A Short Guide to the successful postgraduate thesis

Two of the most important elements of a successful thesis are planning ahead and being organized, so it's a good thing you're reading this short guide. The emphasis will be on planning and organizing. These two strategies can contribute greatly to a successful thesis paper, another milestone in your academic career. You're starting out knowing this is a big accomplishment to get your postgraduate thesis finished. That's good, because the amount of work won't take you by surprise. This short guide will help break the work down into sizeable chunks that will make the process seem lighter and simpler.

  1. Choose the right topic. This is the most crucial first step because if your topic is weak, too broad or doesn't have enough research sources to support it, you will really struggle trying to write a good paper.
  2. Choose something close to your heart, that you feel deep emotion about. Writing is an extension of you; if you want your words to be passionate then you need to be too.
  3. Stay original and unique. Write on a topic that hasn't been overdone. You must take an old idea and make a new idea out of it. Maybe you will use unique research methods; maybe you will put a new twist on it. How will you keep it interesting and fresh?
  4. Get advice; ask for help.Don't be afraid to pay for good help. Get all the guidance you can from your instructor. Get help from friends or family who have skills you can use, or just let them inspire you for new ideas. Look online for experts to help with research, writing or editing.
  5. Be flexible. That may require you to change your topic or adjust your thesis statement.
  6. Look at your schedule and plan out your tasks so they get finished on time. You will need time to research, make notes, construct an outline, write, revise, edit, proof read. They all take time. Don't skimp on any of the steps.
  7. Don't be afraid to visit the library. Not all sources are found online. In fact, you will probably find some real gems hidden in the bookshelves of the library. If you're not familiar with finding anything, the librarian would love to help you and will show you around and teach you how to do some thorough research.