Table of Contents
Transitioning from coursework to an independent research project requires immense discipline and a clear methodological blueprint. Guided by W.R. Owens’ highly tested principles, this module covers the exact benchmarks, structural requirements, and formatting rules necessary for planning, writing, and presenting an MA or PhD dissertation.
1. Scope and Deciding on a Topic
Word Count Benchmarks
- MA Dissertation: Typically expected to fall within a range of 10,000 to 20,000 words.
- PhD Dissertation: A substantially longer work, usually extending to between 70,000 and 100,000 words.
The range of research topics in literature is vast. A useful starting point is to list five or six areas of interest and read purposefully around them to identify key studies and possible gaps. Access to materials is crucial—a topic is only viable if the necessary texts are available.
Overly broad topics (e.g., “Narrative Technique in the Eighteenth-Century Novel”) are unmanageable. Success depends on selecting a narrowly focused, clearly defined topic (e.g., “Parallel Narrations in Richardson’s Novels”) that can still open into larger issues.
2. Turning a Topic into an Argument 🏆 Asked in Exam
Once you have chosen and narrowed your topic, the next step is to frame it as an argument rather than simply a collection of information. A strong dissertation seeks to prove something through evidence and analysis.
This argument may take many forms:
- For or against an existing critic or position.
- On the influence of or by a writer.
- On the importance of overlooked evidence.
- On applying a new theoretical approach.
- On the nature of a genre or the value of an undervalued author.
- On connecting a theme or concept to multiple texts or other media.
3. Working Out a Structure
Choose a topic that can be dealt with adequately within the allocated word limit. Topics tend to expand to fill the available space. Every dissertation should include an introduction, a conclusion, and a middle section divided into chapters.
The Dissertation Structure Blueprint
4. Preparing a Research Proposal
An MA research proposal is usually no more than 1,000 words. It must be written in continuous prose but arranged under clear headings:
Title & Argument
A clear working title and a concise statement of the subject and your central argument.
Materials
A description of the key primary and secondary sources and their relevance to the project.
Chapters
A provisional outline of chapters, showing structure, focus, and logical connections.
Conclusion & Biblio
An indication of the anticipated direction/challenges, followed by a provisional reading list.
Note: A PhD proposal is longer (2,000–3,000 words) and must explicitly show how the research will make an original contribution to knowledge, demonstrating true independence.
5. Writing Your Dissertation
Once approved, establish a timetable. Start compiling your bibliography early. Always keep backups.
"Write as you go—drafting is never a distraction but an integral part of research. A dissertation is not a collection of notes, but an argument."
Every assertion must be supported by referenced citations. Acknowledge and address counterarguments to strengthen your case. Leave sufficient time for revision, as the first draft will likely be too long.
6. Presenting, Formatting & Referencing
Every university has specific guidelines, but Owens outlines standard expectations for high-level academic presentation:
Standard Text Format Rules
- Spacing: Double spacing for main text; single spacing for footnotes, inset quotations, and bibliography.
- Margins: Inside 40 mm, top/outside 15 mm, bottom 20 mm.
- Font: Times New Roman, ~12 pt. Italics for book titles and foreign words.
- Paragraphs: First paragraph of a chapter flush left. Subsequent paragraphs either indent first line (no extra spacing) or flush left with extra line spacing.
- Headings: Chapter titles centered in capital letters. Section headings left-aligned italics.
Referencing Systems
- Running Notes / Numerical System (MHRA): Uses superscript numbers in the text linked to footnotes or endnotes. Footnotes show the full reference and should not usually amplify points (use an appendix for that).
- Author–Page System (MLA): Citations in text include author name + page number, linked to an alphabetical works cited list. It is similar to Harvard (author-date), but dates are less prominent in humanities formatting.
7. Match the List: Key Exam Concepts
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between an MA and PhD research proposal?
An MA proposal is typically around 1,000 words and outlines feasibility and structure. A PhD proposal is 2,000–3,000 words and must explicitly demonstrate how the research will make an original, independent contribution to academic knowledge.
How does MHRA differ from MLA referencing?
MHRA utilizes a running note system with superscript numbers leading to detailed footnotes or endnotes. MLA uses an in-text Author-Page system (e.g., Smith 45) that links directly to a Works Cited page at the end of the document.
Why is it important to turn a topic into an argument?
A dissertation is not a descriptive collection of notes or a mere survey of a text. Turning a topic into an argument provides clear direction, requiring the scholar to prove a specific thesis through critical analysis and textual evidence.
