For many students in South African universities, the word "dissertation" can be daunting. It signals an in-depth research journey that demands careful planning, critical thinking, and commitment. But when is a dissertation required and are there different types of dissertation?
The answer isn’t as straightforward as one might think, because there are several types of dissertations shaped by unique academic discipline, faculty guidelines, and research approaches.
If this is something on your future horizon, understanding the different types of research and dissertation formats can help you to choose a structure that best suits your field of study and research goals.
To start, let’s dive into the different types of dissertation.
The Traditional (Monograph) Dissertation
When it comes to traditional types of dissertations, a monograph is the most commonly recognised format, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. It follows a structured approach, with chapters covering the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. This is one of those types of dissertation that will allow you to develop a deep, sustained argument over an extended piece of writing.
Fields That Use Monograph Dissertations:
- Humanities – History, Literature, Philosophy
- Social Sciences – Sociology, Political Science
- Business and Economics
- Law
Since this format is widely used, many dissertation writing guidelines focus on the effective structuring of a monograph. The biggest challenge for students tackling this type of dissertation is maintaining coherence across multiple chapters while ensuring their argument remains clear and compelling.
The Article-Based (Manuscript) Dissertation
In fields where publishing early is encouraged, one of the popular alternatives when it comes to types of dissertation is the article-based dissertation.
Rather than a single long study, this type consists of multiple stand-alone research articles, all linked by a common theme. These articles are often submitted to peer-reviewed journals, making them an excellent way for researchers to begin contributing to academic literature before completing their degrees.
Fields That Use Article-Based Dissertations:
- Medical Science
- Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Psychology
As a format that requires publishable research, remember that dissertation writing guidelines for article-based dissertations differ from traditional ones.
If this is the route that you choose, you will need to ensure that your paper forms a coherent whole, that includes an introduction and conclusion that ties them together. There’s no doubt, understanding what a dissertation entails in this format, is the first step to successfully completing it.
The Creative or Practice-Based Dissertation
Understandably, for students in artistic disciplines, research is usually inseparable from creative practice. A practice-based dissertation includes both a written research component as well as a creative project like a film, portfolio, or performance.
Fields That Use Creative Dissertations:
- Media Studies
- Fine Arts (Photography, Painting, Sculpture)
- Creative Writing
- Performing Arts (Theatre, Dance)
One of the challenges of this type of dissertation is the fine balancing act required to demonstrate artistic expression along with academic rigour. Universities typically require a research-based written component to contextualise the creative work that explains methodologies and theoretical frameworks. In essence, the powerful combination of practical and written work makes this format unique among the different types of research.
When it comes to the types of dissertation to consider, remember to carefully consider the associated dissertation writing guidelines so that your work meets the acidic expectations of your programme.
The Technical or Industry-Based Dissertation
In professional degrees, a dissertation is often designed to address the real-world challenges faced by the industry to which it is contributing! If you are tackling a technical or industry-based dissertation that involves applied research in the field of electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering, this is the one you would use. Similarly, if you are completing an MBA or a degree in supply chain management, this format would work best. Another field where technical types of dissertations would likely be required is in the area of public health.
To explain it a bit further, an MBA student might analyse market trends to develop a business strategy, while an engineering student could design a new manufacturing process, however, unlike purely theoretical dissertations, industry-based projects are often conducted in collaboration with companies or institutions to ensure practical application.
Dissertation writing guidelines for projects with a technical component focus on making research accessible to industry professionals and often incorporate case studies, business reports, or feasibility studies.
Are you able to answer the question – what does a dissertation entail?
By understanding the types of dissertation suited to your project, you have a better chance of truly making an impact in your field of research.
Qualitative vs Quantitative Dissertations
Apart from format, the approach taken in a dissertation can significantly impact its structure. Here, two main research methodologies determine types of dissertations in terms of academic research: qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Qualitative Dissertations
Qualitative research focuses on exploring ideas, experiences, and meanings rather than numerical data and is most commonly used in the social sciences and humanities fields.
For example, in a qualitative dissertation, if you were a South African anthropology student, you might conduct interviews to understand cultural perceptions of climate change.
Quantitative Dissertations
On the other hand, quantitative research relies on numerical data, statistics, and objective measurements.
In medical sciences, for example, a dissertation might analyse the effectiveness of a new treatment using clinical trial data.
Many dissertations use a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative and quantitative elements for a more comprehensive analysis. Understanding the different types of research methodologies means that you will select the best approach for your study.
Find out more about the dissertation writing guidelines for your programme from your faculty administrator as this will help you to determine whether a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approach is most suitable.
University and Faculty Guidelines
Remember that dissertation types can vary by faculty and university. This means that the question: what does a dissertation entail will vary from one department, in the same institution, to another.
For example, the format and requirements of an MBA dissertation, will be vastly different to a history dissertation.
So given that each faculty has its own dissertation writing guidelines, which outline expectations for structure, length, and methodology, it’s helpful to know that South African universities and business schools often favour applied research, while humanities faculties typically require monograph-style dissertations.
In addition, engineering departments usually encourage technical reports, whereas creative faculties accept hybrid dissertations that incorporate artistic work.
As a student, your first aim towards dissertation writing to is understand the different types of dissertations that your faculty allows and then to follow those guidelines!
Choosing the Right Dissertation Format
To choose the correct dissertation format for your project, be sure to consider your research objectives, the requirements of your discipline and fault and of course, your own career goals.
For instance, if you are planning to enter academia, then an article-based dissertation would be beneficial because the result is published work, however, if you are a creative student, then you may want to embrace the practice-based dissertation.
When you understand the different types of research and dissertation structures available, you are better equipped to align your work with your academic requirements and personal ambitions.
Ultimately, no matter the format, all dissertations demand careful planning, strong arguments, and adherence to dissertation writing guidelines.
By taking the right approach, you will confidently navigate the dissertation process and transform your research into a valuable academic or professional contribution.
So, can you answer the question: what does a dissertation entail?
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
