Five helpful tips for postgraduate students navigating the final dissertation period

For postgrads, it’s deadline season again. But this time, for the big sixty-credit module. The accumulation of everything you’ve learnt during classes, seminars, presentations, and workshops.

This final stage of your degree can be both overwhelming and thrilling. While some students lose their motivation to continue, others power through and are pleased with their work, whereas some don’t even know when to stop nitpicking and finally hit that submit button.

As that due date inches closer, here are five tips to help you finish proud and strong.

Ignore the pressure

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There are obviously students who will finish way before the deadline, making you feel like you’re behind. But keep in mind: Not all fingers are the same. So work at your own pace.

If you’re finding it difficult, breaking your dissertation into smaller portions can make the task lighter and help reach your goals faster. But remember, don’t rush. If you rush, you will crash.

Don’t go overboard

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This is a major challenge that postgraduate students struggle with all the time. With so much information at your fingertips, you’re tempted to cram everything into your work, ignoring that unforgiving word limit, which can later cost valuable marks.

The key to overcoming this is to figure out what is crucial to your topic, list them and start drafting from there. This way, you have a guide to keep you in check along with your supervisor’s advice.

Make the most of your supervision

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After all, your supervisor is your main source of feedback. This is how you know you’re doing the right thing or not. Discuss your ideas with them and don’t feel down if your draft comes back with some corrections.

If you have questions, ask. Supervisors are assigned to strengthen your dissertation, not undermine it.

 Format as you go

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This is important especially if your department has specific formatting requirements and referencing styles. Don’t leave it to the last minute. The possibility that you will forget is very high. Presentation matters too, and the last thing you’d want is to lose marks because of it.

Beware the perfectionist trap

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It’s so easy to fall victim to this. However, remember: Though the quality of your work is important, don’t spend an excessive amount of time nitpicking or worrying that your work isn’t sophisticated enough. You can’t allow perfectionism to stop you from crossing that finish line. Trust in yourself and your supervisor.

Although everyone has a different approach to their dissertation process, most graduates and academic advisors agree on one thing: Completion is far better than perfection.

Dissertation deadlines can feel very overwhelming, but they are not the end of the road. In fact, they mark the beginning of a huge accomplishment in your academics. It’s easy to forget that with a mountain of edits and research weighing on your shoulders. However, it’s proof that you can manage a complex project from idea to completion.

You started this journey with a dream. Now it’s time to finish it with a bang!

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