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How to Choose a Dissertation Topic | 8 Steps to Follow

Published on November 11, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 20, 2023.

Choosing your dissertation topic is the first step in making sure your research goes as smoothly as possible. When choosing a topic, it’s important to consider:

• Your institution and department’s requirements
• Your areas of knowledge and interest
• The scientific, social, or practical relevance
• The availability of data and resources
• The timeframe of your dissertation
• The relevance of your topic

You can follow these steps to begin narrowing down your ideas.

Table of contents

Step 1: check the requirements, step 2: choose a broad field of research, step 3: look for books and articles, step 4: find a niche, step 5: consider the type of research, step 6: determine the relevance, step 7: make sure it’s plausible, step 8: get your topic approved, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about dissertation topics.

The very first step is to check your program’s requirements. This determines the scope of what it is possible for you to research.

• Is there a minimum and maximum word count?
• When is the deadline?
• Should the research have an academic or a professional orientation?
• Are there any methodological conditions? Do you have to conduct fieldwork, or use specific types of sources?

Some programs have stricter requirements than others. You might be given nothing more than a word count and a deadline, or you might have a restricted list of topics and approaches to choose from. If in doubt about what is expected of you, always ask your supervisor or department coordinator.

Start by thinking about your areas of interest within the subject you’re studying. Examples of broad ideas include:

• Twentieth-century literature
• Economic history
• Health policy

To get a more specific sense of the current state of research on your potential topic, skim through a few recent issues of the top journals in your field. Be sure to check out their most-cited articles in particular. For inspiration, you can also search Google Scholar , subject-specific databases , and your university library’s resources.

As you read, note down any specific ideas that interest you and make a shortlist of possible topics. If you’ve written other papers, such as a 3rd-year paper or a conference paper, consider how those topics can be broadened into a dissertation.

After doing some initial reading, it’s time to start narrowing down options for your potential topic. This can be a gradual process, and should get more and more specific as you go. For example, from the ideas above, you might narrow it down like this:

• Twentieth-century literature   Twentieth-century Irish literature   Post-war Irish poetry
• Economic history   European economic history   German labor union history
• Health policy   Reproductive health policy   Reproductive rights in South America

All of these topics are still broad enough that you’ll find a huge amount of books and articles about them. Try to find a specific niche where you can make your mark, such as: something not many people have researched yet, a question that’s still being debated, or a very current practical issue.

At this stage, make sure you have a few backup ideas — there’s still time to change your focus. If your topic doesn’t make it through the next few steps, you can try a different one. Later, you will narrow your focus down even more in your problem statement and research questions .

There are many different types of research , so at this stage, it’s a good idea to start thinking about what kind of approach you’ll take to your topic. Will you mainly focus on:

• Collecting original data (e.g., experimental or field research)?
• Analyzing existing data (e.g., national statistics, public records, or archives)?
• Interpreting cultural objects (e.g., novels, films, or paintings)?
• Comparing scholarly approaches (e.g., theories, methods, or interpretations)?

Many dissertations will combine more than one of these. Sometimes the type of research is obvious: if your topic is post-war Irish poetry, you will probably mainly be interpreting poems. But in other cases, there are several possible approaches. If your topic is reproductive rights in South America, you could analyze public policy documents and media coverage, or you could gather original data through interviews and surveys .

You don’t have to finalize your research design and methods yet, but the type of research will influence which aspects of the topic it’s possible to address, so it’s wise to consider this as you narrow down your ideas.

It’s important that your topic is interesting to you, but you’ll also have to make sure it’s academically, socially or practically relevant to your field.

• Academic relevance means that the research can fill a gap in knowledge or contribute to a scholarly debate in your field.
• Social relevance means that the research can advance our understanding of society and inform social change.
• Practical relevance means that the research can be applied to solve concrete problems or improve real-life processes.

The easiest way to make sure your research is relevant is to choose a topic that is clearly connected to current issues or debates, either in society at large or in your academic discipline. The relevance must be clearly stated when you define your research problem .

Before you make a final decision on your topic, consider again the length of your dissertation, the timeframe in which you have to complete it, and the practicalities of conducting the research.

Will you have enough time to read all the most important academic literature on this topic? If there’s too much information to tackle, consider narrowing your focus even more.

Will you be able to find enough sources or gather enough data to fulfil the requirements of the dissertation? If you think you might struggle to find information, consider broadening or shifting your focus.

Do you have to go to a specific location to gather data on the topic? Make sure that you have enough funding and practical access.

Last but not least, will the topic hold your interest for the length of the research process? To stay motivated, it’s important to choose something you’re enthusiastic about!

Most programmes will require you to submit a brief description of your topic, called a research prospectus or proposal .

Remember, if you discover that your topic is not as strong as you thought it was, it’s usually acceptable to change your mind and switch focus early in the dissertation process. Just make sure you have enough time to start on a new topic, and always check with your supervisor or department.

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

• Researchability
• Feasibility and specificity
• Relevance and originality

All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

You can assess information and arguments critically by asking certain questions about the source. You can use the CRAAP test , focusing on the currency , relevance , authority , accuracy , and purpose of a source of information.

Ask questions such as:

• Who is the author? Are they an expert?
• Why did the author publish it? What is their motivation?
• How do they make their argument? Is it backed up by evidence?

A dissertation prospectus or proposal describes what or who you plan to research for your dissertation. It delves into why, when, where, and how you will do your research, as well as helps you choose a type of research to pursue. You should also determine whether you plan to pursue qualitative or quantitative methods and what your research design will look like.

It should outline all of the decisions you have taken about your project, from your dissertation topic to your hypotheses and research objectives , ready to be approved by your supervisor or committee.

Note that some departments require a defense component, where you present your prospectus to your committee orally.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

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• How to Choose a PhD Research Topic
• Finding a PhD

Introduction

Whilst there are plenty of resources available to help prospective PhD students find doctoral programmes, deciding on a research topic is a process students often find more difficult.

Some advertised PhD programmes have predefined titles, so the exact topic is decided already. Generally, these programmes exist mainly in STEM, though other fields also have them. Funded projects are more likely to have defined titles, and structured aims and objectives.

Self funded projects, and those in fields such as arts and humanities, are less likely to have defined titles. The flexibility of topic selection means more scope exists for applicants to propose research ideas and suit the topic of research to their interests.

A middle ground also exists where Universities advertise funded PhD programmes in subjects without a defined scope, for example: “PhD Studentship in Biomechanics”. The applicant can then liaise with the project supervisor to choose a particular title such as “A study of fatigue and impact resistance of biodegradable knee implants”.

If a predefined programme is not right for you, then you need to propose your own research topic. There are several factors to consider when choosing a good research topic, which will be outlined in this article.

How to Choose a Research Topic

Our first piece of advice is to PhD candidates is to stop thinking about ‘finding’ a research topic, as it is unlikely that you will. Instead, think about developing a research topic (from research and conversations with advisors).

Consider several ideas and critically appraise them:

• You must be able to explain to others why your chosen topic is worth studying.
• You must be genuinely interested in the subject area.
• You must be competent and equipped to answer the research question.
• You must set achievable and measurable aims and objectives.
• You need to be able to achieve your objectives within a given timeframe.
• Your research question must be original and contribute to the field of study.

We have outlined the key considerations you should use when developing possible topics. We explore these below:

Focus on your interests and career aspirations

It is important to choose a topic of research that you are genuinely interested in. The decision you make will shape the rest of your career. Remember, a full-time programme lasts 3-4 years, and there will be unforeseen challenges during this time. If you are not passionate about the study, you will struggle to find motivation during these difficult periods.

You should also look to your academic and professional background. If there are any modules you undertook as part of your Undergraduate/Master degree that you particularly enjoyed or excelled in? These could form part of your PhD research topic. Similarly, if you have professional work experience, this could lead to you asking questions which can only be answered through research.

When deciding on a PhD research topic you should always consider your long-term career aspirations. For example, as a physicist, if you wish to become an astrophysicist, a research project studying black holes would be more relevant to you than a research project studying nuclear fission.

Read dissertations and published journals

Reading dissertations and published journals is a great way to identify potential PhD topics. When reviewing existing research ask yourself:

• What has been done and what do existing results show?
• What did previous projects involve (e.g. lab-work or fieldwork)?
• How often are papers published in the field?
• Are your research ideas original?
• Is there value in your research question?
• Could I expand on or put my own spin on this research?

Reading dissertations will also give you an insight into the practical aspects of doctoral study, such as what methodology the author used, how much data analysis was required and how was information presented.

You can also think of this process as a miniature literature review . You are searching for gaps in knowledge and developing a PhD project to address them. Focus on recent publications (e.g. in the last five years). In particular, the literature review of recent publications will give an excellent summary of the state of existing knowledge, and what research questions remain unanswered.

If you have the opportunity to attend an academic conference, go for it! This is often an excellent way to find out current theories in the industry and the research direction. This knowledge could reveal a possible research idea or topic for further study.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

Discuss research topic ideas with a PhD supervisor

Discuss your research topic ideas with a supervisor. This could be your current undergraduate/masters supervisor, or potential supervisors of advertised PhD programmes at different institutions. Come to these meetings prepared with initial PhD topic ideas, and your findings from reading published journals. PhD supervisors will be more receptive to your ideas if you can demonstrate you have thought about them and are committed to your research.

You should discuss your research interests, what you have found through reading publications, and what you are proposing to research. Supervisors who have expertise in your chosen field will have insight into the gaps in knowledge that exist, what is being done to address them, and if there is any overlap between your proposed research ideas and ongoing research projects.

Talking to an expert in the field can shape your research topic to something more tangible, which has clear aims and objectives. It can also find potential shortfalls of your PhD ideas.

It is important to remember, however, that although it is good to develop your research topic based on feedback, you should not let the supervisor decide a topic for you. An interesting topic for a supervisor may not be interesting to you, and a supervisor is more likely to advise on a topic title which lends itself to a career in academia.

Another tip is to talk to a PhD student or researcher who is involved in a similar research project. Alternatively, you can usually find a relevant research group within your University to talk to. They can explain in more detail their experiences and suggest what your PhD programme could involve with respect to daily routines and challenges.

Look at advertised PhD Programmes

Use our Search tool , or look on University PhD listing pages to identify advertised PhD programmes for ideas.

• What kind of PhD research topics are available?
• Are these similar to your ideas?
• Are you interested in any of these topics?
• What do these programmes entail?

The popularity of similar PhD programmes to your proposed topic is a good indicator that universities see value in the research area. The final bullet point is perhaps the most valuable takeaway from looking at advertised listings. Review what similar programmes involve, and whether this is something you would like to do. If so, a similar research topic would allow you to do this.

Writing a Research Proposal

As part of the PhD application process , you may be asked to summarise your proposed research topic in a research proposal. This is a document which summarises your intended research and will include the title of your proposed project, an Abstract, Background and Rationale, Research Aims and Objectives, Research Methodology, Timetable, and a Bibliography. If you are required to submit this document then read our guidance on how to write a research proposal for your PhD application.

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How to Choose a Dissertation Topic – 9 Steps

Choosing a dissertation topic is really difficult.

