.
Tool usage and creation: Aztecs vs. Mayas.
How did the enlightenment philosophy impact the development of the natural sciences?
The effects of Christianization in sub-Saharan Africa.
Assess the role of slavery in the US civil rights movement.
Study the history of LGBT rights establishment in the US.
What are the origins of slavery in Africa?
The Moon Landing and its impact on space exploration.
Explore the role of the Bible in Jewish history.
The US’ involvement in WWII.
The aftermath of WWII: major historical events.
Research the link between the Mexican-American War and the Gold Rush.
Cold War insights: lessons from the Suez Crisis.
Explore the role of democratization in the Soviet Union collapse.
Global cooperation in early modern Europe.
Study the legacy of the arms race.
How did the First Ladies influence life in the 20th century America?

Dissertation Topics in Management

Companies and employees alike benefit from well-thought-out management strategies. So, a thesis in management has the potential to improve work environments even further. Kickstart your research by choosing one of the following topics:

Ecotourism in Canada: issues and trends in small business. Explain issues that arise in ecotourism with climate change.
Management ethics: how social media affects employees’ privacy and organizational climate. Present examples of negative and positive influence.
Leadership styles: a comparison of democratic and autocratic leadership. Discuss what leadership style should be chosen to rule various companies, depending on their business plan.
Political risk and its influence on emergency management. Explain how political crises affect and shape emergency management.
Cultural diversity and its impact on employees’ satisfaction and commitment. Show what advantages and disadvantages there are in cultural diversity.
Economic growth and unemployment rates in Australia during the 1990s: a historical perspective. Explain the causes of economic growth and unemployment.
Challenges in human resources management working with millennials: qualitative research. Discuss what particular challenges HR managers face and how they can be addressed.
The significance of organizational routines in international corporations: a case study of Google. Conduct research on the importance of routine and its impact on performance.
Computer skills and management: the effectiveness of computerized management information system in rural areas. Describe how digital management can be effectively applied in companies working in rural areas.
The history of digital rights management in the USA. Present the changes in the field during the 1990s-2010s.
Analyze the best leadership styles for SMEs.
Examine the changes entrepreneurship underwent in the past decades.
How do leadership styles relate to work satisfaction?
Overview of business negotiation methods using technology.
Ways of integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices.
Discuss the specifics of airline companies’ management.
Choose a theory of motivation in the workplace and make a case study on it.
Study change management in SMEs in times of a crisis.
Managing diverse workforce: a qualitative analysis.
Use of employee voice in US companies.
Research the relationship between the organization’s goals and a manager’s behavior.
What are the best current practices in public administration?
Applying strategic human capital principles in practice.
The study of female CEOs in a country of your choice.
Employees’ perception of change management : a quantitative analysis.
A study of employees’ resistance to change.
What’s the correlation between a CEO’s leadership traits and employee motivation ?
Workplace risk management : a study of psychosocial hazards.
Conduct a quantitative study of the gender pay gap for CEOs.
Research the relationship between management style and employee productivity .

Qualitative Dissertation: Ideas for Proposals

If you want your thesis to be more practical, you’ve come to the right section. Common approaches for qualitative dissertations include researching case studies, surveys, or ethnographies. Because of this, fieldwork will be an integral part of your doctorate journey.

A comparison of teaching techniques that targeted children with autism in the 20th and 21st centuries. Provide a detailed overview of techniques and explain how research affected them.
The development of cognitive-behavioral therapy and its effectiveness in patients with eating disorders. Present the history of CBT and use recent research to demonstrate its effectiveness.
Ageism and sexism in international organizations of the fashion industry. Describe how the fashion industry defines what it means to be “young and beautiful.”
Addressing sexual harassment at the workplace : the influence of organizational policies on targets’ decision to file a complaint. Explain what policies can support the target and what can prevent such decision.
Strategies to eliminate bias in self-evaluation reports of employees. Using research in HRM, outline the best strategies that are currently used to avoid bias.
Post-cancer therapy: issues and trends. Present and discuss various trends, the research behind them, and the effectiveness of different types of therapy.
A family history of abuse and its influence on drug use in adults. Explain how abuse can provoke addiction in the future.
The importance of trusting doctor-patient relationships on patient’s medication adherence and management of a healthy lifestyle. Describe how such relationships negatively or positively affect a patient’s decision to take medicine as prescribed.
Barriers to the acquisition of social support among young men and women veterans in the USA. Discuss mental and physical disorders as major barriers.
Single mothers’ perceptions of breastfeeding in public places: qualitative research. Conduct interviews to find out their opinion.
The impact of online learning on student’s academic performance.
A study of the youths’ perception of learning smartphone applications.
Research the issue of gender bias in college education.
Student’s perception of the mental health support and impact on campus.
Perceptions of charter school education in the 21 st century.
Discuss homeschooling and its effect on a child’s socialization.
What’s the impact of cyberbullying on teenagers’ mental health?
How inmates perceive alternative forms of incarceration.
Gun violence from the perspective of victims.
Research bias towards video games as an art form.
In what ways are minorities disadvantaged in America?
Evaluate cooking as a therapeutic exercise.
Assess the link between a principal’s leadership style and the school’s rating.
The effect of online counseling on patients’ mental health.
Perception of mental health stigma among students.
How does gig economy re-define work?
The implications of freelancing in the 2020s.
Opinions about a 6-day work week in your community.
Assess the process of adaptation to working from home.
Conduct a research study of views on the BLM movement outside the US.

Quantitative Dissertation Proposal Topics

Some scholars just love working with data. Are you one of them? Then you’ll probably enjoy quantitative research. If you’re into finding patterns and making predictions, here are some enticing topics:

A study of a major city’s livability index. Choose a city and assess whether it’s well-designed or not.
A quantitative study of biofilms in technology. Discuss methods of using biofilms in technology. Include a list of recent advances and new tools.
A quantitative study of teachers’ perception of online learning. This topic prompts you to use an evaluation scale.
An assessment of a link between product reviews and intention to purchase. Study the effect online reviews have on potential customers.
Immigration and its connection to crime statistics. Analyze data on immigration to the US and the number of violent crimes. Determine the relationship between the two phenomena.
The relationship between obesity and occupation. Assess the BMIs of participants of different professions. Then, test the results for a correlation and discuss its implications.
A relationship between nurses’ knowledge of diabetes management and patient satisfaction. Assess the nurses’ knowledge about diabetes and compare the results with patient satisfaction scores. Thus, you can determine if expertise translates into better care.
A study of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SMEs financial operations. With this qualitative dissertation proposal in business and management, choose a small company. Analyze its financial data pre- and post-pandemic. Include a discussion of financial management during pandemics.
A study of millennials’ pet ownership. Determine the percentage of millennials who have pets. Compare these patterns with previous generations.
Economic growth and urbanization. Compare the empirical data about the state of economics and the number of people living in cities.
Determine how urbanization affects bacterial community compositions.
The economic impact of immigration on SMEs.
Study the rates of crimes in the US in relation to nonviolent crimes.
How do various teaching styles affect learning?
Compare overconfidence in CEOs of SMEs and corporations.
How does inclusive language influence social behavior?
Assess consumers’ satisfaction with online banking in your area.
Evaluate crude oil price prediction methods.
Is there a link between smartphone use and mental illness?
Correlation between eyewitness identification and memory.
What are the attitudes towards AI development among women?
Determine the rates of cybercrimes since the 1990s.
A study of the police brutality cases across the US in the last decade.
Correlation between education level and employment.
The presence of sleep disorders in mental illnesses.
Assess the attitudes towards medical care in the US.
Determine the correlation between eating disorders and physical illness.
Study the rates of cyberbullying among minority students.
How various religious groups influence politics : a game-theoretical approach.
Does regular exercise decrease symptoms of depression in adults?

Dissertation Topics in Educational Leadership

Educational leadership is a science focused on helping students to achieve their academic goals. It includes the motivation of staff and learners, improvement of educational programs, and creation of a healthy, productive environment in institutions. Want to dedicate your research to it? Take a look at these topic samples:

Fatigue among American medical students. Medical students often need to memorize and analyze big portions of information. That is why many of them don’t sleep enough, get tired quickly, and find it hard to concentrate. What can be done about it?
How did the COVID-19 pandemic and distance learning affect students’ motivation? Online education has multiple benefits and drawbacks. Some students might find it easier to get access to various textbooks online. Others want to return to campus. What is their motivation?
Creating better learning conditions on campus: the challenges in 2022. With the increasing speed of technological progress, it is hard to catch up with the latest innovations. Explore them in your dissertation. For instance, you can focus on facilities for students with special needs.
How can we enhance discipline among first-year students on campus? For some younger students, it is hard to get used to living on their own. They need to accept new responsibilities, find time to take care of themselves, and organize their lives. How can we help them?
Development of soft skills among undergraduate students. For future employers, soft skills are as important as hard skills. That is why colleges need to pay attention to soft skills such as time management, communication, and creativity.
The efficiency of workshops for enhancing students’ creativity.
Do nutrition habits influence the studying process?
The importance of mental health care in high school.
What leadership styles are the most efficient in college communities?
Does the implementation of early childhood education lead to further academic success?
What is the role of school counseling among teenagers?
What psychological factors make students drop out of college?
Developing leadership qualities among MBA students.
How to help college athletes to cope with psychological and physical pressure.
Ways of reducing anxiety levels among criminology students.
Helping students to choose their majors and find a career path.
How to enhance communication between higher education administration and students?
Motivating students to succeed after graduation .
Why do we need psychology classes in high school?
How can we prevent the bullying of Latin American students in middle and high school?

✅ How to Choose a Thesis Topic: Main Steps

In case you have no idea where to start from, here is a quick guideline on how to choose a Ph.D. thesis topic:

	Check every tiny detail. Sometimes the only restrictions would be time and word count. Some universities might restrict your topic choice within your field of study.
	In case you don’t have to stick to a specific area, feel free to play around and find what you like. However, it is better if it’s something you’re familiar with. Starting your dissertation from scratch is not the best idea.
	It will give you a boost of inspiration. Don’t forget to take notes! You might come across some unsolved issues that can interest you.
	Adjust your topic so that it would be specific enough. However, be careful and don’t overdo it! Otherwise, you won’t have enough data to work with.
	Consider the methods of data collection, as well as approaches for analyzing it. It’s not unusual to combine different types, so don’t worry if you can’t decide on just one.
	What change can your work bring into this world? Perhaps it can contribute to the academic field or is practical enough to help with real-life issues. Or, maybe, it carries a social relevance and can change our society for the better.
	Before deciding on the topic, make sure it meets your requirements. It means that you should be 100% sure you have enough time, resources, and knowledge to finish the research on the chosen topic.
	Seeking some advice from your supervisor is always a good idea. You can discuss your ideas together. After that, go ahead and start the writing process!

We hope this article helped you to choose a suitable topic for your dissertation. We wish you good luck with your research!

Learn more on this topic:

Dissertation Critique: Examples, How-to Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Writing an Outstanding Dissertation
How to Write an Abstract: Brief Steps and Structure Example

✏️ Dissertation FAQ

While working on a dissertation, you might deal with several types of research. The main research types are primary, qualitative, quantitative, and legal. In any case, it’s the way in which a researcher studies the subject using a particular methodology.

First of all, make sure that you are personally fascinated by the subject. This is essential for any thesis, be it master’s or an undergraduate dissertation. Besides, make sure the topic is feasible and hasn’t been studies much.

A good dissertation title is the one that represents the subject under study. To state which aspect is being studied is also important. The title should include neither a hypothesis nor a conclusion: think about it as “spoilers”—nobody likes them.

Just like any paper, a great dissertation is the one that is well-organized. The topic of the paper should correspond to the title. The text should have a cohesive structure with a definite introduction, argumentative main part, and a logical conclusion.

