Thesis and Dissertation Writing: From Proposal to Final Defence
- 3 Sections
- 14 Lessons
- 1 Quiz
Getting started
Module 1: Understanding the Thesis and Dissertation Journey
- Lesson 1: What Is a Thesis or Dissertation?
- Lesson 2: Understanding Research at Different Academic Levels
- Lesson 3: The Research Journey: From Topic to Final Defence
- Lesson 4: Understanding University Requirements and Assessment Criteria
- Lesson 5: Common Challenges in Thesis and Dissertation Completion
- Lesson 6: Developing Your Personal Thesis Completion Plan
- Quiz 1: Understanding the Thesis and Dissertation Journey
Module 2: Working Effectively with Research Supervisors
- Lesson 1: Roles, Responsibilities and Boundaries in Supervision
- Lesson 2: Selecting or Approaching a Supervisor and Agreeing on Expectations
- Lesson 3: Communicating Professionally and Preparing for Supervision Meetings
- Lesson 4: Receiving Feedback, Revising Drafts and Responding to Criticism
- Lesson 5: Managing Delayed Feedback, Conflicting Advice and Disagreements
- Lesson 6: Working with Co-Supervisors and Research Committees
- Lesson 7: Escalation Procedures, Mediation and Requests to Change Supervisors
- Lesson 8: Maintaining Research Progress Despite Supervisory Challenges
Writing a thesis or dissertation can be challenging, especially when you are trying to organise your ideas, work with your supervisor, analyse data, and meet university deadlines. This course provides practical guidance through each stage of the research process, from selecting a topic and developing a research proposal to writing chapters, interpreting findings, editing the final document, and preparing for your defence.
You will learn how to conduct a critical literature review, choose appropriate research methods, manage and analyse data, present your findings clearly, and maintain proper academic referencing. The course also addresses working effectively with supervisors, responding to feedback, managing research difficulties, and preparing your thesis for submission.
Through practical examples, exercises, and downloadable resources, you will develop skills that you can apply directly to your own research. Whether you are beginning your thesis, already collecting data, or working towards final submission, this course will help you approach the process with greater clarity, confidence, and organisation.
The course is offered by the African Institute for Research and Professional Studies (AIRPS) and is suitable for master's students, doctoral researchers, and other postgraduate learners across a range of academic disciplines.
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