Writing & Structuring an Effective Thesis (Module 1)

Session Summary

This session, as the name suggests, will focus on the writing - style, structure and presentation - of an effective PhD thesis. Using examples throughout, attendees will be shown how to access relevant exemplar theses in their subject area and issues covered will include the overall chapter structure, the aims and presentation of specific chapters (including the introduction, literature review, theoretical/methodological chapters, study chapters, and general discussion), and the manner in which they might or should be combined to create an effective and impactful thesis. The need to create a single ‘golden thread’ or ‘guiding narrative’ for the thesis will also be emphasised. Writing an 80-100000 word document is very difficult indeed and this session is designed to help break the task into manageable chunks.

Indicative Feedback for this Session

I'd just like to say that yesterday's session ‘Writing & Structuring an Effective Thesis’ was an enormous help to me. The session helped to clear away a lot of the mental blocks that I've had that have resulted in a struggle to get my writing off the ground. As a result of the session, I now feel able to lay out a road map and make a start. So thank you very much (Greenwich).

I had my transfer exam and I passed!! I had a question about my thesis structure and I said that I attended a brilliant session about thesis structuring by Dr Simon Watts…I think the panel members will be asking their students to attend your sessions (Cumbria).

The main strength [of this session] was its applicability across disciplines…This improves my understanding of what a thesis should do [and] the section by section explanations you provide are fantastic (Leeds Trinity).

The examples of the thesis structure were very helpful and clear. This way we can think about how, creatively, to create our own…You should be paid extra for these sessions, they are amazing (Roehampton).

I wish I had heard [all] this three years ago! I'm currently in the final stage of writing my thesis and these tips have really helped me to get a handle on the sections I am struggling with and make it a better overall thesis. Many thanks - I'm inspired to bring this over the line (City).