🔗 References

Dissertation Topics 1961-Present: Rudgers University
Completed Thesis and Dissertation Topics: University of Florida
Current Legal Topics: Library of Congress
The Right Dissertation Topic: Academics.com
Days and Nights at the Museum…there’s a Dissertation for that!: Proquest.com
Dissertation Titles: University of Michigan
How to Pick a Master’s Thesis Topic: Medium.com
How to Come Up With a Thesis Topic: Gradschools.com
How to Choose Your Thesis Topic: Central European University
How Do I Choose a Thesis Topic?: Grad School Hub
Senior Thesis Topics: Hamilton College
Arizona Research Topics: Arizona State Library
Dissertation Proposal: Bartleby.com
Dissertation Guide Essay
How to Start Your Dissertation: 10 Top Tips: Studential.com
How to Write a Dissertation or Bedtime Reading for People Who do not Have Time to Sleep: Purdue University
A Step-By-Step Guide to Writing a Ph.D. Dissertation: ThoughtCo
Dissertations Guide from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Developing a Thesis Statement: University of Wisconsin Madison
Thesis/Dissertation Writing and Editing, Formatting, and Defending: Massey University
Business Management Research Topics: Top Universities
Law Topics: Law.com
Psychology Topics: APA
Marketing Topics: Marketing Profs
Topics: History.com
Computer Science: Encyclopedia Britannica
Humanities: Research Topics Ideas: University of Michigan-Flint
Art Topics: Art UK
Topics: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Nurses Topics: Medscape
Architecture: Research Topics: University of Washington
Topics in Geography: Research Gate
New Topics in Sociology: University of Toronto
Business Management Topics: The University of Maine
Qualitative Case Study: Science.gov
All Topics: Science News
Criminology: Science Direct
Topics in Literature: Sheridan College: Libguides
Advanced Computer Science Topics: The University of Texas at Austin
Application of Computer Techniques in Medicine: NIH
Important Leadership and Management Topics: WHO
Quantitative Research: University of Southern California
Action Research: Brown University
10 Traits of Successful School Leaders: University of San Diego
HIST 280 Topics: Texas A&M University
The Relationship Between Burnout, Depression, and Anxiety: Frontiers In
College of Nursing: University of Missouri–St. Louis
All Topics: Educause
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Humanities Dissertation Topics

An Analysis of The Role of Social Media in Shaping Public Discourse.
The Representation of Gender in Contemporary Literature: A Comparative Study.
The Politics of Cultural Heritage Preservation: Case Study of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
A Philosophical Inquiry of The Ethics of Digital Humanities Research.
The Intersection of Religion and Politics in the Middle East: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives.
An Ethnographic Study of the Impact of Globalisation on Indigenous Cultures.
The Aesthetics of Horror in Literature and Film: An Analysis of Contemporary Works.
The Philosophy of Human Rights: A Comparative Study of Eastern and Western Perspectives.
The Representation of Trauma in Postcolonial Literature: A Comparative Study of African and South Asian Texts.
The Psychology of Humor: An Investigation into the Relationship Between Laughter and Mental Health.

Environment Dissertation Topics

Climate Change Mitigation Strategies: A Comparative Analysis of Developed and Developing Countries.
The Impact of Urbanisation on Biodiversity: Case Study of Major Cities in the World.
The Politics of Environmental Justice: A Critical Analysis of Environmental Policies and Their Impacts on Marginalised Communities.
The Role of Green Technology in Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Renewable Energy Sources.
The Economics of Carbon Pricing: A Comparative Study of Cap and Trade Systems.
The Implications of Deforestation on Ecosystem Services with Respect to the Amazon Rainforests.
The Ethics of Animal Agriculture: An Investigation into the Impacts of Industrial Livestock Production.
The Role of Environmental Education in Promoting Sustainability in the United Kingdom.
A Study on The Intersection of Indigenous Knowledge and Environmental Conservation.
The Politics of Water Scarcity: An Overview of the Middle East and North Africa.

Education Dissertation Topics

The Impact of Technology on Teaching and Learning: A Comparative Study of Traditional and Online Education.
An Investigation on The Role of Parental Involvement in Early Childhood Education.
A Meta-Analysis on The Effectiveness of Inquiry-Based Learning in STEM Education.
The Impact of Cultural Diversity on Student Learning Outcomes in the United Kingdom.
The Politics of Education Reform: A Comparative Analysis of Policies and Their Impacts on Student Achievement.
An Investigation into the Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Teaching Quality.
The Impact of Globalisation on Higher Education: Case Study of Internationalisation Strategies in Universities.
An Analysis of The Effectiveness of Social-Emotional Learning Programs.
The Intersection of Education and Technology Entrepreneurship: A Case Study of EdTech Startups.
An Investigation into the Relationship Between Funding and Student Outcomes in Public Schools.

Sports Dissertation Topics

A Study on the Role of Sports in Promoting Social Inclusion.
The Impact of Sports Psychology on Athletic Performance: An Investigation into Mental Training Techniques.
An Analysis of The Ethics of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Sports.
The Effectiveness of Injury Prevention Programs in Contact Sports.
The Intersection of Sports and Technology: An Analysis of Wearable Technology in Athletic Training and Performance.
A Comparative Study of National and International Sports Organisations.
An Investigation into the Relationship Between Sponsorship and Brand Awareness.
The Impact of Sports on Personal Development: A Comparative Study of Sports and Non-Sports Participants.
An Investigation into the Relationship Between Fan Attachment and Identity.
The Intersection of Sports and Social Media: A Case Study of Athlete Branding and Fan Engagement.

Psychology Dissertation Topics

An Investigation into the Impacts of Social Media on Anxiety and Depression.
The Role of Positive Psychology in Promoting Well-Being.
The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Treating Anxiety and Depression.
An Investigation into the Relationship Between Coping Strategies and Health Outcomes.
The Intersection of Psychology and Neuroscience: An Analysis of Brain Imaging Techniques in Understanding Mental Health Disorders.
A Critical Analysis of Research Methods and Their Implications for Participants.
The Impact of Culture on Mental Health: Case Study of Western and Eastern Approaches to Mental Health Treatment.
An Investigation into the Relationship Between Personality Traits and Addiction.
An Analysis of Interpersonal Relationships and Their Impacts on Psychological Well-Being.
A Comparative Study of Aging and Longevity in Different Cultures.

Gender Dissertation Topics

The Impact of Gender Stereotypes on Career Choices.
The Role of Gender-Based Violence in Perpetuating Gender Inequality.
An Analysis of the Impacts of Intersectionality on Women of Color.
An Investigation into the Relationship Between Politics and Women's Access to Healthcare.
The Effectiveness of Gender Quotas in Promoting Gender Equality.
An Investigation into the Relationship Between Masculinity and Mental Health.
The Role of Gender Identity in Social Justice Movements.
The Impact of Gender and Sexuality Education on Adolescents.
A Comparative Study of Gender Pay Gaps in Different Industries and Countries.
An Analysis of the Impacts of Ableism and Gender Discrimination on Disabled Women.

Law Dissertation Topics

An Analysis of the Impacts of Digitalisation on Legal Systems.
The Role of International Law in Addressing Global Challenges.
The Effectiveness of Restorative Justice in Addressing Criminal Behaviour.
A Comparative Study of Selection Processes and Their Impacts on Judicial Independence.
An Analysis of the Impacts of Intersectionality on Legal Rights and Protections.
An Investigation into the Relationship Between Advocacy and Professional Responsibility.
The Impact of Gender and Race on Jury Decision-Making: An Analysis of Implicit Bias in Legal Proceedings.
The Role of Human Rights Law in Addressing Corporate Responsibility: An Investigation into the Relationship Between Business and Human Rights.
The Politics of Immigration Law: A Comparative Study of National Policies and Their Impacts on Migrant Rights and Protections.
The Effectiveness of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Addressing Civil Disputes: A Comparative Study of Mediation and Arbitration.

Business, Finance & Management Dissertation Topics

An Investigation into the Relationship Between Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Performance.
The Role of Entrepreneurship in Economic Growth: An Analysis of Small Business Development and Job Creation.
The Impact of Financial Technology on Banking and Finance: use of Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies.
The Effectiveness of Corporate Governance in Preventing Corporate Scandals: A Comparative Study of Regulations and Practices.
The Psychology of Decision-Making in Management: An Analysis of Cognitive Biases and Their Impacts on Organisational Behaviour.
The Role of Leadership in Organisational Change: An Investigation into the Impacts of Leadership Styles on Change Management.
A Comparative Study of Trade Agreements and Their Impacts on Global Economic Relations.
The Impact of Organisational Culture on Employee Motivation and Performance.
An Investigation into the Use of Social Media Marketing and Influencer Marketing.
The Role of Human Resource Management in Talent Development.

Health & Nursing Dissertation Topics

The Impact of Telemedicine on Healthcare Delivery
The Role of Nursing in Patient Safety: An Analysis of Best Practices and Strategies for Preventing Medical Errors.
The Effectiveness of Health Promotion Programs in Preventing Chronic Diseases.
A Comparative Study of National Policies and Their Impacts on Access to Care.
An Analysis of the Impacts of Co-Morbidities on Patient Outcomes.
An Investigation into the Relationship Between Health Knowledge and Patient Empowerment.
A Comparative Study of Pain Management Strategies in Different Settings.
An Analysis of Best Practices and Strategies for Addressing Health Disparities.
An Investigation into the Relationship Between Comfort Care and Quality of Life.
The Effectiveness of Healthcare Teamwork in Patient-Centered Care.

Technology Dissertation Topics

An Investigation into the Ethical and Social Implications of AI Technologies.
The Impact of Cybersecurity Threats on Business and Society.
The Role of Blockchain Technology in the Future of Digital Transactions.
An Analysis of the Impacts of Digital Health Technologies on Patient Outcomes and Access to Care.
The Effectiveness of Virtual and Augmented Reality in Education and Training.
A Comparative Study of National Policies and International Agreements.
An Investigation into the Use of Data-Driven Decision Making.
The Impact of Social Media on Society and Culture: An Analysis of the Impacts of Platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram.
The Effectiveness of User-Centered Design in Developing Technology Products.
The Future of Quantum Computing and its Potential Applications in Different Fields.

Geography & Politics Dissertation Topics

An Investigation into the Relationship Between Environmental Policy and Global Climate Change.
An Analysis of Immigration and Refugee Settlement Patterns in Cities.
A Comparative Study of National Interests and Strategic Considerations.
A Review on The Intersection of Geography and Political Violence.
A Study of Different Approaches to Addressing Economic Disparities.
An Investigation into the Relationship Between Resource Distribution and Political Power.
An Analysis of National Borders and Their Impacts on Migration, Trade, and Security.
An Investigation into the Use of Geospatial Technologies and Digital Mapping in Political Analysis.
A Comparative Study of Different Approaches to Disaster Response and Preparedness.
An Analysis of the Use of Spatial Analysis and Geographical Information Systems in Policy Making.

Fashion & Media Dissertation Topics

An Analysis of the Impacts of Instagram, TikTok, and Other Platforms on Fashion Marketing and Consumption.
The Role of Fashion in Representing Diversity and Inclusivity in Media.
An Examination of the Influences of Celebrities on Fashion Trends and Consumer Behaviour.
An Investigation into the Relationship Between Fashion, Power, and Identity.
Comparative research of Different Approaches to Ethical and Environmentally Conscious Fashion Production.
An Analysis of the Use of Photography in Fashion Communication.
A Breakdown of the Relationship Between Wearable Technologies and Fashion Trends.
The Effectiveness of Influencer Marketing in Fashion.
The Impact of Fashion and Media on Body Image.
A Study into the Use of Fashion as a Symbolic Representation of Political Messages and Movements.

Tourism Dissertation Topics

The Impact of Sustainable Tourism Practices on Local Communities.
An Investigation into the Use of Virtual and Augmented Reality in Tourism.
A Comparative Study of Different Approaches to Marketing Tourism Destinations.
An Analysis of the Relationship Between Tourism Development and Political Power.
An Investigation into the Relationship Between Tourism and Heritage Conservation.
A Research of Different Approaches to Tourism as a Driver of Economic Growth.
The Effectiveness of Tourism Policies in Addressing Overtourism: An Analysis of Different Approaches to Managing Tourist Crowds in Popular Destinations.
An Investigation into the Impacts of Platforms like Instagram and TikTok on Tourism Marketing and Consumption.
The Role of Tourism in Conflict and Post-Conflict Zones.
An Investigation into Emerging Trends and Innovations in Tourism.

Science & Engineering Dissertation Topics

An Investigation into the Use of Machine Learning and AI Techniques in Engineering Design and Optimisation.
The Impact of Renewable Energy Technologies on Sustainable Development: An Analysis of Different Approaches to Promoting Renewable Energy Sources.
An Investigation into Emerging Technologies and Innovations in Space Science and Engineering.
Study of Different Approaches to Green Building and Sustainable Architecture.
An Analysis of the Impacts of Biotechnology on Medical Diagnosis, Treatment, and Drug Development.
The Impact of Climate Change on Engineering Infrastructure: An Investigation into the Relationship Between Climate Change and Infrastructure Resilience.
The Effectiveness of Science Education Programs: A Comparative Study of Different Approaches to Teaching Science in Schools.
A Research on the Use of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies in Engineering Applications.
An Investigation into Emerging Technologies and Innovations in Transportation Engineering.
An Analysis of the Impacts of Additive Manufacturing on Industrial Processes and Supply Chains.

