What is an individual study or dissertation?

Planning and writing your dissertation is an exciting opportunity for you to choose your own topic to research and then write up the findings in a structured piece of extended writing. A dissertation identifies and seeks to address a question by means of a literature based study or a practical research project. The study should raise important, interesting and relevant issues and questions.  

In terms of word length, the requirements vary but a dissertation will usually be upwards from about 8,000 words. However, it is worth bearing in mind that this will vary according to your subject area or if you are working on an independent essay which may be around 4,000 words in length 

In many ways the initial years of your undergraduate degree prepare you for undertaking your dissertation. Planning and writing your dissertation presents an opportunity to work independently by organising and managing your own research and writing time under the wider guidance of your supervisor. It is important to ensure that you are aware of the expectations for your dissertation in terms of time frame, length, scope and more widely, ensure that you are working within the conventions of academic writing in your subject area. 

It is important to bear in mind that this is a general guide to planning your dissertation, please refer back to any departmental guidance for subject specific information.