When I had to choose dissertation topic I agonized for weeks.

And I’ve supervised over 50 students’ dissertations across undergraduate, masters and PhD levels. All of my students agonized over their topics, too.

So you’re not alone in your struggle.

The below tips for choosing a dissertation topic are the ones I wish I was given when I was in the process of looking for a suitable topic.

If only I’d known these points, I would have saved a lot of time and stress for myself. So if these tips only help one person out, I’ll be happy.

These tips really work for just about anybody. They’re particularly useful for undergraduate and Masters level students who are writing dissertations. But, I’m sure most doctoral students will also find these points relevant, too. Especially tips 1 – 3.

Here are my tips on how to choose a dissertation topic – I hope they come in handy, and good luck on your research journey!

Read Also: 25 Sociology Dissertation Ideas

1. It Doesn’t have to be Unique (Yet).

This is the one piece of advice I wish I had gotten when I was choosing my dissertation topic.

Many students feel like they need to find a unique topic that will blow their markers away.

I was this student.

I thought that I had to choose a topic and idea that was going to make a unique contribution to knowledge. I thought I had to discover something, or, at the very least, choose a topic that no one has ever done before.

So here’s what I wish someone had told me:

It doesn’t matter if other people have done the same topic as you.

Don’t even let it phase you for a moment if someone else has chosen your topic. Just choose whatever topic you want.

Well, because your unique contribution doesn’t come at the start. It comes at the end!

You’ll find a way to make a unique contribution after you have completed your literature review . There is always time and space to find a new angle or different way of doing the topic than other people.

So, don’t choose your topic because it’s unique or different.

Then … how should you choose your topic? Points 2 and 3 give you some tips…

2. Make it Relevant to your Career Goals.

The first thing I recommend to all my students is to consider how their topic can help progress their careers.

When giving guidance to my students, I ask them these three questions:

• a) What sort of specialization do you want in your career? If you’re studying teaching, your questions might be: do you want to be a specialized literacy teacher? do you want to be an expert on behavior management? Do you want to be specialized in play-based learning ?
• b) How do you want to differentiate yourself from your competition? Your dissertation topic is going to be the topic you ‘sell’ as your area of expertise in future job interviews. If you want to get a great job, choose a topic that really stands out in the marketplace. Have a think right now for yourself: what areas of your industry are booming? For example, would it be better to specialize in coal or solar panels? Which one would be best to talk about in a job interview in the 21 st Century?
• c) Do you want to be a research pro? Most of my students don’t want to be researchers as a career. They do their dissertations to prove mastery of their topic – that’s all. The research is a means to an end. But, if you think you want to go on to do the next level degree (a PhD one day?) then you’ll want to focus on having a high quality methodology, not just an interesting topic.

So, have a think now: is there a topic that will help you get to where you plan on going? What expert knowledge do you want to be able to ‘sell’ in a future interview?

3. Ensure it’s Interesting to You.

You’re going to be wedded to your chosen for a long time. And by the end of this journey you’re going to hate it.

To make your life easier, choose a topic you’re interested in.

Here’s two ways of approaching this:

Choose a Topic you Think About a Lot.

Choose a dissertation topic that you find yourself talking about, complaining about or raving about to your parents. Choose something that makes you angry, inspired or intrigued.

For the next week or so, I recommend taking notes whenever you find yourself thinking idly about something. Is that something you’ve thought about a lot?

Or, Choose a Topic by Looking over Past Assessment Tasks.

Another way of approaching the search for an interesting topic is to look over past assignments.

What assessment task have you done in the past few years that gripped you? Which one did you enjoy the most when you were studying it?

Zoom in on that topic and see if you can turn it into a dissertation.

Bonus tip: If you found a topic that was based on a previous assessment task, see if you can convince the person who taught that subject to be your dissertation supervisor.

4. Keep it Simple.

Too often, students want to choose a topic that is complex and complicated. They come up with a long, detailed research question (usually with the help of their professor) that, really, is hard to understand!

The best strategy is to come up with a topic that is really, really straightforward. At least, the topic should start as simple and straightforward.

Your topic is going to grow and expand into a monster. It’ll be hard to tame and control. You’ll be following random tangents down rabbit holes that end up being dead-ends. You’ll research aspects of the topic and realize it was a completely pointless exercise.

The way to minimize the crazy growth of your research project is to simplify it right from the start. Make it a really simple idea.

For example, I had a student who wanted to research:

“How big is the gap in mathematics outcomes between children from middle-class and working-class backgrounds by age 16?”

I would think that this topic may be achievable by a top academic with a sizeable research grant, but my student was completing a 10,000 word dissertation for graduating her Bachelor of Arts with Honours.

After several agonizing research meetings, we peeled it back over and again until we ended up with something much simpler and more specific:

“What are teachers’ opinions of the impact of poverty on learning?”

Why is this simpler and more specific?

Well, with the second study, my student has a clear focus group (teachers) and an achievable methodology (interviews). This will be far simpler than somehow conducting tests on 16-year old children, getting a significant amount of children to participate in the study, and then dissecting their mathematics test results by income level.

Instead, we aimed small and simple to ensure the task itself was achievable.

We’re not here to win a Nobel prize. You can do that with your multi-million-dollar post-doctoral research grant. Get your degree first.

5. Ensure it’s Achievable.

This piece of advice builds on the previous advice, to “keep it simple”.

Keeping it simple means making sure you have a clear, small-scale focus.

Esuring the project is achievable means choosing a methodology that won’t break you.

Small Scale Qualitative Studies are Achievable for Anyone

I always suggest to my Undergraduate and Masters level students to aim for a small scale study with no more than 20 research participants.

Now, I know there will be many of you out there who want to do quantitative research studies. And in reality, you can do a quantitative study with a small group of students. These usually involve quantitative action research case studies.

If you’re set on a quantitative study, that’s fine. But find a supervisor with the right experience.

Personally, I usually recommend a qualitative focus group analysis for anyone doing their first dissertation.

The biggest mistake you can make is biting off more than you can chew.

Small scale qualitative studies are the easiest option . They can be achieved within your time frame. And you can certainly still get a very high grade.

So, let’s take the example of the previous research question, which we changed from:

For the first study, you will have to develop skills in quantitative data analysis , find a sizeable cohort of students, get permission from their parents, get special permission to study children you’re your university ethics committee, develop a quality testing mechanism, pilot the test, conduct the test, analyze the data, then interpret it.

For the second study, you will not have to develop complex mathematical skills, bother with getting permission to research children, or deal with the rigor of quantitative analysis.

In other words, you will be able to bypass many hurdles you may face.

That’s the benefit of a small-scale qualitative study. It’s a nice easy first dissertation methodology. You can do it and do it well.

I know my position is controversial, but hey … I’m here to tell you how to avoid problems, not to stand on a soapbox.

Consider Textual Analysis, Semiotic Analysis or Secondary Research

Finding people to interview, survey or participate in your study in any way at all can be intimidating.

I find it interesting and really fulfilling. But I understand if you think it’s too much for you at this point in time.

If you don’t want to have to go out and find research participants for your study, I recommend one of these types of study:

• Textual Analysis : you can look at policy documents or newspaper articles and analyze their ideological positioning , for example;
• Semiotic Analysis : The quintessential semiotic analysis is the analysis of advertising images or movies and the examination of the ways they depict people of different races, social classes or genders;
• Secondary Research: Look over other people’s research and try to identify themes across a range of research studies.

Now, these three different methodologies are far outside of the scope of this discussion, but consult with your dissertation supervisor if you’re overwhelmed by the idea of conducting research with real human beings. One of these three methodologies may help you bypass that process, and make the dissertation feel more achievable for you.

6. Search Online for Inspiration

If you’re still struggling to choose a dissertation topic,  go online to get inspiration!

There’s a few ways you can do this. Here’s a few good ones:

a) Google Previous Dissertation Topics

Many universities upload their students’ dissertations onto an online repository. This means there are a ton of open, free to access databases of previous students’ dissertations all over the internet.

Simply google “Dissertation” + “pdf” + a topic you’re interested in. If you’re a masters student, you can do “masters dissertation” + “pdf” + the topic; and if you’re an undegrad, then simply do “undergraduate dissertation” + “pdf” + the topic;. Simple!

Up will pop a ton of dissertations that you can instantly download to check out previous students’ successful dissertation topics.

Another benefit of doing this is that you’ll be able to view and model the structure that previous students have used as well. This can be super beneficial for you early on!

b) Look at Recent Articles Published in Journals focused on your Topic

If you scroll through the recent issues of journals in your topic, you’ll find a range of research topic ideas.

To get access to top journals in your topic, simply google “Scholarly Journal” + your topic. For example, I am a professor in education. So I’d google “Scholarly journal” + “Education”.

The homepages for a ton of journals will pop up in the Google search. Quickly scan through the recent issues of those journals to see if any ideas will pop up that interest you!

c) If you’re Studying Education or Teaching, Check Here

Lastly, a quick plug for another post I’ve written for dissertation students:

• 51+ Dissertation Ideas for Education students .

Go check that out if you want to write a dissertation on the ‘education’ topic.

7. Trust your Dissertation Supervisor

Your dissertation supervisor will have walked many students just like you through the research process before.

Look, I know many dissertation supervisors can be disappointingly aloof and disconnected from your research. And relationships can get very frosty with your supervisors indeed.

Trust your supervisor. They make recommendations for a reason. They know how to navigate the dissertation writing process. If your supervisor makes a recommendation, strong – very strongly – consider it.

Your supervisor also has expertise in one area of research or another. Take advantage of their expertise. Be flexible and let them sway you down certain paths. You need a knowledgeable partner in the research process.

So, trust your supervisor. You need their expertise more than you know.

8. Come up with 3-5 Ideas and Bring them to your Supervisor for Feedback

Your initial dissertation topic ideas will probably need a lot of refinement.

The person who will help you to refine your topic will be your dissertation supervisor. Their main job, unfortunately, is to curb your enthusiasm. It’s to show you what problems you’ll face if you follow certain paths and recommend alterations to ensure your topic is achievable.

So, approach your supervisor with your 3-5 top ideas and watch them do their magic. They should advise you on how to turn your ideas into reality.

Your ideas can be specific or broad – really, it doesn’t matter because you’ll walk out of your supervision meeting with a lot of changed ideas. It doesn’t need to be set in stone.

You could, for example, go up to your supervisor and say something like:

• “I’m interested in Erikson’s theory of development. Do you have any suggestions of how I can use Erikson’s ideas for a dissertation?”
• “I’m really into conservative politics. What ideas do you have for an achievable topic?”
• Any other ideas…

They’ll help you shape and mold your topic into something achievable.

9. Lastly, Stick to your Choice

When I did my dissertation, I questioned my topic daily: I’d always be thinking up new, better ideas for my dissertation!

But once you’re locked in, it’s hard to change your mind. You’re going to get ethics permission to conduct your study, not anyone else’s!

So, my advice is simple:

Once you’ve chosen your topic, commit.

If you’re desperate to do another topic, fine, do another degree. If you’re doing your Master’s right now, bank those other ideas for a potential PhD down the track.

But once you’ve made your choice, really … you’ve got to commit, block out all your regrets and dig in.

