how much is a dissertation worth uk

What is a Dissertation in the UK?

In General , University by Think Student Editor December 18, 2022 Leave a Comment

In the UK, it can be hard to figure out what university is all about and how different it is from previous levels of education. Some people say it’s harder, some say it’s easier but what you really need to know is what you actually do and study at university. Especially if you try comparing it through the different modules, it can be hard to consider as it will depend on the type of degree you study and where you go. However, one common feature of degrees in the UK is the dissertation. This can help to give you an insight into the level of a university degree compared to previous qualifications.

In short, in the UK, a dissertation is a type of research project that can be undertaken at university by both undergraduate and master’s degree students. The research of your dissertation may be done first hand through lab work or other investigation. Alternatively, it can be done through analysing and evaluating the research or arguments of others. Your final dissertation will be a long academic report that answers your question. It can range from about 5,000 to 50,000 words depending on the level you take it at and your university.

Continue reading to learn more about what a dissertation at university involves. This includes more about the different types of dissertation and the different forms of research, as well as the finer details such as the word count and how it differs from a thesis.

Table of Contents

What is a university dissertation in the UK?

To put it simply, in the UK, a dissertation is a research project that can be taken as part of a bachelor’s or master’s degree . This research project will normally be based around a question or at least a specific theme that you as the student come up with yourself.

Then you will need to answer this question using your research and produce an extended academic report . To learn more about what a dissertation is and how to get started, check out this guide by the University of Westminster.

The word dissertation itself comes from the Latin word “dissertare” which means “to debate”. This has been taken into English quite literally and so its original meaning can help to give you a different perspective when looking at a dissertation .

As it means “to debate”, that is also what you have to do during your own dissertation. You will have to argue for different ideas that relate to your question. To learn more about this, check out this article by the Royal Literary Fund.

Are there different types of dissertation in the UK?

As mentioned above, you can take a dissertation at two different levels in the UK, undergraduate degree level or master’s degree level. Due to the differences between these dissertations, it could be argued that they are the two types of dissertation that you can take in the UK.

The main difference between a dissertation at undergraduate level and one at master’s degree level is the word count and the depth. This is because at undergraduate degree level the most you will typically write for your dissertation is about 15,000 words, whereas at master’s degree level it could be up to about 50,000 words. While this is not always the case, the difference in these figures is huge and therefore so is the amount of work that you will have to put in .

On top of that, a master’s dissertation is a lot more intense than undergraduate study. This is due to several factors but the main one is that you have to complete your master’s dissertation a lot more independently. For more information about the differences between undergraduate and master’s dissertations, check out this informative article by Ivory Research.

What are the types of dissertation research?

When carrying out your dissertation, you will soon find that there are different ways you can go about your research. The two main ways are empirical research and non-empirical research.

A dissertation with empirical research will require you to carry out the data collection first-hand . This means that in order to answer your dissertation question you will have to carry out primary research.

This may include lab work or some other form of investigation, which may even involve members of the public . This type of research is especially for scientific-based degrees, which can even include social sciences, such as psychology.

A dissertation with non-empirical research will be based on research and data that has already been carried out . This means that you will have to research, then analyse and evaluate, pre-existing arguments and debates within your field. This type of research is especially for subjects included in the humanities, such as history.

For more information about these types of research, check out this article by Top Universities.

How many words is a dissertation in the UK?

When it comes to writing a dissertation, one of the first things you need to know is how to structure your dissertation. The most important part of this is knowing what your word count needs to be.

Please note that the word count of your dissertation can vary quite a bit from university to university, and even between different departments at a university . Due to this, the figures below will mostly just be a rough guide and you will need to check with your own university to see the word count they set for their dissertations.

For an undergraduate degree, you will often have to write somewhere between 5,000 and 15,000 words for your dissertation . Due to being at a higher level, a master’s degree has a higher wound count. For a master’s degree, you may have to write somewhere between 10,000 and 50,000 words .

To learn more about how many words there are in a university dissertation in more depth, you can also look at this Think Student article .

While this can seem like a lot, this will be broken down into specific sections, such as the introduction, research philosophy, methodology, ethics and reflection on findings sections. Due to having a clear aim for each bit, these sections can make it easier for you to meet the word count. For more on the structure of a dissertation, check out this guide by the University of Westminster.

How much is a dissertation worth in the UK?

At whatever level you take a dissertation, it makes up an important part of your degree, especially at master’s degree level. This is especially as a dissertation can be worth quite a significant part of your degree, although the specific amount will depend on your university.

At undergraduate level, a dissertation will normally range from 30 to 40 credits in your final year . As you typically need to take 120 credits each year, this means that your dissertation will be worth 25% to 33.33% of your final year.

The effect this will have on your final grade will depend on how your university calculates these . Many universities in the UK use a weighted grading system, meaning that your final year will be considered more strongly than your first and second years. For more on the weighted grading system, check out this Think Student article .

At master’s degree level, a dissertation will normally be 60 credits out of 180 credits in total. This is a third of your total credits and it may even cover as much of your final grade. However, this will be up to how your university calculates your final grade.

For more information about the credits of a master’s degree dissertation, as well as plenty of other dissertation tips, check out this guide by Northumbria University.

When are dissertations due in the UK?

As each individual university or even university department sets their own deadline, when a dissertation is due can vary greatly between each one. Due to this, it is best to go directly to your university if you want to find out.

However, undergraduate dissertations tend to have deadlines at the end of their second term. Check out this article by Ivory Research for a guide to dissertations, which includes information on deadlines.

Master’s degree deadlines are typically in August or September . Although this is true for most universities, it is best to check with your individual institution for exact dates. You want to make sure you are working towards the correct deadline!

What is the difference between a dissertation and a thesis?

When considering university terms, it can be hard to figure out what each specific term means and how they differ from each other. This is especially true for the terms dissertation and thesis, as if you already have some knowledge of each term, they can appear to be very similar or even the same.

To put it simply, the difference between a dissertation and a thesis depends on what country you live in. I n the UK, the main difference is that a dissertation is a part of an undergraduate and a master’s degree, whereas a thesis is a part of a doctorate degree, such as a PhD . For more information about PhDs, check out this Think Student article .

This in itself brings about a range of other differences, such as in terms of word count, the research methods and even the depth of study between a dissertation and a thesis . As mentioned above, for a master’s dissertation, you will typically need to write between 10,000 and 50,000 words.

For a PhD thesis, you may need to write between 70,000 to 100,000 words, depending on what your university has set for your course . Another kind of doctorate degree, known as a professional doctorate, may only need about 40,000 words for the thesis. For more on these word counts, check out this article by Scribbr as well as this guide by the University of Essex.

However, in other countries, the terms dissertation and thesis may be used interchangeably, meaning that you could use either term for whatever level of study it is . Also, in some countries, such as the US, the terms dissertation and thesis are used in the opposite way to how they are in the UK.

This means that for undergraduate and master’s level you would refer to this research project as a thesis and for higher levels, such as a PhD, it would be a dissertation. To learn more about the differences in general, check out this article by Scribbr.

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15 Essential Dissertation Questions Answered

This National Dissertation Day, we asked our dissertation advisers to answer some of the most common questions they get asked by students. These range from what you need to know before you start, tips for when you’re writing, and things to check when you’ve finished.

1. Before you start writing

Q: What is a dissertation?

A: A research project with a word count of 12,000+ at Master’s level.

Q: What is the difference between a postgraduate and an undergraduate dissertation?

A: The length for Undergraduate is less than 12,000 words and for Postgraduate it is more than 15,000 words. Level 7 requires a higher level of critical debate, better synthesis of the arguments, and more independence in research. It also requires originality and an attempt to touch, challenge, or expand the body of existing knowledge.

Q: How much time should be spent writing a dissertation?

A: An Undergraduate dissertation is worth is 40 credits (from 360 in total) and should take 300-400 hours. A Postgraduate dissertation is worth 60 credits (from 180 in total) and should take 400-600 hours.

Q: What is the best way to pick a topic and where should the focus be when writing?

A: As per your pathways of study and incorporating your areas of interest, based on previous research papers and contemporary or futuristic issues.

Q: What kind of research do students need to complete before starting?

A: Both Undergraduate and Postgraduate students study a module on research methodology and develop a research proposal, based on previous research.

2. Whilst you write your dissertation

Q: Can dissertations include other media i.e. imagery, videos, graphs, external links to examples?

In most programmes this is not possible, however specific programmes such as MA design, media studies, or architecture may allow various media to be included.

Q: How much support is offered by advisers?

A: Students are offered 4 hours of one-to-one supervision spread over 12-14 weeks of a term.

Q: Are students able to submit multiple drafts?

Yes, this is allowed.

Q: What is the policy on dissertation deadline extensions?

A: A student can be granted late authorisation (two extra weeks) or personal extenuating circumstances, but there needs to be evidence to support the requests.

3. What advisers see after the dissertation submission

Q: What are some of the most common mistakes advisers see with dissertations?

A: The following:

• Non-focused research objectives and a lack of SMART research topics
• Not enough depth and critical debate in the literature review
• A lack of justification of research methods and not using a reliable questionnaire
• A failure to use required methods of qualitative or quantitative research
• Not discussing their results

Q: What makes a truly great dissertation?

• A well-structured piece of work with a clear introduction, literature review, research methods, findings, discussions, and conclusions
• A dissertation that follows TAASE (Theory, Applications, Analysis, Synthesis, and Evaluation)
• Work that meets the module’s learning objectives

Q: What does excellent collaboration between a student and an adviser look like?

A: Regular planned meetings, mutual respect, and a partnership where both of the parties are motivated and inspired for the research.

Q: What’s one key piece of advice you can give to prospective Master’s students on dissertation writing?

A: Critically read and benchmark previous peer-reviewed research journals in your area of research. Regularly attend supervision meetings and work continuously and not only towards the end of the term. Be honest and ethical in your data collection.

If you need more information about dissertation writing or pursuing a degree, please contact us using the details below:

• To find out more about our courses: https://london.northumbria.ac.uk/courses/
• For support with study skills please email your Academic Community of Excellence (ACE) Team .

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Dissertations and major projects

• Introduction
• Planning your dissertation
• Researching your dissertation
• Managing your data
• Writing up your dissertation

Useful links for dissertations and major projects

• Study Advice Helping students to achieve study success with guides, video tutorials, seminars and one-to-one advice sessions.
• Maths Support A guide to Maths Support resources which may help if you're finding any mathematical or statistical topic difficult during the transition to University study.
• Academic writing LibGuide Expert guidance on punctuation, grammar, writing style and proof-reading.
• Guide to citing references Includes guidance on why, when and how to use references correctly in your academic writing.
• The Final Chapter An excellent guide from the University of Leeds on all aspects of research projects
• Royal Literary Fund: Writing a Literature Review A guide to writing literature reviews from the Royal Literary Fund
• Academic Phrasebank Use this site for examples of linking phrases and ways to refer to sources.