Marketing Dissertation Topics

An Investigation into the Impacts of Influencer Marketing on Consumer Behaviour
An Analysis of the Use of Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence in Marketing Strategies.
A Comparative Study of Different Approaches to Targeted Marketing and Personalised Advertising.
An Investigation into the Relationship Between Customer Experience and Consumer Loyalty.
An Analysis of the Use of Narrative Techniques in Brand Communications.
A Study of Different Approaches to Corporate Social Responsibility in Marketing.
An Investigation into the Impacts of Customer Advocacy and Word-of-Mouth Marketing.
A Research of the Use of Mobile Technologies in Marketing Communications.
A Comparative Study of Different Approaches to Creating Immersive Brand Experiences.
An Investigation into the Relationship Between Marketing Communications and Brand Reputation.

Management Dissertation Topics

A Research on the Impacts of Emotional Intelligence on Leadership Effectiveness
An Analysis of the Use of Digital Technologies in Business Management and Operations.
A Comparative Study of Different Approaches to Building Diverse and Inclusive Workplaces.
The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Management.
An Analysis of the Use of AI and Machine Learning in Business Decision-Making and Strategy.
A Study of Different Approaches to Managing Organisational Knowledge.
An Investigation into the Relationship Between Organisational Culture and Performance.
An Analysis of the Impacts of Globalisation on International Business Operations and Management Practices.
A Comparative Study of Different Approaches to Measuring and Evaluating Employee Performance.
The Role of Change Management in Organisational Transformation.

What You Get With Our Dissertation Topics Service

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When you order custom dissertation topics from Research, a subject expert suggests the most relevant ideas for you to choose from.

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At ResearchProspect, we aim to provide unique, relevant and focused dissertation topics which will help you produce a high quality dissertation.

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Whether you want just the topics or the full dissertation writing service, our customer service is active 24/7 to help you with all your queries.

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We carefully select the most qualified writer for your topics’ order. This means you’ll only ever be paired with a writer who is an expert in your subject.

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service !

Dissertation Topic Examples

Here are some dissertation topics examples for you so you know what you can expect from our experts when you order a free dissertation topic from Research Prospect

Topic 1: Management Quality and Control- Assessing the role of project length in the UK Construction sector.

Research Aim: The construction industry is one of the most significant contributors to the country’s economy. This study investigates the role of project length on management control and quality in the UK’s construction sector. Also, the research will analyse the connection between project length and quality control, considering the moderating impact of management quality control on a project’s success.

Topic 2: Investigating how the Tourism Industry has taken Green and Sustainable measures- A case study of UK

Research Aim: This study will investigate the various aspects of the UK tourism industry towards making green and sustainable measures for the environmental benefits. It will also look into the consumer’s perspective towards green tourism and its positive and negative impacts on the tourism industry and the tourists. It is also helping you develop a better understanding of the concept of a green environment and its influence on the tourism industry.

Topic 3: Assessing the role of Communication Strategies in Fashion Marketing- a case study of UK

Research Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of communication strategies in the world of UK fashion marketing. This will also give us an understanding of how new fashion remanufacturing should be communicated to the consumers. Focusing on how information and messages about the brands or products should be labelled to attract the audience.

Topic 4: Building demolition- Analyse the efficacy of destroying and ruining Big city structures and their impact on the traffic.

Research Aim: Many big cities around the world have demolished a vast number of buildings that were functional with new structures. It not only has an economic impact but also results in the loss of urban culture, harms the environment, cause pollution, and also worsen the traffic situation. This study will evaluate the merits of building demotion and will provide economic, technical and environmental input.

Topic 5: Assessing the relationship between Information Protection and Journalism, how does the Data Protection Act of 1998 affect the problem of people in Media Exposure?

Research Aim: This study will examine how the Data protection act of 1998 plays an important role in protecting information. This study will provide vital knowledge by collecting information from the directors’ of a few media associations. Discussions with media members can also help in gaining an understanding of the actual circumstances in which material obtained by journalism should be protected.

Topic 6: An investigation of the blockchain's application on the energy sector leading towards electricity production and e-mobility.

Research Aim: This study aims to investigate the applications of blockchain within the energy sector. This study will identify how blockchain can be used to produce electricity from the comfort of home. Moreover, this study aims to introduce the concept of e-mobility through blockchain, according to which blockchain can be used to share the car ride with the other commuters residing at nearby places. Another objective of this research is to develop a framework that could assess blockchain’s use for the consumers staying within a budget and letting them assess how much money they have been spending so far.

Topic 7: Increasing Bitcoin Privacy and Security- Assessing the Role and Implementation of Confidential Transactions.

Research Aim: A confidential transfer is a technology that allows users to protect their money values from the public using new crypto techniques. The study aims to determine if confidential transactions can provide secret, secure as well as financial privacy. As a result, it is crucial to examine the function of confidential transactions in order to ensure that no digital currency is lost or produced when a transaction occurs without disclosing the precise number of transfers.

Topic 8: An analysis of the novel waste management techniques- A case study of United Kingdom oil and gas sector.

Research Aim: This study analyses the novel waste management techniques and practices in the UK oil and gas sector. It will also identify the challenges facing the oil and gas sector in achieving sustainable management of all the waste from production. This study aims to determine different forms of E and P waste being generated and reduce harmful E and P waste by using technology, focusing on the policies made by the government regarding hazardous waste from the oil and gas industry.

Topic 9: Assessing the parental perceptions and attitude towards the adoption of healthy behaviour patterns to control obesity and overweight concerns in young children.

Research Aim: This study aims to analyse the parent’s perceptions and attitudes in relation to healthy behaviours practises to control obesity and overweight disorders in young children. It will also focus on the obstacles parents or caregivers experience when it comes to obesity control in young children.

Topic 10: What are the Environmental Impacts of Water Waste Treatment of Cement Industry in South Korea?

Research Aim: This study aims to find the environmental impacts of water waste treatment of the cement industry in South Korea. With the help of a comprehensive survey across the cement manufacturing companies in South Korea, this study will first scrutinize the entire waste treatment process in the cement industry in South Korea. Then it will analyze the impact of each step on the environment. And after analyzing find the environmental effects of the water waste treatment of the cement industry in South Korea, this study will recommend modern ways to reduce the adverse effects.

Topic 11: Politics in a Digital Age- Assessing the impact of Social Media on Public Participation and Political Campaigns.

Research Aim: This study aims to find how the public has utilised social media during elections or political campaigns. This study will also focus on the impact of social networking sites on popular participation in the electoral vote and political debate. This research study will also investigate the effects of new technologies and the digital era on media and political party campaigns and media activities during elections.

Topic 12: The influence of price and brand on consumer preference during an economic recession: A case of the clothing market in Greece

Research Aim: The research will aim to examine the impact of prices and brands on consumer buying behaviour during an economic recession in Greece’s clothing market. During an economic crisis, not all types of products suffer the same consequences. During a recession, people are more sensible in their buying decisions, and they frequently continue to choose known product brands that meet their demands. The study will look at the impact of the recession on consumer purchasing preferences, taking into account variations in spending on various apparel brands based on price.

Topic 13: An investigation of the reasons for the Merger's failure outcomes and acquisition of Islamic Banks in gulf countries.

Research Aim: It is also evident from various studies that most Islamic banks in the Gulf countries, which put their efforts into Mergers and acquisitions to other know and well-established banking sectors, encountered some severe failures. Therefore, this study aims to develop an understanding of failure outcomes for the Islamic banks while going towards Merger’s decision and acquisition with other well-known banks in the Gulf countries.

Topic 14: The Role of International Criminal Laws in Reducing Global Genocide

Research Aim: This study aims to find the role of international criminal laws in reducing global genocide. It will be an exploratory study identifying the explicit and implicit effects of international criminal laws on the worldwide genocide. It will analyse different incidents of international genocide and find out how international criminal laws played a positive role to reduce these incidents. Lastly, it will recommend possible changes in the international criminal laws to effectively mitigate global genocide. And it will be done by comparing criminal laws of world-leading powers to reduce genocide.

Topic 15: How do our genes influence our lifestyle and behavior?

Research Aim: Inherited genetic predispositions largely determine individual differences in intellectual ability, personality, and mental health. Behavior also displays indicators of genetic influence; for example, how somebody reacts to stressful circumstances reflects some genetic influence. This research aims to find the impact of genes on a person’s lifestyle and behavior. The study will also examine the ratio of people likely to be affected by genetics.

Topic 16: An assessment of the Influence of Parents' Divorce or Separation on Adolescent Children in terms of long-term psychological impact.

Research Aim: This study aims to investigate the level of traumas experienced by the children of divorced or separated parents. The principal aim of this study is to explore the long-term psychological impacts of parents’ divorce on the life of children regardless of their gender and age in terms of mental wellbeing, academic performance, and self-worth.

Topic 17: Russia-Israel relationship and its impact on Syria and the Middle East.

Research Aim: Russia and Israel share significant aspects of their strategic cultures. Both countries have a siege mentality and are led by a security-first mindset and a predominantly military view of authority. p Russia’s relationship with Israel has grown in importance in the context of Russia’s military operation in Syria. This study aims to examine the relations between Russia and Israel and how they have impacted Syria and the middle east—focusing on different policies, agreements, and military interventions.

Topic 18: Assessing the Role of Social Media in Raising Awareness about Environmental Issues- A case study of Snapchat.

Research Aim: The main aim of this study is to find the role of social media platforms in raising awareness about environmental issues. This study will focus on the social media app Snapchat which is currently very popular among the youth, and millions of people use Snapchat daily and send each other snaps. Furthermore, this study will focus on how this platform plays a vital role in spreading awareness regarding environmental issues.

Topic 19: Is Cybercrime a Threat to Banking Sector in Developing Countries? A Case Study of Banking Sector in Pakistan

Research Aim: This study aims to analyze the impact of cybercrime on the banking sector in developing countries. It will identify the possible threats faced by the banking sector due to increasing cybercrimes. These threats are related to the information security of the banks in developing countries. This research will be using Pakistan as a case study to find the threats posed by cybercrime to fragile banking. And after identifying the threats, the study will try to recommend possible solutions to ensure information security.

Topic 20: Examining Multi-dimension in facial emotion detection.

Research Aim: When it comes to communications, human expressions are extraordinary. Humans can identify it very easily and accurately. Getting the same outcome from a 3D machine is a difficult task. This is because of the present challenges in 3D face data scanning. This study will examine the facial emotion identification in humans using different multi-point for 3D face landmarks.

Why You Might Need Dissertation Topic and Proposal Help?

Submission of your dissertation is the crux of your academic life, and it starts by first cracking your dissertation topic. Refrain from plucking out a topic from thin air because that’s not how it works. Before you start your journey into the world of research, you need to do a bit of self-exploration. And by such, we don’t mean meditating over your dissertation ideas in your yoga class or during the soul cycle, if that’s what you would love to do.

It means taking the time to truly understand your academic goals, which may overlap with your professional goals. Maybe you’re thinking about becoming a leading expert/scholar in, let’s say…The Beatles (yes, there is an actual degree program, check out Liverpool Hope University) or professionally pursuing a career in the music industry. Then it would be best if you defined that goal before you jump into your dissertation.

For some students, a dissertation at the Master’s level lays the foundation for their PhD studies. For others, a dissertation may be the only requirement stopping them from achieving a graduate degree to improve their prospects in the job market. Whatever your academic or professional goal may be, it is essential to incorporate it into your dissertation proposal as it lays the foundation for the pursuance of your goals.

We genuinely hope by reading this, the task of making a dissertation topic no longer seems daunting, but instead rewarding. Now before you embark on your Herculean adventures of writing your dissertation always remember – this dissertation is you. It’s an accumulation of everything you studied so far and where your interests lie!

For sparking your creative side in developing an idea, you can always run through our dissertation samples to get an idea of how to go about writing your dissertation. Your topic should be an idea of what you are passionate about learning more about. As an academic researcher, you never stop learning. Therefore, you should always choose a topic that brings out your expertise and strength.

Remember: There is no need to go down the path of trying to impress your supervisor with some topic that is way beyond your comfort zone. You can still be impressed with your original idea that plays to your strengths.

That’s why you need to take the time out for some brainstorming and jotting down ideas that may randomly pop up in your head. If only you can see our writer’s desk, they have ideas written down on post-its, my desk calendar, all over random notebooks; it looks like the work of a madman, but it’s just the brainstorming process in action. And remember, throughout this time, your supervisor and those on your committee are your best friends from now until you make your final defence.

There is no conspiracy of trying to fail you and/or make your life miserable. Be sure to take the time and have a chat with your supervisor about your dissertation ideas. Talk to them about what outcomes you want to see from your research or how you would like to contribute to the academic literature present. Also, read, read, read, and read some more! These thousands of academic journals you have access to will help you in constructing a balanced dissertation topic. Read through what previously has been accomplished in your field of study and some limitations in current research. Also, these academics provide us with suggestions for further research in their body of work.

