In this post I am going to talk to you about how to create a bachelor’s thesis: guide and structure. I will try to be very concise and to the point, since a final thesis requires a lot of focus.
We are going to divide in 4 fundamental areas the development of an end-of-degree paper, which will be planning, research, writing and additional resources. Finally, we will throw in some additional tips.
Planning
All beginnings are complex and, talking about a dissertation, we have an added pressure. Therefore, the choice of topic will be critical. Feeling comfortable with the topic will be of great help, as a friendly and motivating topic will be a huge activator in the development. In this regard:
- Select a topic that you are passionate about and that has a significant impact on your field of study.
- Strike a balance between the breadth and depth of the topic so that it is manageable.
- Make sure there is enough information available to conduct a thorough investigation.
Another extremely important aspect is to delimit the topic. It is essential to be specific, so I give you these tips:
- Define precisely the problem you want to address in your dissertation.
- Formulate a clear and concise research question to guide your work.
- Set specific and achievable objectives for your research.
Finally, at this stage of planning your dissertation, work on these parameters:
- Develop a realistic timeline detailing the different stages of your research.
- Define the tools and resources you will need to complete your dissertation.
- Anticipate possible difficulties and establish contingency plans.
Research
The task of gathering information will certainly be the most tedious and complex. Now it’s all about quantity, then when dealing with information it’s all about quality:
- Look for information in reliable and relevant sources, such as books, academic articles, scientific journals and databases.
- Use different search methods to obtain a complete view of the subject.
- Write down the bibliographic references of all the sources you consult.
After this first stage of research, we must now proceed to the analysis of the information, where the steps to follow are:
- Critique and evaluate the information you have gathered to determine its reliability and validity.
- Identify the key points and different perspectives on the topic.
- Synthesize the information in a coherent and organized way.
Finally, we must be very tactful in the interpretation of results, since the quality of our final thesis will depend directly on it. The advice I would like to give you is:
- Draw conclusions from your research that answer the research question posed.
- Discuss the significance of your findings and their impact on the field of study.
- Make recommendations for future research or practical applications.
Writing
Now we are at the turning point of the work, since we must start writing it. To do so, keep in mind these tips for the structure of the dissertation:
- Follow the formal and academic structure required by your university.
- Divide the content into chapters and sections with focused and concise titles.
- Write an introduction, a development and a conclusion that are clear and coherent.
An important aspect in the writing stage is the writing style, for which you should take into account these criteria:
- Use formal and academic language, avoiding the use of colloquial or ambiguous expressions.
- Write clear, concise and correctly structured sentences and paragraphs.
- Carefully check spelling, grammar and punctuation.
And now, it is time to plan the presentation of the dissertation. Before doing so, try to follow these recommended guidelines:
- Follow the style and formatting guidelines set by your university.
- Make sure your dissertation is presented in a professional and attractive manner.
- Proofread and correct the dissertation before submitting it to avoid mistakes (avoiding spelling mistakes is absolutely essential).
Additional resources
Here are 3 tips that you should take into account, as they can give you that extra qualitative boost that can take your dissertation to the top:
- Tutoring: Contact your tutor to receive advice and support during the preparation of your TFG, take advantage of this great opportunity because they have extensive knowledge and are sure to be very willing to help you. Your success is their success.
- Libraries: University libraries offer resources and information services that can be of great help to you. There is no excuse, both in physical and digital format, you have everything to discover and other previous authors can inspire you a lot.
- Guides and manuals: Check the style guides and manuals available at your university. Do not overlook them, as it is a plus image that will greatly complement your efforts throughout the process.
Additional tips
Finally, since this moment is a milestone in your life, I share with you these complementary tips to reach the top level in your dissertation:
- Keep a positive and proactive attitude: The TFG is a challenge, but also an opportunity to learn and demonstrate your skills.
- Organize your time and work space: It is essential to have an adequate space to work and study without interruptions.
- Do not be afraid to ask for help: If you have doubts or difficulties, do not hesitate to consult your tutor, professors or colleagues.
In line with this last point, if you think I can help you with any information, you can contact me in the contact section of the blog, I will be happy to do my bit!
Photo credit: AK