You may have developed your research skills across different assignments and at different points during your course, so it is good to reflect back over what you have done, and any feedback you've had, to see how it can be applied to your dissertation or project. Doing the basics well, like planning, structuring and referencing, will provide a strong foundation and enable you to sustain your work over a longer period of time, and word count!

Having a clear question and direction for your research will keep you focused and on track; this is something your supervisor can advise on, so it is good to keep in contact with them. Breaking the overall project down into different steps and then into smaller, specific tasks will let you see how to get started, and then keep going.

This advice in this guide will help you apply your research skills to finding a question, planning, conducting, and communicating your research, and completing your project successfully.

• Next: Planning your dissertation >>
• Last Updated: May 14, 2024 8:59 AM
• URL: https://libguides.reading.ac.uk/dissertations

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Dissertation

School: School of Government Department: International Development Department

All MSc students are required to write a 10,000 - 12,000 word dissertation. This contributes one-third (60 credits) of the overall assessment.

The dissertation is an opportunity to apply the content of the modules studied to a topic of interest to the student. It may address an issue of theoretical or practical importance. Students may relate the topic to their own work and/or their own country, but this is not compulsory. Most important is that the topic chosen is practicable, in the sense that there are adequate sources of reliable information available here at the University of Birmingham or that students can obtain. Please also note that students cannot be allowed to travel to countries or parts of countries where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against all but essential travel.

Preparation for the dissertation starts with a dissertation module during the Spring term. Dissertation proposals are submitted in February and supervisors are allocated by mid-March. Students are expected to prepare and write a draft literature review and fieldwork methodology chapter (if applicable), during the period from March through May. Fieldwork will then be undertaken (if appropriate) in June/July and writing up must be completed by the end of August.

All of IDD’s on-campus taught Masters degree programmes enable students either to carry out   individual dissertation related fieldwork in a country and on a topic of their choice or to take part in an organised study visit, in the case of the MPA programme. Students on the MPA (HR) and MPA (Finance) programmes have the option of joining the study tour if they wish to. A contribution towards the fieldwork is made from the tuition fee with an upper limit set each year. The same amount is used per student to cover the study tour. Students other than those on the MPA programmes who undertake desk based dissertations can make a case to use their fieldwork allowance for other suitable academic purposes, such as attending conferences or workshops relevant to their dissertation.

The optional modules listed on the website for this programme may unfortunately occasionally be subject to change. As you will appreciate key members of staff may leave the University and this necessitates a review of the modules that are offered. Where the module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you make other choices.

Glasgow School  for Business and Society

The Glasgow School for Business and Society integrates the areas of business, law and social sciences to ensure that they are well placed to meet the needs of business and society. The School has an international outlook and is committed to developing partnerships across the world.

Research Proposal and Dissertation

In addition to the information research skills which you develop as you progress through your course, undergraduate honours students and postgraduate students are required to develop and carry out a small-scale piece of research as part of their degree course. For undergraduate students, the research process starts either in Semester B of L3 or in semester A of L4, depending on how your course is structured. For postgraduate students, this process starts in Semester B of your course.

The research process during your degree has two stages:

• A research methods module, which is assessed through a research proposal (referred to as dissertation proposal in undergraduate Social Sciences courses)
• The dissertation module, which is assessed through the dissertation.

Unlike an essay or report, which evaluates, draws conclusions and makes judgements on the basis of published evidence (ie the literature), a research proposal does not answer a question, but identifies/develops a question for research and explains

• Why it's important to explore the problem
• How the researcher will explore the problem: what research strategy will be used, what type of data will be collected; how data will be analysed.

Once the research proposal has been approved by a supervisor, the researcher gathers primary or secondary data, analyses it and presents the results in the dissertation.

• What topics/issues in your field interest you? Don’t limit yourself to one topic – you may need to consider several issues/topics before you find one that you can do.
• What specific problems around this issue have been identified by researchers or practitioners in the sector/industry?
• Is an under-researched issue identified in the literature?

A research question is not the same as a topic. A research question should be specific and narrowly-focussed on a context such as a type of organisation (SME, third sector organisation, supermarket, national park, etc); a sector (telecommunications, voluntary sector, retail, a social group that meets specific criteria such as demographic, gender or experience; a geographical area). Because a research question is focused on a specific context, the answer to the question is not in the published research literature: the research question you develop will be answered in your dissertation by analysing the data that you collect. The type of data that you collect depends on what you want to find out

• Primary data is information that you gather from your informants (through, for example, survey questionnaires, interviews or focus groups) Most students doing research for a business or social sciences research.
• Secondary data is information that has already been published (eg financial information, information in a database, reports) that has been collected/compiled for a different purpose. Researchers analyse secondary data for a different purpose than it was originally intended.

The type of data you need depends on your research question. Most students doing research for a business or marketing topic are encouraged not to analyse only secondary data, but also to gather and analyse primary data. By contrast, it is quite common for students in finance and finance-related disciplines to develop a research question that requires only secondary analysis (eg of published financial or numerical data). Students studying history often analyse documentary sources (secondary data), while criminology, politics or sociology students may gather primary data from informants, or may analyse secondary data sources.  Media research often involves analysis of media content.

In identifying a research question, access is possibly the most important consideration. In order to answer your research question, you must have access to the primary or secondary data sources that can provide the information you need. You also need to bear in mind that information may be confidential, either for commercial reasons or because of its sensitive nature and so it may not be available to you.

• People in your previous/current jobs?
• Can friends/family help you get access to the people you want to talk to?
• Organisations may be willing to give you access to employees, but they are unlikely to help you if the research does not benefit them in some way.
• If you need secondary data, is the data publicly available?

All research proposals for dissertations have a similar structure, although the terminology relating to sections within the proposal may vary. The word count also varies – check your module handbook for a detailed description of what is required and the word count for each section.

• What research or events demonstrate that this question is important?
• Have recent developments made this question important?
• How is this question important in the research context that you have identified?
• What is the value of doing this research?
• The aim is a clear statement of what you want to find out
• The objectives can be compared to a process – what do you need to find out in order to achieve your aim
• What are the key perspectives/theories/models in the literature that are relevant to your study?
• What gap or underresearched area does your literature review highlight?
• Are you going to analyse primary or secondary data? Why?
• Are you collecting quantitative or qualitative data? Or both? Why?
• How are you going to collect this data?
• If you’re going to collect primary data, what is your sampling strategy?
• How are you going to analyse the data?
• What potential problems or challenges do you anticipate in doing this study?
• Projected time scale (Visually represented – Gantt chart or Excel spreadsheet)
• What has limited the scope of this study?
• What might make it difficult for you to achieve your aim?
• What might go wrong?

The aim of the literature is to identify key theories, models and/or research studies that shape our understanding of the issue. The research proposal is only a preliminary overview of the literature – the word count at this stage is not sufficient for a comprehensive literature review.  You will explore the literature in greater depth in your dissertation.

Your review of the literature should be guided by these questions:

• Are the definitions really different or just expressed in different words?
• What are the shared elements across definitions?
• Where/How are definitions different – in scope/focus?
• How have definitions changed over time - why?
• Which definition is being used for this study?
• What are the points of agreement and difference?
• How strong is the weight of research evidence for a particular perspective?
• How are these perspectives relevant to your research?
• Best practice/strategies
• Challenges to good practice
• Difficulties and barriers to addressing this issue?
• Does the research show a gap/mismatch between organisational/sector policy and practice?
• Is there enough research?
• Are the research findings generalizable to your proposed study?
• Geographical location
• Industry/sector
• Demographic.
• How does the model help us understand how to address issue?
• What are the criticisms and/or limitations of this theory, model or framework?

A dissertation is an extended piece of work (around 10-12,000 words) on a subject related to your degree course. You will normally choose the subject yourself which may develop from a research proposal you have completed earlier.

The dissertation is typically based on original research and demonstrates your expertise on the subject area. Dissertation comes from the Latin word ‘dissertare’ = ‘to debate’. Therefore your dissertation should include an examination of the subject from a number of different viewpoints.

Typically your dissertation should:

• Be a logically organised, critical analysis of a specific topic
• Show critical analysis of current literature on the specific topic
• Include a small-scale investigation to investigate a gap, key issues, themes or questions raised in the literature review
• Critically compare findings/data from primary research with that of existing evidence
• Draw conclusions and make recommendations.

This website contains general information and guidance on dissertation writing. However, always check your module handbook and with your supervisor for specific details.

A dissertation is a detailed report on your research investigation. It focuses on exploration of the particular issue or problem that your initial research proposal identifies as requiring further research. The key differences between the proposal and dissertation are that you will now be putting your proposed research design into practice to collect and then analyse your data.

Typically a dissertation has the following key features:

• Length and structure : 10 – 12,000 words that are logically organised in clearly linked chapters; chapters are arranged thematically in sections [See sample table of contents];
• A clear research aim : The dissertation is developed from, and closely directed by a specific research question and/or aim. The aim should be presented as a clear, straightforward statement of what you want to achieve [See:  How do I write a clear research aim and /or question and objectives for my dissertation?]
• A literature review : A critical review of literature on issues relevant to the research topic. This key stage and chapter should develop a clear discussion of what is known about the research topic in more detail. It includes critical comparison and questioning of key points of view, current thinking, definitions, relevant theories, models and previous research as found in the wider literature. From this literature review, you identify a gap in knowledge, key issues, themes and/or raise questions about your topic which requires the collection of new data to provide answers to these questions and/or fill the research gap.
• Analysis of data collected : You analyse the data you have collected through critical comparison of it with existing data you have reviewed in the literature review that explored definitions, relevant theories, models, major themes/debates and other previous research;
• Conclusions and recommendations : You provide conclusions to your research aim and/or question, key research objectives or hypotheses and make recommendations for future research and practice

Always check with your dissertation supervisor for specific details.

As for the proposal, the dissertation is developed from, and closely directed by a specific research question and/or aim [A clear statement of what you want to find out or achieve]. These may change from your initially proposed aim and/or question. Your research aim and/ or question should clearly and simply express the focus of your inquiry and the key variables you explore. The research question is not the same as a topic. A research question should be specific and narrowly-focussed on a context for example a type of organisation (SME, third sector organisation, supermarket, national park, etc); a sector (telecommunications, voluntary sector, retail); a social group that meets specific criteria such as demographic, gender or experience and/or a particular geographical area).