Dissertation Help

Now for some of you thinking: I’ve already done the deep dive into my inner soul but am still stuck and need dissertation topic help, well then look no further. If you are still struggling with your dissertation ideas ResearchProspect can help you every step of the way.

We’re a band of super nerds who are experts in their fields, from biochemistry to rococo art history and everything in between (and hold PhD degrees!). So if you are unsure about what topic to write about, you can stop Googling ‘how to find dissertation topic’ and start contacting our customer service reps. All you have to do is fill out a simple form online here on our website. We’ll get back to you with quotes within 30 minutes. Once you place the order, our super-nerd writer will start working on your dissertation immediately once you’ve made the necessary payment transactions. And like magic, your dissertation, along with a free plagiarism report, will be in your email address well before your deadline. It would be best to get some colour back in your face knowing that you have unlimited options in developing a first-class dissertation. So buckle up and enjoy the ride. It’s going to come with lots of ups and downs, but in the end, it will have a reward most worth it!

How To Choose The Best Dissertation Topic

It can be a demanding task for many students to choose a suitable topic for their dissertation. These tips will help you choose the best dissertation topic.

Start by identifying areas of study that you find interesting and exciting. You should consider the topic you have enjoyed studying and think about how to apply that knowledge to a new research project.
Conduct a literature review of your chosen field of study to identify gaps in knowledge or areas that require further research. Try looking for topics that are currently trending and in demand in your field of study.
Consult with your advisor to get their opinion on potential research topics. They can suggest areas of study that have not been explored or provide insight into what is currently being researched in your field.
Narrow your focus to a specific area of study or research question. A well-defined topic will make your research more manageable and focused.
Consider the feasibility of your topic regarding the availability of resources, access to data, and the time frame for completion.
Brainstorm a list of potential topics and evaluate each based on feasibility, relevance, and interests.
Once you have identified potential topics, test them by conducting preliminary research to determine the data availability and the research project’s feasibility.

Get 3+ Free Dissertation Topics From ResearchProspect

Yes, you heard that right! You will now get 3 free dissertation topics from ResearchProspect when you place an order. Along with a huge database of free ideas for dissertation topics for you to choose from, you can avail of our free custom dissertation topic service and kickstart your research now. Send in your requirements using our simple order form and get free services from the top industry experts.

A PhD dissertation topic requires extensive research and original contributions to the field. The topic should demonstrate high critical thinking, analysis, and research skills and add new insights to existing knowledge in the field. The topic should be specific and focused and significantly impact the field of study.

A Master’s dissertation topic expects a thorough understanding and a critical analysis of the existing literature. It has an in-depth understanding of the subject matter and should provide insights into the field of study. However, the level of originality required is lower than that of a PhD dissertation topic.

For an undergraduate dissertation topic, you should have a basic understanding of the topic. The topic demonstrates an ability to research and present information clearly and concisely. The focus is more on demonstrating the ability to apply existing knowledge and research skills to the field of study rather than on originality.

Why is a Dissertation Topic Outline or a Proposal Important?

A dissertation topic outline plan or a research proposal sets the stage for your dissertation project. It provides the necessary framework for you to conduct your research and write an authentic paper that will add value to your area of study. A dissertation outline provides topic background information, a justification of your choice of topic, the hypothesis you are testing, your proposed methodology and a brief literature review. It ends with a project timeline and a list of references. To be honest, that is what you need to get started with your dissertation.

In creating a worthy research topic, it is important to be manageable, interesting, and add value to the body of knowledge in its respective field. To help students narrow their search for a research topic, ResearchProspect writers have brainstormed new dissertation topics that are innovative and relevant to the current body of knowledge available and can aid in the brainstorming process.

Our band of super nerds have designed the latest dissertation topics across a variety of subjects that are intriguing and look to fill research gaps present in their respective academic literature. These free dissertation topics are great for starting the process of writing your dissertation , thesis or proposal . So take a breather, ResearchProspects has got you covered with our dissertation writing services.

Looking for our latest offers? Or want topics with a proposal at an outstanding price? Click here

The Importance Of Dissertation Topics

Dissertation topics are of utmost importance in academic research because they can greatly impact the quality of research and the project’s ultimate success. Coming up with the right ideas for dissertation topics can be complicated for a few students. Here are some reasons why choosing the right dissertation title is significant for your research:

Sets the tone for the research: Your dissertation topic is the starting point for your research project. It sets the tone for the entire research and determines the scope and direction of the study.
Demonstrates knowledge and expertise: A good dissertation topic also helps demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in your particular study area. It is an opportunity to showcase your mastery of the topic and your ability to engage in independent research.
Significance: The right dissertation topic is significant and relevant in the field of study. It addresses a knowledge gap or a research question that has not been adequately answered.
Feasibility: The topic should be feasible and realistic. It should be possible to conduct research on the chosen topic within the given time frame and with resources.
Interest and motivation: The dissertation topic should interest the student and motivate them to conduct the research. This will make the research process more enjoyable and increase the likelihood of success.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i choose a dissertation topic.

Identify your interests.
Review current literature for gaps.
Consider the feasibility of research methods
Consult with advisors or mentors
Reflect on potential contributions to your field.
Ensure the topic aligns with your career goals and aspirations.

How do I get ideas for my dissertation?

Explore recent publications and academic journals in your field.
Attend conferences or seminars to discover trends and topics.
Engage in discussions with peers and professors.
Conduct preliminary research to identify gaps.
Reflect on personal experiences or observations that sparked curiosity.
Consider societal or industry challenges needing solutions.

Can I change my dissertation topic?

Yes, you can change your dissertation topic with approval from your advisor or committee. Ensure the new topic aligns with your interests, resources, and research goals. Communicate openly about the reasons for the change, and be prepared to adjust your timeline and research plan accordingly.

How long is a dissertation topic?

The length of a dissertation topic typically ranges from a concise phrase to a short sentence, encompassing the central theme or focus of the research. It should be clear, specific, and reflective of the scope and objectives of the study, typically spanning around 5 to 15 words .

What is the ideal length of a dissertation topic?

The ideal length of a dissertation topic is concise yet descriptive, typically comprising around 5 to 15 words . It should encapsulate the central theme or research focus, providing clarity to both the researcher and the audience while allowing flexibility in exploring the chosen title.

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Dissertation Topics: 190 Best Ideas

Coming up with the right dissertation topics is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your academic life. With so many fields to explore, finding a subject that not only interests you but also has enough research material can feel overwhelming. In 2024, some topics are gaining particular attention:

Sustainability and environmental challenges
Artificial intelligence and its impact on society
Mental health and well-being
The future of work and remote employment
Social media's role in shaping political discourse

In this article, we'll guide you through these trending dissertation topics and provide insights into choosing one that suits your interests and goals. We'll also cover how to approach your research and craft a strong argument without getting lost in the process. If you still find yourself stuck after reading, DoMyEssay offers top-tier assistance to help you with writing a dissertation and beyond.

Economics Dissertation Topics

Here are 10 unique topics that offer a fresh perspective on key economic issues, giving you a solid starting point for in-depth research.

How do cryptocurrency regulations impact global financial stability?
What role does AI play in shaping modern economic forecasting models?
How has remote work affected productivity and wage inequality in developed economies?
Can universal basic income reduce poverty in high-income countries?
How does climate change influence global trade patterns and resource allocation?
What are the long-term economic effects of the gig economy on traditional labor markets?
How does social media advertising impact consumer behavior and economic growth?
What are the economic consequences of shifting to renewable energy sources?
How do international sanctions affect the economic development of targeted countries?
What is the impact of rising inflation on small businesses in emerging markets?

Business Dissertation Topics

When it comes to business dissertations, focusing on current trends and challenges is key. Each question below tackles a unique aspect of the evolving business landscape.

How does corporate social responsibility influence consumer loyalty in 2024?
What are the most effective leadership styles in hybrid work environments?
How do start-ups use innovation to compete with established brands in crowded markets?
What is the role of emotional intelligence in modern business negotiations?
How do data-driven strategies improve decision-making in the retail sector?
What are the key factors affecting the success of mergers and acquisitions in tech companies?
How does influencer marketing impact brand credibility and sales growth?
What are the long-term effects of supply chain disruptions on global business operations?
How do sustainability practices impact profitability in the fashion industry?
What is the role of workplace diversity in enhancing creativity and innovation?

Dissertation Ideas in Management

These management-focused ideas offer timely topics for research while addressing real-world challenges in modern organizations.

How can companies build a resilient workforce in the face of global crises?
What are the most effective strategies for managing remote teams across multiple time zones?
How does emotional intelligence in leadership improve employee performance and satisfaction?
What role does digital transformation play in streamlining operations in large organizations?
How can change management frameworks help companies adapt to disruptive technologies?
What are the best practices for managing diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
How can performance management systems be redesigned to suit hybrid work models?
What impact does ethical leadership have on organizational culture and long-term success?
How can agile project management be effectively implemented in non-tech industries?
What strategies help reduce employee burnout and improve retention in high-pressure industries?

Finance Dissertation Ideas

Finance is a field rich with complex, evolving topics. Here are ten dissertation ideas in finance, each presenting a unique angle for exploration:

How do interest rate changes impact investment decisions in emerging markets?
What are the effects of fintech innovations on traditional banking practices?
How can risk management strategies be optimized for volatile cryptocurrency markets?
What role does behavioral finance play in stock market volatility?
How do environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors influence investment portfolios?
What are the economic implications of high-frequency trading on market stability?
How do regulatory changes affect financial market efficiency and investor behavior?
What impact does corporate governance have on financial performance and shareholder value?
How can predictive analytics improve credit risk assessment for financial institutions?
What are the financial risks and opportunities associated with sustainable investment funds?

Dissertation Topics in Marketing

These topics focus on contemporary issues and innovations in marketing, providing a range of options for impactful research.

How does personalized marketing affect customer loyalty and retention in e-commerce?
What are the impacts of influencer marketing on brand perception and sales conversion?
How can companies leverage big data to enhance their digital marketing strategies?
What role do mobile marketing strategies play in influencing consumer purchasing decisions?
How do environmental and sustainability claims influence consumer brand trust and purchase behavior?
What are the effects of social media advertising on brand equity and consumer engagement?
How can businesses effectively use customer feedback to drive product development and marketing strategies?
What are the challenges and opportunities of integrating artificial intelligence into marketing automation?
How does cross-cultural marketing impact global brand positioning and market entry strategies?
What are the trends and effectiveness of experiential marketing in enhancing brand experiences?

Dissertation Topics in Accounting

Accounting is important for managing financial health and ensuring compliance. Here are ten dissertation topics in accounting, each offering a fresh perspective on key issues and developments:

How do blockchain technologies improve transparency and reduce fraud in financial reporting?
What are the effects of new accounting standards on financial statements and investor decisions?
How can forensic accounting techniques be enhanced to better detect financial irregularities?
What impact do tax reforms have on corporate financial strategies and compliance?
How does environmental accounting contribute to corporate sustainability and reporting practices?
What role does artificial intelligence play in automating and improving auditing processes?
How do international accounting standards affect financial reporting for multinational corporations?
What are the implications of revenue recognition changes on performance metrics and financial health?
How can small businesses effectively manage and report financial risks in a volatile economy?
What are the challenges and benefits of integrating cost management systems into strategic decision-making?

Human Resources Dissertation Topics

These topics cover contemporary issues and advancements in HR, providing a range of options for in-depth and impactful research.

How can organizations effectively implement remote work policies while maintaining employee engagement and productivity?
What are the impacts of AI and automation on HR practices and job roles?
How does diversity and inclusion training influence workplace culture and employee performance?
What strategies can HR departments use to address and reduce employee burnout in high-stress industries?
How does employee well-being and mental health support impact organizational performance and retention?
What are the best practices for managing talent acquisition in a competitive job market?
How can HR analytics be utilized to improve decision-making and workforce planning?
What role does leadership development play in preparing employees for succession planning?
How do compensation and benefits strategies affect employee satisfaction and organizational loyalty?
What are the challenges and opportunities in implementing effective performance management systems?

Political Science Dissertation Titles

Political Science examines the dynamics of power, governance, and policy.

How do migration and refugee crises affect national security policies and international diplomacy?
What are the consequences of foreign interference in democratic elections on national sovereignty?
How does the rise of authoritarian regimes challenge global human rights standards?
What role does political ideology play in shaping public policy and legislative outcomes?
How do social media platforms influence political mobilization and public opinion?
What are the effects of populist movements on democratic institutions and governance?
How do international sanctions impact the political stability and economic development of targeted nations?
What role does political corruption play in undermining democratic processes and reforms?
How do environmental policies shape political agendas and international relations?
What are the impacts of electoral system reforms on political representation and voter participation?

