university of sheffield dissertation

Discover research from The University of Sheffield

Dissertations and research projects

• Book a session
• Remote research projects

Finding the gap

Developing research questions, epistemology, ethical approval, methodology and methods, recruiting participants, planning your analysis, writing your research proposal.

• Qualitative research
• Quantitative research
• Writing up your research project
• e-learning and books
• SkillsCheck This link opens in a new window
• ⬅ Back to Skills Centre This link opens in a new window
• Review this resource

When starting out on reading for your dissertation, you may feel a little overwhelmed with the amount of research out there related to your topic. This is normal!

Your first job is to start to make sense of this existing research, sketching out a map with your dissertation in the centre. Around you will be various ‘neighbourhoods’ or groups of literature that are connected in some way, perhaps by a shared theme or group of participants. You might also start to identify ‘points of interest’ - key texts, models or theories that need to be acknowledged in order for a reader to understand your approach to your research area. 

In drawing this map, your aim is to identify the research gap or problem - an issue or question that you feel has not been fully addressed by existing studies. Remember, there is no expectation that you will have read absolutely everything on your subject, but you should be able to use the wide range of sources available to you to persuade the reader of the relevance and importance of your chosen topic.

Here are a few common approaches to finding the gap that might provide some inspiration for your own dissertation:

• Chronological , tracing change and development over time. For example, in a study of contemporary attitudes to tattoos, you might start by looking at historical examples of tattooing in other cultures, mapping out a timeline of key trends and shifts in the practice over time.  
• Thematic , mapping out the reading around topics or themes that multiple papers have in common. If you are investigating stress and anxiety in higher education, you might start out by searching for literature on mental health in universities to establish the 'bigger picture' before zooming in on a specific topic.
• Venn diagram , bringing together two otherwise distinct areas to find the literature that is common to both/bridges the gap. You may be working on a topic that is well-researched (stroke patient recovery) but adopting a new angle (from your perspective as a physiotherapist). Start by reading the literature in each area separately, fitting the papers into a Venn diagram that enables you to see where the closest links or overlaps between the two areas occur.
• Context-based , where the literature is split based on which participants are involved or the geographical/cultural environment in which it was carried out. You might be interested in how Kenyan companies address fraud and financial corruption, and start your literature search by identifying examples and case studies from other countries and regions.
• Research methods , where the literature tends to fall into different approaches to the same research problem. I f the focus of your dissertation is to apply and test a new method, such as a machine learning algorithm, you could start by identifying if and where a similar method has been used in existing research (a bottom-up approach to literature searching).

By reading widely in the early stages of your project, you should begin to get a sense of what research has already been conducted in your area, and where you fit into this map of research. For some people, there will be a clear gap or under explored topic in the research that their dissertation will aim to tackle or solve. Other projects may be less radical, focusing more on testing the transferability of an existing concept or study.  By drawing on this existing research, you are justifying the relevance of your own dissertation project, showing how it contributes (even in small way) to research in your field.

Once you have identified a problem or gap in the literature, you need to begin thinking about you will address this in your research. Research questions help to focus your project by highlighting what you want to learn about your topic, as well as providing guidance about how your data will be collected and analysed.

For example:

RQ1: Do media texts improve access to learning for low attaining students? RQ2:   Does exploring poetry through the lens of student interest positively affect motivation?

These research questions are effective as they give a clear indication of the research topic (media texts/student interest), participant group (low attaining students) and research measures (access to learning/motivation and engagement).

Whilst there isn't a perfect formula for writing research questions, here are some top tips:

• Show the relevance of your topic - make it clear what your research is trying to achieve. Is it addressing a gap in the literature? Testing theory with a specific group? Analysing professional practice?
• Demonstrate your project is achievable - whilst your research questions don't need to go into detail about your methods, you should try to show that your project is realistic, given your available time and resources. It is important to consider what types of data you are able to collect/access to answer your research questions.
• Be analytical, not descriptive - a good research question generally guides you to analyse a problem; this means that words like 'How', 'Examine', and 'Evaluate' are more useful than words like 'what' or 'describe'.
• Keep questions clear and focused - ultimately these questions act as guidance for how you will address the problem/gap you have identified

Research questions are not easy to write. They take time and require work: rarely will you stumble upon your research questions with ease. Instead, you start with a problem and refine your ideas until you have a workable way to research your area of interest.