Because a research question is focussed on a specific context, the answer to the question is not in the published research literature: the research question you develop will be answered by analysing data that you collect.

A research aim and/or question can be built around the following key phrases:

• Aim: To critically explore the extent to which … Question: " To what extent do/does... ...?"
• Aim: To critically explore how X impacts on Y in the context of organisation Z Question: "In what ways/How does/What is the impact of X on organisation/population Y in the context of Z?"
• Aim : To critically analyse the factors that have contributed to the development of X in organisation/population Y Question: "What factors have contributed to the development of X in organisation/population Y?"
• Aim: To critically evaluate the role and impact of X on Y in Z Question: " What is the role and impact of X on Y in Z?"

A dissertation is further directed by having research objectives. These are clear statements that explain how you will meet your research aim and/or address the research question you have established. Objectives can be built using the following wording:

• To critically review X in order to
• To measure X by...
• To evaluate X by...
• To gain insight into X through
• To examine X by...
• To calculate X through the use of...
• To compare X with Y by...
• To assess the impact of X on Y by...
• To interpret X through application of Y...

For many dissertations the objectives correspond to each main chapter or key stage of the research process:

• Literature review: To critically review relevant theoretical and research-based literature in order to evaluate how ...
• Methodology : To adopt a mixed methods research design and undertake interviews with X in order to gain insight into how/why…
• Data analysis : To analyse the data collection through application of X’s theory… through comparison with previous research
• Conclusions and recommendations : To provide recommendations on how X could improve...

The introduction chapter provides the background/bigger picture and rationale to your dissertation. This can be developed in a range of ways:

• It outlines the relevant historical, legal, policy, sectoral and organisational context(s) in which the study is located;
• It explains what the study is about and why the study is important (the rationale) and what factors are driving the study – key changes? What is the research problem to be explored?
• Key terms/variables are broadly defined.
• Links can be made to key debates/perspectives that are relevant to study
• Introduce where the study is conducted, with whom and why: specific sector and organisation, key respondents?
• Narrows down to a clear statement of research aim, objectives and/or research questions that direct your study;
• Provides a summary of the content of the main chapters

The following two samples illustrate how two writers clearly meet these purposes.

Intro example file 1

Intro example file 2

What is a literature review?

The literature review chapter critically reviews key themes/issues relevant to your research topic and study’s aim, drawing on references to academic literature as appropriate. It presents a logical, detailed and coherent picture of what literature tells us about your selected research topic. Specifically it weaves together analysis of some or all of the following, funnelling down from a broad to specific analysis of the issues relevant to your dissertation:

• Compares debates/key perspectives relevant to your study that can assist in analysis of points of view expressed in the data you collect
• Compares definitions of key terms to assist in analysis of how definitions are expressed in your data
• Compares and evaluates models, frameworks and /or theories that may assist in analysing the data you collect
• Builds a picture of previous research through comparison of studies in journal publications: what does this research tell us about:
• Key challenges/problems faced and how other organisations have addressed these?
• The development of innovative approaches/strategies/’best’ practices used successfully in other organisations/sectors?
• The application of a model or framework to guide practice in other organisations/sectors?

Structure of the literature review

• Ensuring clear structure in individual chapters: where and how
• Include an introductory section to the whole chapter: states what the literature review aims to do, and identifies the key themes it explores;
• The chapter is divided up in individual sections that focus on one key theme/issue. Each key theme/issues is identified with clear headings and where necessary subheadings may be used to identify subthemes;
• The theme in each section is clearly introduced: you can briefly comment on relevance of the theme for your study’s aim
• In each section, the review of the literature on the key theme/issue is built up paragraph by paragraph [Please see the downloadable PDF: GUIDANCE NOTES: STRUCTURING YOUR LITERATURE REVIEW CHAPTER]

Guidance Notes

Writing critically in the literature review

Writing critically in the literature review about key debates/points of view

Critical writing can be developed by considering these questions:

• What are the key points of view on my dissertation topic?
• How do these views compare, diverge or conflict? Why?
• Why and/or how are these views relevant to my dissertation?

Writing critically in the literature review about definitions

• What key terms do I need to define?
• How have definitions changed, developed or evolved?
• Why have definitions changed?
• How do definitions conflict?
• What key points do definitions share?
• Are definitions viewed as too narrow; too broad; out of date and/or limited in some other way for my dissertation?
• Which definition is being used for my dissertation – why? Is it the most comprehensive? Most widely applicable?

Writing critically in the literature review about models, frameworks and/or theories

• Who is/are the main proponents of this model?
• What is/are the purpose(s) of this model? How has it developed over time? What are the key stages and structure of the model? How does the model work? What does it seek to explain?
• Why this model is potentially relevant to my dissertation?
• How can the model be used to help understand particular marketing, management, organisational, financial, HR, operational, social, cultural, psychological, economic and political issues? What processes or practices can this model guide/inform – what are its advantages?/ What insights does it provide?
• What are the criticisms and/or limitations /weaknesses of this model? Why?
• What are the possibilities of applying another model which is better? Why is this other model better – more holistic, comprehensive, up-to-date or can be used in combination with another model?

Writing critically in the literature review about research articles from journal publications

• What are the major findings of several research papers about this particular theme/issue?
• How have findings about this theme/issue developed from earlier to more recent research studies?
• How do findings compare, contrast or conflict on specific theme/issue?
• What issue is under-researched?
• What are the strengths and limitations of the research methods used?
• What challenges/problems are identified in studies?
• What examples of best practice/solutions do these studies highlight?
• What lessons could my research, case study organisation learn from these examples of best practice?

How does the literature review chapter link with the methodology?

From a critical review of the literature you identify key issues/themes/gaps/questions that require further investigation through the small-scale research project that you will explain and justify in the methodology. Overall your literature review should inform and direct your methodology in terms of what data you will collect, how you will do so, from where and from whom, allowing you to address the questions the literature raises.

What is a methodology chapter?

In the methodology chapter you are expected to draw on a range of textbooks on research methods to explain and justify all aspects of your chosen research design. The explanations and justifications in each of the following typical sections should continually link to your investigation and generally follow this structure:

• Research philosophy : explain briefly what e.g. interpretive philosophy of research is about and justify why it is most appropriate for meeting your study’s aim
• Research approach : explain briefly what e.g. an abductive approach involves; why was this most appropriate for your study?
• Sample and sampling approach : explain briefly what e.g. purposive sampling is; why is this approach best for your study?
• Choice of methods : explain e.g. what forms of data are collected through qualitative methods; why did a qualitative method provided you with appropriate data to meet your research aim?
• Data collection methods : explain briefly what e.g. a focus group involves; why did a focus group offer the most advantages for your study?
• Data analysis methods : explain what e.g. thematic analysis involves; why was analysing your data in this way the most appropriate choice?
• Ethical considerations : explain main ethical issues your study raised and how you addressed these
• Limitations : explain main limitations of your research design e.g. in relation to sample size and the implications of this for your findings

Please check your dissertation module handbook and with your supervisor for specific guidelines on the content and structure expected for the methodology chapter.

What is included in a findings chapter?

For some dissertations you will be asked to have a stand-alone findings chapter. This chapter focuses on the presentation of your data. This is typically presented in tables, charts and graphs etc., with accompanying concise commentary that describes, compares and contrasts e.g. patterns, trends and statistical results. It is in the next chapter where you use previous research and theory as explored in the literature review, to analyse and interpret these data as presented in the findings chapter.

• extracts/quotations from interviews and focus groups;
• comparative/descriptive statistics from questionnaires that are described and displayed in graphs, pie charts, tables etc.;
• results of different statistical tests or mathematical models/formulae;
• documentary information e.g. extracts of information from companies’ policies, financial reports, audit reports and annual reports; government policy in particular areas;
• extracts from series of newspaper articles reporting on a specific issue.

You do this through comparing your data with previous debates, definitions, theories, models and/or research as reviewed in your literature review chapter

• Which theory or model(s)/frameworks explored in the literature review provides an explanation for my data/ findings? How do my findings for this theme match up or align with the theory’s or model’s explanations? Do my findings point to a limitation of this model or theory?
• For this theme, are my data supported/confirmed by the research studies I discuss in the literature review? In what way?
• What are the similarities between my data/findings and past research findings in relation to this theme?
• Do my data/findings contradict, challenge or conflict with previous research findings? If so in what way? Why?
• Taken together what do my findings contribute to knowledge about/understanding of the research topic?
• What could my findings mean for practice?

(See GUIDANCE NOTES: Using the literature review to analyse your data for further key questions to prompt comparison of your data with previous research)

• Overview of the chapter As with every chapter in a dissertation, provide a brief overview that clearly explains/signposts the focus, content and structure of the chapter. For the analysis chapter in particular, you should identify clearly the main themes that will be addressed, emphasising that you will draw upon previous literature to analyse these themes.
• Profile of case study organisation If your study has been conducted in an organisation you can provide a profile, presented in a table that identifies e.g. its size, geographical location(s), number of employees, market share etc. – you should include profile information that is most relevant to your dissertation topic.
• Profile of interview and/or focus group participants Present in table form key information about your interview participants: age, gender, individual’s position in organisation, make-up of focus group participants etc. - you should include profile information that is most relevant to your dissertation topic.
• Profile of respondents to questionnaire Present in table form key information about who responded to your questionnaire e.g.: how many questionnaires were distributed and to whom; number of returned questionnaires; demographic details relevant to your study,
• Introduce the theme - refer back to literature review, draw on  authors to outline the significance of this theme
• Present/report data: compare and contrast your data in relation to this theme e.g. compare questionnaire respondents’ choices with those of views of interviewees
• Provide analysis of this theme through comparison with previous debates, definitions, theories, models and/or research as reviewed in your literature review chapter.
• Next major theme….

The conclusion chapter is not just a simple summary of all you have covered in the dissertation e.g. “I have looked at literature, then I designed an investigation and I analysed results…” Instead, you should restate, and offer answers to your research aim and/or question, key research objectives or hypotheses e.g. Key issues to emerge from the literature were… From comparing the data interviews with previous research it can be concluded that… Based on your conclusions you should be able to make recommendations for:

• Further research issues that a future investigation could explore
• Enhancement/improvement/development of particular practice as explored in a case study organisation
• How particular policy could change
• How effectiveness of theory or model could be further developed You may also be asked to identify the limitations of your study. Some supervisors prefer that this section is included in the methodology chapter. It is important to consult her/him on this.