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Law Dissertation Topics

Law is a vast field with many evolving areas of interest. Here are ten dissertation topics in law, each focusing on contemporary issues and legal challenges:

How do recent changes in data protection laws impact corporate compliance and consumer privacy?
What are the legal implications of autonomous vehicles on liability and insurance frameworks?
How do international human rights treaties influence domestic legal systems and practices?
What role does corporate governance play in preventing financial fraud and ensuring ethical business practices?
How effective are current anti-terrorism laws in balancing national security and civil liberties?
What are the legal challenges and opportunities in regulating cryptocurrency and digital assets?
How does the rise of environmental litigation affect corporate environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance?
What are the legal implications of remote work on labor laws and employment contracts?
How do family law reforms impact child custody decisions and parental rights?
What are the effects of legal reforms on access to justice and legal representation for marginalized communities?

History Dissertation Topic Ideas

These history dissertation topics are designed to shed light on significant and unique aspects of the past:

How did the rise of industrialization impact social structures and labor conditions in 19th-century Europe?
What were the long-term effects of colonialism on indigenous cultures and economies in Africa?
How did the Cold War influence global political alignments and conflicts in the Middle East?
What role did women play in social and political movements during the early 20th century?
How did the Great Depression shape economic policies and social welfare programs in the United States?
What were the causes and consequences of the fall of the Roman Empire on European civilization?
How did technological advancements during World War II alter warfare strategies and post-war geopolitics?
What impact did the Civil Rights Movement have on legislation and race relations in post-1960s America?
How did the Silk Road facilitate cultural and economic exchanges between East and West in ancient times?
What were the effects of political revolutions in Latin America on regional stability and international relations?

Psychology Dissertation Topics

The psychology dissertation topics below cover a wide range of topics related to human behavior and mental processes.

What role does early childhood trauma play in the development of personality disorders?
How do sleep patterns affect cognitive functioning and emotional regulation in young adults?
What are the psychological effects of remote work on employee motivation and job satisfaction?
How does attachment style influence romantic relationships and relationship satisfaction?
What are the impacts of virtual reality exposure therapy on treating phobias and PTSD?
How does social media use impact adolescent self-esteem and mental health?
What are the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on anxiety and depression in adults?
How do cognitive biases influence decision-making in high-stress environments?
How does cultural background affect the perception and treatment of mental health issues?
What are the psychological factors contributing to addiction and effective strategies for intervention?

Sociology Dissertation Topics

Here are ten social work dissertation topics that examine the complex interactions between individuals and society:

What are the social consequences of rising political polarization and partisan identity?
How does the gig economy impact traditional employment structures and worker rights?
What are the effects of environmental degradation on marginalized communities and social justice?
How does the rise of digital technologies influence social relationships and interpersonal communication?
What are the implications of aging populations on healthcare systems and social policies?
How does social media influence identity formation and self-perception among teenagers?
What are the effects of urbanization on community cohesion and social networks in modern cities?
How does economic inequality impact access to education and social mobility?
What role does family structure play in shaping children's academic and social outcomes?
How do migration and globalization affect cultural identity and integration in host societies?

PhD Dissertation Topics

PhD dissertations often tackle complex and advanced subjects.

How can adaptive algorithms improve real-time decision-making in autonomous drone systems?
What are the long-term impacts of synthetic biology on ecological balance and biodiversity?
How do blockchain technologies influence transparency and accountability in supply chain management?
What are the effects of neuroplasticity-focused interventions on cognitive rehabilitation for brain injury survivors?
How can advanced data analytics reshape predictive models for rare disease diagnostics?
What role does gene-environment interaction play in the development of complex psychiatric disorders?
How does the integration of augmented reality in educational settings affect student engagement and learning outcomes?
What are the implications of nanotechnology in the development of next-generation drug delivery systems?
How do sociopolitical narratives shape the perception and policy responses to emerging infectious diseases?
What are the ethical considerations and societal impacts of using AI in autonomous legal decision-making systems?

Ecology Dissertation Ideas

These topics explore different aspects of ecosystems and environmental interactions:

How does climate change affect the migration patterns of avian species?
What are the impacts of deforestation on biodiversity and ecosystem services in tropical rainforests?
How do invasive species alter native ecosystems and food webs?
What role do urban green spaces play in supporting local wildlife and improving ecological health?
How does pollution from agricultural runoff affect aquatic ecosystems and water quality?
What are the effects of habitat fragmentation on animal behavior and population dynamics?
How do conservation strategies influence the recovery and resilience of endangered species?
What is the impact of ocean acidification on marine biodiversity and coral reef ecosystems?
How do changes in land use impact soil health and ecosystem productivity?
What role do ecological interactions play in the spread and control of zoonotic diseases?

Biology Dissertation Topics

Biology covers the study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment.

How do genetic modifications impact the resistance of crops to pests and diseases?
What are the effects of climate change on marine biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics?
How do microbial communities in the gut influence human health and disease?
What are the mechanisms of resistance development in bacteria against antibiotics?
How does habitat loss affect the genetic diversity and survival of endangered species?
What role do epigenetic changes play in cancer development and progression?
How can CRISPR technology be used to address genetic disorders and enhance gene therapy?
What are the ecological impacts of plastic pollution on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems?
How do plant-pollinator interactions affect crop yields and ecosystem stability?
What are the implications of evolutionary biology for understanding human diseases and treatments?

Dissertation Topics in Educational Leadership

These education dissertation topics focus on critical issues and trends in the field:

How do transformational leadership styles impact teacher motivation and student achievement?
What are the effects of school leadership on implementing inclusive education practices?
How does distributed leadership influence decision-making and collaboration in schools?
What role does educational leadership play in addressing and reducing achievement gaps?
How can leaders effectively manage and support the integration of technology in the classroom?
What are the challenges and benefits of leadership in diverse and multicultural school settings?
How do principal leadership practices affect school culture and climate?
What strategies can educational leaders use to foster professional development and continuous learning among teachers?
How does leadership in early childhood education differ from leadership in K-12 settings?
What are the impacts of policy changes on school leadership and educational outcomes?

Dissertation Topics in Education

Here are ten education dissertation topics covering a range of issues within the field.

How does early childhood education impact long-term academic success and social development?
What are the effects of differentiated instruction on student engagement and learning outcomes?
How can educational institutions effectively support students with learning disabilities?
What is the role of parental involvement in enhancing student performance and motivation?
How do online learning platforms compare to traditional classroom settings in terms of student achievement?
What are the challenges and opportunities of implementing culturally responsive teaching practices?
How does formative assessment influence student learning and instructional strategies?
What impact does school leadership have on teacher job satisfaction and retention?
How can schools address and prevent bullying through educational programs and policies?
What are the effects of integrating social-emotional learning into the school curriculum on student behavior and academic performance?

Dissertation Topics in Higher Education

Higher education is a dynamic field with many areas ripe for exploration.

How do university admissions policies impact diversity and inclusion in higher education institutions?
What are the effects of online learning platforms on student engagement and academic performance in higher education?
How can higher education institutions better support first-generation college students?
What role does academic advising play in student retention and success in university settings?
How do financial aid programs influence students' academic choices and career outcomes?
What are the impacts of global exchange programs on students' cultural competence and academic growth?
How does campus climate affect student mental health and well-being in higher education institutions?
What strategies can universities employ to enhance the integration of career readiness into the curriculum?
How do faculty development programs impact teaching effectiveness and student learning in higher education?
What are the challenges and opportunities of implementing sustainability practices within university operations and curricula?

Need Help with Your Dissertation?

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How to Choose a Dissertation Topic?

Choosing topics for dissertation on your own doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here's a straightforward approach to help you land on the perfect subject:

Check the Research Gaps: Look for areas in your field that haven't been fully explored yet, offering you a chance to contribute something new.
Consider Relevance: Make sure the topic is timely and has a connection to current trends or future developments in your field.
Scope It Right: Don't choose a topic that's too broad or too narrow. Aim for one with enough material to explore but manageable within your timeline.
Availability of Resources: Ensure you have access to the necessary data, studies, and experts to support your research.
Consult Your Advisor: Don't hesitate to discuss your dissertation ideas with your advisor. Their feedback can help refine your topic and make it more focused.

Where to Look For a Unique Dissertation Topic?

Here are some simple yet effective ways to discover truly great topics for dissertation :

Academic Journals: Browse the latest issues of relevant journals to spot emerging trends or unexplored areas of research.
Conferences and Seminars: Attending academic events can expose you to cutting-edge research and provide inspiration for your topic.
Online Databases: Platforms like Google Scholar or JSTOR are excellent for identifying recent studies and some great examples of dissertation topics.
Current News and Industry Reports: Look for real-world issues in your field by staying up to date with news articles and industry reports. These sources often highlight hot topics.
Your Own Work Experience: If applicable, draw from any personal experience or previous research projects that you can expand upon or dive deeper into.

What Does a Good Dissertation Title Look Like?

Once you've settled on a topic, crafting the right title is the next critical step. A strong dissertation title should do more than just summarize your research—it should grab attention and clearly communicate the focus of your study. Here's what makes a good dissertation title:

Clarity: Your title should be straightforward and easy to understand, leaving no room for confusion about what your dissertation ideas cover.
Specificity: A good title narrows down your topic to a specific area, highlighting exactly what your research will focus on.
Relevance: Ensure the title reflects current issues or debates within your field. It should immediately signal why your research matters.
Conciseness: Keep it short and to the point. Long, complicated titles can be overwhelming and less memorable.
Keywords: Include key terms related to your topic that will help others find your work during searches.

What are Some Relevant Ideas to Research in 2024?

As we move through 2024, certain areas of research are more relevant than ever, especially in fields like AI, technology, and politics. These subjects are constantly evolving, offering plenty of opportunities for fresh and impactful research:

Artificial Intelligence: Focus on the ethical implications, advancements in machine learning, or AI's impact on industries such as healthcare, education, or the job market.
Technology: Explore emerging technologies like blockchain, quantum computing, or virtual reality and how they're transforming sectors like finance, entertainment, or data security.
Politics: Research the influence of social media on political movements, the rise of populism, or how global events are shaping new policies and governance models.

Final Remarks

In 2024, some of the hottest areas for research include:

The ongoing challenges of climate change policies
AI's role in modern industries
Mental health in the workplace
Cryptocurrency regulations
The rise of sustainable practices across different sectors.

Whether you're drawn to technology's advancements, the future of education, or gender equality in leadership, there's no shortage of fascinating directions you can take your research. If you're still feeling unsure about which topic is right for you, DoMyEssay's dissertation writing service is ready to step in and assist—not only with writing but even helping you pinpoint a unique topic that suits your interests and academic goals.

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What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples

What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples

Published on September 14, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on April 16, 2024.

A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master’s program or a capstone to a bachelor’s degree.

Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation , it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete. It relies on your ability to conduct research from start to finish: choosing a relevant topic , crafting a proposal , designing your research , collecting data , developing a robust analysis, drawing strong conclusions , and writing concisely .

Thesis template

You can also download our full thesis template in the format of your choice below. Our template includes a ready-made table of contents , as well as guidance for what each chapter should include. It’s easy to make it your own, and can help you get started.

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Thesis vs. thesis statement, how to structure a thesis, acknowledgements or preface, list of figures and tables, list of abbreviations, introduction, literature review, methodology, reference list, proofreading and editing, defending your thesis, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about theses.

You may have heard the word thesis as a standalone term or as a component of academic writing called a thesis statement . Keep in mind that these are two very different things.

A thesis statement is a very common component of an essay, particularly in the humanities. It usually comprises 1 or 2 sentences in the introduction of your essay , and should clearly and concisely summarize the central points of your academic essay .
A thesis is a long-form piece of academic writing, often taking more than a full semester to complete. It is generally a degree requirement for Master’s programs, and is also sometimes required to complete a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts colleges.
In the US, a dissertation is generally written as a final step toward obtaining a PhD.
In other countries (particularly the UK), a dissertation is generally written at the bachelor’s or master’s level.

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The final structure of your thesis depends on a variety of components, such as:

Your discipline
Your theoretical approach

Humanities theses are often structured more like a longer-form essay . Just like in an essay, you build an argument to support a central thesis.

In both hard and social sciences, theses typically include an introduction , literature review , methodology section , results section , discussion section , and conclusion section . These are each presented in their own dedicated section or chapter. In some cases, you might want to add an appendix .