Epistemology concerns the nature of knowledge and how we come to know what we know. It provides a philosophical grounding for considering what knowledge is possible and that how we determine that knowledge is adequate and legitimate. As such there are quite a range of epistemologies. Fortunately, it is unlikely that you will be expected to go into great detail about the epistemology of your research. It is however, important to consider what is accepted as 'knowledge' in your research.

It is likely that the epistemology of your research will either be positivistic or interpretivist , so it's worth considering the differences between them:

The positivist research philosophy understands phenomena through objective measurement , to collect data that can be used to develop generalisations and facts about the world.

By contrast, the interpretivist research philosophy views knowledge as socially constructed and therefore accepts multiple interpretations and subjective meanings.

Though you shouldn't become too worried about understanding this distinction, it is worth having some understanding of your research philosophy as this is likely to influence your chosen methodology, which will in turn affect the methods you use to collect your data ( more on this later!)  

Adapted from Alkhalil (2016)

Securing ethical approval for your project is a key step in the research process and must be in place before you begin collecting data. Research ethics are a set of rules and criteria that your research project must adhere to in order to protect the welfare of your participants and to ensure the integrity of your data and results. Although it is easy to see ethical approval as a barrier to the research process, it is an important process that encourages you to recognise how your research may impact the welfare and privacy of those involved.

Visit the University’s Ethics and Integrity webpages for information and guidance on Sheffield Hallam’s research ethics policy and ethical approval.

As well as securing ethical approval from the University’s ethics committee, you will also need to think about how you will ensure the data you collect remains private and confidential, and that your participants are fully informed and consent to the terms of your research. You can find a series of templates and forms to use during your research on the University’s ethics pages, includ ing participant information sheets, participant consent forms and documents related to risk assessment.

Check with your supervisor which forms are required as some departments have their own versions of the generic forms above. Aim to start the process early – many projects are delayed while researchers wait for ethical approval; the Student Ethics checklist is a good supporting document to use when planning this aspect of your research.

Update for research during Covid-19 You may need to submit a new ethics application if you are changing from face-to-face to distance data gathering. In all cases, bear in mind the ethical aspects of distant data collection and take some time to explore the data collection methods that can be done remotely. You will also need to consider how to securely store participant data on your home computer so that it cannot be accessed by anyone but the researcher(s). For detailed guidance, please see the University's guidance on research ethics and Covid-19 .

• Methodology vs. Methods
• Choosing your methods
• Planning your procedure

Methodology is the plan of action for your research. Your choice of methodology will guide the methods you choose and provide a rationale for the design of your research.

Methods are the techniques and procedures that you engage in to collect data. It is important to provide comprehensive detail about your chosen methods; this helps to justify your chosen approach and demonstrate how your chosen method of data collection will enable you to answer your research questions.

Here's an example:

It is important to remember that you should demonstrate awareness of the limitations of both your chosen methodology and methods.

Ultimately, your methodology and methods are about demonstrating a clear justification for the overall design of your research and the methods you employed to collect your data. Furthermore, you need to d emonstrate an understanding of the limitations of your choices and the affect this may have upon your findings/conclusions/implications/claims to generalisability. 

Your research methods are the tools that you will use to collect your data. These can either be quantitative, examining numerical data and using statistical tests to establish relationships, or qualitative, examining non-numerical data to seek an in-depth understanding of phenomena. The decision between quantitative and qualitative methods may be influenced by your methodology.

