It’s finally time to commit to a thesis, whether it’s for your undergraduate or master’s degree. It’s an important decision because it determines the project you will dedicate the next few months to completing. And it is the thesis topic that determines how well the research will go, so it’s essential to choose it wisely. Below, we’ve outlined some tips that should help you better assess your options and arrive at the right one to simplify the work process and help you succeed.
Find an Area You Are Passionate About
Choosing something you’re interested in is the most common advice students receive about topic selection. That’s because it’s among the crucial rules for topic selection. You will work on your project for months, and handling a topic you’re passionate about keeps you focused and motivated until completion. It will help you keep going even when things get tough.
So, how does one discover a topic they are passionate about?
Consider what you’re studying; you probably had a good reason for choosing your current program. What issues or topics drew you to the field? In your classes, keep track of the most interesting discussions and issues that spark your interest. Write them all down; you can narrow them down later on. If you find yourself stuck, you can always consult a thesis writing service for inspiration.
Refer to the Requirements
Most programs provide requirements regarding a student’s thesis. Some programs are stricter than others and will even have some restricted topics. Most requirements relate to:
- The word count limit.
- Submission deadline.
- Formatting rules.
- Instructions on types and number of sources.
- Methodological conditions.
But remember, these are just a few of many demands. In addition, every institution often provides its own standards & rules, which you need to consider. So, read through the requirements and seek clarification from your supervisor when in doubt.
Choose Something Different
A unique topic allows you to develop your own analysis and conclusions. However, you don’t need a completely unique topic because that’s almost impossible. Instead, consider viewing a previously ventured topic from another angle. You could also identify a niche in a particular topic that has not been explored too often.
Choose the Right Size of Topic, Not Too Vague or Too Narrow
Your thesis needs a somewhat narrow focus. A broad topic requires more research and might exceed your word count once you get to writing. Furthermore, it will make coming up with a concise conclusion for your thesis challenging.
That said, ensure your topic is also not too narrow so that you don’t struggle to construct well-rounded arguments. On the other hand, a student also risks failing to meet the required word count with a narrow topic. It’s always about finding the right balance. So it should be wide enough to meet the word limit but narrow enough to explore thoroughly.
Seek Help and Advice
The selection process is not the same for everyone. Some students settle on one earlier than others, while some have to consult a thesis writing service to be confident with their topic. In case you find yourself taking longer than your peers, don’t be afraid to seek advice. Start with your supervisor; they can provide some helpful guidance. If you’re struggling to narrow down to one topic, you can present them with several options and acquire their feedback. They can steer you in the right direction.
Test Your Topic & Check Its Relevance
Before committing to a topic, test it to ensure it’s suitable for your thesis. It’s common for students to fall in love with a specific topic early on, only to realize it is unsuitable for research.
The topic needs to be academically, socially, and practically relevant. Academic-wise, your topic has to add to the existing knowledge in the field. Socially, your topic should advance understanding and inform societal change. In terms of practicality, your research should apply to solving real-life issues. And if you do not fall into at least one of these criteria, start this quest again.
Research
Try finding a variety of research sources on the topic to see whether you can find enough material on it. Figure out the types of research you’ll need when handling your topic. The choices include:
- Сompiling original data
- Examining existing data
- Deciphering cultural objects
- Search for relevant thesis & hypothesis
You are likely to combine multiple approaches in your research; just ensure your topic can handle it.
Plausibility
- Is the topic manageable, or you’ll entirely depend on a thesis writing service for help? Before settling on it, consider the word limit you need to fulfill, the time budget, and practicality.
- Are there enough research sources for the topic? If not, you can try shifting its primary focus; if it still doesn’t work, consider broadening the focus.
- Will the time be enough for you to analyze the literature you need for this dissertation? If not, consider narrowing the topic down. Also, ensure your own resources will be enough.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a topic is not always easy, and you might encounter a few misses. However, that should not discourage you; keep searching for the right one and seek assistance from your supervisor or a tutor. All you need to do from there is get it approved and get to work. Besides, your efforts will fully pay off when you enjoy working with the subject of interest and will be rewarded with a good grade and a degree obtained at the end. So don’t hesitate to make your own mistakes and seek external support. Your mentors and experts from thesis writing services know well about such issues and can provide you with invaluable help.