Don’t worry about your friends who chose a dissertation topic that is better than yours. Stay in your lane, be content with your topic, and create a great product.

Writing a dissertation is an exercise in being practical more than anything. That start from the very first choice: choosing a dissertation topic that’s achievable and good for your career, and will also put you on the path for top marks.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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How To Choose A Research Topic

Step-By-Step Tutorial With Examples + Free Topic Evaluator

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | April 2024

Choosing the right research topic is likely the  most important decision you’ll make on your dissertation or thesis journey. To make the right choice, you need to take a systematic approach and evaluate each of your candidate ideas across a consistent set of criteria. In this tutorial, we’ll unpack five essential criteria that will help you evaluate your prospective research ideas and choose a winner.

Overview: The “Big 5” Key Criteria

• Topic originality or novelty
• Value and significance
• Access to data and equipment
• Time limitations and implications
• Ethical requirements and constraints

Criterion #1: Originality & Novelty

As we’ve discussed extensively on this blog, originality in a research topic is essential. In other words, you need a clear research gap . The uniqueness of your topic determines its contribution to the field and its potential to stand out in the academic community. So, for each of your prospective topics, ask yourself the following questions:

• What research gap and research problem am I filling?
• Does my topic offer new insights?
• Am I combining existing ideas in a unique way?
• Am I taking a unique methodological approach?

To objectively evaluate the originality of each of your topic candidates, rate them on these aspects. This process will not only help in choosing a topic that stands out, but also one that can capture the interest of your audience and possibly contribute significantly to the field of study – which brings us to our next criterion.

Criterion #2: Value & Significance

Next, you’ll need to assess the value and significance of each prospective topic. To do this, you’ll need to ask some hard questions.

• Why is it important to explore these research questions?
• Who stands to benefit from this study?
• How will they benefit, specifically?

By clearly understanding and outlining the significance of each potential topic, you’ll not only be justifying your final choice – you’ll essentially be laying the groundwork for a persuasive research proposal , which is equally important.

Criterion #3: Access to Data & Equipment

Naturally, access to relevant data and equipment is crucial for the success of your research project. So, for each of your prospective topic ideas, you’ll need to evaluate whether you have the necessary resources to collect data and conduct your study.

Here are some questions to ask for each potential topic:

• Will I be able to access the sample of interest (e.g., people, animals, etc.)?
• Do I have (or can I get) access to the required equipment, at the time that I need it?
• Are there costs associated with any of this? If so, what are they?

Keep in mind that getting access to certain types of data may also require special permissions and legalities, especially if your topic involves vulnerable groups (patients, youths, etc.). You may also need to adhere to specific data protection laws, depending on the country. So, be sure to evaluate these aspects thoroughly for each topic. Overlooking any of these can lead to significant complications down the line.

Criterion #4: Time Requirements & Implications

Naturally, having a realistic timeline for each potential research idea is crucial. So, consider the scope of each potential topic and estimate how long each phase of the research will take — from literature review to data collection and analysis, to writing and revisions. Underestimating the time needed for a research project is extremely common , so it’s important to include buffer time for unforeseen delays.

Remember, efficient time management is not just about the duration but also about the timing . For example, if your research involves fieldwork, there may specific times of the year when this is most doable (or not doable at all).  So, be sure to consider both time and timing for each of your prospective topics.

Criterion #5: Ethical Compliance

Failing to adhere to your university’s research ethics policy is a surefire way to get your proposal rejected . So, you’ll need to evaluate each topic for potential ethical issues, especially if your research involves human subjects, sensitive data, or has any potential environmental impact.

Remember that ethical compliance is not just a formality – it’s a responsibility to ensure the integrity and social responsibility of your research. Topics that pose significant ethical challenges are typically the first to be rejected, so you need to take this seriously. It’s also useful to keep in mind that some topics are more “ethically sensitive” than others , which usually means that they’ll require multiple levels of approval. Ideally, you want to avoid this additional admin, so mark down any prospective topics that fall into an ethical “grey zone”.

If you’re unsure about the details of your university’s ethics policy, ask for a copy or speak directly to your course coordinator. Don’t make any assumptions when it comes to research ethics!

Key Takeaways

In this post, we’ve explored how to choose a research topic using a systematic approach. To recap, the “Big 5” assessment criteria include:

• Topic originality and novelty
• Time requirements
• Ethical compliance

Be sure to grab a copy of our free research topic evaluator sheet here to fast-track your topic selection process. If you need hands-on help finding and refining a high-quality research topic for your dissertation or thesis, you can also check out our private coaching service .

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How to decide on a PhD topic

Study tips Published 5 Apr, 2022  ·  4-minute read

Whether you’re diving right into your doctorate after a master’s degree or honours year, or you’re returning to study after a few years out in the field, working out how to choose a research topic for your PhD is an essential first step. We got some tips from two of our PhD candidates, Sarah Kendall and Chelsea Janke.

Some Doctor of Philosophy candidates are lucky. They start a PhD having already discovered their niche interest area, which means they never need to wonder how to choose a PhD topic.

Does this mean there’s something wrong with you if you don’t already have your thesis locked in?

Not at all.

Many students start their PhD journey with just a pure passion for research – a love for testing theories and making new discoveries – and figure out their specific research topic while working on their proposal . If you’re in this camp, or if you haven’t refined your thesis just yet, these tips can help you get there.

Your PhD will take 3-4 years, so it's important that you choose something you're genuinely interested in.

How to choose a PhD topic

Sarah is the first to admit that choosing a PhD thesis topic is daunting. Her thesis examines lawyers’ approaches to prosecuting and defending domestic and family violence cases, but this topic didn’t come to her overnight.

“This can be really hard,” says Sarah.

“It took me years to decide on a PhD topic, and even then, it continued to change after starting my PhD.”

Chelsea, whose research explores ways to keep soil healthy while reducing environmental impact, agrees that your initial thesis may not necessarily stay the same throughout your PhD.

“Keep in mind that, as you progress through your PhD, your topic may change as you make new findings and discover some interesting things,” she says.

“This is fairly normal and is often why PhD topics aren’t always set in stone at the start.”

Remember this if you find yourself getting frustrated with how long it’s taking to pin down your research topic. You’ll be spending significant time ( at least 3 years ) researching this topic, so it’s reasonable to take a while on this decision. Make sure you land on a topic that truly inspires you, as you’ll need that inspiration to keep you motivated for the long haul.

With that said, though, there’s nothing wrong with picking a topic you’re 99% sure of and getting started sooner. As Sarah and Chelsea both say, adapting your thesis along the way is often part of the PhD journey.

Read, read, read

Identify the things that really spark your interest and where you can find research gaps – that is, where there are still things we don't know.

Chelsea believes choosing your research topic begins with, well, research .

“Read widely on the general field that you’re interested in,” she says.

“Identify the things that really spark your interest and where you can find research gaps – that is, where there are still things we don’t know.”

Sarah agrees and acknowledges that sometimes this prior research can even translate into a separate project or even a degree.

“Do some research into the areas that interest you – this could take the form of an honours or other research project, or even a mock project that you do in your spare time,” she says.

“This will help you to decide your level of interest in the topic.”

Consider your subjects and speak with academics

Sarah recommends thinking about the courses from your current or previous program, as these can shine a light on what aspects of your field ignite your curiosity.

“Consider the subjects that you really enjoyed in your previous studies or those topics that you find really enjoyable to just learn about in your spare time,” she says.

“Narrow this down to a few areas, even if these are still pretty broad, then talk to as many academics as possible who do research in those areas. This is a really great way of finding out more about what’s topical in the area and what a potential project could look like.”

If you already know who you’d like to be your PhD supervisor, they are the obvious person to speak with first about refining your research topic. If not, learn how to find the right supervisor .

Check for openings on existing projects

Sometimes the best way to choose a PhD topic is to let the PhD topic choose you instead. Many academics keep open spots in their research projects for potential candidates to fill, providing opportunities for students to pursue their own thesis while assisting in a larger research team. We call these earmarked PhD projects .

In fact, this is what ended up helping Sarah select her thesis topic.

“Keep an eye out for projects that are being advertised by academics,” says Sarah.

“You might find one that fits with your area of interest, saving you much of the trouble of having to decide on your specific topic – this is how I came to be doing the project I’m currently doing!”

View available earmarked PhD projects at UQ

Ready to start researching your chosen topic? Discover the next steps for your PhD application.

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How to choose a dissertation topic, published by steve tippins on january 16, 2019 january 16, 2019.

Last Updated on: 3rd June 2022, 04:38 am

“How do I choose a dissertation topic?” is a question most PhD students have fretted about. I’m glad you’re thinking about it, because your dissertation topic is an important decision. You will be in an intimate relationship with the topic you choose for at least a year, maybe longer. In fact, depending on your study’s results, your dissertation may become the basis for a lifetime of research, so giving the question a good deal of consideration is wise.

So, how do you choose one? The best answer is to choose an area you have a deep passion for. Short of that, find a topic that you are deeply interested in and that you suspect you will remain interested in for quite a while.

However, many people find that “follow your passion” isn’t specific enough advice, and it certainly doesn’t guide them through the more complex steps associated with choosing a dissertation topic.

These are steps I’ve outlined for students many times, and in my experience, they work. Read the infographic or scroll down for the complete article to find out how to choose a dissertation topic.

How to Choose a Dissertation Topic

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Step One: Read

When asked how to choose a dissertation topic, most of my colleagues say the same thing: read the literature of your field. If your field is education, then read all that you can on the area of education that interests you. If management is your field, then consume as much of the literature on your area of management as you can.

The more you discover, the more specific your interest will become. Instead of books about general education, you’ll start choosing articles about why students drop out of high school, for example. Instead of management texts, you’ll start looking for books specifically about leadership styles.

Immerse yourself in the literature, looking at your narrowing topic from as many angles as you can. Let yourself be led down one new path after another so that you become an expert on the past and current thinking on the topic. You’ll see how attrition in high school is linked to socio-economic status and note all the different initiatives that have been attempted to mitigate it. Or you’ll find out that the trends in leadership training have mirrored counter-cultural thinking.

By doing this reading and narrowing, you’ll get a good feeling of what has been done, what people think should be done, and where there are gaps. It is in the small gaps in collective thinking where the best research ideas are found.

Step Two: Come Up With a Question

Next, come up with a question. When you refine it, this will be the central research question for your dissertation. When coming up with a question, there are several things to keep in mind.

First, many people make the mistake of trying to solve a problem, rather than answering a question. An interest in drop-out rates may lead you to wonder about solutions to the problem of dropping out. Dig a little deeper for your question. You might be interested in the reasons students who’ve dropped out give for their decision. Or you might compare satisfaction levels of students who participate in a dropout prevention program to those who attend an alternative high school.

Also remember that your question should be open-ended, not a “yes” or “no” question. “Does this management style increase productivity?” is not an acceptable research question, but “To what degree, if any, does this management style impact productivity?” is. The former question is acceptable practical research, but your dissertation must be a more open-ended type of study.

Ultimately, your research question must be supported by the literature, meaning other researchers think it’s relevant. As you read and consider the state of the situation you want to study, ask yourself, “What is the next piece of information that society needs to decide how to should proceed in this area?”