Thesis examples

We’ve compiled a short list of thesis examples to help you get started.

Example thesis #1: “Abolition, Africans, and Abstraction: the Influence of the ‘Noble Savage’ on British and French Antislavery Thought, 1787-1807” by Suchait Kahlon.
Example thesis #2: “’A Starving Man Helping Another Starving Man’: UNRRA, India, and the Genesis of Global Relief, 1943-1947″ by Julian Saint Reiman.

The very first page of your thesis contains all necessary identifying information, including:

Your full title
Your full name
Your department
Your institution and degree program
Your submission date.

Sometimes the title page also includes your student ID, the name of your supervisor, or the university’s logo. Check out your university’s guidelines if you’re not sure.

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An abstract is a short summary of your thesis. Usually a maximum of 300 words long, it’s should include brief descriptions of your research objectives , methods, results, and conclusions. Though it may seem short, it introduces your work to your audience, serving as a first impression of your thesis.

Theoretical framework

Your literature review can often form the basis for your theoretical framework, but these are not the same thing. A theoretical framework defines and analyzes the concepts and theories that your research hinges on.

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George, T. (2024, April 16). What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved September 27, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/thesis/

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Thesis vs. Topic Sentence: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Diverse students discussing thesis and topic sentences.

Understanding the difference between a thesis statement and a topic sentence is essential for effective writing. Both play vital roles in structuring an academic paper, but they serve distinct purposes. A thesis statement presents the main argument of the paper, while topic sentences introduce the main idea of each paragraph. Knowing how to use both correctly can greatly enhance the clarity and focus of your writing.

Key Takeaways

A thesis statement summarizes the main argument of the paper, while a topic sentence introduces the main idea of each paragraph.
Thesis statements guide the overall direction of the paper, while topic sentences help organize individual paragraphs.
A strong thesis statement is clear, specific, and debatable, while a good topic sentence should relate directly to the thesis.
Both thesis statements and topic sentences should be revised for clarity and focus as the writing process progresses.
Understanding the roles of thesis statements and topic sentences can improve reader engagement and comprehension.

Distinguishing Between Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences

Diverse students discussing academic concepts in a colorful setting.

Clarifying Definitions

A thesis statement and a topic sentence serve different purposes in writing. A thesis statement presents the main argument of your paper , while a topic sentence introduces the main idea of a specific paragraph. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective writing.

Understanding Their Roles

The thesis statement acts as a roadmap for your entire paper, guiding the reader through your argument. In contrast, topic sentences help to organize individual paragraphs, ensuring that each one relates back to the thesis. This structure helps maintain clarity and focus throughout your writing.

Common Misconceptions

Many students confuse thesis statements with topic sentences. A common misconception is that a topic sentence can serve as a thesis statement. However, a thesis statement is different from a topic statement ; it articulates a specific argument rather than merely stating what the paper is about. This misunderstanding can lead to vague writing and unclear arguments.

The Importance of a Thesis Statement

Establishing direction.

A thesis statement is essential because it provides a clear direction for your paper. It tells the reader what to expect and helps you stay focused on your main argument. Without it, your writing may wander off-topic, making it hard for readers to follow your ideas.

Guiding the Reader

Your thesis statement acts as a roadmap for the reader. It highlights the main points you will discuss, ensuring that they understand the purpose of your paper. This clarity is crucial for keeping your audience engaged and informed.

Enhancing Coherence

A strong thesis statement helps in organizing your thoughts and arguments. It ensures that all parts of your paper connect back to the main idea, creating a cohesive piece of writing. This coherence is vital for effective communication, especially in academic settings where clarity is key.

In summary, a well-crafted thesis statement is not just a formality; it is the backbone of your writing. It helps you articulate your ideas clearly and keeps your readers engaged. As you work on your thesis, consider resources like research rebels® for tips on crafting effective statements. They provide valuable insights that can make your thesis writing process smoother and more enjoyable.

Characteristics of a Strong Thesis Statement

Specificity and clarity.

A strong thesis statement must be specific and clear. It should directly state your main argument without any ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Many people think that social media is bad," you could say, "Social media platforms, by promoting unrealistic standards , contribute to increasing anxiety among teenagers." This version is more focused and sets a clear direction for your paper.

Debatable Claims

Your thesis should present a claim that can be debated. This means it should not be a simple fact but rather an assertion that others might disagree with. For instance, saying "Climate change is real" is a fact, but saying "Government policies should prioritize renewable energy to combat climate change" invites discussion and debate.

Supporting Evidence

A strong thesis statement is backed by evidence. This means you should be prepared to support your claim with facts, statistics, or examples. For instance, if your thesis is about the impact of technology on education, you might include studies that show how technology improves learning outcomes.

Characteristic	Description
Specificity	Clearly states the main argument without vagueness.
Debatable	Presents a claim that can be argued against.
Supporting Evidence	Backed by facts, statistics, or examples to strengthen the argument.

The Role of Topic Sentences in Academic Writing

Defining topic sentences.

A topic sentence is a crucial element in academic writing. It introduces the main idea of a paragraph, setting the tone and direction for the sentences that follow. This sentence acts as a guide for both the writer and the reader, ensuring clarity and focus.

Connecting Ideas

Topic sentences help in connecting ideas across paragraphs. By clearly stating the main point, they allow readers to follow the flow of the argument. This connection is essential for maintaining coherence in your writing.

Structuring Arguments

When you structure your arguments, topic sentences play a vital role. They not only summarize the main point of the paragraph but also relate it back to the thesis statement. This relationship reinforces the overall argument of your paper, making it more persuasive.

In summary, effective topic sentences are essential for clear and organized writing. They help in defining the main idea, connecting thoughts, and structuring arguments, ultimately guiding the reader through your work.

How Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences Interact

Creating a cohesive argument.

To create a strong argument in your writing, both thesis statements and topic sentences play crucial roles. Your thesis statement serves as the main idea of your entire paper , while topic sentences introduce the main idea of each paragraph. This relationship helps to ensure that every part of your essay supports your overall argument.

Transitioning Between Ideas

When you write, it's important to connect your ideas smoothly. Topic sentences can act as bridges between paragraphs, guiding the reader from one point to the next. For example, if your thesis statement discusses the impact of climate change, a topic sentence in the next paragraph might introduce a specific effect, like rising sea levels. This creates a logical flow in your writing.

Supporting the Thesis

Each topic sentence should relate back to your thesis statement. This means that as you develop your paragraphs, you should always ask yourself how each point supports your main argument. This connection not only strengthens your writing but also helps your reader follow your reasoning.

In summary, understanding how thesis statements and topic sentences interact is essential for crafting a well-structured essay. By ensuring that each topic sentence aligns with your thesis, you create a clear and compelling argument that engages your reader.

For additional support in writing your thesis, consider resources like the [ Thesis Dialogue Blueprint ](https://researchrebels.com/products/thesis-dialogue-blueprint) from Research Rebels, which can help alleviate thesis-related anxiety. You can also explore the Thesis Success Essentials for free templates that guide you through the writing process.

Common Errors in Thesis and Topic Sentence Construction

Vagueness and ambiguity.

One of the most common mistakes in writing thesis statements and topic sentences is vagueness . When your sentences lack specific details, they can confuse the reader. For example, instead of saying, "Many people think that dogs are great pets," you could say, "Many families prefer small dog breeds, like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians , for their friendly nature and low maintenance ." This change makes your point clearer and more engaging.

Overgeneralization

Another frequent error is overgeneralization. This happens when you make broad claims that are hard to support. For instance, saying, "All dogs are friendly" is too sweeping. Instead, you might say, "While many dogs are friendly, certain breeds, like Chihuahuas , can be more reserved around strangers." This approach allows for a more nuanced discussion.

Lack of Focus

A lack of focus can also weaken your writing. If your thesis or topic sentence tries to cover too much, it can lose its impact. For example, instead of writing, "This paper will discuss dogs, cats, and birds," you should narrow it down to something like, "This paper will focus on the benefits of owning dogs as pets ." This specificity helps guide your writing and keeps your audience engaged.


Vagueness	Lack of specific details	"Many people think dogs are great pets."
Overgeneralization	Making broad claims that are hard to support	"All dogs are friendly."
Lack of Focus	Covering too much in one statement	"This paper will discuss dogs, cats, and birds."

By avoiding these common errors, you can create stronger thesis statements and topic sentences that effectively communicate your ideas and engage your readers.

Examples of Effective Thesis Statements

Analyzing strong examples.

When crafting a thesis statement, it’s essential to ensure that it is clear and concise. Here are some examples of effective thesis statements:

"The rise of social media has significantly altered the way we communicate, leading to both positive and negative effects on interpersonal relationships."
"Climate change is the most pressing issue of our time, requiring immediate action from governments and individuals alike to mitigate its effects."
"The portrayal of women in media often reinforces harmful stereotypes, which can have detrimental effects on societal perceptions of gender roles."

Comparing Weak Statements

Weak thesis statements often lack clarity or specificity. Here are examples of ineffective thesis statements:

"Social media is bad."
"Many people think climate change is real."
"Media affects people."

Learning from Real-World Applications

In real-world scenarios, effective thesis statements can be found in various forms of writing, from academic papers to opinion pieces. For instance, in the article " Mastering Business Statistics with 'Statistics for Managers Using Microsoft Excel'", the thesis emphasizes the importance of statistical literacy in business decision-making. This clear focus helps guide the reader through the complexities of the subject.

By understanding how to write a thesis fast and easily, you can enhance your writing skills and create compelling arguments that engage your audience.

Crafting Effective Topic Sentences

Strategies for clarity.

When you write a topic sentence, make sure it clearly states the main idea of the paragraph. This helps your readers understand what to expect. A good topic sentence should be specific enough to guide the reader but general enough to allow for discussion. For example:

"The meat industry significantly impacts the environment." This sentence sets the stage for further exploration of the topic.

Maintaining Focus

To keep your writing on track, ensure that each topic sentence relates directly to your thesis statement. This connection helps maintain a clear focus throughout your paper. You can ask yourself:

Does this topic sentence support my main argument?
Is it relevant to the paragraph's content? By answering these questions, you can refine your topic sentences to better align with your overall message.

Using Transitions

Transitions are essential for smooth reading. When moving from one paragraph to another, consider using transition words in your topic sentences. For instance:

"In addition to environmental concerns, the meat industry also raises ethical issues." This not only connects the ideas but also prepares the reader for new information.

By following these strategies, you can craft effective topic sentences that enhance the clarity and flow of your writing. Remember, a well-structured paragraph begins with a strong topic sentence that guides the reader through your argument.

The Impact of Thesis and Topic Sentences on Reader Engagement

Capturing interest.

A strong thesis statement and clear topic sentences are essential for grabbing your reader's attention. When you present a compelling argument right from the start, you invite your audience to engage with your work. This initial hook is crucial in academic writing, as it sets the tone for the entire paper.

Maintaining Attention

Once you have captured your reader's interest, it’s important to keep them engaged. Well-crafted topic sentences act as signposts, guiding readers through your arguments. They help maintain focus by clearly stating what each paragraph will discuss. This clarity allows readers to follow your line of thought without getting lost.

Encouraging Critical Thinking

A well-defined thesis statement encourages readers to think critically about your argument. It invites them to consider your perspective and the evidence you present. By clearly stating your main point, you challenge your audience to engage with your ideas and form their own opinions. This interaction is vital for fostering a deeper understanding of the topic.

In summary, both thesis statements and topic sentences play a significant role in engaging readers. They not only capture interest but also maintain attention and encourage critical thinking. By focusing on these elements, you can enhance the overall effectiveness of your writing.

Revising Thesis and Topic Sentences

Importance of Revision

Revising your thesis and topic sentences is crucial for creating a strong academic paper. A well-crafted thesis statement serves as the backbone of your essay , guiding your arguments and ensuring clarity. As you write, revisit your thesis to ensure it reflects your evolving ideas and insights. This process helps maintain focus and coherence throughout your work.

Techniques for Improvement

To effectively revise your thesis and topic sentences, consider the following steps:

Review your thesis statement : Ensure it clearly states your main argument and is specific enough to guide your writing.
Align topic sentences with your thesis : Each topic sentence should connect back to your thesis, summarizing the main point of the paragraph.
Seek feedback : Share your work with peers or instructors to gain fresh perspectives and suggestions for improvement.

Feedback and Collaboration

Engaging in discussions about your thesis and topic sentences can lead to valuable insights. Collaborating with others allows you to refine your ideas and strengthen your arguments. Remember, revising is not just about correcting mistakes; it’s about enhancing the overall quality of your writing. By focusing on these aspects, you can create a more compelling and coherent academic paper that effectively communicates your ideas.