Provide an overview of the chapter in which you:

• Restate what your dissertation set out to do: research aim and/or question, key research objectives and/or research questions or hypotheses
• Briefly remind reader of the context, background and/or importance of the topic or indicate the problem, controversy or a gap in the field of study.
• Clearly outline the purposes and structure of the chapter [See sample]

You can then conclude on each research objective in turn:

• What are you able to reasonably conclude from your review of the literature – key themes, debates, issues and or/gap in research you found?
• How suitable was your research design overall for meeting your aim and investigating these key issues raised by the literature review?
• How suitable was your research design overall for testing/upholding your hypotheses?
• What reasonable conclusions/insights can you offer from your analysis of your data through comparison with and support from previous research?
• What key contributions/new insights does your study offer to knowledge about the research issue?
• What further questions do your study raise that future research could address? [See sample]

Make recommendations based on key conclusions:

• Depending on your research topic, what can you suggest for future research, organisational practice and policy and/or development of a conceptual model or theory? [See sample]

In assessing your dissertation the marker expects to see that:

• you have developed a research project that has a realistic, well defined aim and/or question with related objectives;
• analyses key themes/issues that are relevant to your study;
• critically questions, compares and evaluates conflicting views, theoretical claims and previous research findings relevant to your topic;
• provides a detailed picture of current knowledge with which you can then analyse the data you collect;
• you have a methodology chapter that is informed and shaped by the literature review;
• you have carefully selected data collection and analysis methods that are clearly explained and justified as fit for purpose and which provide relevant data to meet your research aim;
• you have a logically structured analysis chapter in which you apply a range of literature to interpret and make sense of the data you have collected
• you have a conclusion chapter that makes concise and reasonable conclusions on the extent to which you have met
• how future research could be developed to address any questions your study raises;
• how an organisation could build upon and enhance its current practices

Please your dissertation module handbook for the specific marking criteria that will be used to assess your work.

Dissertations

A dissertation is a longer research project on a topic that (hopefully) interests you. It is an opportunity to demonstrate the research skills you have developed throughout your degree. Being in charge of a longer research project can seem overwhelming, but breaking it down and working on it regularly will make it manageable. The process of putting together a dissertation requires a range of skills and has different stages, and for that reason we have divided our resources into three sections:

Choosing a topic

How to ensure your topic is sufficiently critical, feasible, and rewarding

Researching, literature reviews and methods

How to converse with your literature and test whether your methods will work

Writing up and formatting

How to effectively edit, proofread, and deal with formatting issues like contents pages and section breaks

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Dissertations: home, chat with us.

You can chat online with a member of Library staff, this service is available:

• Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

One-to-one support and enquiries

You can email  [email protected]  with any enquiry you have.  

We offer one-to-one enquiries via Teams for students doing dissertations, and we can help with a wide range of things, including:

• Helping you identify the keyword and phrases for your topic, and advising on the search techniques to ensure your searching is efficient and effective in finding the best resources for your dissertation.
• Ensuring you can make use of all the online and specialist resources for you subject, advising on the best databases for your dissertation, and how to make use of these.
• Getting access to resources beyond the Library's collections.
• Using reference management software.

Email [email protected] to request an appointment with one of the Academic Liaison Librarians:

Vicki Cormie, Hilda McNae and Sharon Nangle 

See below for details of subjects covered by each of the Academic Liaison Librarians

Vicki Cormie:

• Art History; Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Divinity; History; Mathematics and Statistics; Medicine; Modern Languages; and Physics and Astronomy.

Hilda McNae :

• Classics; Economics and Finance; English; Geography and Sustainable Development; International Relations; Management; Philosophy, Social Anthropology & Film Studies; and Psychology and Neuroscience.

Sharon Nangle:

• International Education Institute.
• Any questions about referencing styles.

Accessing resources for your dissertation

This guide provides information on the range of resources, services and support the Library provides for students undertaking dissertations.  During this period of lockdown the Library recognises that students will need help getting access to resources, and may need additional support to find alternative sources when access cannot be provided to some resources.

Where possible students are advised to ensure they make full use of the online resources the Library already has, as well as online resources which are freely available.

Alongside support offered via email and the Library Chat service, the Library also provides a one-to-one enquiry service, where students can arrange to speak to a Librarian who can provide training on the use of subject databases to help students uncover and use a range of other academic materials.   Library staff recognise that finding information can be a challenge, please don't hesitate to ask for help, even with searching the Library catalogue.

Get lean library for easier access to eresources

Ever been stuck behind a paywall for a journal article, newspaper article, or ebook?

Lean Library is a browser add-on that makes it easier to get access to these resources. Land on a webpage where you can't access a resource and Lean Library can give you a link directing you to the full-text version available through the Library subscription, or an open-access version. It saves you time looking for a login button or having to go back to Library Search to look up a title. 

You can install the Lean Library browser add-on in most browser  download.leanlibrary.com/

More information about Lean Library can be found in our guide  libguides.st-andrews.ac.uk/lean

Library resources and services

What's already available:

• Check if what you need is available online.  Search using the title in the search box on the Library homepage .  You can apply the "online" or "ebook" option to limit your search to find online resources. 
• Search  archive.org  to see if a scan of a book is freely available.

Morebooks service

You can use the Morebooks service to ask the Library to purchase books and ebooks the Library doesn't have.

Inter-Library Loan

Use the Inter-Library Loans service to request journal articles the Library doesn't have access to; a scan of a chapter from a book the library doesn't have; or the loan of a book from another Library.

Subject Guides

To help you find the databases and online resources recommended for your subject we have created Subject Guides .  Your Subject Guide will include:

• The contact details for the Librarian for your subject.  You can contact the Librarian for advise on which resources are likely to be best in your case, and for support using these, one-to-one training can be provided using Teams for anything you need help with using in your Subject Guide
• Details of the databases available within your subject, with links to access them.
• Information about resources used within your subject, such as primary sources, data and statistical sources, newspapers, etc.
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6.3 Dissertation

The undergraduate dissertation is normally a 30-credit, final stage, level 3 module, which may be compulsory for some degree programmes. The subject of your dissertation will be agreed in advance and you will work under the direction of a nominated supervisor. Postgraduate dissertations are usually worth 60 credits.

The completed dissertation will be submitted for assessment, on a date specific to your degree programme, and this final assessment will comprise part of the overall assessment for your degree classification.

Degree classifications: How does each year of uni count towards a degree? 

Starting university is an exciting and transformative experience. As a potential or new student, you may be wondering how each year at university will contribute to your overall degree classification.  

In this article, we will explore the significance of each year throughout your university journey and shed light on how they contribute to your final degree.  

• What is degree classification?
• How does each year of uni count towards a degree?
• What is a dissertation and how does it affect your degree?
• What factors effect your final grade/ classification?
• More questions about degree classifications

What is degree classification?   

Before diving into the role of each year, let’s first understand what degree classification entails. Similar to there being certain qualifications you need to get into university , there is also a range of degree awards you can achieve when you leave uni.

Degree classification is a system used to assess and categorise your overall performance as an undergraduate student. It is a way to determine the level of academic achievement and assign an appropriate degree level based on the grades obtained throughout your degree.  

What are the different undergraduate degree classifications?   

There are several different undergraduate degree classifications. In the United Kingdom, the most common are: 

• First Class Honours (1st) 
• Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) 
• Lower Second Class Honours (2:2) 
• Third Class Honours (3rd) 
• Pass  

How is degree classification calculated?   

The degree classification is calculated using a weighted average of module marks. Every module you take during your degree is worth a specific number of credits, usually 15 or 30. The marks you receive for each module are then multiplied by the number of credits it carries. These weighted module marks are then combined to calculate your overall grade and classification.  

How does each year of uni count towards a degree?  

The number of credits you earn in each year, as well as the grades you achieve, will be used to calculate your degree classification. However, as you will discover, not all years contribute equally – and sometimes there are years that might not contribute at all.  It’s also worth noting that the specific weighting can vary significantly between different universities and degree programs. 

Does the first year count towards degree classification?  

Although the first year sets the foundation for your subsequent studies, it typically does not count towards your final degree classification. However, this may vary depending on the university and the degree course. Instead of directly contributing, the first year is usually considered a preliminary year or an ‘exploratory period’.  

How does the second year contribute to the final degree classification?   

What is the significance of the second year in an undergraduate degree? While the first year may not directly impact your final classification, the second year plays a more significant role: The module marks you achieve during your second year are crucial in determining your overall award.

How are module marks in the second year calculated?   

The module marks in the second year are calculated using the same methodology as explained earlier. Each module is assigned a certain number of credits, typically either 15 or 30 credits, and your performance in each module is graded accordingly. These grades are then multiplied by the number of credits and weighted to calculate your overall grade for the second year.  

Do I need to pass all modules in the second year to progress?   

While it is important to strive for success in all your modules, you do not need to achieve a pass in all your modules in the second year to progress to the next academic year. However, some degree programs may have specific requirements, so it is essential to check with your university and program guidelines.  

How are the final year marks weighted in the final degree classification?   

The final year marks are of utmost importance in determining your final degree.  The specific weighting may vary depending on the university and degree program, but the final year marks do contribute significantly to how your degree is calculated and your final degree classification. 

What is a dissertation and how does it affect your degree classification?   

A dissertation is a lengthy and detailed piece of research undertaken by students during their final year of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. The impact of a dissertation on your degree can vary depending on the educational institution and the specific degree.

In some cases, the dissertation may be weighted heavily and contribute a significant percentage to the final grade – from 30 to 60 credits. In such cases, performing well in the dissertation can improve the overall award.

It is important to refer to the specific guidelines and regulations set by the educational institution and the particular department or faculty to understand the exact impact of the dissertation on your studies.   

What factors determine the final degree classification?  

The final degree classification takes into account a range of factors, including the module marks achieved in the final year and sometimes the second year. Additionally, it may consider the overall average mark across all years of your degree, as well as any specific requirements outlined by your university or program guidelines.  

Are the final year marks based on a specific number of credits?   

Yes, the final year marks are typically based on a specific number of credits. Similar to the second year, modules in the final year are usually assigned a certain number of credits, often 15 or 30 credits.  

Does a placement year affect the overall degree classification?   

When you’re researching what subjects to study at university , you’ll see some include a placement year. If your degree does include a placement year, it is often marked as pass/fail or is not included in the final calculation. However, it is still an essential part of your degree course and can provide valuable industry experience and skills. 

What is the relevance of a placement year in achieving a good degree classification?   

While the placement year may not directly impact your final degree classification, it can enhance your employability and provide you with practical skills that can be advantageous in the job market. Employers often value students who have gained real-world experience through placements, which can contribute to your future career prospects.  

Is a placement year mandatory for all undergraduate degrees?  