Step Three: Find Out if it’s Doable

Before you go any further, you have to make sure you can actually conduct a study to answer your research question. By that I mean, can you get access to the data and can you collect the data in a reasonable time period?

For example, a study on  the lifetime earnings impact of financial education in high schoo l would mean following a group of people from high school until death. It could take 75 plus years to get all of the data. Do you want to pay tuition for that long?  

So, make sure that you limit the parameters of your study. Instead of lifetime earnings, perhaps you could look at the lived financial experience of college freshmen who have taken a particular high school personal finance course.

Step Four: Gain Committee Acceptance

You may have found the perfect dissertation committee , people who you respect and who will work hard to help you finish. However, if the members do not like your topic or have an opposing opinion on the matter, you may be in for a very long journey. Make sure that all committee members are on board at the beginning, open to whatever you might find in your study.

You can do this by asking questions that include them in your thought process, e.g., “I’ve recently discovered  X  about my topic, and to me, that indicates I should tweak my research question to Y; do you concur?”

Step Five: Listen to Your Committee’s Advice

This point might sound obvious, but it isn’t to everyone. It can be easy to get an idea in your head about what you want to study and how you want to do it, and that’s fantastic–it’s your project, and it should remain so.

However, your Chair and committee members have a lot of experience that can inform the way you conduct your research–and may even save you grief down the road. One of the greatest opportunities that comes along with writing your dissertation is the chance to work with experienced researchers to “learn the ropes” of conducting research.

Using this opportunity to its full potential will allow you to learn more and will set you up for an easier dissertation-writing process, since you and your committee will be on the same page.

Summary of How to Choose a Dissertation Topic

Seek to find the small area in your field of interest on which no one else has written before but is the next logical step for the field and develop that into your topic. Come up with your research question and find out if it’s doable. Gain committee acceptance, and take the time to listen to what your Chair and committee members have to say.

Your committee and Chair are invaluable, but many people appreciate outside help as well. I stand ready to assist you with choosing your dissertation topic and all other stages of your PhD journey.

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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How to Choose a Dissertation Topic

Published by Jamie Walker at August 16th, 2021 , Revised On October 3, 2023

The dissertation is one of the most testing academic assignments for undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral students. When writing a dissertation , you are expected to answer a particular  research question  and derive findings that can have implications for future research.

Nevertheless, writing can be a daunting task because dissertations are complex academic documents with intricate rules. Particularly, students need to select a good dissertation topic.

However, the prospect of selecting the appropriate topic can be overwhelming because many lack experience  writing dissertations .  In other cases, students might have limited time for writing as they have to manage their personal and professional needs.

Here we bring to you important guidelines that can facilitate if you are unsure how to choose a dissertation topic that is interesting, relevant, and manageable.

Step 1. Assess the Course Requirements

If you have just started to look for a topic, you might be wondering how I chose a dissertation topic that could leave a lasting impression on my supervisor and help me score a high academic grade.

It is important to note that each course has specific requirements or terms and conditions that guide students to determine the dissertation topic that best suits their needs.  The nature and suitability of your chosen dissertation topic are dependent on the academic course being studied.

For example, you might have wanted to know how to choose a thesis topic for a master’s or how to choose a thesis topic for an undergraduate course but overlooked your course requirements.

It is vitally important to look into your course requirements before narrowing down the topics instead of being caught up in confusion.

Your department’s dissertation writing requirements , in some cases, can be very extended and perplexing; specifying the minimum and maximum word count, outline the  list of possible topics , and identify the methodological requirements.

On the other hand, the prerequisites might be very limiting and unclear, with only the deadline and word count requirements being specified. No matter the requirements, it is essential to check with the course coordinator if students are unsure about choosing a topic for the dissertation.

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Step 2. Select an Extensive Field

A prudent practise is to evaluate topics that are interesting for students in their courses. For instance, students can select a familiar topic that guides them during research. It is relatively easy to start research with known topics since you will not have to write from the beginning.

One way to find a topic is to search how to choose a dissertation topic on Google . There is no need to have advanced knowledge about the topic since basic information can guide students to investigate the topic further and narrow it down to something relevant, valuable, and manageable.

At ResearchProspect, we have created hundreds of topics for undergraduate, Masters and Ph.D. students. Please click here to find your topic in our free dissertation topics database, no matter the academic subject. We are the only company in the UK that provides free topics along with an aim and justification to help you get started.

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Step 3. Search Relevant Academic Literature

This is another important aspect of how to choose a dissertation topic. Students should find reliable and credible books, online dissertation topics databases, and articles to explore possible topics.

Highly rated journals frequently publish articles that introduce readers to new research on any topic. One way of choosing a dissertation topic is to use  Google Scholar , which is a good resource for finding relevant journals for any subject.

It includes abstracts  of relevant research that can inspire students to select their dissertation topic. Many universities have online libraries that students can access to find information about their specific subjects.

For example, students might want to know how to  choose a dissertation topic in English literature . The above methods can assist them in the research process.  While reading different books and articles, students should make notes about ideas that can be used to create a list of possible topics.

Also Read: What is Research Problem in Dissertation?

Step 4: Narrow Topic to Niche

Now that you have already completed the preliminary research, the next step would be to evaluate every topic and scrap the ones that are either too broad or too narrow.

The key to choosing a great dissertation topic is to identify a niche that still needs more research or a topic that is still debatable among researchers. You can investigate contemporary issues that have an impact on humans and society.

An example of a niche topic is “Social media strategies for business organizations”.

Another example would be “Identification of barriers that act as obstacles towards the popularity of sustainable architecture”.

Whatever the specific niche, it is crucial that adequate information on the topic is available because of the need to provide a robust theoretical basis for the dissertation.  Develop a research problem statement  and research questions to further narrow the topic.

Here are some ideas for you to consider;

Identify the time needed to study the academic sources on the topic.

If the list of sources is extensive then it might be necessary to narrow the topic even further.

If you are unable to perform primary research, make sure there is adequate information to complete the objectives of your descriptive dissertation.

Step 5. Evaluate the Best Research Approach when Choosing Topic

Select the research method that is most suitable for your dissertation and meets your degree programme. This is an important stage of choosing a dissertation topic, but there is no need to panic.

The two methods of research employed in academic research are known as primary research and secondary research . It is recommended that students evaluate artefacts or examine various theoretical approaches.

For example, if you have chosen  a dissertation topic in education , then you might decide to base your dissertation on primary research because primary research would enable you to address a research problem that is of critical importance to the education industry by filling an obvious gap in knowledge.

On the other hand, if you are testing a hypothesis and you find out that there is sufficient literature already available on the subject, then you could base your dissertation purely on secondary data.

However, dissertations can include one or multiple approaches to research. You should consult with your mentors about the best research method, especially when unsure about how to choose a dissertation topic for a PhD level assignment .

Primary research can be costly and time-consuming, while secondary research is cost-effective and saves time. Selecting the right approach is dependent on the resources and time available to students.

Here are the most notable advantages and disadvantages of primary and secondary research. 

Step 6. Demonstrate the Relevance of Topic

Perhaps the most important step is to ensure the topic is relevant to your field of study. Your topic should be academically relevant and aim to fill a gap in existing knowledge or provide new insights into the field.

It should also be socially relevant as the results should promote social change and contribute towards an understanding of society.

Finally, it must be practically relevant by contributing towards problem-solving or improving quality of life. A relevant topic should be interlinked with contemporary subjects, debates, and topics. The research problem  can be used to demonstrate the relevance of the topic.

For example, if you are stuck on how to choose a dissertation topic for a master’s course, a master’s dissertation on strategic human resource management could identify the implications of the research for modern firms and their HR practices.

Similarly, if you are doing all this research to choose a doctoral dissertation topic, a doctoral dissertation on a political science topic could assess the implications for policymakers.

Step 7. Submit the Topic to Committee

Once you have selected a topic, and are ready to proceed, submit the topic with a brief description to the program supervisor or coordinator. Once approved, a  dissertation research proposal  will be needed as the next step.

If your supervisor doesn’t approve of your chosen topic, there is still no need to panic. You can follow the same steps on how to choose a dissertation topic and send them more suggestions.

Each of the steps described in this article is part of a gradual and systematic process that will assist students in how to choose a dissertation topic. It is important to use planning and preparation because the result of your dissertation project, to some extent, will depend on your chosen topic.

At ResearchProspect, we have created hundreds of free topic suggestions for students. Whether you are an undergraduate, Master’s, or Ph.D. student, you can find an interesting, relevant, suitable, and manageable topic for your research in our free dissertation topics library .

Our dissertation writers can also provide you with  free custom topic ideas and a plan/outline  on your chosen topic to help you get your topic and plan of research approved by your supervisor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does your dissertation topic matter.

Yes, your dissertation topic matters significantly. It shapes your research, impacts your engagement, and influences your academic and career path. A well-chosen topic aligns with your interests, contributes to your field, and enhances your overall learning experience.

How to choose a dissertation topic?

• Assess the course requirements
• Select an extensive field 
• Search relevant academic literature 
• Narrow topic to the niche 
• Demonstrate the relevance of your topic
• Submit topic to the committee’

Can I change my dissertation topic?

Yes, you can change your dissertation topic, but the process varies by institution and department. Consult with your advisor and review departmental guidelines. Changing topics may require additional time, research, and resources, so weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making a final decision. Always prioritise your academic and research interests.

How to choose a dissertation topic for an undergraduate?

Identify your interests within your field. Explore coursework, readings, and discussions that intrigued you. Conduct preliminary research to gauge existing literature. Discuss potential topics with professors or advisors. Ensure feasibility in terms of data, resources, and time. Opt for a unique angle but remain within the scope of undergraduate expectations.

How many words is a dissertation title?

A dissertation title’s length varies, but it is typically concise. Most titles range between 10 and 15 words. The aim is to be descriptive and clear while capturing the essence of the research. It should give readers an immediate understanding of the topic without being overly lengthy or ambiguous. Always follow institutional guidelines.

Does a dissertation need a title?

Yes, a dissertation needs a title. The title succinctly conveys the essence of the research and provides a first impression to readers. It helps in identifying the work’s main theme and acts as a reference point for scholars, researchers, and anyone engaging with the dissertation. A clear, relevant title is crucial.

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How to write a hypothesis for dissertation,? A hypothesis is a statement that can be tested with the help of experimental or theoretical research.

This article is a step-by-step guide to how to write statement of a problem in research. The research problem will be half-solved by defining it correctly.

To help students organise their dissertation proposal paper correctly, we have put together detailed guidelines on how to structure a dissertation proposal.

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What is a Dissertation (And How To Choose a Topic)?

Nailing down a dissertation topic can be difficult. We share thoughts and tips on choosing a topic for your dissertation that will have lasting impact.

Key Takeaways

• Most graduate students must complete a dissertation.
• A dissertation should be based on an original research topic of your choosing.
• Your goal is to choose a dissertation topic that addresses an important, unanswered question in your field.

