Learn to:

• Choose a winning topic and finalise your research question
• Find information on or offline, or collect your own empirical data
• Whip the final version of your work into shape
• Approach the whole project with confidence

All you need to research, write and present a brilliant dissertation

As long as you adopt a winning plan of attack, writing a dissertation needn't take over your life. Focusing on the social sciences, this book breaks down your project into bite-size chunks, leading you step-by-step through the process. From research, structure and building a coherent argument, to polishing your final draft and avoiding common pitfalls, you'll find everything you need to reach the finishing post with finesse.

• Prepare for what's ahead ? choose your dissertation topic, write a strong proposal, decide on structure and pin down your research question
• Tackle the ground rules ? plan your time wisely and practise effective reading and note-taking
• Present first-class research ? gather the material you need, analyse your data and clearly display your findings
• Nail the writing ? transform your ideas into polished text, with clear arguments, thorough references and a solid conclusion

Open the book and find:

• Tips on writing either an empirical or non-empirical dissertation
• How to make the best use of your supervisor
• The elements of a great interview or questionnaire
• How to draw meaningful conclusions from your research
• Reviewing and editing skills to refine your first draft
• The right way to reference, build a bibliography and avoid plagiarism
• Perfect printing, binding and presentation techniques
• What should make your final checklist