Your choice of methods will also depend on several other factors such as time, resources and knowledge. For example, whilst interviews allow you to collect very rich data, they are very time consuming to transcribe and analyse. Conversely, surveys may allow you to collect a much larger data set, but it is likely to be lacking in detail. It is important to recognise that there are strengths and weaknesses associated with any research method and it is your responsibility to consider how these factors support or inhibit your ability to answer your research questions.

Whilst not an exhaustive list, some of the most frequently used research methods include:

• Interviews (Structured/Semi-structured/Unstructured)
• Focus Groups
• Secondary Data Analysis
• Questionnaires/Surveys
• Observation (Participant/Non-participant)
• Measurement

If you find yourself stuck when it comes to choosing your research methods, reviewing the related literature can often be a helpful place to start. This is because research on topics related to your own project is likely to have been conducted using well-established research protocols, which are appropriate for studying the topic in question. Furthermore, reviewing the methods sections of related literature can often provide you with a handy guide about what to include in your methodology section when you come to writing up your research project.

Choosing your research methods is often about balancing realism and ambition ; don't be afraid of using your research project as an opportunity to learn how to use a new method, just remember that your project must also be completed within a limited timeframe, so it's important to consider if you have the necessary time and resources/support to develop the knowledge you need to successfully collect data using your chosen method.

It's really important to think about how you're  actually  going to collect your data. For example, if you've chosen to do interviews, you still have to decide on the type of interview, the questions you will ask and how long you want the interview to last. Planning this part of your project requires you to complete reading about your chosen method. This is important for two reasons:

• Reading about your chosen method will help to ensure that you build your chosen method in the best way possible. This will look very different for every research project, and will be dependent on your topic, methodology and the problem/gap you are trying to address. Nevertheless, using literature as a guide will help to ensure that your project meets the standard of 'best practice' for whatever your chosen research method(s) is.
• When it comes to writing up your project, it is important that you can demonstrate a theoretical grounding from the wider literature to support your choice of methodology and method(s).

Deciding on your research participants is a topic that is important to discuss with your supervisor in the early stages of your dissertation project , perhaps even in your first supervision meeting. The sooner you identify your research participants, the sooner you can begin to narrow the scope of your literature search and determine which studies will be most relevant to your aims and objectives. 

This will also help you to begin to sketch out the story of your research - why are you interested in your chosen group, what will participating in your research look like for a participant, and how will they be implicated in your findings? It would be impossible for this guide to cover everything on how to identify, recruit and collect data from your research participants, but here are some key points to consider:  

• Start with the existing literature. If you’re undecided on who your participants should be, start by making notes on existing studies. You might aim to build on existing research - exploring a new variable with a well-researched participant group that you will aim to replicate in your own project. Alternatively, you might be drawn to expand existing research into a new pare by considering participants and populations you feel have been previously overlooked.
• Draw on your networks. Be practical, thinking about potential participants that you can easily access and engage with in your project. These might be coursemates, university students, or communities you have worked with on placement. If you already know your participants, or belong to the group yourself, be sure to consider your positionality and think about the potential for research bias.
• Be realistic about ethical approval. For UG and PGT dissertations, it is important to be realistic about who you will be able to involve in your research, and the unlikelihood that you will have the time to gain ethics approval for working with vulnerable communities or involving participants in sensitive topics. However, this is not to say that your research idea does not have potential, but you may need to think of a group of participants - perhaps one step removed from your topic of interest - that could be involved. For example, any direct work with children, unless you are already undertaking a school-based placement, is very unlikely to be approved. However, you could shift your focus onto parents or teachers. Similarly, sensitive topics such as mental health and disability will be difficult to address directly, but you could choose to interview support workers or university staff on the subject, or write an extended literature review that does not require you to generate primary data from working with participants.
• Read up on selection and sampling techniques. Familiarise yourself with the different ways you can recruit participants to ensure a representative sample. For more information on sampling techniques, and their relative advantages and limitations, visit our SAGE Research Methods resource via the library.
• Think about the logistics of recruiting and gathering data from participants . How will you reach out to participants and are you using multiple methods of communication, or relying entirely on online surveys or email interviews? Some communication methods may be easier for your participants to engage with than others - try to build this into your research design. You will also need to think about how you ensure data is anonymised and how you will keep track of the number of participants involved in your project if they are participating remotely.
• Have a contingency plan. Reflect on the possible points of failure in your project and possible solutions for these. If your online survey fails to attract enough participants, can you run a second phase of data collection in person? What is your minimum number of participants needed to meet your research aims?
• Set yourself a goal. Set an ideal sample size as well as a lower limit. Aim for the minimum in the time you have available - any extra participants would then be a bonus!
• Share your findings . You will need to let your participants know how their data will be stored and how they can access the results of your project once it is completed. You can find guidance on this, and wider GDPR considerations, on the university's ethics pages.

