The Dissertation Situation

I have read other blogs concerning dissertations and recall if I would ever write one – well now I am.

The time is nigh!

It’s not only the writing of 15,000 words which makes the task daunting, but also the forming of new relationships (for example, with my supervisor), the learning of new skills and the learning of new processes.

The 15,000 words seem to be a lot. Until you start to write and then you might realise that actually you haven’t got enough room to state all of your thoughts in a linear piece. Writing in chapters rather than in continuous prose is also different. New skill include completing the ethical application form and awaiting feedback  – and eventually acceptance. New processes include the large volume of research to which you have committed. For this you really need excellent notation skills and the ability to analyse large amounts of information.

The editing, checking and proofing required lead to the finalisation, printing and submission of your piece. Do you want a copy – of course you do. Then the tingle down your spine when you finally press that submit button! Done it at last!

But the stress remains. It’s a long time until the results are due …