1. 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.

6. 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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1. Originality. Standard undergraduate essays usually do not require substantial originality, but your dissertation represents your own academic position. The main bulk of the piece will be based on an exposition of your own ideas, generated from an investigation of original stated objectives.

2. Content. Not only should you express original ideas, but aim also to demonstrate your understanding of the place of your dissertation topic within its academic context. A good 2.1 mark requires a valid and relevant subject of study, with research objectives that are interesting and manageable.

3. Data collection. In some form or other you will gather data for analysis and interpretation. The nature of this data will vary considerably depending on your subject area and objectives. Clearly demonstrate the reasons behind your chosen data collection method.

4. Conceptual framework. Data makes little or no sense outside of an appropriate conceptual framework. Confidence in handling and interpreting ideas is a must for a 2.1 dissertation. Bear this in mind when writing your literature review chapter.

5. Structure and organisation. Your dissertation is likely the longest single piece of academic work you have yet attempted. A diligent approach to structuring and organising the material is absolutely necessary to maintain coherence.

6. Quality of expression. The fullest expression of your thoughts depends on a number of factors: sound command of the English language, solid understanding of specialist vocabulary, coherence of argumentation. A failure in any of these areas will jeopardise your 2.1 mark.

7. Literature. A novel piece of research carries little meaning outside of the subject’s existing literature. You are required to show a thorough engagement with the existing research literature in order to contextualise your findings. Cast your net widely and show your competence in researching through a number of avenues.

8. Critical analysis. It is not enough simply to provide evidence of the breadth of your wider reading; you must critically analyse the relevant material. Identify key issues, flag up notable controversies and judge the comparative significance of various parts of the literature with regard to your own research objectives.

9. Findings. You have already formulated a clear and concise topic or set of research questions, so ensure that these are addressed directly in your findings. Your answer must be relevant to your stated aims. Failure to match up your findings with your original objectives will signal a lack of focus and inadequate research.

10. Academic conventions. Broadly speaking, these conventions encompass all aspects of your dissertation which mark it out as a serious piece of academic work. Ensure that you do not undermine your credibility by failing to use proper referencing, formatting and presentational devices.

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1. Specifications. Understand your departmental specifications for writing a dissertation to ensure that you fully understand what is expected of you. Such specifications should be seen as an aid rather than a hindrance. This is likely the most challenging piece of work you have attempted, so make it manageable by considering each aspect of the specification in turn.

2. Read other available dissertations. Most university departments will keep back copies of previous dissertations for you to read on request. Make use of this opportunity to develop a sense of how your finished piece might feel. You can also find plenty of tips for structure, style and tone.

3. Plan your time. Any dissertation takes a great many hours of research, reading, thinking and drafting. Set yourself realistic goals for completing certain tasks or sections of your work. Not only will this make the entire project more manageable, but will help instil the discipline necessary to achieve the best possible marks.

4. Draw up a chapter list. Structuring your dissertation is extremely important, so set about doing this as early as possible. This will not mean that you are committed entirely to a predetermined plan, but will help retain focus in your writing and thoroughness in detail. Consult other dissertations and departmental advice for a general approach to chapter headings and the appropriate organisation of material.

5. Not just chapters. Be familiar with proper usage of ancillary elements such as abstracts, bibliographies, appendices, diagrams, and so forth. Your chosen referencing system should also be consistently adhered to and written with the proper notation. Once again, reading examples of other people’s work is often the best way to familiarise yourself with these sometimes confusing extra elements.

6. Progression and development. A dissertation is an extended piece of writing which should ideally sustain interest throughout. A clear progression and development of ideas and arguments helps this cause enormously. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a movement from an early concern with theory to a later focus on evidence.

7. Departmental relationships. Different faculties in different universities will provide varying types of support. Almost always there should be at least one member of staff whose advice can be sought when in doubt. Consulting the expertise of professional academics is rarely a bad move, and can often clarify the best route available in writing your dissertation.

8. Tone and style. Be mindful of hitting the right note in terms of tone and style. Avoid familiarity and remove the first person except where necessary. For those struggling with the academic register, show your work to peers and consider their advice in how the piece comes across.

9. Assessment criteria. As well as providing detailed specifications, most departments will be able to provide on request the criteria by which your dissertation will be ultimately assessed. Familiarise yourself with the number and variety of different criteria, and consider also the way in which marking is weighted between different sections of the work, as this can provide clues for structuring the text.

10. Back up files! Back up computer files as you go along, make hard copies of completed chapters, or use online data storage if need be. This is a big piece of work requiring a great deal of effort over a long period. Stave off potential disaster by taking proper precautions against theft or damage to your computer.

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