Succeeding with Your Master's Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Handbook

Succeeding with your Master’s Dissertation is a thorough and comprehensive guide for postgraduate dissertation students. Now in its fifth edition, it offers clear, straightforward and practical support for each stage of the master’s dissertation.

Brimming with examples of good practice, to help students to reach their full potential, this fully updated and revised edition takes students through the entire writing process, from start to finish, from proposal to submission.

Featuring detailed guidance on how to:
•Clarify your research objectives
•Produce a research proposal
•Complete each chapter of a traditional dissertation: Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methods, Findings, and Conclusion
•Reference sources
•Add a professional touch
•Prepare for a viva

This is essential reading for social science students of all disciplines. Additional, tailored advice is provided on: 
•Writing about theory and practice
•Critiquing what you have created
•Completing a systematic review


I first became aware of John’s work on how to undertake your MSc when he came to give a presentation on this subject to our cohort of MSc students. I loved his methodology and practical advice. I bought this book and since then have tried to apply its advice to the MSc students I supervise and others I have tried to help. Buy it, it will help you – it’s worth every penny.

Dr Mario Antonioletti, EPCC, The University of Edinburgh, UK

In this book John Biggam, offers a clear background on why a dissertation is a standard part of many Masters programmes, and provides a user-friendly approach to planning and writing large pieces of work.  Pragmatic advice and guidance on good practise will help students to keep on track with their dissertation, and avoid common errors.  The book is written in a reassuring way which should be applicable to students across disciplines.

Donna Murray, Head of Taught Student Development, The University of Edinburgh, UK

Biggam’s book, now in its fifth edition, is the go-to guide to researching and producing a Master’s dissertation. Taking a practical, skills-based yet scholarly approach, it is current, comprehensive and rigorous. Standout content includes sections on common mistakes made by students, useful templates and a unique chapter on Dissertations by Practice, making it an instructive resource for students of the social sciences and humanities alike.

Dr Kate Daniels, Senior Teaching Officer in Academic Training & Development for International Students, University of Cambridge, UK