No, a placement year is not mandatory for all university undergraduate degrees . Some programs offer optional placement years, allowing students to choose whether they want to undertake a placement. It is important to check the requirements of your specific degree program to determine if a placement year is mandatory or optional.  

Questions about UK degrees and their classifications   

Q: What is an honours degree?  

A: An honours degree is an undergraduate degree that demonstrates a higher level of academic achievement. It is typically awarded to students who have achieved a certain level of performance in their studies.  

Q: How are honours degree classifications calculated?  

A: Honours degree classifications are calculated based on the overall mark earned throughout the degree program. The specific calculation method may vary depending on the university’s specification, but it generally takes into account the grades achieved in each module or unit.  

Q: How are integrated master’s degree classifications determined?  

A: Integrated master’s degree classifications are determined using a similar calculation method as undergraduate honours degrees. The overall mark earned throughout the integrated master’s program, as well as the grades achieved in individual modules, are used to determine the final classification.  

Q: What is the pass mark for a degree?  

A: The pass mark for a degree may vary depending on the university and the specific program of study. Generally, students are required to achieve a minimum overall mark or average grade to pass their degree.  

Q: How many credits are needed for an undergraduate degree?  

A: The number of credits needed for an undergraduate degree varies depending on the university and the specific program. In general, a full-time undergraduate degree program will consist of 120 credits per year, with a total of 360 credits required to complete the degree.  

Q: What is a foundation degree?  

A: A foundation degree is a vocational qualification that is equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree. It is typically awarded by universities or colleges and allows students to progress onto a full undergraduate degree program if they choose.  

Q: Can I repeat a year if I do not achieve the required grades?  

A: It is possible to repeat a year of study if you do not achieve the required grades in your modules or units. This will give you the opportunity to improve your grades and progress towards achieving your degree. 

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Dissertation and thesis support

Find out how the library can support you with your dissertation, final year research project or thesis.

Choose your level of dissertation or thesis:

Undergraduate dissertation or final year research project.

A dissertation is a type of academic report, but unlike many other assignments you might have, you choose the subject, and it usually has a larger word limit (5,000 - 10,000 words) so can be the biggest piece of writing that you do for your degree.  With a dissertation you choose your topic, you select the methodology used, and you usually have to undertake a literature review.  Many students find this very challenging - don't worry though, we can help:

• Carey, M. 2013.,  The social work dissertation: using small-scale qualitative methodology . 2nd ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
• Fisher, C. M., and Buglear, J., 2007.,  Researching and writing a dissertation: a guidebook for business students . 2nd ed. Harlow: Prentice Hall.
• Harrad, S., 2008.  Student projects in environmental science. Chichester: John Wiley.
• Naoum, S. G., 2013.  Dissertation research & writing for construction students . 3rd ed. London: Routledge.
• Smith, K., Todd, M.J., Waldman, J., 2009.   Doing your undergraduate social science dissertation . London: Routledge.
• Walliman, N., and Appleton, J. V., 2009.  Your undergraduate dissertation in health and social care: the essential guide for success . Los Angeles: Sage.
• Walliman, N., and Buckler, S., 2008.  Your dissertation in education. London: SAGE.
• plus many more available via  Library OneSearch about dissertations, research methods, literature reviews, etc.

Useful links:

• Writing an undergraduate dissertation - Royal Literary Fund
• Literature reviews - an interactive presentation about what a literature review is, and how to go about writing one

Still need help?

• Attend  one of our workshops about dissertation research, literature reviews, proofreading, etc.
• Book an appointment to talk to a member of staff.
• Talk with your dissertation or research project supervisor.

Postgraduate Masters Dissertation or Research Project

Not everybody has to do a dissertation or research project at undergraduate level, but a Masters degree usually has some sort of extended individual project.  If you have done a project like this before, there are some differences from undergraduate level, not least a longer word count (between 12,000 and 20,000 words).  The structure is much the same as an undergraduate dissertation, but you will be expected to investigate your topic in greater detail, and develop your research methodology skills further.

• Biggam, J., 2015.   Succeeding with  your master's dissertation: a step-by-step handbook. 3rd ed.  Maidenhead: McGraw Hill.
• Hart, C., 2005.   Doing your masters dissertation: realizing your potential as a social scientist. London: Sage.
• Jesson, J., Matheson, L., Lacey, F. M., 2011.   Doing your literature review: traditional and systematic techniques .  London: Sage.
• Murray, L., and Lawrence, B., 2000.  Practitioner-based enquiry: principles for postgraduate research .  London: Falmer Press.
• Parija, S. C., and Kate, V., 2018.  Thesis writing for Master's and PhD Program .  Singapore: Springer Nature.
• Wallace, M., and Wray, A., 2016.   Critical reading and writing for postgraduates .  3rd ed. Los Angeles: Sage.
• Dissertation Guide - Royal Literary Fund
• Attend  one of our workshops about dissertation research for taught postgrad students, literature reviews, proofreading, etc.

PhD or Professional Doctorate Thesis

Undertaking a thesis at postgraduate research level requires you to undertake a literature review and conduct original research. The NTU Doctorate Plus programme is here to support you throughout this process with input from a wide range of teams including your Research Support Librarians. Why not take a look at our  Research Students page to see what help is available from the library?

Consult the  Researcher Development Brochure to see the full range of workshops available to postgraduate researchers including academic writing, research methodologies and practical support for working with long documents, such as your PhD thesis.

• Churchill, H. & Sanders, T., 2007.  Getting your PhD : a practical insider's guide . London: SAGE.
• Dunleavy, P., 2003. Authoring a PhD : how to plan, draft, write, and finish a doctoral thesis or dissertation.  Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Hayton, J., 2015.  PhD : an uncommon guide to research, writing & PhD life . James Hayton PhD: James Hayton.
• Lee, N.-J., 2009.  Achieving your professional doctorate . Maidenhead: Open University Press.
• Murray, R., 2016.  How to write a thesis.4th ed . Maidenhead: Open University Press.
• Phillips, E. and Pugh, D., 2015.  How to get a PhD: a handbook for students and their supervisors. 6th ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
• plus many more available via  Library OneSearch about research methods, literature reviews, etc.
• Theses by previous NTU research students – view these online in the thesis collection in  IRep .
• Research Development Gateway – this NOW learning room provides a wide range of resources to support your skills development as you undertake your thesis.
• Attend one of our  workshops for more advice on getting started with your literature review, keeping up-to-date and managing your references.
• Book an appointment with your  Research Support Librarian .
• Talk with your supervisory team.

Get in touch

If you have any questions, contact us at [email protected] or by phone on +44 (0)115 848 2175.

UCL Department of Economics

The MSc Dissertation

From June – early September students undertake a research project, lightly supervised by a member of faculty , and submit a 10,000 word dissertation on or before the deadline in early September. A good dissertation will be a piece of original research, the best dissertations are published . The three-months dissertation project gives you the opportunity to acquire and enhance a number of skills including research skills, project management, organisation, software and writing.

The research methods course supports you in this project, providing training in:

• Research and academic writing skills
• Software (Matlab, Python, R, and Stata)
• Empirical econometric skills.

In total, over 30 hours of lecture support skill acquisition directly relevant to the dissertation project. Helpdesks are also provided during the dissertation writing period. Dissertations fall into four categories:

Empirical Empirical dissertations typically take an econometric model from an existing paper and applying it to a new data set and / or extending it. Such a project involves:

•     A brief critical literature review of your chosen area
•     Finding and understanding your dataset
•     Learning the appropriate software
•     Implementing your model
•     Understanding, criticising and checking the robustness of your results.

Examples of recent empirical dissertations are:

•     Corruption and Education in the Developing World
•     Analysis of Chinese Stock Market Efficiency
•     UK Wage Flexibility in the Aftermath of the Great Recession
•     Hedonstic wage estimation and the market for head teachers: Evidence for England
•     Does Microcredit Crowd Out Traditional Moneylending? An Example From Hyderabad.
•     Estimating the Competitive Structure of the UK Petrol Retail Industry
•     The impact of paid work on women’s empowerment.

Theoretical Theoretical dissertations typically take model from an existing paper and extending it in some interesting way. Such a project involves:

•     Acquiring a deep understanding of your model, in the context of the core material you’ve covered

Examples of recent theoretical dissertations are:

•     An Investigation of a Network Targeting Model with Bounded Rational Consumers
•     The finite sample performance of single equation models of ordered choice
•     Rotating Savings and Credit Associations: A Theoretical Analysis
•     News aggregators and search engines: Thumping entrants in the newspapers industry
•     Disaster risk in a New Keynesian model

Policy Policy dissertations undertake a critical analysis of some previously unexplored policy or policy issue. Such a project involves:

•     A description of the economic principles involved in the policy decision
•     A critical appraisal of existing or proposed policies.

Note policy dissertations may often involve an empirical component Examples of recent dissertations are:

•     An assessment of the second round of quantitative easing policy in the UK: A BVAR approach
•     Capital controls on outflows during financial crises: Are they effective?
•     The technological factors in the economies of developing countries: Comparison of the effectiveness of public policies on innovation in Chile for local research and inward technology transfer
•     Welfare participation by immigrants in the UK
•     A study upon market structure characterised by regulation: Information and oligopoly conditions.

Analytical Survey An analytical survey dissertation provides a clear outline of the intellectual development of the a particular area. Such a project involves:

•     A thorough understanding of the literature in your chosen area
•     Explaining the extent to which different contributors were addressing similar of different questions and in what sense and how far one contribution marks a significant improvement over earlier ones.
•     Critically assessing the different contributions and of the field as a whole.

Examples of recent dissertations are:

•     Heterogeneous Adaptive Learning in Real Business Cycle Models
•     The Great Moderation: A critical survey since the crisis
•     What are the social costs and benefits of reversing innovations in mortgage markets?
•     What explains the top income surge?
•     A survey on observational learning and informational cascades: Are observational conditions simple enough to warrant simple predictions?

"I feel the course provided me with a far more sophisticated understanding of macroeconomic policy and a wealth of useful technical econometrics skills"

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For further information please see the UCL pages for current students , or contact: [email protected]

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Graduate view: Why a dissertation can boost your employability

Can a good undergraduate dissertation still make a difference? I'd like to think so.

Imagine you are a student. You go to a respectable university, it's not a world beater but it does the job. Your parents are definitely still proud of you, at least.

But one night, halfway through the summer between your second and final year, you wake up in a cold sweat, with the rather unnerving epiphany that you have a negligible amount of relevant work experience and the saddening realisation that you are not, unfortunately, an Oxbridge superstar with an army of industry contacts, who is a shoe in to the world of high-flying graduate employment.