In summary, revising your thesis and topic sentences is an essential part of the writing process. By following these steps and seeking feedback, you can ensure that your writing remains focused and impactful. This will ultimately lead to a more engaging and persuasive essay.

The Evolution of Thesis Statements in Academic Writing

Historical perspectives.

The concept of a thesis statement has evolved significantly over time. Originally, the term "thesis" comes from the Greek word thésis , which Aristotle discussed in his works. In the past, thesis statements were often vague and lacked the clarity needed for effective academic writing. Today, a strong thesis statement is essential for guiding readers through complex arguments.

Current Trends

In modern academic writing, thesis statements have become more focused and specific. They serve as a roadmap for the reader, outlining the main argument and direction of the paper. This shift reflects a broader trend towards clarity and precision in academic discourse. For instance, many educators now emphasize the importance of crafting a thesis that is not only clear but also debatable, allowing for meaningful discussion.

Future Directions

Looking ahead, the role of thesis statements is likely to continue evolving. As academic writing becomes more interdisciplinary, the expectations for thesis statements may shift. Writers will need to adapt their thesis statements to address diverse audiences and incorporate various perspectives. This adaptability will be crucial for maintaining relevance in an ever-changing academic landscape.

Aspect	Past Approach	Current Approach	Future Considerations
Clarity	Often vague	Specific and clear	Need for adaptability
Debate	Rarely debatable	Encouraged	Emphasis on diverse viewpoints
Structure	Loose and informal	Well-structured	Interdisciplinary approaches

In summary, understanding the evolution of thesis statements helps you appreciate their importance in academic writing. As you learn how to write dissertation fast , remember that a well-crafted thesis statement is your first step toward effective communication in your research.

Thesis statements have changed a lot over time, and understanding this evolution can really help you in your writing. If you're feeling stuck or anxious about your thesis, don’t worry! Visit our website to discover our easy-to-follow Thesis Action Plan that can guide you step by step. Take control of your academic journey today!

In summary, understanding the difference between a thesis statement and a topic sentence is essential for effective writing. A thesis statement presents the main argument of a paper, guiding the reader on what to expect. It is a clear, focused claim that can be debated and supported with evidence. On the other hand, a topic sentence introduces the main idea of a paragraph, helping to organize thoughts and maintain clarity. Recognizing these distinctions not only improves writing skills but also enhances critical thinking. By mastering both elements, students can create more coherent and persuasive essays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a thesis statement and a topic sentence.

A thesis statement presents the main argument of a paper, while a topic sentence introduces the main idea of a specific paragraph.

Why is a thesis statement important?

A thesis statement gives direction to the entire paper and helps the reader understand the main point.

How can I write a strong thesis statement?

A strong thesis statement should be clear, specific, and debatable, providing a focus for your paper.

What role do topic sentences play in writing?

Topic sentences guide the reader through each paragraph, showing how it connects to the overall argument.

What are common mistakes in writing thesis statements?

Common mistakes include being too vague, too broad, or lacking a clear argument.

How can I improve my topic sentences?

Make sure your topic sentences are specific and directly related to the main idea of the paragraph.

Can a thesis statement change during the writing process?

Yes, as you research and write, you may refine your thesis statement to better reflect your findings.

Why is revision important for thesis and topic sentences?

Revision helps ensure clarity, focus, and coherence in your writing, making your arguments stronger.

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What Exactly Is A Dissertation (Or Thesis)?

If you’ve landed on this article, chances are you’ve got a dissertation or thesis project coming up (hopefully it’s not due next week!), and you’re now asking yourself the classic question, “what the #%#%^ is a dissertation?”…

In this post, I’ll break down the basics of exactly what a dissertation is, in plain language. No ivory tower academia.

So, let’s get to the pressing question – what is a dissertation?

A dissertation (or thesis) = a research project

Simply put, a dissertation (or thesis – depending on which country you’re studying in) is a research project . In other words, your task is to ask a research question (or set of questions) and then set about finding the answer(s). Simple enough, right?

Well, the catch is that you’ve got to undertake this research project in an academic fashion , and there’s a wealth of academic language that makes it all (look) rather confusing (thanks, academia). However, at its core, a dissertation is about undertaking research (investigating something). This is really important to understand, because the key skill that your university is trying to develop in you (and will be testing you on) is your ability to undertake research in a well-structured structured, critical and academically rigorous way.

This research-centric focus is significantly different from assignments or essays, where the main concern is whether you can understand and apply the prescribed module theory. I’ll explain some other key differences between dissertations or theses and assignments a bit later in this article, but for now, let’s dig a little deeper into what a dissertation is.

A dissertation (or thesis) is a process.

Okay, so now that you understand that a dissertation is a research project (which is testing your ability to undertake quality research), let’s go a little deeper into what that means in practical terms.

The best way to understand a dissertation is to view it as a process – more specifically a research process (it is a research project, after all). This process involves four essential steps, which I’ll discuss below.

Step 1 – You identify a worthy research question

The very first step of the research process is to find a meaningful research question, or a set of questions. In other words, you need to find a suitable topic for investigation. Since a dissertation is all about research, identifying the key question(s) is the critical first step. Here’s an example of a well-defined research question:

“Which factors cultivate or erode customer trust in UK-based life insurance brokers?”

This clearly defined question sets the direction of the research . From the question alone, you can understand exactly what the outcome of the research might look like – i.e. a set of findings about which factors help brokers develop customer trust, and which factors negatively impact trust.

But how on earth do I find a suitable research question, you ask? Don’t worry about this right now – when you’re ready, you can read our article about finding a dissertation topic . However, right now, the important thing to understand is that the first step in the dissertation process is identifying the key research question(s). Without a clear question, you cannot move forward.

Step 2 – You review the existing research

Once the research question is clearly established, the next step is to review the existing research/literature (both academic and professional/industry) to understand what has already been said with regard to the question. In academic speak, this is called a literature review .

This step is critically important as, in all likelihood, someone else has asked a similar question to yours, and therefore you can build on the work of others . Good academic research is not about reinventing the wheel or starting from scratch – it’s about familiarising yourself with the current state of knowledge, and then using that as your basis for further research.

Simply put, the first step to answering your research question is to look at what other researchers have to say about it. Sometimes this will lead you to change your research question or direction slightly (for example, if the existing research already provides a comprehensive answer). Don’t stress – this is completely acceptable and a normal part of the research process.

Step 3 – You carry out your own research

Once you’ve got a decent understanding of the existing state of knowledge, you will carry out your own research by collecting and analysing the relevant data. This could take to form of primary research (collecting your own fresh data), secondary research (synthesising existing data) or both, depending on the nature of your degree, research question(s) and even your university’s specific requirements.

Exactly what data you collect and how you go about analysing it depends largely on the research question(s) you are asking, but very often you will take either a qualitative approach (e.g. interviews or focus groups) or a quantitative approach (e.g. online surveys). In other words, your research approach can be words-based, numbers-based, or both . Don’t let the terminology scare you and don’t worry about these technical details for now – we’ll explain research methodology in later posts .

Step 4 – You develop answers to your research question(s)

Combining your understanding of the existing research (Step 2) with the findings from your own original research (Step 3), you then (attempt to) answer your original research question (s). The process of asking, investigating and then answering has gone full circle.

A dissertation's structure reflect the research process

Of course, your research won’t always provide rock-solid answers to your original questions, and indeed you might find that your findings spur new questions altogether. Don’t worry – this is completely acceptable and is a natural part of the research process.

So, to recap, a dissertation is best understood as a research process, where you are:

Ask a meaningful research question(s)
Carry out the research (both existing research and your own)
Analyse the results to develop an answer to your original research question(s).

Depending on your specific degree and the way your university designs its coursework, you might be asking yourself “but isn’t this just a longer version of a normal assignment?”. Well, it’s quite possible that your previous assignments required a similar research process, but there are some key differences you need to be aware of, which I’ll explain next.

Same same, but different…

While there are, naturally, similarities between dissertations/theses and assignments, its important to understand the differences so that you approach your dissertation with the right mindset and focus your energy on the right things. Here, I’ll discuss four ways in which writing a dissertation differs substantially from assignments and essays, and why this matters.

Difference #1 – You must decide (and live with) the direction.

Unlike assignments or essays, where the general topic is determined for you, for your dissertation, you will (typically) be the one who decides on your research questions and overall direction. This means that you will need to:

Find a suitable research question (or set of questions)
Justify why its worth investigating (in the form of a research proposal )
Find all the relevant existing research and familiarise yourself with the theory

This is very different from assignments, where the theory is given to you on a platter, and the direction is largely pre-defined. Therefore, before you start the dissertation process, you need to understand the basics of academic research, how to find a suitable research topic and how to source the relevant literature.

Difference #2 – It’s a long project, and you’re on your own.

A dissertation is a long journey, at least compared to assignments. Typically, you will spend 3 – 6 months writing around 15,000 – 25,000 words (for Masters-level, much more for PhD) on just one subject. Therefore, successfully completing your dissertation requires a substantial amount of stamina .

To make it even more challenging, your classmates will not be researching the same thing as you are, so you have limited support, other than your supervisor (who may be very busy). This can make it quite a lonely journey . Therefore, you need a lot of self-discipline and self-direction in order to see it through to the end. You should also try to build a support network of people who can help you through the process (perhaps alumni, faculty or a private coach ).

Difference #3 – They’re testing research skills.

We touched on this earlier. Unlike assignments or essays, where the markers are assessing your ability to understand and apply the theories, models and frameworks that they provide you with, your dissertation will be is assessing your ability to undertake high-quality research in an academically rigorous manner.

Of course, your ability to understand the relevant theory (i.e. within your literature review) is still very important, but this is only one piece of the research skills puzzle. You need to demonstrate the full spectrum of research skills.

It’s important to note that your research does not need to be ground-breaking, revolutionary or world-changing – that is not what the markers are assessing. They are assessing whether you can apply well-established research principles and skills to a worthwhile topic of enquiry. Don’t feel like you need to solve the world’s major problems. It’s simply not going to happen (you’re a first-time researcher, after all) – and doesn’t need to happen in order to earn good marks.

Difference #4 – Your focus needs to be narrow and deep.

In your assignments, you were likely encouraged to take a broad, interconnected, high-level view of the theory and connect as many different ideas and concepts as possible. In your dissertation, however, you typically need to narrow your focus and go deep into one particular topic. Think about the research question we looked at earlier:

The focus is intentionally very narrow – specifically the focus is on:

The UK only – no other countries are being considered.
Life insurance brokers only – not financial services, not vehicle insurance, not medical insurance, etc.
Customer trust only – not reputation, not customer loyalty, not employee trust, supplier trust, etc.

By keeping the focus narrow, you enable yourself to deeply probe whichever topic you choose – and this depth is essential for earning good marks. Importantly, ringfencing your focus doesn’t mean ignoring the connections to other topics – you should still acknowledge all the linkages, but don’t get distracted – stay focused on the research question(s).

So, as you can see, a dissertation is more than just an extended assignment or essay. It’s a unique research project that you (and only you) must lead from start to finish. The good news is that, if done right, completing your dissertation will equip you with strong research skills, which you will most certainly use in the future, regardless of whether you follow an academic or professional path.

Wrapping up

Hopefully in this post, I’ve answered your key question, “what is a dissertation?”, at least at a big picture-level. To recap on the key points:

A dissertation is simply a structured research project .
It’s useful to view a dissertation as a process involving asking a question, undertaking research and then answering that question.
First and foremost, your marker(s) will be assessing your research skills , so its essential that you focus on producing a rigorous, academically sound piece of work (as opposed to changing the world or making a scientific breakthrough).
While there are similarities, a dissertation is different from assignments and essays in multiple ways. It’s important to understand these differences if you want to produce a quality dissertation.

In this post, I’ve gently touched on some of the intricacies of the dissertation, including research questions, data types and research methodologies. Be sure to check out the Grad Coach Blog for more detailed discussion of these areas.

36 Comments

Hello Derek

Yes, I struggle with literature review and am highly frustrated (with myself).

Thank you for the guide that you have sent, especially the apps. I am working through the guide and busy with the implementation of it.

Hope to hear from you again!

Regards Micheal

Great to hear that, Michael. All the best with your research!

Very useful and clear information.

Thank you. That was quite something to move forward with. Despite the fact that I was lost. I will now be able to do something with the information given.

That’s great, Pheladi. Good luck!

Thank you so much for your videos and writing research proposal and dissertation. These videos are useful. I was struggling, but now I am starting to write. I hope to watch your more videos to learn more about the dissertation.

Before this post, I didn’t know where to start my research, today I have some light and do certain % of my research. I may need for direction on literature review. Big thanks to you.

