Key takeaways
- Undergraduate dissertations typically range from 8,000 to 10,000 words
- Introduction should be approximately 10% of the total word count
- Structure includes introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion
How long should a dissertation introduction be?
Now, while this obviously depends on the word count of your dissertation, you should still be aiming to write a certain amount in your introduction. Here you should introduce what your dissertation is about, and anything else the marker should know before reading the rest of your work. This includes main points or arguments, and the research background and context. An introduction should also include why you chose this topic and why it’s important or unique. If your introduction includes all of this, then it will be long enough. Although, if you are stuck, I wouldn’t write any less than 500 words for an introduction, but again it depends on the overall word count. Consider ten percent a good benchmark.How to structure your dissertation

What to include in your dissertation
A dissertation is probably the first big writing project most of us has ever done, and it’s really daunting wondering how you’re going to reach the word limit. Something that every dissertation needs is an understanding of current research. This will make up the bulk of most people’s dissertations, so it’s important to research as much as possible and ensure you have enough of it to include in your work. Then, you also need your own work. Whether this be findings or opinions, experiments or readings, you should include your own opinion on the topic, and what you did to reach this opinion. This is where graphs and research will help you back up the argument you’re making. You might also want to note down limitations or things future research could do differently. These are great points to make in your conclusion – just try not to be too negative on your own work.When should you start your dissertation

How long should a dissertation conclusion be?
Writing conclusions can be difficult, since it does sound a bit like you’re repeating everything you’ve just said. Your conclusion should basically summarise the end result you came to after all the research and work you did. You should answer the question your dissertation asks, and say what backs this up, or what made you come to this conclusion. The conclusion should be around a similar length to the introduction, but should also be concise. As mentioned, it might be nice to reflect on the strengths and limitations of your study design, and how future research might improve it. You could also include a section on the contribution of your findings to the broader academic field. Find more about what to include in your conclusion here. Hopefully this has made the whole thing less daunting. You might also want to check out our post on how to choose a dissertation title.
Change: Reviewed guide for accuracy and added Key takeaways to enhance user experience
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Connor is a seasoned content expert at Unifresher, specialising in publishing engaging and insightful student-focused content. With over four years of experience in data analysis and content strategy, Connor has a proven track record of supporting publishing teams with high-quality resources. A graduate of the University of Sussex with a BSc in Accounting and Finance, he combines his academic background with his passion for creating content that resonates with students across the UK. Outside of work, Connor enjoys staying active at his local gym and walking his miniature dachshunds.
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