dissertation workload

[steerpike]

This summer im (in theory) working on a dissertation for my final year in modern history. As Ive never done a dissertation of 12,000 words before (let alone the research for something this big), Im interested to know how much work everyone else out there in my situation is doing for it... (ie how many hours per week, etc) Any advice from post-grads, graduates and soon-to-be 4th years very welcome, as im worrying a bit about how much im supposed to be putting in.

thanks

[hr]

Nothing is easier than to condemn the evildoer, nothing is harder than to understand him.

F.Dostoevsky

[pea]

I guess it all depends when it's due and the nature of the dissertation.
I'm starting work on my Geography dissertation at the minute, which is due in Dec 1st. I've got mud samples to analyze, and then have to do some statistics on the figures I get. I have to review the literature too, so that involves a lot of time and effort, and then theres bringing it all together for discussion, which again takes effort.

I think I can only recommend taking a few hours or as much as you can spare a day, and putting it towards your research, or note taking, or just planning it. If you spread that out over the summer then it'll probably be easier when you come to sit down and write it all.

So when is it due?

[hr]



I'm a little pea, I love the sky and the trees...

[smeagol]

I began mine (due Jan 06) as term started, which worked out well - I had plenty of time to research it and could spend quite a bit of time writing. It was 12,000 words too, in Theology, and I must say, I wasn't really too stressed about the whole thing. I used to spend Monday/Tuesday on my other course, and the rest of the week on the dissertation, reducing dissertation time as the workload for the other increased.

On the other hand, I have a friend who began hers in November (also due Jan) and despite tearing her hair out for two months and having sleepless nights, got it in and did really well.

Its just a case of deciding how you work best. If you work well under intense pressure, then put your feet up for the summer. If you like to relax a bit, then begin in September. My only piece of advice: make sure you know exactly what your topic/question is, and where you're going to begin, and it'll be fine.

Good luck!

[hr]

I'm playing all the right notes, just not necessarily in the right order.

[steerpike]

you have yours due a couple of months before mine - i have to hand mine in on the first day of semester 2 next year. I know i have ages, but i occasionally get paranoid about going back into the department after the holidays, and discussing with my tutor what i've done, only for him to say - 'you mean to say that's ALL the work you've done over 4 months of your summer holiday??' Maybe I'm just expecting too much of myself again.

thanks for your advice anyway, a couple of hours a day sounds a sensible and realistic regime. all the best with your geography research!:)


[hr]

Nothing is easier than to condemn the evildoer, nothing is harder than to understand him.

F.Dostoevsky

[someone]

well I am doing a dissertation for history too and I haven't met my supervisor yet (well met him for 5 mins but not proper talk about what I am doing)I am just going to try and do some general reading over the holidays.

[box_of_delights]

I'm doing some reading this summer for my dissertation in Mediaeval History (due January 07). I got the impression from the department that most of the reading/research should be done by the return to uni in September. However, I also realise that if this were to be true, it leaves us with effectively four months solid to write 10,000 words if we so wish.... more than enough time in anyone's book. So, I would have thought it likely that many people will return in September not having done any reading and will find they have more than enough time to do it all. However, like you, Steerpike, I want to be able to meet with my supervisor again and at least have a fairly clear grasp of what I'm talking about and where the paper is going!

[hr]

http://standrews.facebook.com/profile.php?id=37101440

[pea]

Well I've been at a standstill with my dissertation work so far. Need to find time to go up and finish off my analysis which is difficult when I'm working 8 - 5 during the week. And although I've collected a lot of papers I have yet to read a single one. I currently feel like hiding in my bed and hoping it all goes away

[hr]



I'm a little pea, I love the sky and the trees...