A dissertation is a major project that requires careful planning and time management. Breaking the process down into manageable stages is essential for success.
6-12 months before submission
- Select topic and develop research question
- Meet with potential supervisors
- Begin preliminary literature review
- Draft research proposal
- Obtain ethics approval (if required)
3-6 months before submission
- Complete detailed literature review
- Finalize methodology and research design
- Collect data or conduct primary research
- Begin data analysis
- Draft methodology and literature review chapters
1-3 months before submission
- Complete data analysis
- Draft findings and discussion chapters
- Revise earlier chapters based on findings
- Draft introduction and conclusion
- Create figures, tables, and appendices
Final month
- Complete full draft
- Proofread and edit
- Check formatting and references
- Obtain feedback if possible
- Final revisions and submission
Pro Tip
Always build buffer time into your dissertation timeline. Research often takes longer than expected, and unforeseen challenges can arise. Having extra time allows you to adapt without compromising the quality of your work.