Firstly, read the guidelines for your course. Each university or college will have its own format of how a dissertation should be undertaken and written.

Prepare before you begin

		Identify the date on which it is due to be submitted in its final form.
		Find out the format required
		Decide the type of research (ie, quantitative or qualitative) you are going to undertake.
		Identify your supervisor and make an appointment to meet him or her: developing a good rapport will only enhance the support and guidance you receive. Arrange to meet regularly.

Choose a topic
This can be difficult. Choose a topic that is feasible and relevant to your course. If you choose something too broad, you will never complete it.

You should also be interested in the topic. This will give you the motivation you will need for a successful dissertation.

However check the topic first with your supervisor before beginning. There is nothing worse than finding out after you have begun researching a topic, that it does not meet the course requirements.

Next, check that the department has the resources you will need to complete this project.

Ask your supervisor again
Now present more details of your proposed topic to your supervisor. This should include the following.

		Outline on paper what you intend to research and how.
		Show your supervisor a reference list of relevant literature, (if possible).
		Be able to justify your choice.
		Agree time frames for each part of the project with your supervisor.
		Pre-arrange appointments to meet to review your work.

Plan your project
Set out on paper the dates you will complete each aspect of the project and stick to them.

If you have questionnaires or interviews to prepare, allow time to complete and gather this data. This always takes longer than you think!

And allow enough time for the data analysis.

Writing up your dissertation
Check your university's or college's preferred format for the following.

		Reference style
		Manuscript format. This is font size, margins, and spacing. Many institutions opt for Times Roman, as it is easy to read, double spaced, and size-12 font size
		Make your reference list as you go along. There is nothing worse than coming to the end and discovering that you can't find a paper you have quoted.
		Don't use slang words and avoid the use of colloquial terms.
		Do pay attention to your grammar, spelling and punctuation.