Please choose either project-based dissertation or theoretical dissertation. 

I upload instruction already.  Please choose a specific topic about digital economy for your dissertation.     

The objective of your dissertation is to amplify existing knowledge or to produce new knowledge, in relation to a unique research question.  

There is no pre-assigned list from which you choose your topic. You are expected to craft your own original idea and research question for your dissertation. Consider your own interests relative to your programme of study. You may also check the descriptions of the programmes for sourcing ideas. You may go through sample dissertations from previous years.  

Assessment requirements  

You must write a dissertation of up to 15,000 words that uses original research and draws from academic sources. Your format will usually consist of an introduction, literature review, methodology, discussion and results, conclusion, reference list and, where relevant, appendices. Your reference list needs to be complete and both your bibliography and in-text references need to be consistent in style. Use Harvard reference style.   

Example dissertation structure  

The word counts and structure suggested below are indicative approximations only. They are not set in stone. You may find you need  more (or fewer) words than specified for different parts of your dissertation.  Remember that these are guidelines only. Structure, content and organisation of the dissertation should be discussed with and approved by the dissertation supervisor.  

1. Introduction (1000-1500 words)  The function of the introduction is to make sure that your reader will be able to find the answers to the following questions:  • What is your dissertation about?  • What are the main aims and objectives of your research?  • How will you approach the research to fulfil those objectives?  The introduction will also give a brief overview of the structure of your dissertation.  

2. Literature review (3000-4000 words)  The literature review is the culmination of your background research about the project. It is a place to review the existing literature and identify relevant scholarly debates, but also to identify gaps in the existing scholarship. As such, a good literature review should already be an argument justifying your research project and putting it in perspective. Your literature review will usually be divided into a few thematic sections.  Your literature review should conclude with your research question, which marks the introduction to your research methodology section. This question is always grounded in a broader research area and represents a specific intervention.  

3. Methodology (2500-3000 words)  The methodology section is used to explain which method(s) you have selected to answer your research question and why.  This section will have two aims. First, you will outline the steps you have taken in your research, including data collection, analysis, aspects of reflexivity and ethics. Second, you will explain how your chosen approach is relevant to your research question, critically drawing from methodological literature.  

4. Analysis (4500-5000 words)  This section may consist of one or (more often) a few separate sections, depending on the identified themes and emerging findings. You will not be able to start this section until you have done your data analysis and grouped your findings into intelligible themes.  In this section you will not only describe the findings and provide relevant examples, but also relate those findings to your literature review, theories and concepts, and to your research question.  

5. Conclusion (1000-1500 words)  This should be a conclusion to the whole project (and not just the research findings). A strong conclusion will answer the following questions:  • Did your dissertation meet its aims and answered the research question? • What are your main findings – and their implications? • What are your recommendations in relation to your research question? • Do you have any conclusions on the research process itself? • Where should further research be focused?  

6. References  (Not counted in your word count!)  

7. Appendices  An appendix is where you put any material that is related but supplementary to your main argument. You can use as many appendices as you need. If in doubt whether specific content should be in an appendix, in the main text, or should not appear, discuss with your supervisor. See below about word limits and appendices.  

About word limits  

Word limits apply to the main text, quotes, footnotes, and appendices consisting of original material. Front matter (title, coversheet, contents page, acknowledgements, abstract, glossary) and bibliography are excluded from the word count.  

In order to be excluded from the word count appendix must be an external source or raw data or results derived from analysis. Examples can include (but are not limited to): filmography, translations, transcripts, ethical clearance letters, discographies, primary statistical data and software code.  Appendices whose “contributory value” consists predominantly of original material authored by the student will be included in the word count.