How then, are you going to pull that all important acceptance email to a grad scheme out the bag (while keeping your mum proud)? How much can you really pack in to those last nine-ish months to turn your fortunes around? Especially in a climate where, if conventional wisdom is to be believed, most of us are up the proverbial. Well, over the course of this year, I intend to find out myself.

In fact, I refuse to bow my head to such scaremongering. If this sounds like you, console yourself with the fact that you are not the only one. In the eyes of academia, I'm considered average too! But fear not, we can dazzle those prospective employers yet with the stalwart of our degrees. The almighty spearhead of our academic arsenal, the dissertation. Honestly.

I am not belittling other extra-curricular methods of attaining that first step on the career ladder. Most of the research I have done personally points to a placement year or a summer internship being the stairways to graduate heaven. But as many of you may well know by now, such placements are like gold dust where similar processes are implemented for internship applications to actual grad scheme applications, and you sometimes need a degree just to fill one out.

It may be obvious, but I'd like to think, as I start to undertake my own dissertation, that in a few years time I can look back on it and think, yes, that counted for something.

When I asked a friend of mine, who had already secured a job as a trainee at one of the Big Four accountancy firms, what he thought of the value of a dissertation when it comes to employability, the answer was not what I hoped. He seemed to think that in cold light of the day it would make a minimal impact on my chances.

We agreed to disagree. Maybe a mediocre piece of half-baked research wasn't going to get any HR manager salivating. But the same cannot be said for a first class piece of innovative and clinical analysis, can it?

Prior to attending university I had no idea that it was not compulsory to undertake a dissertation and, although I personally have persevered to write one, many of my friends have opted not to do so. In my mind, I have always thought a dissertation was the pinnacle of any undergraduate degree, where you finally get to research a topic of sincere personal interest to you, hopefully, with the additional outcome of proving to be of some passable academic merit in the process.

Reassuringly, I have been led to believe, by my own dissertation supervisor, that a well-researched piece of "quantitative analysis" shows commitment, perseverance, self motivation, independent study, initiative and critical thinking; surely all the essential elements to establishing your competency as a viable candidate for any graduate position? Although, maybe he was just being nice.

Surely a well-written postgraduate thesis, with a topic relevant to a prospective employer, could be the deal-maker; potentially placing you ahead other candidates.

Similarly, it may not be as dense as a masters dissertation, but there can't be any harm in gearing your research topic towards the vocation you are interested in taking up in the future. Wouldn't this clearly demonstrate that you have shown a serious interest in a prospective sector prior to undertaking the graduate job search?

Let me know what you think, I'd like to get a wider perspective on the collective chances of this years graduate hopefuls.

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Dissertation: Empirical Research or Systematic Review (APP753)

Enabling students to design and undertake a systematic review, or an approved research project, under supervision., cpd for healthcare professionals.

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Key features

This 60 credit dissertation module enables International and full-time students to conduct a systematic review and Home and part-time students to undertake a systematic review or an approved research project, under supervision. It provides students with the opportunity to apply knowledge and understanding of research methods to a subject relevant to their programme award; and to theory, policy and / or practice.

Module code

Credits 

Level 7 - Master's Degree

Location  

Blended learning approach with face to face delivery at Plymouth

APP753 module details (Master's Level) 

Entry requirements, learning outcomes.

• Identify a relevant health or social care topic that requires investigation through research. 
• Design a systematic review or research project based on a critical review of relevant subject and research methodology. 
• Provide evidence of in-depth knowledge and skills in critical appraisal, data collection, data analysis and synthesis, presentation and interpretation of research findings. 
• Critically evaluate and contextualise their research and consider the relevance to theory policy and / or professional practice ensuring that sustainability-related issues are addresses as relevant. 
• Present a logically argued and clearly written dissertation. 

Module dates

Module lead, admissions information .

• Application forms. 
• Change of name forms.
• Pre-course information.
• Downloadable guides.
• Student card.

You can contact the Professional Development Unit with any queries

Studentships and doctoral training

Get a studentship to fund your doctorate.

UKRI studentships offer funding for doctoral research. They also offer you access to training, networking and development opportunities to help you build a research and innovation career.

Our expectations for research organisations, supervisors and students are set out in the statement of expectations for doctoral training .

You could get:

• a minimum stipend of £19,237 per year for your living costs, which is paid to you in regular instalments
• support for your tuition fees (minimum £4,786 per year)

The stipend is usually non-taxable and does not need to be paid back. Some research organisations may offer more if you study in London, or they or one of their collaborators might decide to top up the payment. This will be outlined in the studentship advert from the research organisation.

We normally pay the support for tuition fees directly to your research organisation.

The levels given here are for the academic year 2024 to 2025. UKRI’s approach to doctoral stipend and fee levels will be reviewed through the  new deal for postgraduate research .

Additional support for your doctoral studies

As a UKRI-funded doctoral student, you may be able to access additional funding to cover the cost of other related training and development opportunities.

This could include:

• conference attendance
• language training
• overseas research visits
• internships or placements with a non-academic partner

The availability of support will depend on the research organisation and the training grants they have on offer. You should contact the research organisation you are interested in applying to, to find out what you could get.

Extra support if you have a disability

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.

You should speak to your research organisation’s disability advisor to assess your needs. They can help put the right support in place, including a DSA application if necessary. You cannot claim DSA directly from UKRI.

DSA helps to cover the cost of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result of a disability, mental health problem or specific learning difficulty.

The allowance covers:

• non-medical personal assistance
• specialist equipment
• extra travel costs
• general expenses

Find out more about DSA in our framework .

If you are a research organisation you can download claim forms and guidance for DSA .

Who can apply

Any prospective doctoral student wishing to study at a UK research organisation, including prospective international students, can apply for a UKRI studentship.

All UKRI-funded doctoral students will be eligible for the full award, both the stipend to support living costs, and home-level fees at the UK research organisation rate.

How to find opportunities

Many UK research organisations offer some form of studentship funding from UKRI. These opportunities will depend on the subject you want to study and will normally be advertised by the research organisations.

Research organisations may have additional opportunities that do not involve UKRI. UKRI supports around 20% of all UK-based postgraduate researchers. You should speak to the research organisation you are interested in to find out what studentships are available.

You could also consider using a specialist website like   FindaPhD  to look for opportunities.

When to apply

Research organisations set their own deadlines for applications.

Many open for applications early in the academic year and close in January or February. This is not a hard and fast rule. It is important that you check the deadlines for the research organisation where you want to study.

How to apply

You cannot apply to UKRI for a studentship. You must contact the research organisation you are interested in studying with and use their application process.

For doctoral students who are already studying with a studentship, there are opportunities to get additional funding to support placements that are separate from your doctorate.  Find training and development opportunities .

Last updated: 14 February 2024

This is the website for UKRI: our seven research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Let us know if you have feedback or would like to help improve our online products and services .

Academic Publishing

How to Get Your Dissertation Published in the UK

Congratulations on completing your dissertation! It is a great achievement, and now it is time to share your research with the rest of the world by publishing it. Publishing your dissertation in the UK can be a significant step in your academic career.  

It can also be a daunting task if you are not familiar with the process. In this article, we will guide you through the 8 steps and at the end of it, you will master how to get your dissertation published in the UK.

Choose a Publisher When Publishing Dissertation

The first step in publishing your dissertation is to choose a publisher. You can consider publishing with an academic publisher or a university press. Make sure to choose a reputable publisher with experience in your field of study.

Lambert Academic Publishing is a reputable publisher that specializes in publishing dissertations and scholarly books. We offer a wide range of services to help you publish your dissertation, including marketing. All you need is to check the steps on  how to publish with us . 

Check the Publisher’s Submission Guidelines

 Once you have chosen a publisher, check their submission guidelines carefully. This will help you understand what the publisher is looking for and how to format your manuscript accordingly. Some publishers have specific formatting requirements, so make sure you follow them closely.

Prepare your Manuscript

Before submitting your manuscript, you need to prepare it for publication. This involves proofreading and editing your work, making sure that it adheres to the submission guidelines, and creating an abstract and a table of contents. You may also need to format your references and citations in a specific style.

 Submit your Manuscript

Once your manuscript is ready, you can submit it to the publisher. Most publishers have an online submission system , so make sure you follow the instructions carefully. You may also need to submit a cover letter and a CV.

 Wait for the Peer-Review Process

After you submit your manuscript, it will go through a peer-review process. This is where experts in your field of study review your work and provide feedback. The review process can take several weeks to several months, depending on the publisher.

Revise Your Manuscript

If your manuscript is accepted for publication, you will need to revise it based on the feedback you received during the peer-review process. 

This may involve:

•  rewriting certain sections;
•  adding more data or references;
•  making other necessary changes.

Publish now!

Sign a Publishing Contract

Once your manuscript is revised and accepted, you will need to sign a publishing contract with the publisher. This contract will outline the terms of your agreement, including the publication timeline, royalties, and copyright.

Publish Your Dissertation

Finally, your dissertation will be published! Depending on the publisher, your dissertation may be published as a book , an e-book, or an article in a journal. Make sure to celebrate this accomplishment and share your work with your colleagues and peers.

In conclusion, publishing your dissertation in the UK can be a rewarding and challenging experience. Make sure to choose a reputable publisher, follow the submission guidelines closely, and prepare your manuscript carefully. 

Remember that the peer-review process can take time, so be patient and be prepared to make revisions. With perseverance and hard work, you can successfully publish your dissertation and contribute to your field of study.  

What are the Benefits of Publishing Your Dissertation in the UK?

The Significance of Publishing Your Dissertation

You’ve invested countless hours into your dissertation, and completing it is a remarkable achievement. However, what’s next? Have you ever considered publishing your dissertation in the UK? In this article, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of taking this step.

 Enhancing Your Academic Visibility

Publishing your dissertation is more than just a formality, it’s a significant accomplishment. It demonstrates that you’ve conducted original research and contributed new knowledge to your field. Sharing your findings allows you to take pride in your hard work and benefit others who can learn from your research.

Establishing Expertise and Reputation

Publishing your dissertation can significantly boost your visibility in the academic community. It helps you establish yourself as an authority in your field, a valuable asset when applying for academic positions or research grants. Moreover, publishing increases the likelihood of being cited in future research, further elevating your academic reputation.

Unlocking New Research Opportunities

Another compelling advantage of publishing your dissertation is the potential for new research opportunities. Sharing your work enables you to connect with fellow researchers who may be interested in collaborating with you or expanding upon your findings. 

This can lead to exciting research projects and opportunities for further knowledge and expertise development.

Honing Crucial Skills

Publishing your dissertation is a learning journey that hones essential skills. It involves receiving feedback and revising your work accordingly. This iterative process enhances your writing skills and your ability to articulate ideas effectively. Furthermore, it continues to develop your critical thinking skills, which are vital in navigating the publishing process.

