Dissertation and Project Planner
This generic planner is designed to help you through all the stages of your dissertation or research project, from starting to think about your question to final submission.  We hope that you find it useful.  
We have identified four main stages:
1.	Getting set;
2.	Starting your research;
3.	The Writing Process;
4.	Final stages.
At each stage there are useful task prompts to help you plan your work and manage your time.  You can respond to these.  You can also add in your own tasks.
For each prompt calculate how much time you want to allocate to this task and note your action plan.  When you’ve completed it, add the date or mark or colour-code it as done.
There are further prompts to help you make a set of useful notes to use throughout these four stages, some advice from previous students and at the end, some useful web links.
If you have any questions or comments please contact us on: iad.students@ed.ac.uk 
1: Getting set
•	Brainstorm potential research topics and questions, paying attention to what interests you.  Discuss your ideas with relevant academic staff to check feasibility and appropriateness.
•	Confirm your research supervisor and check their availability during your dissertation period. You’ll need to negotiate with them how often you should meet, contact them and what sort of feedback you can expect (e.g. type and frequency).
•	Check for any training (e.g. statistical software or equipment) you might need.  What is offered by your programme or School?  Will you need to look elsewhere?
•	Create a project plan using a timeline or calendar (have a look at the Study Hub Time management page.  Highlight key stages, milestones and deadlines for your dissertation.
•	What else do you need to do to get ready to undertake your research project?
Top tip: Set up a document with all the required formatting (e.g. font size, line spacing, margins) and write in it, rather than trying to do it all at the end.
2: Starting your research
•	Timetable meetings and any agreed deadlines with your supervisor.  These will allow you to check that the project is going in the right direction.
•	Start by breaking down the research - what do you have to do?  Literature search, fieldwork or placement, survey(s), interviews, lab work?  Put these into your calendar or timeline.
•	Keep track of your notes, sources, data and developing ideas.  Using a reading notes record sheet can help organise your notes and thinking (have a look at the Study Hub Reading at university page).  If you are using a reference manager, keep it up to date.
•	Consider your emergency plans - what will you do if there are unexpected delays or results?  Know whom to speak to and by when.
•	What else do you need to do to for your particular research project?
Top tip: If you have analyses to perform, for example processing data, do a trial run as soon as possible.  This will help identify any issues and allow you to start thinking about the results sooner.
3: The Writing Process
•	Create a draft structure, outlining sections, the main points and findings.  Think about the purpose of each section and use this to plan your content (have a look at the Study Hub Academic writing page).
•	Start to fill in your outline - create initial drafts. These can be reviewed and amended as your thinking and knowledge progresses.
•	Check your writing as you go.  Are you addressing the question?  Are your sections, examples and sources relevant?  Does your argument flow?
•	Discuss any opportunities for feedback with your supervisor.  They might be willing to give written feedback on a section of your writing or they might want to have a discussion about a complete draft.
•	What else do you need to do to write your research project?  Reflect on how, where and when you write best.
Top tip: Struggling to start or hit writers block? Free write!  Set a timer for 5 minutes or longer and just write, to get words on the page.  You can edit it later.
4: Final stages
•	Double check your formatting, font, layouts etc.  Refer to your programme handbook or course advice for guidance and check if you are unsure.
•	Check that your citations and references (including footnotes if applicable) are in the appropriate style for submission.  If you are using a reference manager this will be much easier!
•	Try to allow as much time as possible for multiple rounds of proofreading and editing (have a look at the Study Hub Editing and proofreading page).  This really shows in the quality of the final work.
•	Check submission dates and requirements.  Do you have to submit a printed copy as well as an electronic copy?  Does it need to be bound?
•	What else do you need to do before you can submit your particular research project or dissertation?  
Top tip: For proofreading and editing, print it out and read it out loud.  This helps find mistakes more efficiently than just reading it over and over on a screen.
Useful notes
Having a set of useful notes on one separate document you can refer to throughout the process is helpful.  These are some suggestions; you should add what will be useful to you.
Supervision
•	My supervisor is:
•	Their contact details:
•	My supervisor is available from and to:
•	The School or Programme point of contact or office is:
Research and progress
•	My title or research question is:
•	My conclusion is:
•	My key milestones and deadlines are:
•	My draft structure or outline is:
•	My opportunities for feedback are:
What else? 
Useful web links
Study Hub Learning resources: https://www.ed.ac.uk/institute-academic-development/study-hub/learning-resources 
•	Study Hub Time management: https://edin.ac/2IgsGkx 
•	Study Hub Reading at university: https://edin.ac/2ImudFN
•	Study Hub Academic writing: https://edin.ac/2IgukTf 
•	Study Hub Editing and proofreading: https://edin.ac/3gcBgkh     
Study Hub Blog: https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/studyhub/ 
Study Hub Twitter: @IAD_StudyHub 
IAD undergraduate workshops: https://edin.ac/2FFIptL 
IAD taught postgraduate workshops: https://edin.ac/2DBKrrE 
The Advice Place: https://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/adviceplace/
Careers Service: http://www.ed.ac.uk/careers 
Edinburgh University Students’ Association: https://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk
The Library (including DiscoverEd and literature searching): http://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/library-museum-gallery 
Subject specific Library guides: https://edin.ac/2MxCzuV 
Information Services (for help with University provided software and hardware): http://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services   
Student Counselling Service: http://www.ed.ac.uk/student-counselling
Disability and Learning Support Service: https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-disability-service
Advice from previous students 
•	Start writing sooner rather than later – gives you more time for drafts and editing.
•	 Write as you go along – saves time and helps you to understand your research. 
•	Get help with stats software organised as soon as possible!
•	Using a reference manager is a great way to save time, but it takes time to learn it.
•	Take time off! I always worked better on my dissertation after a break, it gives me thinking space.
•	Do not write and edit on the same day. Go back the next day at the earliest – it will be easier to review with fresh eyes.
•	Save your files as often as possible – always make backups!
•	Make sure to allow plenty of time at the end of writing your dissertation to proofread or find a willing friend and proofread each other’s.
 
Please note that this planner is a generic guide that you may find helpful; it does not replace subject-specific guidance on completing your dissertation or project, or the guidance from your teaching staff and supervisor.

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