Tips for writing a PhD dissertation

In order to receive the degree of Candidate of Sciences, it is necessary to write a dissertation. The dissertation research is the result of the scholar's independent work, confirming deep knowledge of the studied disciplines and having practical value for modern science.

Stages of writing a doctoral dissertation

To write a Ph.D. dissertation valuable for the development of science, it is necessary:

• Select a relevant research topic that has scientific novelty;
• Ensure that the topic is sufficiently well-developed;
• Evaluate the works of scientists who have already covered this scientific problem;
• To make a plan of work on the dissertation;
• Keep all drafts and copies of the thesis, so as to be able to correct the text of the thesis;
• Use graphs, charts, tables, diagrams in the text to graphically reflect the quantitative values of the study;
• Devote enough time to writing the introduction and conclusion to the work.
• Work on the dissertation takes place under the scientific supervision of a scientist who has a doctoral degree. It is good if the subject of the graduate student's dissertation research corresponds to the range of scientific interests of his supervisor.

Writing a PhD thesis begins with defining and approving the topic of the thesis research. In the process of working on the dissertation, the topic may change or be refined.

The choice of the actual topic of the thesis

What to write about

It is recommended that the topic of the master's thesis be a continuation of the topic of the master's research, if the thesis candidate previously studied in the master's program in the same field of study. The process of working on the dissertation lasts for several years, but the materials for the research should be collected well in advance.

The title of the thesis should fully reflect the subject of the research. The supervisor will help you formulate the title of the thesis, and then you can start writing a plan-draft of the thesis research.

Selection criteria

Before starting work, a scientific problem is formulated - the situation that needs to be solved. Regulatory documents contain a list of criteria that must be met by the topic of a PhD thesis:

• novelty. It means that the proposed theoretical provisions or practical solutions are a new word in science;
• relevance, that is, the need, the need for research on this topic. It is necessary to find white spots in science, insufficiently studied areas, which, however, are of interest to the scientific community or solve important urgent problems. Relevance may also mean the consideration of already known issues from a different perspective;
• the significance of the work is determined by the value of the developments for science or practical application.

Approximate algorithm of actions

Since the defining attributes of a proper dissertation research topic are relevance and novelty, it is important for the applicant to navigate the specialty in which the research will be performed. A responsible approach to writing a Ph.D. thesis involves the following steps:

• Analyze one's own experience in science.
• Listen to the opinion of the supervisor.
• Study the passport of the specialty and the profile of the department.
• Get acquainted with publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, monographs and conference proceedings on the subject of interest.
• Analyze the database of abstracts and dissertations on the chosen specialty in recent years. 
• Determine the subject and object of the thesis, choose the area and period of research.

How to write a dissertation, what to pay attention to

A PhD thesis is written in stages, in strict accordance with the plan and deadlines for providing interim progress reports. Writing begins with work with the literature: it is necessary to select a pool of authoritative publications that publish materials relevant to the topic of the research, to determine the key researchers involved in similar problems.

Since the content of the thesis should have scientific novelty, it is recommended to refer to scientific journals to find the necessary information - it is there that the most relevant materials are published. It is recommended to include data from articles published no later than five years before writing the thesis - the use of outdated sources can be a reason to criticize the work at its defense.

The preparation of the dissertation must go in parallel with the scientific and pedagogical work of the thesis candidate - writing and publishing research articles, teaching practice and passing interim attestations.

Published research papers of the degree candidate can become a part of his/her dissertation research. Having a certain number of published articles is also a prerequisite for postgraduate study.

The text of the thesis should be designed in accordance with the requirements of the standards:

• The necessary intervals and indents are observed;
• The title page and the content of the work is filled out;
• All illustrative material is numbered and signed;
• The list of references is formed;
• Correctly designed citation of borrowed fragments;
• The appendices with figures, schemes, tables were compiled;
• The reference and reference apparatus is used.

Motivation for writing a Ph.

1. Understand the goal
Before you start gathering information for your future dissertation, you need to answer the question - why exactly do you need it? It takes a lot of motivation to do it. Writing a dissertation is a hard work of many years, which, to a large extent, consists in the study of literature and scientific works of scientists. Practice shows that 2-3 people out of 10 come to protection.

2. Science and a dissertation are not equal values.
Getting a degree does not guarantee obligatory achievements in science in the future, the opposite is true - the lack does not put an end to the prospects of successful development. History knows hundreds of examples of scientific discoveries made by talented scientists without degrees. Those with all possible titles and regalia often have nothing to do with science.

3. Maintaining a balance between effort and results
In order not to be disappointed at the end of the road, it is necessary to commensurate effort, which are put into the work, and the result, which is planned to obtain. If a graduate student writes work "with his hands down", not getting satisfaction from the process, then the dissertation will turn out to be "boring", uninteresting. The opposite is true - a person lives the work, puts tremendous effort into the writing, and in the end he may be disappointed. When he realizes that the tremendous work that was done was prepared only to pass the defense procedure.

4. More time to devote to what will be read
As sad as it may sound - the entire dissertation will be read only by you and, perhaps, the supervisor. The main mass of researchers are interested in: the introduction, the novelty that is in the work, the provisions put to the defense, a list of your published works. It is these elements of the work worth the most attention.

15 tips to make writing a Ph.D. thesis go faster

We recommend that you take heed of the following tips:

• write the title of the thesis so that the purpose of the research is disclosed and it can be easily reformulated into a question;
• when the main question is posed, it becomes clear which parts to divide it into. These will be the chapters of the dissertation;
• trying to reveal the topic, choose the one that you can present in a clear and structured way;
• use a heuristic trick. In the area where your own accumulated knowledge is deep, you will understand the best;
• When in contact with your supervisor, ask as many questions as possible. This is the only chance to get in-depth knowledge and finish your work in time;
• do not forget about the established rules, standards and requirements for registration. Their observance is a dogma;
• any plagiarism will turn out to be the most unfortunate consequences. To avoid unconscious use of other people's sources, try to study in detail the work of other authors on the material in question and carefully check what you have written in various anti-plagiarism systems;
• do not abuse direct quotations. This is poorly perceived by members of the committee. Extensive quoting is allowed only in exceptional cases and should be justified. In all other cases, it should be avoided, paraphrasing the material in your own words, still citing the source of information;
• when working on a text, write sentences in such a way that it is clear: it is your own thought, an outside opinion, or an interpretation of some research;
• try to avoid personal pronouns, but if there is a reference to personal experience, traditionally "we" should be used;
• Only sit down to work at night when you are sure that everything will be finished by morning. Otherwise, it's better to get some sleep and start working productively in the morning;
• extreme feelings about the genius or worthlessness of your own text should be ignored. The truth lies somewhere in the middle;
• Time management is the key to success. Plan your efforts evenly, then the result will be achieved in time.
• to successfully defend your work, you must also prepare a speech to address the committee. By the time of the defense will be ready reviews and reviews of the thesis - critical comments of the opponents will help to compose a welcoming speech in such a way as to emphasize the strengths of the work and explain the shortcomings, if they are present.
• it is advisable to learn your speech for the defense, and rehearse your performance - this will help you to feel more confident and free in front of a large audience.