London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Completing a dissertation is one of the most challenging and overwhelming tasks for any student who has just started their academic journey. It requires sustained focus, critical thinking, and effective planning over an extended period. Whilst the process can appear daunting, having a clear strategy can make the journey manageable and fulfilling.

Choosing the right topic

Selecting the right dissertation topic is the first and arguably most important step. The topic forms the foundation of your entire project, influencing your study but also how motivated you remain throughout the process. Within your area of interest, I would encourage you to explore and research areas that genuinely spark curiosity. This will give you an idea of what type of research exists already, and what other ways this research can supplement the field. It is also important to consider your preferred research style when choosing a topic. Some students are drawn to clinical work, which includes more patient interactions. Others may prefer dry lab work, which often involves coding, data analysis, and working with large datasets. 

Understanding your inclination towards either clinical or dry lab work will help tailor your topic selection to your strengths and long-term ambitions. However, it is entirely natural to feel intimidated by the idea of choosing a single topic from countless possibilities. As my supervisor wisely explained, for those just starting out, selecting a topic can indeed feel daunting - but it is important to remember that your dissertation is your first major research project, not your last. It does not need to be the most groundbreaking or world-changing piece of research. Its true purpose is to allow you to contribute meaningfully within your scope and to use the experience as a foundation for deeper inquiry in your future studies or professional life. The process of learning how to research, analyse, and write effectively is far more valuable at this stage than producing revolutionary results.

Once you have identified an area of interest, refine it into a focused research question that aligns with your available time, resources, and academic objectives. Discuss your potential topic with your supervisor early in the process. Their insight can help identify gaps in existing research, potential challenges, and opportunities for originality. A clearly defined and manageable topic provides a strong starting point and ensures your project remains both stimulating and achievable.

Conducting thorough research

After defining your topic, the next step will be carrying out comprehensive research. Begin with a detailed review of peer-reviewed literature to gain an overview of key theories, debates, and methodologies in your chosen area. Identify where controversies, gaps, or unanswered questions exist—these often provide opportunities for meaningful contributions. Organisation is essential during this phase. Use reference management tools such as EndNote to maintain a systematic record of your sources, and remember to cite everything because you never know when you will be looking back at it again. Ultimately, your research should aim to demonstrate critical engagement rather than mere description, showing that you can evaluate evidence and develop informed conclusions.

Maintaining consistency and motivation

Consistency is central to success in managing a long-term project like a dissertation, especially when work is self-initiated, and you do not have someone who mandates you to have deadlines. What I found particularly useful is to set a goal each time I finish a meeting with my supervisor and set a deadline with him to self-report my progress. During the meeting, I would bring up any major obstacles I encountered while completing my work, and we would discuss ways to approach them. We took detailed notes, which helped refine arguments and improve the structure of my dissertation. This established routine helped me maintain momentum and kept me on track, so I didn’t need to rush deadlines. 

I also created a comprehensive timeline that lists major milestones—especially for ethics submission, data collection and draft submissions. This helps factor in extra time for feedback, revisions, and any unexpected complications. Particularly for ethics submission, expect your proposal to be reviewed a couple of times (except for those doing a systematic review). This process is the longest and most time-consuming; I would emphasise starting this as early as possible once you have an idea of what you want your dissertation to look like. 

Best of luck to everyone who is embarking on their dissertation journey. Remember that while the process may seem daunting at first, it is also an invaluable opportunity for growth. In the end, completing a dissertation is not just about producing a final document—it’s about learning how to think critically, manage complex tasks independently, and contribute your voice to the wider academic community. 

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