Dissertations and Project Reports
A Step by Step Guide
2nd Edition
Published on 2. April 2026
264 pages
978-1-350-58055-8 (ISBN)
Description
Bestselling author Stella Cottrell taps into her tried and tested formula for learning and brings students the essential guide to producing top-quality dissertations and project reports.
The book breaks down this process into manageable chunks and covers everything from preparation and planning through to conducting research and writing up the finished article. Packed with dozens of hands-on activities and quotes from real students, this book demystifies dissertations and project reports and helps ensure that the process is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. The second edition has been updated to provide guidance on working effectively with AI tools as part of the research process. It also features additional material on delivering presentations and preparing for an oral exam. Recognising that the process of completing a research project can be stressful, the second edition contains a brand new chapter on self-care and managing wellbeing.
This is an invaluable resource for students of all levels embarking on a dissertation, project report or other piece of extended writing. Its interdisciplinary approach means it is the ideal companion for students, regardless of the subject they are studying.
The book breaks down this process into manageable chunks and covers everything from preparation and planning through to conducting research and writing up the finished article. Packed with dozens of hands-on activities and quotes from real students, this book demystifies dissertations and project reports and helps ensure that the process is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. The second edition has been updated to provide guidance on working effectively with AI tools as part of the research process. It also features additional material on delivering presentations and preparing for an oral exam. Recognising that the process of completing a research project can be stressful, the second edition contains a brand new chapter on self-care and managing wellbeing.
This is an invaluable resource for students of all levels embarking on a dissertation, project report or other piece of extended writing. Its interdisciplinary approach means it is the ideal companion for students, regardless of the subject they are studying.
More details
Series
Edition
2nd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
Tables, figures, illustrations throughout
File size
21,95 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-350-58055-8 (9781350580558)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
04/2026
2nd Edition
Bloomsbury Academic
€24.00
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Stella Cottrell was formerly Director of Lifelong Learning at the University of Leeds, UK, and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Learning and Teaching at the University of East London, UK
Content
Introduction
Part 1. Preparation and planning
1.'Where do I start?'
2.What skills will I need?
3.What makes a good dissertation or research project?
4.Project manage your dissertation
5.Managing yourself for the task
6.Self-care: managing wellbeing and stress
7.Using time effectively
8.Working with your supervisor
Part 2. Developing your proposal
9.Understanding the assignment brief
10.Ethical considerations
11.Using AI tools for research assignments
12.Choosing your topic and title
13.Literature search and review
14.Principles of good research
15.Methodological approaches
16.Writing your research proposal
Part 3. Conducting your research
17.The evidence base
18.Working with participants
19.Experiments
20.Observations
21.Surveys and questions
22.Interviews
23.Case studies
24.Interpreting your findings
Part 4. Writing up and presenting your findings
25.Your writing strategy
26.Getting the structure right
27.Fine-tuning your writing
28.Making a presentation
29.Preparing for an oral exam
Part 1. Preparation and planning
1.'Where do I start?'
2.What skills will I need?
3.What makes a good dissertation or research project?
4.Project manage your dissertation
5.Managing yourself for the task
6.Self-care: managing wellbeing and stress
7.Using time effectively
8.Working with your supervisor
Part 2. Developing your proposal
9.Understanding the assignment brief
10.Ethical considerations
11.Using AI tools for research assignments
12.Choosing your topic and title
13.Literature search and review
14.Principles of good research
15.Methodological approaches
16.Writing your research proposal
Part 3. Conducting your research
17.The evidence base
18.Working with participants
19.Experiments
20.Observations
21.Surveys and questions
22.Interviews
23.Case studies
24.Interpreting your findings
Part 4. Writing up and presenting your findings
25.Your writing strategy
26.Getting the structure right
27.Fine-tuning your writing
28.Making a presentation
29.Preparing for an oral exam
