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.
3. 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?

8. 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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