How to write your first thesis

Many courses and degrees require that students write a short thesis.

This book guides students through their first experience of producing a thesis and undertaking original research.

Written by experienced researchers and advisors, the book sets out signposts and tasks to help students to understand what is needed to succeed, including scoping a topic, managing references, interpreting data, and successful completion. For students, the task of writing a thesis is a transition from structured coursework to becoming a researcher.

The book provides advice on:What to expect from research and how to work with a supervisorGetting organized and approaching the work in a productive wayDeveloping an overall thesis structure and avoidance of mistakes such as inadvertent plagiarismProducing each major component: a strong introduction, background chapters that are situated in the discipline, and an explanation ofmethods and results that are crucial to successful original researchHow to wrap up a complex project with an extended checklist of the many details needed to be checked before a final submissionProducing and managing a thesis for the first time can be a daunting task, and this reader-friendly guidebook provides a framework for students to do their best.