The Dissertation—A Basic Overview

Graduate students are typically expected to create an original research question and conduct research based on this question while adhering to a formal experimental or scientific process. Subsequently, students must identify and pursue research aims and produce an original research paper providing critical analysis and outlining meaningful findings resulting from the research.

But for many students, selecting a dissertation topic can be the hardest part. That’s why we’ve outlined the helpful tips below.

It’s also worth noting that while high school students and undergraduate students in U.S. schools won’t typically be required to write a dissertation, the tips below can be useful for learning how to choose and write thesis topics at every level of education. Moreover, for students in pursuit of a master’s degree, the same tips can be readily applied to choosing from master’s thesis topics.

What to Know Before Choosing a Topic

For graduate students, a major part of the dissertation process will include working closely with an advisor or mentor. Your mentor will typically provide feedback and guidance at various steps of the process from fielding preliminary dissertation ideas and identifying your dissertation title to analyzing your research data and completing your research paper.

Your mentor may also be a part of the dissertation review board. Most graduate students will be required to defend their dissertation before this committee of scholars and experts. For most graduate students, and some undergraduate students in specialized programs, dissertation completion will be a major part of academic performance evaluation.

Choosing Dissertation Topics

Of course, before you get to all of the challenging steps above, you must choose a dissertation topic. The good news is that you have almost infinite options to choose from within your field. But that’s also the bad news. When it comes to choosing dissertation topics, the toughest part may be narrowing it down to a single topic.

With that in mind, we offer 10 Tips for choosing your dissertation topic .

1. Identify Your Dissertation Type

Dissertation topics will depend on the type of research you intend to do. This, in turn, depends on your field of study. Dissertation topics will often fall into two primary categories—empirical research and qualitative research.

Empirical research is often driven by your own independent field research and data gathering. This is more common in medical and natural science fields such as psychology dissertation topics, nursing dissertation topics, and subjects engaging modern technology such as computer science.

Qualitative research may be more common in fields where critical analysis is essential, such as art dissertation topics, international criminal law, business dissertation topics, and more. In these cases, existing knowledge would serve as a starting point for deeper assessment.

2. Explore Existing Data

Regardless of your subject area, your starting point will likely be existing research. This will help you differentiate between areas of existing knowledge and opportunities for deeper exploration.

Moreover, this step will give you a sense of the higher education dissertation topics that have been used in the past to explore your field. This can be a useful way to help you understand what might qualify as a viable dissertation topic.

3. Record Your Sources

As you delve into existing ideas and findings, you can also begin to gather your own body of sources on the subject. If this research is fruitful, many of these preliminary scholarly sources will form the backbone of your reference list. As you get deeper into your specific dissertation topic, this list will only grow.

4. Identify Unanswered Questions

As you explore the existing research, identify unanswered questions. Scholarly research articles will often recognize limitations to the existing study and even identify additional areas for future research. Highlight questions that might be worthy of deeper consideration as you conduct your preliminary research and reading.

5. Expand Your Research Based On Unanswered Questions

Follow the research trail for some of the most intriguing unanswered questions. Find out how deep the research goes on such topics.

Is there additional research that actually does address these questions? Have others in your field proposed similar questions in recent journal articles, scientific conferences or other public contexts? In other words, is this really an original idea? This step should help you eliminate any supposedly “unanswered questions” that are, in fact, answered elsewhere.

6. Consider Feasibility

How will you conduct the study? Using comparative analysis? Field research? Laboratory experiments with innovative technologies? In light of these needs, how realistic will it be to explore a given dissertation topic?

Be sure your institution has the resources to facilitate your research project. If additional funding or outside support is required, consider how realistic it will be to procure this support.

7. Weigh the Ethical Implications

Be sure that any research questions under consideration can be explored with full adherence to experimental ethics. This is an especially important point of consideration for those exploring sensitive topics like domestic violence, modern recovery programs, human rights abuses, and more.

Evaluate the possibility of ethical issues dealing with your topic or proposed experimental framework. Ultimately, your dissertation proposal will have to address these issues. This is a good first step in that direction.

8. Narrow Questions Based on Potential Impact

Now that you’ve narrowed down to dissertation topics that are original, feasible, and ethical, it’s time to think about why a given question might be worthy of exploration.

Some examples of questions you may want to explore include:

• How might your education dissertation topic improve our understanding of human cognitive development?
• Have you considered economics dissertation topics that might address unequal wealth distribution in America?
• Would your international law dissertation contribute to the way the global community handles human rights violations in developing countries?

Think about the ways that your research paper might help bring about real world policy change, improvements to the legal system, enhanced opportunity in the higher education sector, solutions to an economic crisis, more effective business management practices, or anything else that might positively impact knowledge, understanding and real-world outcomes in your field.

9. Identify Opportunities for Future Research

One indicator that you’ve stumbled onto a rich topic for research is the ability to mine the subject for continued exploration. Think about the ways that relevant data, empirical analysis, or consequent findings could spark additional critical thinking.

Can your chosen dissertation topic serve as the basis for future academic work? Will future college students or graduate students find the seedlings for their own research aims in your research?

While you may not necessarily choose to explore these additional questions yourself, one of the primary goals of your dissertation is to make a direct and lasting contribution to your field. Creating opportunities for others to critically analyze your findings and conduct further research is an indication that you have achieved this goal.

10. Factor in Personal Development

Dissertations certainly qualify as major academic achievements. But there’s a lot more to them. Most graduate students are already embedded in professional careers.

One of the best ways to whittle down your prospective dissertation topics is to look for ideas that apply both in your educational and professional pursuits. Indeed, aligning these interests will allow you to dive deeper into a topic that will advance your knowledge and expertise in the field where you currently work.

As a computer science student working in the gaming industry, you may conduct your research on a subject like the impact of educational games on cognitive development. A student pursuing a doctorate in business management while building a startup company might produce a dissertation on the impact of organizational culture when working in a virtual environment.

In other words, consider ways that your chosen dissertation topic can serve to advance your career even as you remain entrenched in your pursuit of a terminal degree.

And for more valuable tips on succeeding in your advanced degree program, see our Guide to Life in Graduate School .

Or get tips on studying, student life, and much more with a look at our Student Resources .

Choosing a Research Topic

Search Grad Grow

This article from the Chronicle of Higher Education  discusses and offers advice on how to choose a dissertation topic that is compelling, manageable, and worthwhile. Although it is written for scientists, this article provides valuable insights that are applicable to other fields. Also available via the Tomorrow's Professor Archive.

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How to Pick a Master’s, Ph.D., or Undergraduate Thesis Topic

Last Updated: February 2, 2024 Fact Checked

• Brainstorming Topics

Narrowing Your Focus

• Crafting Your Question

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 74,206 times.

Choosing a topic for your thesis , whether it be for a master’s, Ph.D., or undergraduate, can feel like a daunting task, but it can also be exciting. Your thesis is your chance to dive deep into a topic that interests you and contribute something new to your field. To pick the right topic for you, start by brainstorming potential topics without worrying if they're good or not. Then, narrow your topics based on feasibility and your personal strengths. Finally, start researching so you can craft a good thesis question.

Things You Should Know

• Jot down your interests in your topic of study. Then, research your interests and go through your past papers to find unanswered questions in your field.
• Narrow down your interests to potential topics you can add value to. Then, find a professor who has experience in your area of study.
• To formulate your research question, research your topic. Brainstorm a few questions you might ask, then select the one you can best answer.

Brainstorming Possible Topics

• Review all of the classes you've taken and the subjects you've covered.
• Think about why you got into your field of study.
• Consider what you like to read about in your free time, especially things related to your field. This might be books, news articles, or blogs.
• Think of people in your field who you admire or aspire to be like. Then, ask yourself what you like about them.
• Consider if you'll continue your academic studies after graduation, as well as what you'd want to study.

• Consider any lingering questions you had working on past projects as a starting point for your new thesis.
• It’s best to stick to your recent work because it will better reflect your current knowledge and abilities.
• You can use the same topic you used in your prior work, or you can use your old work to point you in the direction of a new topic.

Tip: Your past coursework can also tell you what you didn’t like studying. Consider the assignments that you struggled through and the research topics you hated. Then, avoid topics like them.

• For example, let’s say you’re studying politics. You might read about current presidential candidates and reflect on how their platforms have diverted from the historical platforms for their political party.
• If you’re writing a literature thesis, look at the novels that are being nominated for this year’s literary awards and consider their genre, theme, or style.
• For a thesis on psychology, you might look for news about PTSD research or read articles about pop psychology that people are sharing on social media.
• For an aeronautical engineering thesis, you could read up on what SpaceX is currently working on, or look into NASA’s most recent experiments.
• Check prominent research journals in the field you’re interested in to see what current academic conversations look like.
• Make a list of keywords that show up during your searches so you can look up published theses using sites like ProQuest. That way, you know what topics have already been covered.

• You don’t need a topic that’s completely absent from research, as this would be difficult to examine.
• One way to find a unique angle is to combine 2 topics together. Alternatively, you can build on someone else's work.
• For example, let's say you're studying clinical psychology and want to write about PTSD. You might find that not much research has been done into how people with PTSD cope with workplace conflicts.
• Similarly, let's say you're studying politics and want to look at how political party platforms evolve. You might find that there's a gap in research when it comes to evaluating how voters react to platform changes.

• For instance, you might say, “I’m hoping to be a research professor one day, and I want to focus on modern poetry. Which of these thesis topics do you think would make me most attractive to doctoral programs?”

• Focus on questions that can be researched and don’t have a simple answer. For instance, a question like, “How can we motivate people without offering them extrinsic rewards?” can be researched and doesn’t have a simple answer. Conversely, the question, “When did free verse poems start to become mainstream?” is easy to answer with a simple Internet search.

• You don’t need to plan out your whole life. However, it’s good to have an idea about where you’re going.
• Think about the type of work you want to do, the job title you want to attain, or the types of organizations you want to work with.
• For instance, if you want to be a university professor, you might choose a topic that you plan to continue researching through your doctorate and career as a professor.
• As another example, let's say you want to be a project manager for an engineering firm. You might choose a topic that encompasses both your knowledge of engineering and your interest in motivating other engineers to produce their best work.

• Undergraduate theses may be more broad, while master’s or Ph.D. theses should be more specific.
• Choose the best topics that came to you while you were brainstorming.
• You might enjoy doing this activity with a classmate who’s also working on their thesis. You can bounce ideas off of each other.
• For example, you might write down things like "evolution of political party platforms," "effect of civil war on cultural norms," "themes of literature immediately before and after a social crisis," "effects of robotics on the workforce," "mission to Mars," or "building intrinsic worker motivation."

• For instance, you might love William Shakespeare, but finding a new area of research about his work could prove difficult. Similarly, if you're studying psychology, you'll likely want to avoid writing about older ideas that aren't widely supported anymore, like dream analysis.

• Say something like, “Hi, Dr. Gomez. I know you’re really knowledgeable about morality politics. I’m planning to write my thesis about a topic related to morality politics, so I hoped you might be my thesis supervisor.”

Tip: You don’t need to select your thesis topic before you find a thesis supervisor. Just get a general idea of what area you want to pursue.

