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1. Be involved. Genuine personal engagement with the issues under scrutiny is the foundation to generating original work. Being interested in what you are researching will not only give you the motivation to persevere and work thoroughly, but will mean that your mind is switched on and primed to make new insights.

2. Critical analysis. Originality need not just take the form of new data or fresh research problems; maintaining a critical perspective when reviewing the available literature can generate a great deal of novel insight and genuinely valuable work.

post_analysis3. Thorough research. It is of course necessary in a good dissertation to provide evidence of intensive research activity, but consider also the value of uncovering obscure, esoteric or unusual sources by trawling the literature. Such finds may considerable increase your chances of generating new ideas.

4. Niche topics. Many areas of research in your subject areas may appear to have been pumped dry, but what about those occasional odd areas which typically draw limited interest? Do not feign interest in a niche topic for this purpose alone, but if your do feel some engagement, you may be at a distinct advantage with regard to originality.

5. Novel research questions. All good dissertations should have some measure of novelty in the questions posed, but some problems are more fresh than others. Even well-trodden issues can usually be considered from new and intriguing perspectives. Novelty in your initial statements of intent will pave the way for originality in findings.

6. Inter-disciplinary approaches. Very fashionable in some academic circles, inter-disciplinary approaches to your work benefit from novel combinations and relationships between fields of study which have enjoyed little comparison in the past. If you have competence in more than one distinct field then this could be a fruitful avenue for you.

7. Recombination. Pick old ingredients and mix together in a new way to throw up some potential for original discussion in your dissertation. How does new data look when viewed through the lens of forgotten theoretical paradigms? Can historical findings be re-evaluated from the perspective of contemporary issues in your subject area?

compass18. Mastery of your field. An intimate and rich knowledge of your subject area can act like a roadmap to direct you to the most fruitful avenues of research. Think about those areas of your field which buzz with controversy and the promise of academic progress.

9. Antagonism. Not just a personality defect, but a whole approach to academic work. An antagonistic approach will favour marginal positions, controversial issues, the dissection of false assumptions and the defiance of academic consensus.

10. Confidence. This component of your psychology is not something that can be learned here, but you should be able to see the relationship between assurance – even risk-taking – and originality. If you are convinced of a position, you may well be able to convince others, no matter how unorthodox your stance.

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original-text

1. Originality. A dissertation constitutes your personal academic position, and should therefore by nature be substantially original in order to fulfil its basic requirement. Originality comes in shades and degrees, however, and for an upper 1st mark you must demonstrate in all aspects of your work an original critical stance and unique perspective, informed by your novel research aims.

2. Content. The content of your upper 1st class dissertation must be gauged to relate meaningfully and appropriately with the existing literature. The scope of your work must be clearly delineated, its aims relevant, interesting and cognisant of significant trends in the field, and its findings compelling, persuasive and important.

3. Data collection. Your thorough understanding of the data collection methods applicable in your chosen field must be communicated unambiguously to the reader. Justify your chosen methodology through a rigorous comparative analysis of available alternatives and evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of the chosen approach.

4. Conceptual framework. Demonstrate a thorough and deeply engaged understanding of the tissue of ideas and theoretical paradigms surrounding your chosen area of research and remain mindful of this background conceptual framework when discussing your findings. To achieve the very highest marks you must appropriate these ideas to your own needs and use them to render your data intelligible.

5. Structure and organisation. Proper chapter development, subheadings, introductory and concluding sections: each should be employed seamlessly to provide for absolute clarity. Logical development of argument should be mirrored in – and facilitated by – coherent and intuitive organisation of material. Employ linking devices to guide the reader across chapters.

6. Quality of expression. For an upper 1st class dissertation, the quality of your written English should be consistent with expectations for any serious piece of academic research, which is to say absolutely impeccable. Your comfort with the academic register should be second nature, lending a consistent assured tone throughout. Total accuracy in usage of specialist vocabulary is required.

7. Literature. You will have an extremely wide first-hand knowledge of the relevant literature and the broad knowledge base which this brings. Reference material from an extensive variety of sources and demonstrate your expert scholarly acumen through citation of esoteric texts and unusual material alongside mastery of the core material.

post_critical-text18. Critical analysis. The material that you reference should be brought entirely under your command through a prodigious capacity to identify, draw out, critique, dissect and evaluate key concepts. In your analyses consider provenance as well as implications.

9. Findings. Ensure not only the relevance of your findings, but other attributes such as significance for the field, reproducibility, and the extent to which such findings can be generalised. Not only the nature of your findings but their position in relation to existing research must be thoroughly discussed.

10. Academic conventions. Demonstrate a total grasp of the appropriate use of referencing, abstracts, bibliographies and appendices. Remove all doubts as to your academic competence by completely eliminating errors in this area.

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post_research-post1. Originality. All dissertations involve the investigation of original aims or ideas. For a 1st class grade, however, you must demonstrate considerable originality in various areas, including objectives, critical thinking and findings. Think ahead when formulating your research questions in order to avoid being limited to spent areas of research.

2. Content. Careful decisions concerning the title of your dissertation can make the difference between a rather dull piece of work which struggles to generate fresh ideas, and an interesting and engaging topic which fits with the existing literature in unexpected and stimulating ways. Markers are only human: captivate them and maintain their interest.

3. Data collection. In aiming for a 1st class grade, you will be well versed in the comparative benefits and drawbacks of different data collection methods. Clearly demonstrate this thorough understanding of methodology to leave the marker in no doubt of your reasons for selecting one method over another.

4. Conceptual framework. An absolute must for achieving a 1st class mark, your conceptual thinking will be impressive to say the least. Emphasise the relationships between ideas and your consummate ability to identify the salient issues in any body of literature. Relate an established conceptual framework to your own findings.

5. Structure and organisation. Do not be fooled into thinking that paragraphs, subheadings and chapter organisation is trivial next to the impressive analytical acuity evident in your text. Sound structure is a prerequisite for proper comprehension, without which your glowing insights will be sadly lost.

post_vocabulary-texyt16. Quality of expression. Spelling, punctuation and grammar will naturally be flawless. Your command of subject-specific vocabulary and specialist terms must also be very strong. Make each paragraph, and each sentence, count. Ensure all points move on from the last in a coherent and logical development of thought.

7. Literature. Plainly speaking, it is impossible to write a 1st class dissertation without a wide and meaningful engagement with the relevant subject literature. At no point when reading your essay should the marker be in any doubt of your many hours in the library. Reference broad ranging but relevant texts.

8. Critical analysis. Every piece of literature cited in your dissertation should have been submitted to your merciless critical eye. Is it relevant? Have you thoroughly understood it? Have you considered its comparative significance for the question at hand? Have you identified the key issues and appropriated them to your own ends? If not, it should not be there.

9. Findings. Having so diligently considered the merits of your research questions, and so painstakingly assembled, analysed and contextualised the data, it would be a shame to undermine the whole thing by concluding with findings that fail to address your stated aims. Make your findings relevant, interesting and compellingly argued.

10. Academic conventions. The consistent use of an appropriate referencing system should, in terms of marks for your dissertation, be money in the bank. There are no excuses at this level for shoddily assembled bibliographies, appendices and footnotes. For a 1st class grade become a serious scholar.

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