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.

Link to: Dissertation services, Custom Dissertation, Dissertation Examples

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.

8. 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.

Link to: 1st Class Dissertation, Custom Dissertation, Dissertation Writers

1. Have something to say. Your dissertation stands for your personal academic position, so it helps to believe what you write and write what you believe. Be well informed and secure in your position, then take confidence in your intellect and take a stand.

2. Rigorous research. Most dissertation will involve primary source and the collection of novel data, but even for library based research projects it is essential that you invest appropriate levels of time and brain power in this fundamental activity. The strength of research is the foundation for the entire dissertation.

3. Synthesis of ideas. Take ideas, information, theories and perspectives from wherever you think appropriate. Often it is advisable to take a wide-spectrum research approach. When doing so, it is all the more important to be careful and thorough in your systematic and coherent synthesis of ideas.

4. Time to think. You may very well be tempted to start making progress on this long piece of work as soon as possible; you would be right to do so, but remember that words on the page are not the single measure of progress. Do not write until you have something meaningful to say.

5. Know what is expected. Consult all available material detailing the specifications of the work you are undertaking. Talk to departmental staff, read old dissertations, scrutinise the marking and assessment criteria, and generally become familiar with what is expected.

6. Plan. Once you know the specifications inside out, you will be in a position to make a realistic plan of how to spend your time and how to structure your essay. Think ahead, anticipate problems and above all ensure you do not end up hurrying the write-up.

7. Care and attention. Dissertation essays are such substantial pieces of work that there are a great many aspects to be considered. Failure to meet the required standards in any one of these areas will put a ceiling on the mark you can expect to receive, so be diligent in all areas and demonstrate your professionalism.

8. Balance. Different parts of your dissertation will be weighted differently for their significance and the marks they carry. Bear this in mind when structuring your dissertation in order to reduce padding in minor areas and ensure substantial content in important sections.

9. End game. There can often be a considerable period of time between the beginning and end of just the writing stage of your dissertation project. Remember therefore to retain focus and keep your conclusions relevant to your original research questions. Clarity of focus is a strong indicator of your overall academic competence.

10. Review. Perhaps it seems a long time off now, but when you have finished writing the first draft, be certain to review it. Sometimes it serves to clear your mind of it before doing so to look at it afresh. Proofread for impeccable language and coherence of arguments as well as logical structure and sound reasoning.

Important Links: Custom Essay, Custom Dissertation, Custom Dissertation Examples