Demystifying the Dissertation Structure for Level 7 Students at Sheffield Hallam University - Part 1 - Abstract Section

This article is intended to assist Level 7 Master's students at Sheffield Hallam University in successfully writing and completing their dissertations. I understand how daunting it can be when you have to refer to numerous books and documents to comprehend each section of the dissertation and then consolidate your knowledge and understanding into one cohesive piece.

To simplify your work and gather all the necessary information in one place, I have compiled these articles, which present the main sections of the dissertation structure in six different parts, focusing on each section as illustrated in the image above. Additionally, there is a bonus section at the end that discusses reflection, the final part of the dissertation.

Furthermore, the entire dissertation is expected to be around 15,000 to 20,000 words for Level 7 master's students at SHU. You can ideally allocate this word count throughout the entire dissertation structure, depending on your research project or topic of study.

I have compiled this information based on my research, insights, and understanding. If you feel I have overlooked anything, please feel free to leave a comment in the section below. I would be more than happy to learn more at any point in time (no offense).

So, come on in and read this article with a cup of tea or coffee.

Part 1 - Abstract

(Condensed version of your Research Project)

It is always the first section approached by a reader.

The Abstract is a short summary of the complete content of the project report.

It often contains four short paragraphs with the answers to the following questions:

1. What were my research questions and why were these important? Introduction of Background (3 sentences), Detailed Introduction (3 sentences) (If required) and Identify the gap/problem in literature/aims (1/2 sentences)
2. How did I go about answering the research questions? Describe methods, design, approach and analysis (2/3 sentences)
3. What did I find out in response to my research questions? Summarise the most important results/findings (2/3 sentences)
4. What conclusions do I draw regarding my research questions? Main takeaway point + Significance of the study (2/3 sentences), Report any important Limitations, Implications and Suggest Future research (2/3 sentences)

A good Abstract should be short (generally between 200 and 300 words) for a Research Proposal; self- contained; a reflection of the report's content; adequate to inform your reader about the report; objective, precise and easy to read. Usually it's within 500 words for Dissertation.

Why is the Abstract written last?

• The content of the abstract is taken from the research paper.
• Easiest section to write as the sentences can simply be taken from the report.
• Since it should contain main results, conclusions, implications and future work, which is known after you have finished your dissertation report.
• Must tell the story of what is to come - almost like a bird's eye view.

The Abstract Sentence Model:

• Introduction of Background (3 sentences)
• Detailed Introduction (3 sentences) (If required)
• Identify the gap/problem in literature/aims (1/2 sentences)
• Describe methods, design, approach and analysis (2/3 sentences)
• Summarise the most important results/findings (2/3 sentences)
• Main takeaway point + Significance of the study (2/3 sentences)
• Report any important Limitations (2/3 sentences)
• Implications and Suggest Future research (2/3 sentences)

What are the characteristics of an Abstract?

• Written within 500 words ( 1 or 4 Small paragraphs/ 1 Big paragraph)
• Include keywords/phrases that appear during topic searches
• No references (usually)

Abstract structure:

• Purpose
• Background
• Design/Methodology/Approach
• Findings
• Research limitations
• Practical Implications
• Social Implications (if any)
• Originality/Value

Cheers!