Before you begin the research for your masters dissertation, you need to construct a title.  Title creation is a two stage process.  First you need to choose a problem to research, then you need to craft a title that explains clearly what you are trying to achieve.  Here are some pointers to keep in mind as you work on the title.

Writing the Dissertation Title

• Give yourself plenty of time to work on the title.  In comparison to the rest of the dissertation, the title may seem like a small thing, but it could take you weeks to construct a good dissertation title.
• Carry a notepad. Jot down any quotes that could be incorporated usefully into your title.
• Although your research topic and the dissertation title will be original, this doesn’t mean that you have to write an arcane or unintelligible title.  Keep your language clear and don’t use unnecessarily long words in the title in order to impress.  Just write a clear title setting out what you mean to research.
• The title should reflect the problem you intend to investigate. You don’t want to be told that you have not answered the question!
• Keep the title problem focused. Who?  What?  When?  Where?  Why?  How?  Which?  You are looking for a title that makes it clear you are investigating a problem and trying to solve it. The dissertation will not simply be a descriptive passage.
• One possibility is to use a quote and then a description of what you are trying to achieve.  This hooks the reader’s attention and then clarifies your intention.
• If you’re finding title creation hard make sure you talk to other students.  Someone who has found a good title may be able to tell you where or how they came up with the idea.
• Refine the title in discussion with your supervisor. They should be able to offer you valuable advice.
• Once you have your title, remain flexible.  As you begin to read you may decide to change your direction slightly.
• Don’t feel disheartened if you find it hard to come up with a title. Title creation is a tricky part of the dissertation writing process and there isn’t a great deal of advice around on how to tackle it.

Have you written your dissertation title yet?  Are you finding it hard to commit to one topic?  Let us know.  Post a comment below.