• For example, you might say, "I'd like to write my thesis about modern American haiku structure, autobiographical expression in contemporary 21st-century poetry, or poetry in the Internet age."
• Your thesis supervisor will likely want you to choose a topic that they know well and are interested in themselves.

Crafting Your Thesis Question

• This will help you figure out what types of questions to ask about your topic.
• If you can, highlight or mark important passages and summarize sections of text in the margins of the work.
• Talk to your librarian. They can help you find materials that might be of interest to you, and they can pull books or journals related to your topic.

Tip: Save your research materials so that you can use them when writing your thesis. You may not use all of your early research, but some of it will be relevant.

• How did 20th-century warfare alter literary themes?
• How have expanding cultural norms impacted the criteria for literary awards?
• What social changes have impacted diplomatic exchanges among world leaders?
• How does detaching morality from public policy affect the efficacy of legislation?
• How does culture adapt in the aftermath of a civil war?
• How can robotics enhance early childhood education?
• What are the best ways to motivate employees to work harder?
• What treatment protocols can enhance recovery in PTSD patients?

• Think about the process you'd need to use to research the topic, such as a digital search, social experiments, or lab testing. Then, decide if you'd be able to complete these tasks with the time and resources you have.
• List the research materials you have available to you, such as computer databases, library materials, or a laboratory.
• Consider your thesis supervisor’s area of expertise.
• Think about the courses you’ve taken and the skills you’ve developed.

For example... The thesis question "How have expanding cultural norms impacted the criteria for literary awards?" works well because it's researchable and debatable. You can explore cultural norms using social science studies, news or journal articles, and survey results from different decades. Then, study the themes and styles of award-winning literature using articles and books. From there, evaluate the relationship between them, which is up for interpretation.

• Listen to your thesis supervisor’s advice. They’ve likely been doing this for a long time, and they know what it’s like to be in your shoes.

Expert Q&A

• Try to choose your topic as early as you can. This will help you stay on track to finish your thesis on time. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• It’s helpful to do additional research throughout the selection process. If you find texts that might be of use to you later, save them to use in your thesis. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Since you’ll spend at least 1-2 years on your thesis, it’s best to choose a topic that interests you. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.millersville.edu/honorscollege/thesis/choosetopic.php
• ↑ https://www.ceu.edu/article/2019-03-29/how-choose-your-thesis-topic
• ↑ https://hhd.psu.edu/shm/undergraduate/honors-study-hospitality-management/first-steps-choosing-topic-and-thesis-supervisor
• ↑ https://library.maastrichtuniversity.nl/study/thesis-supportall/choose-thesis-topic/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.gmu.edu/guides/how-to-write-a-research-question

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How to Choose a Dissertation Topic | 8 Steps to Follow

Published on 11 November 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George.

Choosing your dissertation topic is the first step in making sure your research goes as smoothly as possible. When choosing a topic, it’s important to consider:

• Your institution and department’s requirements
• Your areas of knowledge and interest
• The scientific, social, or practical relevance
• The availability of data and resources
• The timeframe of your dissertation

You can follow these steps to begin narrowing down your ideas.

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Table of contents

Step 1: check the requirements, step 2: choose a broad field of research, step 3: look for books and articles, step 4: find a niche, step 5: consider the type of research, step 6: determine the relevance, step 7: make sure it’s plausible, step 8: get your topic approved, frequently asked questions.

The very first step is to check your program’s requirements. This determines the scope of what it is possible for you to research.

• Is there a minimum and maximum word count?
• When is the deadline?
• Should the research have an academic or a professional orientation?
• Are there any methodological conditions? Do you have to conduct fieldwork, or use specific types of sources?

Some programs have stricter requirements than others. You might be given nothing more than a word count and a deadline, or you might have a restricted list of topics and approaches to choose from. If in doubt about what is expected of you, always ask your supervisor or department coordinator.

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Start by thinking about your areas of interest within the subject you’re studying. Examples of broad ideas include:

• Twentieth-century literature
• Economic history
• Health policy

To get a more specific sense of the current state of research on your potential topic, skim through a few recent issues of the top journals in your field. Be sure to check out their most-cited articles in particular. For inspiration, you can also search Google Scholar , subject-specific databases , and your university library’s resources.

As you read, note down any specific ideas that interest you and make a shortlist of possible topics. If you’ve written other papers, such as a 3rd-year paper or a conference paper, consider how those topics can be broadened into a dissertation.

After doing some initial reading, it’s time to start narrowing down options for your potential topic. This can be a gradual process, and should get more and more specific as you go. For example, from the ideas above, you might narrow it down like this:

• Twentieth-century literature   Twentieth-century Irish literature   Post-war Irish poetry
• Economic history   European economic history   German labor union history
• Health policy   Reproductive health policy   Reproductive rights in South America

All of these topics are still broad enough that you’ll find a huge amount of books and articles about them. Try to find a specific niche where you can make your mark, such as: something not many people have researched yet, a question that’s still being debated, or a very current practical issue.

At this stage, make sure you have a few backup ideas – there’s still time to change your focus. If your topic doesn’t make it through the next few steps, you can try a different one. Later, you will narrow your focus down even more in your problem statement and research questions .

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There are many different types of research , so at this stage, it’s a good idea to start thinking about what kind of approach you’ll take to your topic. Will you mainly focus on:

• Collecting original data (e.g., experimental or field research)?
• Analysing existing data (e.g., national statistics, public records, or archives)?
• Interpreting cultural objects (e.g., novels, films, or paintings)?
• Comparing scholarly approaches (e.g., theories, methods, or interpretations)?

Many dissertations will combine more than one of these. Sometimes the type of research is obvious: if your topic is post-war Irish poetry, you will probably mainly be interpreting poems. But in other cases, there are several possible approaches. If your topic is reproductive rights in South America, you could analyse public policy documents and media coverage, or you could gather original data through interviews and surveys .

You don’t have to finalise your research design and methods yet, but the type of research will influence which aspects of the topic it’s possible to address, so it’s wise to consider this as you narrow down your ideas.

It’s important that your topic is interesting to you, but you’ll also have to make sure it’s academically, sociallym or practically relevant to your field.

• Academic relevance means that the research can fill a gap in knowledge or contribute to a scholarly debate in your field.
• Social relevance means that the research can advance our understanding of society and inform social change.
• Practical relevance means that the research can be applied to solve concrete problems or improve real-life processes.

The easiest way to make sure your research is relevant is to choose a topic that is clearly connected to current issues or debates, either in society at large or in your academic discipline. The relevance must be clearly stated when you define your research problem .

Before you make a final decision on your topic, consider again the length of your dissertation, the timeframe in which you have to complete it, and the practicalities of conducting the research.

Will you have enough time to read all the most important academic literature on this topic? If there’s too much information to tackle, consider narrowing your focus even more.

Will you be able to find enough sources or gather enough data to fulfil the requirements of the dissertation? If you think you might struggle to find information, consider broadening or shifting your focus.

Do you have to go to a specific location to gather data on the topic? Make sure that you have enough funding and practical access.

Last but not least, will the topic hold your interest for the length of the research process? To stay motivated, it’s important to choose something you’re enthusiastic about!

Most programmes will require you to submit a brief description of your topic, called a research prospectus or proposal .

Remember, if you discover that your topic is not as strong as you thought it was, it’s usually acceptable to change your mind and switch focus early in the dissertation process. Just make sure you have enough time to start on a new topic, and always check with your supervisor or department.

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

• Researchability
• Feasibility and specificity
• Relevance and originality

All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

You can assess information and arguments critically by asking certain questions about the source. You can use the CRAAP test , focusing on the currency , relevance , authority , accuracy , and purpose of a source of information.

Ask questions such as:

• Who is the author? Are they an expert?
• Why did the author publish it? What is their motivation?
• How do they make their argument? Is it backed up by evidence?

A dissertation prospectus or proposal describes what or who you plan to research for your dissertation. It delves into why, when, where, and how you will do your research, as well as helps you choose a type of research to pursue. You should also determine whether you plan to pursue qualitative or quantitative methods and what your research design will look like.

It should outline all of the decisions you have taken about your project, from your dissertation topic to your hypotheses and research objectives , ready to be approved by your supervisor or committee.

Note that some departments require a defense component, where you present your prospectus to your committee orally.

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McCombes, S. & George, T. (2022, November 11). How to Choose a Dissertation Topic | 8 Steps to Follow. Scribbr. Retrieved 9 April 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/the-research-process/choosing-a-topic/

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5 Tips for Choosing Your EdD Dissertation Topic

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Associate teaching professor Corliss Thompson shares her top tips for choosing your EdD dissertation topic.

You’ve learned more about why you should earn your Doctor of Education (EdD), and now you’re ready to apply. As part of the Northeastern application process, however, you’re required to submit a problem of practice that you want to pursue throughout the course of your doctoral program.

But how do you arrive at that problem of practice and narrow your area of interest down into a specific dissertation topic? Here are some tips to keep in mind.

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Tips for Choosing a Dissertation Topic

1. pick a topic you’re passionate about..

A lot of work goes into your dissertation—from the literature review, where you’re conducting a critical analysis of what’s been published on your topic, to interviewing stakeholders and actually writing the dissertation itself. Each of those steps take time, so you want to choose a topic that will keep you engaged and hold your interest.

When trying to decide your area of focus, consider the challenges you’re motivated to address and the difference you want to make both during and at the end of your EdD program. The goal is that you will continuously build off your dissertation research and leverage the work in a way that positively impacts your organization and/or community.

2. Ensure your topic is manageable.

You want to select a topic you can complete during the duration of your EdD program that is also aligned with your budget. If you need to travel or perform longitudinal research, your idea might not be achievable. Find what available, attainable data you can, and use that to narrow down your research into a dissertation that’s more manageable.

3. Embrace the unknown.

Although you’re passionate about your topic and it’s manageable, there will still be lingering questions about your subject. Be prepared to explore what you don’t know and deepen what you already do know. Strong research typically results in more questions.

Be ready to ask questions of yourself, others, and the literature, and get comfortable with not knowing the answer. As you’re thinking about your dissertation, keep track of inquiries that emerge around different ideas. Those may help you hone in on a topic.

4. Leverage your peers.

One benefit of enrolling in an EdD program is the diversity of backgrounds and opinions you’ll find within your cohort. At Northeastern, EdD instruction is primarily online, which enables students to connect and collaborate with professionals from around the world.

Vasiliki Goudanas Mavroudhis, a recent graduate of Northeastern’s EdD program, emphasized this benefit in her piece on what it’s like to be in an online doctoral program , saying:

The ability to not only have a cohort-based network, but one that crossed cohorts and continents, allowed me to have a far richer and deeper experience. I learned from students with different perspectives who came from different industries across a number of countries.

When fleshing out your dissertation, use that global network to your advantage. Ask your peers for constructive feedback. It’s likely they’ll have suggestions on how you can approach your topic from different cultural perspectives.

5. Know it’s OK to change your topic.

It’s natural for your dissertation topic to evolve the more research you complete and experts you interview. Actually, it’s expected.

Switching topics halfway through the program might seem like more work, but you will have already gone through the research process once and laid the foundation for your dissertation. As you approach your topic from different perspectives, it’s understandable if your own viewpoint changes a bit.

