The dissertation motivator

DarkConvict

It is all down to planning it really is, i submitted my dissertation for my degree on 26th April 2010, word limit was 20,000 excluding the appendix. I was actually having to take words out and the final result was slightly over the 20,000 limit with a total word count inc appendix&references of 66,989 in addition was the source code for my software of 50,186 lines of code. It was a weight of my shoulders when i submitted it, on the hand in day i had 3 copies of it for binding and it was heavy
It all paid off in the end

As to the planning i used MS Project to set out all my main tasks, allocate time for the tasks, put in the breaks (attempting to skip Christmas holidays doesn't work), sub task it all and ensure you not only stick to the plan but you keep it up to date.

I'm now due to start a master part-time for completion within 2 years. So time to start all over again.

midwinter7

I'm so joining this thread. About to start the third year of my civil engineering and CAD course, and hence the dissertation looms. The deadlines not until april, and the research stage is in play at the moment. I find I get random surges of motivation and get loads done, I just need to make them occur more often now ha!I second the idea of using MS Project to list all the goals, creating a timeline really helps to plan out the project, and useul for when you feel a bit down - having a plan for the whole schedule in front of you certainly helps me.

totmalysh

I submitted an MSc proposal on 31st August, now I am waiting for feedback and supervisor being appointed, hopefully, I will do everything according to my own plan and will submit it on time 31st August next year. Do not think about amount of pages or words yet, too early for that.

The_Intellectual

Hi All,
I remember when I did my dissertation for my MA in International Finance a couple of years ago. It was a really hard slog because I was working full time (like some of you) and doing my paper part time. On top of that when I started out I was having problems with my supervisor and I had to change half-way. The man would ignore my emails and when I met him to query he would say that he never received them so I change without even informing him. So I knew he was undermining me so I used that as a motivating factor to work very hard to complete my paper and pass with a very good grade (distinction).

I am not here to boast but I can understand what you are all going through. It is a challenging piece of work and I just want to encourage you all to fight on and don't loose sigth of your goal. Though it is difficult it is achievable but don't leave things too late or neglect to use your supervisor as a resource. After all he/she will be marking the work and should advise such that the work is capable of passing.

If any of you are struggling though and need a bit of help and support (especially if you are stuck and you feel your supervisor isn't helping) I am able to offer some guidance.

popadom

Some advice:
Break big things into small chunck-looks alot less...eg dont put "clean house "On a list, but "1)dust,2, hoover "ect.
For assignments i put "1, research " and gathetr alot of inffo
Also, NEVER check emails before you work!!! its been proven to not demotivate you, put put you off.
I find it easier, personally, to write drafts on paper. So id write a list of headings, eg if the title is some really long title, break it down so my first heading would be intro .
I take my drafts on paper with me so when i have 5 mins im not put off by having to turn the comp on, the internet. Try and say youll write 1000 words a week.. about a page and a bit

last advice
ALL WAYS BACK UP !!!!! my friend lost her work as her partner "played" with the comp and lost it all! Tutors are not sympathic..i keep usb and external hardrives as well as paper drafts...

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&rlz=1T4ADBF_en-GBGB279GB280&q=writing+dissertation&aq=0&aqi=g10&aql=&oq=writing+dis&gs_rfai= lots of links on it..

Sorry my writting is everywhere, im trying to type and think at the same time-deadly combo! :P good luck

axy_chng

This thread is sooo good..It gives enrouragements and support to all...

I am a Masters student in Law but I am having a hard time even to complete my assignments as my lecturers failed my 3 of my assignments by 2 marks. Its really sad because the comments given are so unacceptable - the books used are too old. The books recommended were a 2003 book and this book were used by my lecturer to teach us and we were all asked to refer. What does it means at all? I really don't know.

Now I have just handed 2 of my assignments hoping that they will let me pass them. I have tried my best in it hoping to have a chance to work on the last assignment and my dissertation.

I am hoping and praying hard for this because I had spent £8000 on my Masters (being an international student) and its super expensive.

Anyway, that is my story. FOr those who are working on your assignments or dissertation, good luck!! Do it early and do not wait till last minute.

ALl the best...CHeers!!

ultimatedingbat

I am just starting my dissertation, a 7,000 word portfolio of my creative writing and then 3000 words analysis. i am setting a goal of 1000 words a week so that means by November 14th I will have a full draft of the creative done. I am planning to leave the analysis part until near december as then I ahve lots to write about and can hopefully write it off quickly

ultimatedingbat

Intellectual - You see I can not do this as mine is not a conventional dissertation. Mine is in creative writing so involves my creative writing. It's hard when all you've got is the ideas in your head

pandora205

Ooo good. A new dissertation motivation thread - can I join please? I'm the worst procrastinator in the world!

I'm in my fourth year of a part time doctorate (EdPsychD) and work full time, having completed the taught modules. I can use some of my assignments as the options I chose were mainly related to my research topic, so hopefully some of the background has been done. We have to submit a thesis of 50000 and my time scale is ideally by Christmas 2011, although this is optimistic given my life.

I'm at the stage of completing a specialist research module, which is the literature review, research proposal, design overview and ethics committee submission. I have the research planned - I just need to get it all down on paper. However, I'm struggling with the time and discipline to do this as I have a lot on at work at the moment, so the support of this thread will be very useful.

Good luck to everyone else.

The_Intellectual

ultimatedingbat wrote: »

Intellectual - You see I can not do this as mine is not a conventional dissertation. Mine is in creative writing so involves my creative writing. It's hard when all you've got is the ideas in your head

ultimatedingbat,
So what are you supposed to be doing then? Are you meant to produce a piece of creative writing like a short story or something? If you can give me some sort of idea then maybe I might be able to give you some suggestions?