Coursework Resit and Resubmission: How to Pass the Second Time
A coursework resit is a chance to resubmit failed work, usually with the mark capped at the pass threshold. To pass, read the feedback closely, because it tells you exactly what the marker wanted and did not get, then rebuild the work around that. A resit is not the same task again, it is a […]
How to Write a Dissertation Abstract, With Examples
A dissertation abstract carries four things in around 150 to 300 words: the problem and question, the method, the main finding, and why it matters. Write it last, once you know what your dissertation actually says, and make every sentence do one of those four jobs. The abstract is the only part of your dissertation […]
How to Write a Dissertation Literature Review
A literature review is not a summary of everything written on your topic. Its job is to show that a specific gap exists, so your research question becomes the obvious next step. Organise it by theme, not by source, and expect it to take around a quarter of your total word count. The literature review […]
How to Write a Dissertation Conclusion
A dissertation conclusion answers your research question directly, states what your work contributes, admits its limits, and says what should happen next. It is not a summary. If your conclusion could be swapped into another dissertation on the same topic, it is not doing its job. The conclusion is the last thing your marker reads […]
How to Write a Dissertation Introduction That Sets Up Your Whole Project
A dissertation introduction introduces the topic, explains why it matters, states the research question and aims, and signposts the structure. It should move from the broad context to your specific question, and leave the reader knowing exactly what you will investigate and why. Write it early in rough form, then finish it last. The introduction […]
Dissertation Extension Requests: What Counts as Mitigating Circumstances
Extensions are granted for circumstances that were unforeseen, outside your control, and that demonstrably affected your ability to work. Poor planning does not qualify anywhere in the UK. Evidence and timing carry as much weight as the reason itself, so apply before the deadline wherever it is still possible. What counts as mitigating circumstances? Almost […]
Dissertation Word Count: How Many Words Each Chapter Should Be
A typical UK dissertation splits roughly as follows: introduction 10 per cent, literature review 25 to 30 per cent, methodology 15 per cent, results 15 to 20 per cent, discussion 20 to 25 per cent, conclusion 5 to 10 per cent. Treat these as a starting frame, since your department may specify its own. How […]
What Happens If You Miss Your Dissertation Deadline in the UK
A missed dissertation deadline is rarely the end of a degree, but the rules vary by institution. Most UK universities either apply a daily penalty within a short late window, cap the mark at the pass threshold, or record a non-submission. What you do in the first 24 hours matters more than why you missed […]
How to Answer a Law Problem Question Using IRAC (With a Worked Example)
Problem questions are where law students win or lose the most marks, and where the gap between knowing the law and applying it shows up most clearly. You can memorise every case on the syllabus and still score a 2:2 if you cannot spot the issues in the scenario and advise the parties. The IRAC […]
Turnitin for a Full Dissertation: Checking 15,000 Words Before You Submit
Turnitin treats a dissertation the same way it treats an essay, but the report reads differently. Expect a higher percentage, judge the source breakdown rather than the total, check each chapter as you finish it, then run the whole document at least 72 hours before your deadline. How does Turnitin handle a 15,000 word document? […]