 Achieving Academic Closure

Lastly, publishing your dissertation offers a sense of closure to your academic journey. After years of dedicated effort, seeing your research in print and knowing it contributes to your field can be incredibly rewarding.

In conclusion, publishing your dissertation in the UK offers a host of valuable benefits, including increased visibility, research opportunities, skill development, and a sense of accomplishment. Most importantly, it enables you to share your hard-earned research with the broader academic community. 

Don’t hesitate to consider taking the next step and sharing your valuable research with the world.

Exploring Publishing Opportunities with Lambert Academic Publishing

Are you a researcher or author wondering how to publish your undergraduate dissertation or master’s dissertation ? Lambert Academic Publishing is your solution! Our streamlined, cost-effective publishing process allows you to share your research with a global audience.

With no publishing contract required and comprehensive editing and formatting services included, publishing your thesis with us has never been easier. Plus, our extensive worldwide distribution network ensures that your work reaches a broader audience. 

Don’t let your research go unnoticed.

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How much is a dissertation worth UK?

As you typically need to take 120 credits each year, this means that your dissertation will be worth 25% to 33.33% of your final year . The effect this will have on your final grade will depend on how your university calculates these.

How many credits is a dissertation UK?

The taught courses are worth a total of 120 credit points. Provided you achieve the required standard, you may then proceed to a period of individual research under the supervision of an academic member of staff in the School, resulting in a final dissertation worth a further 60 credits.

What is a good dissertation mark UK?

80-100% (Outstanding) Structure and organisation is coherent, polished and fluent. Knowledge displayed is comprehensive, coherent, polished and fluent. Application of knowledge and understanding is comprehensive, coherent, polished and fluent. Analysis is comprehensive, coherent, polished and fluent.

Is a dissertation valuable?

Your dissertation is one of the most important pieces of writing you will ever produce. It is your opportunity to show that you have mastered a subject matter and are capable of conducting original research. A well-written dissertation can help you get a job, win scholarships, and even earn a doctoral degree.

How much is a dissertation?

The length of a dissertation varies between study level and country, but is generally around 10,000-12,000 words at undergraduate level, 15,000-25,000 words at master's level and up to 50,000 words or more at PhD level.

CHOOSING A DISSERTATION TOPIC | Brandon Wisdom | University of Lincoln

How much is masters dissertation worth?

A: An Undergraduate dissertation is worth is 40 credits (from 360 in total) and should take 300-400 hours. A Postgraduate dissertation is worth 60 credits (from 180 in total) and should take 400-600 hours.

Is 2 Months enough to write a dissertation?

To make sure that you don't bite off more than you can chew, give yourself at least 2 months for a short dissertation and 3 months for a longer one. Get into a habit of writing a certain amount of words each day or every second day. Give yourself reading days and days off - but only one at a time.

Is a dissertation a big deal?

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.

Can you fail a dissertation UK?

It is worth noting that a complete failure of a dissertation is rare at UK universities, and typically occurs only if a student has neglected to meet with their supervisor at regular intervals, or neglected to submit drafts in advance of the final submission.

Do employers like dissertation?

Communication. Employers want to know that you can concisely communicate ideas and information, whether this is on paper or in person. Writing a dissertation demonstrates that you can take a set of complex arguments and write them up in a way that is both understandable and convincing.

Is it hard to get a 2.1 in a dissertation?

It is almost impossible to achieve a 2:1 if your work is marked by significant errors in spelling, punctuation or grammar. In order to improve your dissertation grade, you should proofread each chapter carefully as you complete it, and also proofread the entire work as a whole.

Do you get paid if your dissertation is published?

Do I get paid if my thesis is published as a book? No, it is very unlikely that you would get paid to publish your thesis as a book.

How long is the average dissertation UK?

At undergraduate level, word count requirements can range anywhere from 5,000 to 8,000 words while a Masters level dissertation can be 10,000 to 15,000 words long! Why are you required to write a dissertation? A dissertation is a core requirement of most university degrees.

What is 120 credits equivalent to UK?

3) A student studying a Level 6 Diploma (120 credits) will study a course equivalent to year 3 of Undergraduate Degree standard and is also a qualification which can be used for entry on to a Postgraduate Diploma or Master's Degree programme.

What is a dissertation called in the UK?

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.

How many credits is a Masters dissertation UK?

The Dissertation is normally the final piece of work you will undertake and is equivalent to 40, 60 or 80 credits depending on your course and programme of study. You should consult your Course Handbook for further details.

Do dissertations get rejected?

Let us face it, dissertations are hard, and they do get rejected sometimes. All the professors you see teaching you about how to craft an appealing dissertation have faced rejections at some point in their lives as well.

Is dissertation compulsory in UK?

The dissertation is an opportunity to apply the content of the modules studied to a topic of interest to the student. It may address an issue of theoretical or practical importance. Students may relate the topic to their own work and/or their own country, but this is not compulsory.

What percentage does dissertation worth?

At undergraduate level, a dissertation will normally range from 30 to 40 credits in your final year. As you typically need to take 120 credits each year, this means that your dissertation will be worth 25% to 33.33% of your final year.

What is best dissertation prize?

ISQOLS awards the best dissertation with a lump sum of $1,500 USD, one-year free membership to ISQOLS, one-year free access to the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life Studies, and free registration to the 21st ISQOLS conference that will be held in August 2023 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

How many people fail a dissertation?

Anywhere from a third to half of those that enroll at a PhD university will not end up graduating and finishing their dissertation. In fact, the figure of 40%-50% of failing PhD students has been fairly stable over the past three decades.

Can I write a dissertation in 5 days?

While it may seem like a very short time, completing a dissertation in five days is not an impossible task if you have your heart to it and the right sort of help.

What happens if you pay someone to do your dissertation?

Academic misconduct in the form of having someone else write your dissertation will usually result in your entire degree being revoked.

How difficult are dissertations?

A dissertation or thesis is likely to be the longest and most difficult piece of work a student has ever completed. It can, however, also be a very rewarding piece of work since, unlike essays and other assignments, the student is able to pick a topic of special interest and work on their own initiative.

How many pages is a good dissertation?

Most dissertations are 100 to 300 pages in length. All dissertations should be divided into appropriate sections, and long dissertations may need chapters, main divisions, and subdivisions.

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Just got my dissertation grade back and I am gutted :-(

Icanonlytry · 28/01/2012 15:56

Can you investigate it and dispute it? If it is so out of character, it is worth looking into.

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There should be separate reports from each of your markers and then an agreed feedback sheet to you. I would ask to see them (they cannot be witheld if you ask) as it might throw up discrepancies, or suggest, as Linerunner says that one of them hasnt read it properly. Normally UG dissertations are not marked externally as a matter of course but you can ask for it to go to a third internal marker as far as I know - most departments would do this. However, it would be better for you if you can put forward some reasons why you believe it deserved more than a 2:2 rather than just complaining. TBH if I marked a dissertation at 56% it would be quite poor and I would need to provide significant reasons why it was marked so low. I know its hard doing this with an infant - I've been there and you have my sympathies - but after three years you cant throw it away. Ask for an extension and then as Linerunner says, ask on here - its surprising how varied the knowledge is!

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I am a lecturer (not in your field) and I agree with Mytholmroyd, it sounds like there is a big mismatch between the comments and the grade. In my field, a 56 for a dissertation would have comments that were more along the lines of 'your literature review demonstrated some familiarity with the field but the range of sources cited was too narrow and lacked engagement with theoretical perspectives' etc. I would get hold of a copy of the assessment criteria, map the comments against them, and query this. IME most students get their best mark for their dissertation, and it is very unusual for the mark to fall this far below their average. If it's not that an error has been made in marking it, then you might well have grounds for complaint about the adequacy of your supervision.

when I was choosing my title my supervisor said that certain types of dissertations cannot be marked high because the marking criteria was biased to other types so you could do a flawless lit based dissertation but never get a first in it because the criteria is aimed more at lab/field/survey based ones does that ring any bells?

I imagine that leadership doesn't need to be you leading but also being led, if that helps? The reflective account do you have notes of things you've done? As its reflective it can be based in the past and ML would be an understandable reason for it to be a fairly long time ago.

There are quite a few books on reflective writing, if that helps.

I have just received my UG dissertation result and I am devastated. The feedback has not been issued yet but I got 58% and this is 20% lower than my marks for the rest of the year. In the days leading upto the deadline I had a massive dispute with the old programme leader regarding the supervision and I feel really sabotaged... Surely I can't have got 20% less in this assignment than every other assignment this year! I was predicted a first class degree and now it's down the drain.....

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Money blog: Manchester United staff 'given week to resign' in WFH crackdown

Manchester United staff have reportedly been given a week to decide whether to resign under Sir Jim Ratcliffe's plans to end working from home. Read this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog below, and leave your thoughts in the comments box.

Wednesday 29 May 2024 17:00, UK

• Get your holiday money now! Pound hits nearly two-year high against euro
• Popular broadband provider hiking monthly payments from July 
• Manchester United staff reportedly given week to resign in Sir Jim Ratcliffe's WFH crackdown
• Spotify launches cheaper deals - but there's a catch
• UK has highest diesel prices in Europe

Essential reads

• Head chef at UK's number one gastropub shares favourite cheap pasta recipe
• Women in Business : 'A truck unloaded a £600 car that her son bought on eBay thinking it was a toy' - the schoolgate stories that led to GoHenry
• Money Problem : 'My mortgage lender is ending my two-year fix and I haven't been in the house for two years - can they do this?'
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Whoever wins the general election, one potential headache for the new administration will be Thames Water.

The current government has already drawn up contingency plans, known as Project Timber, for the possible collapse of a company currently saddled with debt of £15.4bn.

The scenario also features strongly on a dossier of potential crises compiled by Sue Gray, Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff, that an incoming Labour government would face.

Talk of a potential collapse has moved up the agenda because Thames Water's owners, which include the Canadian pensions giant Omers, the Universities Superannuation Scheme, a unit of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and the China Investment Corporation, have declined to inject more equity into the business. They had previously offered to inject a further £3.25bn, on top of £500m last year, were Ofwat, the regulator, to support the company's plans.

But Ofwat is refusing to allow Thames to raise its levels of investment and customer bills to the extent that the company is proposing . 

Thames had asked Ofwat to approve an £18.7bn investment which would have entailed a 44% average increase in customer bills over the next regulatory period due to run from 2025-30. It tweaked this submission in April to raise investment to £19.8bn during the period with no extra increase in bills.