If you’re in need of inspiration, here are some examples of doctoral research Northeastern students have recently conducted:

• “The Drop Out Decisions of Latino College Students”
• “Changing the Experiences of African Refugee Youth”
• “Supporting Students Through Mindful Mentoring”
• “The Transitioning Student Veteran: Finding Your Civilian Career Through Academic Success”
• “Bridging the Gap Between Training and Educating in Adult Learning”
• “Watch out for Shards from the Glass Ceiling: A Study of Women Higher Educational Administrators’ Leadership Development Experiences”

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How to Choose a Good Research Topic for Your PhD

Choosing the right research topic is quite often a daunting task, especially for PhD students. However, developing a good research question has a positive impact on students’ research careers. Thesis advisors offer help during this initial stage. Later on, PhD students are expected to choose their own research topic for subsequent studies.

When navigating through several interesting research topics, it becomes necessary to strike the right balance between curiosity and societal needs. Moreover, funding agencies fund compelling research proposals based on meaningful and highly relevant research topics. Selecting a good research topic can, therefore, increase the odds of academic success.

PhD Research Topic and Your Career

Performing a meticulous literature survey helps researchers identify existing research gaps and devise novel strategies for addressing them. Once the research gap is identified, it becomes imperative to choose a meaningful research question. A well-chosen research question can lead to a compelling research proposal. In fact, doctoral researchers can positively shape their entire career by finalizing a good research proposal. Researchers are expected to choose topics that can potentially lead to impactful publications. Good publications fetch good citations. Well-published and well-cited researchers can easily find satisfying jobs in academia or industry. Choosing the right research topic, thus, can open doors to satisfying job opportunities worldwide.

Pathway to Success

There are several ways to ensure success in research. When in graduate school, students need to undertake several measures to identify a compelling research topic. Although conducting a thorough literature survey certainly facilitates this process, it is virtually impossible to choose the right research topic solely based on literature surveys. Students and early-stage researchers, therefore, need to brainstorm thoroughly with their advisor, talk to experts, and attend research seminars/conferences to listen to (and network with) established researchers. Quite often, taking up the relevant coursework (especially for interdisciplinary research areas) simplifies the process of research topic selection.

Choosing the right research question helps researchers stay focused and motivated throughout their career. Meaningful research questions eventually lead to meaningful discoveries and inventions. Robert Smith presented in Graduate Research: A Guide for Students in the Sciences (ISI Press, 1984) a list of 11 research questions to consider:

• Can you enthusiastically pursue it?
• Can you sustain your interest while pursuing it?
• Is the problem solvable?
• Is it worth pursuing?
• Will it lead to other research problems?
• Is it manageable in size?
• What is the potential for making an original contribution to the literature in the field?
• Will the scholars in your field receive the results well if you solve the problem?
• Are you (or will you become) competent to solve it?
• By solving it, will you have demonstrated independent skills in your discipline?
• Will the necessary research prepare you in an area of demand or promise for the future?

Keeping these questions in mind while developing a research question can set the stage for a productive and fulfilling career.

Common Mistakes

There are several mistakes that students and early-stage researchers commit during the process of research topic selection. Some of the most common mistakes include:

• Extending thesis work even after graduate school : If researchers choose topics that are direct extensions or clear derivatives of their thesis work, then they do not make significant value addition to the respective field of study. Choosing a radically new research topic, while still embarking on the broad area of specialization is indeed the key to success.
• Choosing an obscure, irrelevant, or non-compelling research topic : This can adversely affect the researcher’s motivation levels and can drastically decrease their odds of attaining success.
• Letting PhD advisors choose research topics for you : Although researchers often pursue work within the same field even after earning their PhD, they are less likely to conduct research on the same exact topic. For this reason, letting your advisor tell you what to study rather than you developing a question based on your own reading and experiences in the laboratory is another common mistake that can have lifelong consequences.

Finally, scientists should work in an environment that nurtures the natural chaos of developing a research direction. PhD advisors should also make it a point to thoroughly groom and mentor their PhD students. A good thesis advisor enables his/her students to choose good research topics.

Did your thesis advisor choose a research topic for you? Did he/she train and mentor you well? Were you able to choose your own research topic? Are you happy with your chosen research topic? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!

Research topics for science or literature: Deep knowledge and a keen interest in any subject with a scholarly attitude are the prerequisites for any research work.

I am allowed to choose my research topic.

i want research topic for p.hd

Thank you for posting your query. Selecting a good research topic is the first step towards carrying out a successful and impactful research study. A good research topic can help you attract funding and also help you to successfully publish in a prestigious journal. Unfortunately we are not aware of your field of research and hence will not be able to suggest you research topics. However, we can share few tips that might be helpful in selecting an appropriate research topic for your PhD. While choosing a research topic, you must carry out a thorough literature survey in your field or genre of research and look for a research gap. Identifying the research gap makes it easy to select a research topic and an appropriate research question. Once you have selected a research topic, you can check through our checklist available here .

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How to Choose Your Graduate Thesis Topic

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: February 29, 2024 , Reading time: 13 minutes

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Being a graduate student has its fair share of advantages and challenges. If you are one of those who want career advancement and seek a boost in their earning potential, then pursuing a master’s degree can provide you with a solid foundation to succeed in your chosen field. 

It can also be quite daunting if you are unsure about the whole process, which includes meeting the requirements for graduate studies admission. Most graduate programs require the completion of a thesis or a capstone project.

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The primary challenge to a graduate thesis is picking a thesis topic. It is a vital step that can make or break your academic journey. With the right thesis topic, you will be given a great head start on your thesis. 

You must take your time in finding the right topic, preferably one that will meet your needs for the program requirements and align with your passion. In this guide, we’ve set out some essential steps to help you choose the appropriate and relevant graduate thesis topic. 

What is a Thesis Topic?

Most graduate students will need to face the great challenge of completing a thesis based on original research to earn their master’s degree successfully. It is a long, in-depth research paper that usually focuses on a particular subject. To help you get started, you will first need to choose a thesis topic that will become the foundation of your whole research project. 

All the steps in the process will follow once you have a research topic ready. In essence, a topic can be a general area of inquiry. Designed to fill an identified knowledge gap, a thesis topic can be honed as a question or even a series of questions, usually in a way that motivates the elements of the thesis, whether it is the data analysis, instrumental development, or experimental design. 

However, not all topics and questions can lead to your thesis topic. 

You must work within the pragmatic constraints of several factors when it comes to choosing your research topic, from the amount of time you are willing to spend on your thesis to the challenges of funding, data, infrastructure, and advising.

You need to remember that the struggles you experience in finding your thesis topic will benefit you in the long run, allowing you to learn important skills such as identifying problems and designing approaches to answer them. 

What Makes a Thesis Topic Great?

For graduate studies, research topics are generally more complex compared to undergraduate programs. Not only does your chosen research topic clearly address the defined research question. It should also be able to contribute to a better understanding of the research field significantly. 

At the very least, your thesis topic should be sufficiently broad . When framed as a question, it should not only usher in “yes” or “no” answers. By keeping your topic broad, you will be able to explore the different aspects of the subject and analyze how the variables interact. However, it must be noted that while the thesis topic needs to be broad, it should not be vague. It should be a good balance between broad, precise, and open-ended questions. 

More importantly, a great thesis topic should fill a niche in a research field . While the topic already exists, there is still a significant amount of knowledge to be discovered and various aspects to be explored. It can also offer a fresh take on an old topic. Alternatively, your research topic can be a rebuttal to a well-known theory. A good thesis topic will make your research stand out. 

The Importance of a Relevant Thesis Topic

As the backbone of your research work, your thesis topic should provide a direction for your research. In turn, this will help you focus on specific research questions. With a relevant research topic, you will be able to organize the literature review better and defend your positions with substantial evidence. 

Not only does your thesis topic need to be interesting. It should also be relevant to the field of study. This is important because you will want your research to contribute something worthwhile to your chosen field, whether it is in a practical, social, or scientific way.

You may start by framing your questions in terms of their relevance. Does it contribute scientifically to your discipline or socially to the world at large? Does it offer practical significance to an industry or organization? 

For the field of science, the scientific relevance of your thesis topic is of utmost importance. Your research topic should be something that has not been extensively studied before, or it should be able to fill a gap in existing scientific knowledge. 

For social relevance, you should examine whether your research topic can help people understand society better. In order to collect data, this will often involve the use of interviews, ethnographies, and other types of fieldwork. 

It is important to note, however, that practical relevance may be more important. A thesis that has practical relevance adds value, whether it is through a recommendation for an industry or suggestions that can improve certain processes within an organization. 

7 Helpful Tips for Picking a Good Graduate Thesis Topic

Committing to a master’s thesis is no walk in the park. This academic endeavor often requires time, determination, patience, and effort. Chances are, you will be dedicating the next year or more of your life as a graduate student to a huge project that will impact your career and professional life. 

As a general rule, you must first find a topic that you are interested in. It should be something clear and relevant to your area of study. The following tips aim to help you work through the complex process of finding the right research topic, from brainstorming to the final decision. 

1. Check the program requirements.

Graduate programs often have different requirements in order to earn the degree. Some may only require students to take a comprehensive exam or complete a capstone project. Most of the graduate programs in the country, however, require the completion of a thesis. Checking the program requirements is an essential step before you can start the process of choosing a thesis topic. 

The thesis is often required to demonstrate your ability as a graduate student for research and independent thought. The very first step when committing to a thesis is usually the submission of a proposal to the thesis committee. The proposal will depend on the department and discipline. If you want more accurate information, you may need to reach out to your department for proposal guidelines and requirements. 

Some schools require the thesis to show familiarity with previous work in the field. It must be able to carry out research, organize results, and defend approaches and conclusions in a scholarly way. The thesis often has corresponding credit hours that you need to comply with. You may be asked to define your research problem, carry out the research, and write and defend your thesis within a designated time frame. 

The topic you choose will vary depending on the thesis requirements of your chosen graduate program. That is why you must check the program requirements before you proceed to the next steps in finding a good thesis topic. 

2. Consider your passion and interests.

Perhaps the most important criterion, choosing a topic that aligns with your passion and interests, can make a whole world of difference to your academic journey. This is because you are expected to pour considerable time and effort into thesis work, so it is only sensible that you choose a topic that you actually enjoy working on. 

If you choose a topic within your discipline that you are genuinely interested in and passionate about, it will show in your work. You will feel more engaged and motivated to work on your thesis. You may start by thinking of the topics that you are curious about.

What are the things you enjoy reading and discussing? Are there topics you have personal experience with or you are actively involved in? You may want to take inspiration from your current job or draw from your previous professional experiences. 

The beauty of choosing something that you have experience in is that you have a better understanding of the topic. Your expertise on the research topic will make everything in the next steps of the thesis process easier for you. Choosing a lukewarm topic can be challenging in the long run, as you will struggle to make it through the entire process. 

Your excitement about your thesis topic can translate to more successful research work, communicating engagement with your field of study. 