Very very good Derek

Thanks immensely Derek

You’re welcome 🙂 Good luck with your dissertation/thesis.

Thank you Derek for widening my scope on research, this can be likened to a blind man whose eyes can now see.

Remain bless sir🙏

You guys are doing really great… I am extremely grateful for your help… Keep going.. Please activate that research help for indian students as well I couldn’t access it being an indian.

Hello Derek,

I got stuck in the concept paper because I changed my topic. Now I don’t know where to pick up the pieces again. How can I focus and stay on track. I am getting scared.

Thank you so much Derek, I am a new comer, learning for the first time how to write a good research. These in information’s to me is a mind opener, I hope to learn more from you in the future, Thanks and God bless.

Thanks Guys this means so much to me

A pretty good and insightful piece for beginners like me. Looking forward to more helpful hints and guide. Thanks to Derek.

This is so helpful…really appreciate your work.

Great to hear that

On cybersecurity Analytics research to banking transactions

This was of great help to me and quite informative .

Thank you so much GradCoach,

This is like a light at the end of the tunnel. You are a lifesaver. Thank you once again.

hello, I’m so grateful for such great information. It appears basic, but it is so relevant in understanding the research process.

Your website is very helpful for writing thesis. A big well done to the team. Do you have a website for paper writing and academic publishing or how to publish my thesis, how to land a fully funded PhD, etc. Just the general upward trajectory in the academia. Thank you

I have learned a lot from the lectures, it was beneficial and helped me a lot in my research journey. Thank you very much

Thank you for your gifts of enlightenment to a person like me who’s always a student. May your ‘well’not dry out.

It’s quite a fun and superb, now I have come to believe that the way one teach can have an impact in understanding and can change one’s assumption and position about a subject or a problem, before I came here and learn I consider research methodology a hard thing because, I wasn’t taught by a mentor like this one. Thanks so much who ever have make this effort to make this something easy and engaging

I can’t imagine that world has achieved major aspects of every field of study

Thank you very much for all the valuable, wonderful and comprehensive amount of information… I highly appreciate your support, 100% I recommend you

This topic is intended for my MPhil. Work (The perception of parents on Technical and Vocational Education, the impact on educational policy). May you consider the suitability of the topic for me and refine if the need be. Thank you,

Hello here…

i have gone through the notes and it is interesting. All i need now is a pdf file that contain a whole dissertation writing inclusive of chapter 1 to 5 on motivation as a topic… thanks

Remarkable!!! You made it sound so simple

I got stuck in my writing because I need to change my topic. I am getting scared as I have a semester left 🙁

Thanks for such an educational opportunity and support

Thanks for your educational opportunity and support

Could you please share me with the App. to use for literature review

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IMAGES

230 Excellent Dissertation Topics and Ideas for Students
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COMMENTS

How to Choose a Dissertation Topic
A dissertation prospectus or proposal describes what or who you plan to research for your dissertation. It delves into why, when, where, and how you will do your research, as well as helps you choose a type of research to pursue. You should also determine whether you plan to pursue qualitative or quantitative methods and what your research design will look like.
What Is a Dissertation?
A dissertation is a long-form piece of academic writing based on original research conducted by you. It is usually submitted as the final step in order to finish a PhD program. Your dissertation is probably the longest piece of writing you've ever completed. It requires solid research, writing, and analysis skills, and it can be intimidating ...
How to Choose a Dissertation Topic
8. Come up with 3-5 Ideas and Bring them to your Supervisor for Feedback. Your initial dissertation topic ideas will probably need a lot of refinement. The person who will help you to refine your topic will be your dissertation supervisor. Their main job, unfortunately, is to curb your enthusiasm.
How To Choose A Research Topic For A Dissertation
Step 5: Narrow down, then evaluate. By this stage, you should have a healthy list of research topics. Step away from the ideation and thinking for a few days, clear your mind. The key is to get some distance from your ideas, so that you can sit down with your list and review it with a more objective view.
How to Choose a Dissertation Topic For Your Doctoral Degree
5 Steps to Choosing a Dissertation Topic. Choosing a dissertation topic for a doctoral degree is a crucial step in your academic journey. The topic you choose will guide your research for several years, and it should be something that excites and challenges you. Here is a five-step guide to help you navigate the decision-making process:
What is a Dissertation (And How To Choose a Topic)?
A dissertation should be based on an original research topic of your choosing. Your goal is to choose a dissertation topic that addresses an important, unanswered question in your field. The dissertation is likely to be a major dimension of your graduate school experience. This is especially true for students pursuing a degree at the doctoral ...
A Comprehensive Guide on How to Choose a Dissertation Topic
An important key to choosing a dissertation topic that is both feasible and engaging is to understand that a topic isn't so much an idea as a question. The goal of your dissertation isn't to create a scholarly work about existing knowledge, it is to answer a question that is timely and relevant. Keep this in mind as you work through the ...
Choosing Your Dissertation Topic: Strategies for Balancing Interest and
Choosing the right dissertation topic is a pivotal decision that influences not only the trajectory of your academic journey but also has potential to shape your future career prospects. This article has explored a multifaceted approach to selecting a topic that balances your personal interests with the practical aspects of research feasibility ...
How to Choose a Dissertation Topic
Choosing your dissertation topic is the first step in making sure your research goes as smoothly as possible. When choosing a topic, it's important to consider: Your institution and department's requirements; Your areas of knowledge and interest; The scientific, social, or practical relevance;
Relevance of Your Dissertation Topic
Revised on May 31, 2023. A relevant dissertation topic means that your research will contribute something worthwhile to your field in a scientific, social, or practical way. As you plan out your dissertation process, make sure that you're writing something that is important and interesting to you personally, as well as appropriate within your ...
How To Write A Dissertation Or Thesis
How To Write A Dissertation: 8 Steps. Clearly understand what a dissertation (or thesis) is. Find a unique and valuable research topic. Craft a convincing research proposal. Write up a strong introduction chapter. Review the existing literature and compile a literature review.
What Is a Dissertation?
Revised on 5 May 2022. A dissertation is a large research project undertaken at the end of a degree. It involves in-depth consideration of a problem or question chosen by the student. It is usually the largest (and final) piece of written work produced during a degree. The length and structure of a dissertation vary widely depending on the ...
Dissertation Structure & Layout 101 (+ Examples)
Time to recap…. And there you have it - the traditional dissertation structure and layout, from A-Z. To recap, the core structure for a dissertation or thesis is (typically) as follows: Title page. Acknowledgments page. Abstract (or executive summary) Table of contents, list of figures and tables.
Research Guides: Write and Cite: Theses and Dissertations
A thesis is a long-term project that you work on over the course of a semester or a year. Theses have a very wide variety of styles and content, so we encourage you to look at prior examples and work closely with faculty to develop yours. ... Finding a topic for your thesis or dissertation should start with a research question that excites or ...
What is a Dissertation? Full Guide & Resources for 2024
Dissertation: A dissertation is a 5-chapter written work that must be completed in order to earn a doctoral degree (e.g. Ph.D., Ed.D., etc.). It's often focused on original research. Thesis: A thesis is a written work that must be completed in order to earn a master's degree.
90+ Dissertation Topics for Students in 2023
The final step in a PhD or Master's course is the submission of a dissertation.A dissertation is a research paper that summarises the research conducted and includes findings either on a question or a topic chosen by the student. It is important as it demonstrates a student's knowledge of the subject and ability to use research methods to define a topic.
150+ Dissertation Topics That Are Relevant In 2024
Sociology Dissertation Topics Sociology is a fairly new science, and it opens up opportunities for scientific research. Here are ten dissertation topics for a sociology discipline. The Impact of Social Media on Youth Identity Formation. Urbanization and Its Effects on Community Social Structures.
How to Write a Dissertation or Thesis Proposal
When starting your thesis or dissertation process, one of the first requirements is a research proposal or a prospectus. It describes what or who you want to examine, delving into why, when, where, and how you will do so, stemming from your research question and a relevant topic. The proposal or prospectus stage is crucial for the development ...
626 Dissertation Topics for Ph.D. and Thesis Ideas for Master Students
This dissertation topic is an intersection between arts and computer science. The focus is on how visualization tools help to create design projects. Racism in the 21st-century literature.
1000+ FREE Research Topics & Title Ideas
A research topic is the subject of a research project or study - for example, a dissertation or thesis. A research topic typically takes the form of a problem to be solved, or a question to be answered. A good research topic should be specific enough to allow for focused research and analysis.
Dissertation Topics & Ideas Database
Trending Dissertation Topics & Ideas For 2024. ResearchProspect has prepared a list of trending dissertation topics and ideas in every academic subject to inspire you. In addition to the free topics available in our topics database, we offer 3 free custom dissertation topics to students of all levels.
Top 190 Dissertation Topics: Business, Law, Psychology
Law Dissertation Topics. Law is a vast field with many evolving areas of interest. Here are ten dissertation topics in law, each focusing on contemporary issues and legal challenges: How do recent changes in data protection laws impact corporate compliance and consumer privacy?
What Is a Thesis?
Revised on April 16, 2024. A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master's program or a capstone to a bachelor's degree. Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation, it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete.
Thesis vs. Topic Sentence: What's the Difference and Why It Matters
The Role of Topic Sentences in Academic Writing Defining Topic Sentences. A topic sentence is a crucial element in academic writing. It introduces the main idea of a paragraph, setting the tone and direction for the sentences that follow. This sentence acts as a guide for both the writer and the reader, ensuring clarity and focus.
What (Exactly) Is A Dissertation Or Thesis?
A dissertation (or thesis) is a process. Okay, so now that you understand that a dissertation is a research project (which is testing your ability to undertake quality research), let's go a little deeper into what that means in practical terms. The best way to understand a dissertation is to view it as a process - more specifically a ...

How to Choose a Dissertation Topic – 9 Steps

1. It Doesn’t have to be Unique (Yet).

2. Make it Relevant to your Career Goals.

3. Ensure it’s Interesting to You.

Choose a Topic you Think About a Lot.

Or, Choose a Topic by Looking over Past Assessment Tasks.

4. Keep it Simple.

5. Ensure it’s Achievable.

Small Scale Qualitative Studies are Achievable for Anyone

Consider Textual Analysis, Semiotic Analysis or Secondary Research

6. Search Online for Inspiration

a) Google Previous Dissertation Topics

b) Look at Recent Articles Published in Journals focused on your Topic

c) If you’re Studying Education or Teaching, Check Here

7. Trust your Dissertation Supervisor

8. Come up with 3-5 Ideas and Bring them to your Supervisor for Feedback

9. Lastly, Stick to your Choice

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What is a Dissertation (And How To Choose a Topic)?

Key Takeaways

The Dissertation—A Basic Overview

What to Know Before Choosing a Topic

Choosing Dissertation Topics

1. Identify Your Dissertation Type

2. Explore Existing Data

3. Record Your Sources

4. Identify Unanswered Questions

5. Expand Your Research Based On Unanswered Questions

6. Consider Feasibility

7. Weigh the Ethical Implications

8. Narrow Questions Based on Potential Impact

9. Identify Opportunities for Future Research

10. Factor in Personal Development

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Table of contents

Why is the dissertation important?

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How will your supervisor help you?

Empirical dissertations (sciences)

Non-empirical dissertations (arts and humanities)

Structure of an empirical dissertation

Other dissertation structures

How will you reference your sources?

Cite this Scribbr article

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What is a thesis?

Finding an original topic can be a daunting and overwhelming task. These key concepts can help you focus and save time.

What is an Ed.D. Dissertation? Complete Guide & Support Resources

What is an Ed.D. Dissertation?

Purpose of an Ed.D. Dissertation

Topics of Ed.D. Dissertations

Ed.D. Dissertation Process

2. Meet Your Dissertation Chair & Committee

3. Study for Ed.D. Courses

4. Complete a Literature Review

5. Craft a Dissertation Proposal

6. Defend Your Dissertation Proposal

7. Conduct Original Research into Your Topic

8. Write the Rest of Your Dissertation

9. Defend Your Dissertation

Ed.D. Dissertation Format: 5 Chapters

Chapter 2: Literature Review

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

Chapter 4: Results & Analysis

Chapter 5: Discussions & Conclusions

Ed.D. Dissertation FAQs

How Long is a Ed.D. Dissertation?

How Long Does it Take to Finish an Ed.D. Dissertation?

What’s a Strong Ed.D. Dissertation Topic?

Do I Have to Complete a Traditional Dissertation for an Ed.D.?

What’s the Difference Between a Ph.D. Dissertation and Ed.D. Dissertation?

How Can I Learn More About Ed.D. Dissertations?

Ed.D. Dissertation Support

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