Online resources for writing your Dissertation or Thesis

Your dissertation is an opportunity for you to fully explore a topic of your choice through extended planning and research. While dissertations vary in topic and format, you can develop a number of digital skills to help you manage your writing process. We have collated some useful resources below.    

Using Microsoft Word

A large number of students produce their dissertations using Microsoft Word. The list below includes online resources to help you unpack Word’s full potential, whatever your current level of expertise:

Producing a thesis or dissertation using Word videos and workbook

Master Microsoft Word (LinkedIn Learning learning path)

Word Quick Tips (LinkedIn Learning course)

Reference Management

If you’re struggling with references, the following online resources offer advice on how to avoid plagiarism, and guidance on using digital reference managers such as EndNote:

Choosing a Reference Manager guide

EndNote for Managing References course on Event Booking (University login required)

Referencing and Reference Management guidance from the Library

Cite Them Right (external website) - a resource to help you reference correctly and avoid plagarism

Statistics and Graphics

There are several pieces of software designed to help students incorporate statistics and graphics into their dissertations, each with a different purpose. If you’re looking for a place to start, take a look at the resources below:

Basic Charts in Excel resources on the Digital Skills Documents Catalogue (SharePoint)

The power of infographics in research dissemination (The Open University)

SPSS for Academic Research (LinkedIn Learning course)

Collecting, Analysing and Reporting Data

Finding the best way to present your data in a dissertation can be tricky. The following list of online resources provides a great place to start if you’re looking for additional guidance and support:

Introduction Programming self-paced course

MANTRA Research Data Management Training self-paced course

Writing Technical Reports (LinkedIn Learning course)

Research Data Management and Sharing (Coursera)

Researching and Writing

If you’re struggling with some of the less ‘digital’ aspects of the dissertation writing process, such as language and style, or drawing up a study plan, check out the following online resources to get you started:

Institute for Academic Development (IAD) Dissertations and Research Projects page 

Writing under a Deadline (LinkedIn Learning)

Writing in Plain English (LinkedIn Learning)