3. Brainstorm some ideas to get started.

Sticking to just one research topic might not be a good idea. As a rule of thumb, you may want to list down several potential thesis topics to choose from. This is where brainstorming comes in. This process involves producing ideas with the use of essential techniques such as concept mapping, free-writing, and reviewing past works and papers. You may want to start by talking to others, especially those who are familiar with the thesis process. 

The next step is to write everything down. Making a list of all the ideas you have in mind and taking them apart will help you narrow down your choices. It will also help a lot if you employ some creativity when thinking of thesis topics. Make use of different perspectives and viewpoints, as this will allow you to come up with different ideas you might not have thought of before. You can also try combining two ideas on your list to come up with a great idea. 

Another way to help you brainstorm is to peruse the course materials you have covered and look at your notes from other classes. You might be able to find some great ideas to work with for your master’s thesis. The trick is to generate as many ideas as possible about your potential research topics. 

4. Discuss the topic with your advisor.

Many master’s programs will pair you up with an advisor when you enroll. This is often a reliable professor within your program department who will be guiding and assisting you throughout your graduate studies. You can also expect to work closely with your advisor when it comes to completing your thesis. 

Your advisor is the best person who can give you suggestions regarding data and information you can use, providing you with notes on your thesis to push you in the right direction. Generally, the thesis process starts only after you have completed all the other requirements for your master’s degree, but students are often encouraged to think about possible topics early in their graduate journey. 

The discussion does not have to be confined to your advisor. You can also talk to other members of the faculty. They will not only give you great guidance but also help you identify the best people who can work with you on your master’s thesis. You need to make sure to check their research fields and find who works with topics related to your interests. 

You can also discuss with them the ideas you have in mind and seek feedback. Getting their various perspectives will help you narrow down your topic to realistic terms. 

5. Test the viability of your thesis topic.

Once you have a list of your ideas for possible thesis topics, you may want to rate each one according to relevance and viability. Testing how each topic fares will help you choose the most suitable topic that will meet your needs and align with your interests. 

You may want to find out if the topics meet your academic and personal interests. Are they compatible with your academic objectives and background? Your topic must also be feasible. How much time and resources will it possibly require? Will you be able to collect enough data in your chosen field? 

If you want to take it a step further, you may want to consider testing your thesis topic by doing a little research on the resources, knowledge, and ability that you need to carry out the thesis project. You may put your ideas to the test by conducting a mini-experiment or sending out a survey. You can then use the data from the initial test to refine and finalize your thesis topic. 

6. Go through journals and publications.

The last resort when generating thesis topic ideas is to get inspiration from a few professional journals and publications. You can start with journals within your industry, checking the latest news and information published by others. 

This does not only introduce you to the latest news and information published by others. It will also give you ample ideas about topics that are not covered in your classes, allowing you to find knowledge gaps that you can exploit for your thesis work. 

Going through journals can help you stay on top of your field by providing you with knowledge on the current research and allowing you to discover issues and trends that you did not know existed. 

7. Consider and examine your career path.

You may not be thinking beyond the completion of your degree, but this is actually a crucial step if you want to succeed in your field. Maybe you want to consider selecting a topic that can actually help advance your career in your chosen field. For example, you can choose a topic that can be easily modified into journal articles. This will make it easy for you to lend them to future research. 

If you aim to pursue advanced roles within an industry, you may want to choose a thesis topic that will help you become more marketable. Your research should help you stand out among hundreds of competitions. Your topic should, of course, be relevant and meaningful to your field. 

For those who want to pursue a career in the academe, preparing for your research work should be of high importance. You may want to consider choosing a topic that has a trajectory. This means that your capstone for your undergraduate degree and your potential master’s thesis have the same topic. You can change the scale of the question, but choosing a topic that you can use for the subsequent degrees and has growth potential makes more sense.

Final Thoughts

A master’s thesis topic will not simply appear out of nowhere. You cannot wait for inspiration to club you in the head. You need to put in hard work in choosing your thesis topic. After all, it is the backbone that can make or break your academic journey. Keeping these tips in mind will help you arrive at the right thesis topic – one that is relevant, interesting, and viable. 

Remember that you don’t have a lifetime to devote to your topic, so it is important that you choose one that is manageable and realistic.  

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We’re certain of one thing—your search for more information on picking the best graduate degree or school landed you here. Let our experts help guide your through the decision making process with thoughtful content written by experts.

How to Choose a Topic for Your PhD Thesis

A PhD is a degree that can not only boost your career ambitions but also help in improving your overall profile. Achieving such a degree involves the completion of several important tasks. One of the fundamental tasks is to choose the right topic for your PhD thesis. Without the right topic, you simply cannot expect fruitful results. The topic that you choose needs to be different from the existing research in your field of study, and at the same time, it should be realistic in terms of data availability as well as the research scope. This guide will help you in understanding how to choose the right topic for your PhD thesis , and at the same time make a clear distinction between PhD topics and Masters Dissertation topics.  

Think about what interests you

In order to arrive at the topic, it is important to conduct a thorough study of previous academic research in the field that interests you. This can help you in gaining knowledge and at the same time help in shortlisting a few broad areas of interest that have gaps in research.

Consider your Masters’ Dissertation

It is often a good idea to choose a field for your PhD study related to the field of your Masters’ thesis. For instance, if you wrote a Masters Dissertation in Physics you may look into related but more advanced areas in Applied Physics to choose as a potential area for your PhD research. Previous research can also often be very helpful in giving you new ideas for a topic of research.  

Research previous studies

Students are often worried about choosing the right PhD topic since they know it could have a great impact on their future career. The criteria for assessment of the PhD thesis can differ across programmes. However, one common factor is that the work should be original and not similar to previous research. Thus, the most important factor is that your topic and the field of study should be uniquely different and contribute to knowledge. This will also ensure that your PhD thesis will make a significant contribution to the reputation of the university you are applying to. It is often helpful to scan through limitations of previous empirical studies to find out what others failed to account for or research. Then, you need to assess if you have sufficient resources to fill in the existing gap.

Formulate a strong question

If you formulate your PhD topic in the form of a research question, it will raise the probability of being accepted. However, you need to note that not all questions are equally strong. When you formulate your research question, make sure it cannot be answered with yes or no answers. Thus, the questions that start with “Are” or “Is” are usually weak questions. Strong questions will begin with words such as “How”, “To what extent” and “What”. Also, keep in mind that if you already know or can guess the answer to your question, it is most likely a weak question.  

Check the availability of data and scope of research

Your PhD topic, while being challenging, must be researchable, and this depends greatly on data availability and the scope of research. Many times, students choose topics or even write proposals that are unrealistic to accomplish. In these cases, proposals will be rejected by universities. So, before you formulate your final topic, check all the available data at your disposal, make a list of all possible variables you can realistically access and then start looking for connections between the variables to come up with the final topic for your thesis.    

Ensure flexibility in your topic

While your PhD topic should not be broad, it must have sufficient flexibility to be adjusted if your research encounters obstacles. For example, if you have chosen a specific phenomenon to be studied in the context of a specific country, you may want to consider formulating your research topic in the context of a region of this country. In this case, if your research meets a dead end or insufficient data for the country, you would have sufficient flexibility to compensate for this by looking at other countries in the region you mentioned in your research topic.  

Check with the experts

Before submitting your PhD proposal with the topic you have developed, it is a good idea to talk to experts. People with experience such as professors, senior students, and  professional writers  will provide a fresh look at your topic and share their expertise. They will also be able to notice inconsistencies and weaknesses in your topic. This will allow you to make timely changes and increase your chances of being accepted. 

How unique and original is your proposed topic?

A PhD is a unique degree in the sense that it is extremely comprehensive. When you choose a topic, a PhD thesis usually covers all aspects related to this particular topic and involves thorough research. On the other hand, a Masters Dissertation is often associated with more narrow research, and it is not expected to bring as much originality and contribution to knowledge as PhD thesis. During your PhD , you will be expected to do independent research, and this is often spread out over a longer period of time. This time is needed to include as many relevant details as possible in your thesis.

PhD thesis vs. Masters Dissertation

On the other hand, a Masters Dissertation is usually submitted in the last semester of your degree and the research is not as deep as in PhD. In terms of the topic, many Masters’ dissertations are written on topics that are not 100% unique. For example, Masters’ dissertations could explore an existing topic in new contexts with new methods, and this will be considered a contribution. However, this is not enough for a PhD topic as more originality is required.  

To sum up, choosing the right topic for your PhD can be a really tricky task. It needs to be carried out with great care since this can often impact your career in the long run. In order to arrive at the right topic all the steps discussed above need to be taken into account. This will ensure that you arrive at the right topic and achieve success in your quest for a PhD. 

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Representations of Uncertainty for Decision Modelling

12 April 2024 10:20

• Shipping, transport and logistics

On Monday 6 May 2024 Benjamin Narum will hold a trial lecture on a prescribed topic and defend his thesis for the PhD degree at NHH.

Decisions are rarely made under certainty about future events, and when uncertainty has considerable implications for decisions, this should change how we think about decision-making. In such settings, it is typically most effective to apply strategies that use options to enable the flexibility to deal with a variety of future outcomes.

Ultimately, Benjamin Narum aims to construct computational decision support models that find such effective strategies within complicated environments. Typical applications of such decision models include logistics, operations, finance, and engineering. Dealing with uncertainty can be challenging since it typically requires us to solve complicated integrals. By the nature of common applications, distributions can be high dimensional and attain other difficult characteristics.

The first part of the thesis explores effective integration techniques and aims to widen the scope of applications that can effectively be dealt with using decision support tools. The second part addresses operational risk management in aquaculture. This is a problem which requires strong modelling assumptions, effective computational techniques and which stretches the capabilities of effectively dealing with uncertainty.

Drivers behind tax non-compliance

The first paper proposes an integration technique that exploits the structure of decision models. It explores the relation between decisions and their corresponding implications to construct highly parsimonious representations of uncertainty.

The second paper reviews techniques for gauging the performance of decisions with respect to uncertainty, using mathematical bounds to otherwise intractable integrals. The paper explores close relations between distribution approximation and function approximation, and techniques for dissecting intractable integrals into more manageable pieces. The authors also show that some intuitive approaches for approximating uncertainty can in fact lead to conservative bounds instead. Aquaculture farmers are exposed to considerable biological, operational and market risk, and must deal with complicated operational trade-offs.

This makes aquaculture well suited for quantitative decision modelling. A distributional forecasting model for biological risk is developed and reveals large exposure and great heterogeneity across sites. Furthermore, decision models show that site wide diversification and explicit consideration of uncertainty can be built into harvest plans to considerably improve their performance. Narum also finds that the overall risk exposure in the industry is large.

Prescribed topic for the trial lecture:

Trial lecture:.

Karl Borch, NHH, 10:15

Title of the thesis:

«Representations of Uncertainty for Decision Modelling»

Karl Borch, NHH, 12:15

Members of the evaluation committee:

Professor Jonas Andersson (leader of the committee), Department of Business and Management Science, NHH

Professor David Morton, Northwestern University

Associate Professor Peter Schütz, NTNU

Supervisors:

Professor Julio Cesar Goez (main supervisor), Department of Business and Management Science, NHH

Professor Stein Wallace, Department of Business and Management Science, NHH

The trial lecture and thesis defense will be open to the public.

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