Choosing a topic and working with the Dissertation Supervisor

Essentially, the student chooses his or her dissertation topic, in consultation with a supervisor, and subject to the approval of the Course Director. The student is responsible for coming up with a viable project. This is both a challenge and an opportunity. The dissertation is essentially problem-based: generally, it will take the form of a structured argument leading to a convincing conclusion. It may seek to solve a problem or answer a question; it may look at an old problem in a new way, evaluate the evidence for a particular viewpoint, or use a case-study to illuminate or contest a larger generalisation. It will not be purely descriptive or narrative. The argument will be based on original research, using primary sources - manuscripts, printed editions of original sources, printed texts or documents, published reports, newspapers, or oral history. It must take account of the historiography of the subject, and seek to make an original contribution to it.

A dissertation requires a lot of planning and organisation. You are strongly encouraged to start thinking about your dissertation topic as early as possible once you start the MA degree programme. When you have an idea, do some background reading on the topic first before you talk to a potential supervisor, in order to familiarise yourself with the historiography. Since the supervisor is appointed, he/ she ensures that your dissertation topic is appropriate in terms of scope and objective of the MA dissertation. In addition, the supervisor offers guidance on the overall structure of the dissertation, as well as directing you to appropriate primary and secondary sources. It is important to maintain constant contact with your supervisor throughout the degree.