Ofwat was due to publish its "final deliberation" on investment plans and customer bills for the entire water industry, including Thames, on 12 June but has moved it back to 11 July due to the general election.

The Guardian reported earlier this week that Ofwat is set to refuse the requests of most water companies, including Thames, with some operators being allowed to raise bills by as little as half of what they had asked for.

Such an approach is consistent with Ofwat's historic approach of keeping water bills low as its main priority rather than, for example, permitting higher investment to tackle sewage spills.

However, there are signs that Ofwat may be prepared to compromise, at least to an extent.

The Financial Times reports today that the regulator is drawing up plans for a special "recovery regime" for Thames and other financially stressed UK water companies in a bid to avoid nationalisation.

It suggests that companies with "recovery regime" status could receive fewer or no regulatory penalties to encourage them to invest in infrastructure improvements instead, as well as being given more "realistic" targets for reducing sewage and water leaks and outages.

The regulator finds itself with a dilemma. Ofwat does not want Thames to collapse, not least because such an event would intensify criticism that the regulator allowed Thames's previous owners – most notably the Australian investment bank Macquarie – to load the company with debt while extracting enormous dividends (the current investors have received no dividends since 2017).

Ofwat's ministerial overlords – of both parties – will also be aware that an administration of Thames would deter the very international investors the UK desperately needs to attract to pay for infrastructure improvements.

On the other hand, though, Ofwat does not want to face accusations that it is being unduly lenient on a company that has been badly behaved in the past.

Now, it is fair to say that Ofwat is offering an olive branch here. Only two weeks ago, it said it was "minded" to punish Thames for breaching licence conditions over a £37.5m dividend paid to shareholders in October last year (Thames points out the payment was made to Kemble Water, its parent holding company, and was necessary to maintain the latter's solvency). That could result in another fine worth tens of millions of pounds.

The big question is whether this compromise will be enough to shore up Thames's financial situation. Ofwat has fined Thames £175m during the last three years which, while being a large sum, is a relatively trifling amount set against Thames's debts.

So it probably would not be enough, of itself, to persuade Thames's owner to pump more equity into the business. Omers, the biggest single shareholder in Thames, has already written down the entire value of its 31.7% stake in the company to nothing. USS, which has more than half a million scheme members in British universities and which owns nearly 20% of Thames, has written down the value of its shareholding from £956m at the end of 2022 to just £364.4m as at the end of last year.

What today's news reveals is that there is a compromise to be reached here. The extra month before Ofwat is due to publish its draft deliberation has bought both sides a little more time.

But it feels as if, with Ofwat in no mood to back down with Thames over its proposed increase in investment and customer bills, the latter's shareholders have run out of patience.

A "special administration" of Thames – something neither Rishi Sunak or Sir Keir Starmer would want to see – still feels like the way to be betting.

NOW Broadband is raising prices by an average of £3 a month from 5 July.

The company, owned by Sky, didn't raise prices in line with inflation in April - making it somewhat of an outlier.

But the summer raise will add an average of £36 a year to customer bills.

However, the company offers a no-penalty exit option.

Sabrina Hoque, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, said: "Another mid-contract price increase unfortunately means bigger bills for already cash-strapped consumers. 

"However, it is encouraging that NOW Broadband customers have the option to leave penalty free if they don't want to accept this change."

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

The pound reached a 19-month high against the euro this morning as £1 equalled €1.1784. 

Not since late August 2022 was sterling so strong against the currency of Eurozone states. 

So if you're going on holidays to somewhere using the euro, now would be a good time to exchange pounds as you'll be getting more for your money than you would have.

Rates have come down slightly this afternoon - though are still high at €1.1746.

The pound buying more euro will mean it's cheaper for UK importers to buy goods - so some prices could come down. 

It's happening because the interest rate-setters at the European Central Bank (ECB) look set to bring rates down at their meeting next week.

Manchester United staff have reportedly been given a week to decide whether to resign under Sir Jim Ratcliffe's plans to end working from home.

The club's non-football staff were invited to take redundancy by next Wednesday in an email sent on Tuesday, The Daily Telegraph reports .

Sir Jim has taken over the day-to-day running of the club and is making it compulsory for staff to work from their offices in Manchester or London from 1 June, the paper says.

Staff who do not wish to do so can quit and are being offered early payment of an annual bonus, it added.

A United spokesman told The Daily Telegraph the move "isn't a voluntary redundancy programme". 

They added: "The club recognises that not everyone wants to work from the office full-time so has provided options for staff who don't wish to return to the office to step away now."

Sky News has contacted Manchester United for comment.

Junior doctors in England are set to strike for five days starting next month - part of a long-running dispute over pay.

The strike is set to run from 7am on 27 June to 2 July.

It means the dispute clash with the  general election campaign, with polling day on 4 July.

Read the full story here ...

Parents see personal finance as a more important life skill than maths for schoolchildren, according to new research.

A poll by Nationwide suggests the majority (89%) of parents of children aged eight to 13 think finance education would help their kids understand the value of money.

The survey of 2,000 UK adults found that personal finance even ranked above maths, digital skills and cooking as vital skills for children - coming second only to literacy.

More than eight in 10 parents (84%) said their child hadn't had any finance education at school, despite the vast majority saying it was important for children to understand money.

The top subjects parents value at school are:

• Literacy (66%)
• Personal finance (59%)
• Maths (51%)
• Cooking (41%)
• Digital skills (26%)

Personal finance was deemed the most important subject for children and young people among parents polled in Brighton, Belfast and Newcastle. 

Amanda Beech, director of retail services at Nationwide, said financial education can "help young people get to grips with the world of money". 

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

One of the big gainers on the stock market this morning is International Distributions Services, the owner of Royal Mail.

Shares in the company are up more than 3% on the FTSE 250 index after the company's board announced it had agreed to a takeover by "Czech Sphinx" Daniel Kretinsky.

Read more on that here...

While the deal is yet to be approved by shareholders and regulators, investors are clearly excited at the prospect of the £3.6bn agreement.

At the other end of the scale, online delivery firm Ocado has plunged more than 6% in early trading.

It comes after reports that it is a leading candidate to be relegated from the FTSE 100 - along with asset manager St James's Place, which is down 1.6%.

The FTSE 100 overall is down 0.2% this morning amid ongoing uncertainty over interest rate cuts in the US.

Gainers include mining firm Fresnillo and water firm United Utilities, which are both up more than 2.4%.

On the currency markets, £1 buys $1.27 US or €1.17 - similar to yesterday.

A barrel of benchmark Brent crude has climbed to almost $85 (£66.60) this morning, a rise of nearly 1%.

Spotify subscribers have the chance to nab a slightly cheaper deal after it quietly launched new plans - but you'll have to be willing to give up one thing.

If you pay for an individual, duo or family subscription, you can save up to £24 a year by switching to one of the music platform's new "basic" plans, according to Money Saving Expert .

The catch, though, is that you'll lose audiobooks. All the other benefits such as no ads, song downloads and higher-quality audio will remain for existing subscribers.

The "basic" plans are the same price as Spotify's premium options used to be before it hiked prices last month. Most of the premium plans include 15 hours a month of audiobook listening time.

Only existing Spotify subscribers can get the new basic option for now - there's no date set for when they'll become available to everyone, Money Saving Expert said.

Every Wednesday we ask Michelin chefs to pick their favourite Cheap Eats where they live and when they cook at home. This week we speak to Dave Wall, head chef at the UK's number one ranked gastropub, The Unruly Pig in Suffolk.

Hi Dave , c an you tell us your favourite places in Suffolk  where you can get a meal for two for less than £40?

Honey + Harvey . A cracking spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch. They have the most delicious coffee and a cracking full English, the vibe is super-chilled and laidback and I always feel so relaxed there.

Lark . A beautiful little independent restaurant in Bury St Edmunds with the most incredible selection of small plates and top-drawer cooking. Admittedly, I find myself spending a fair bit more than £40 at Lark because I love James Carn's cooking so much that I end up going way over the top and ordering far too many dishes.

What's your go-to cheap meal at home?

Anchovy pasta is one. I get that anchovy is often considered a Marmite ingredient. I love them, but if you are in the "hate" camp, then please bear with me, as I want to persuade you to give these versatile little wonders a second look (and perhaps not tar all anchovies with the same brush).

My recipe below uses both brown and brined anchovies. It is an easier but still utterly delicious version of the dish I've served at The Unruly Pig (which also comes with an oyster velouté). This is comfort food at its best. Buon appetito!

• 250g butter
• 70g brown anchovies (ideally Cantabrian)
• 1 clove garlic
• 30g double cream
• 25g of brined anchovies

Add all the ingredients to a pan. Bring to a slow simmer on a low heat. Once the mixture starts to boil, remove, and transfer to blender. Blend for two minutes until the mixture is well emulsified. Set aside.

Pangrattato

Three bread slices, crusts removed (staler the better)

• 1 garlic clove
• 1 lemon zest
• Pinch salt & pepper

Blend all the ingredients in food processor, making sure the crumb is fine. On a low heat, gently toast the crumbs until they become golden.

• 125 g of fresh spaghetti per person
• Grated Parmesan, brined anchovy, celery leaf to garnish 

Gently the cook the pasta in simmering boiling water, add plenty of salt to the pasta water so it tastes like sea water. Cook for 1-2 minutes - or to instructions if using dried.

Bring it all together

Meanwhile, gently heat the anchovy pasta sauce in a large pan so it becomes warm. Be careful not to boil. Once the pasta is cooked, gently remove and put it straight in to the warmed anchovy sauce. Add a splash of the pasta water to retain some of the starch (as this will help thicken your sauce).

Gently cook the pasta in the anchovy sauce until it becomes thick and creamy, and the sauce coats the pasta. Serve into a bowl and add the Parmesan, fresh anchovies and celery leaf on top.

Generously sprinkle the pasta with the golden pangrattato to add a wonderful texture and crunch.

We've spoken to lots of top chefs and bloggers - check out their cheap eats from around the country here...

Beach-goers in Cumbria have been warned they could face a fine of up to £1,000 if they remove pebbles or shells across the area.

Cumberland Council has told visitors it is unlawful to take natural materials such as sand, shells and pebbles from the beach under the Coast Protection Act.

Cumberland councillor Bob Kelly said it was important to "ensure that our beaches remain vibrant and intact for future generations".

"I understand people's reluctance to follow this guidance, as I have been a collector of shells myself. But taking a pebble or a shell from a beach can in fact damage the environment," he said.

"Pebbles and other natural matter act as a natural sea defence against coastal erosion, natural flood defences and wildlife habitats, which many experts warn has become even more of an issue due to climate change."

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