Writing a dissertation

The dissertation forms the cornerstone of most undergraduate degree programmes. It provides the student with an opportunity to develop research skills and critical thinking techniques; it is also often the first real test of a student's report writing skills. Given its importance, it is perhaps surprising that many students do not know what a dissertation actually entails—that is, of course, until they've done one. Unfortunately, many students get to grips with the process only through experience, and the first one can therefore be an uncomfortable and steep learning curve.

The dissertation has played an increasingly important part in undergraduate medical education. This is a direct consequence of the General Medical Council's recommendations set out in Tomorrow's Doctors, which says that the GMC “expects” between 25% and 33% of a standard five year course to include student selected components. These components should give the student the opportunity to^w1:

• Learn about and begin to develop and use research skills

• Have greater control over their own learning

• Study topics of particular interest outside the core curriculum

• Develop greater confidence in their own skills and abilities

• Present the results of their work verbally, visually, or in writing

• Consider potential career paths.

Given the above list of criteria it is perhaps not surprising that the student selected component is often synonymous with a dissertation. However, it should be emphasised that this is not necessarily the case. The student selected component can be presented verbally or visually (as well as in writing); Student BMJ has published articles on these topics.^w2w3w4w5w6

This article therefore discusses how to research and write up a dissertation. It is aimed …