It is important to consider how you will analyse the data you have collected. Furthermore, you should start to think about how the interpretation of your data will start to allow you to answer your research questions.

Your choice of analysis will vary greatly depending on your discipline and on whether you are using quantitative or qualitative research methods. In the case of quantitative research, you need to decide what statistical tests you are going to conduct and if there are any adjustments that you will need to make to avoid Type 1 or Type 2 errors. Likewise, if you are doing qualitative research you need to think about how the coding system that you will use to analyse your data and whether or not you will use any computer software to support your analysis.

Either way, you should ensure that you have the skills that you need to complete your chosen type of analysis or determine what reading/training you need to undertake!  

What is a research proposal used for?

Your research proposal is an important step in the dissertation process as it allows you to determine whether there is an evidence base for your project and a need for your research to be conducted. The proposal allows you to identify a specific area or research problem, and to reflect on the practical steps you will need to complete in order to finish the dissertation. Your proposal should therefore make your research project appear achievable with the time and resources you have available. In some departments, the proposal will also be used to match your dissertation to an appropriate supervisor.

What should I include in the proposal?

Your proposal includes many of the same sections as a dissertation, but of course it is read with the understanding that this is a proposed project and that details may change. Remember, the proposal is about demonstrating that you know what the dissertation process will involve and that you have started to reflect on the practicalities of completing such a project. 

Here are the key sections your proposal should include. Be sure to check this against your assessment criteria or module guide:

Working title Your title should outline a clear topic area and your research approach. Some common techniques include using a question (‘For more tips on what makes an effective title, visit this online guide.

Background and research aims Introduce your topic area, including definitions if helpful and appropriate. You should also include a bullet-point list of your research objectives (2-4 is a good number to include) or questions that you will aim to answer. It can also be helpful to include a short paragraph outlining what you hope to achieve and contribute to knowledge with your dissertation.

Literature review You should conduct a short literature review of around 750-1000 word that includes the following three sections:

• Background information on your topic - Define key terms, signpost any issues or debates in the literature, introduce the research problem or question in its broadest terms.
• Trends in the literature - Highlight key trends in existing research – summarise the main theories or concepts in the literature in your area. Situate your project in relation to these.
• Identify a gap or research problem - Provide more detailed information on a focused aspect of the topic that your research will address. Identify the gap or show specifically what your research hopes to contribute – either for your participants, a theoretical development or a new methodological approach.

Methodology This will be a brief outline of your intended methods and procedure for data collection. This should be in the future tense and use cautious language where appropriate. Aim to include:

• your overall methodology (quantitative/qualitative) and research design (case study, pilot study, experimental design);
• your research methods and why they are appropriate for your proposed project ;
• identify a participant group and consider how they will be recruited, along with approach to sampling;
• how you intend to analyse the data and any tools/software required to complete this step;
• acknowledge that you will obtain ethical approval for the study and address any ethical considerations you must take at this stage.

Research schedule (optional – check with your module leader) Outline key milestones in your project and identify short and medium-term deadlines. This could be presented in a table, as a monthly schedule or using a Gantt chart.

Bibliography Make sure you include a list of the references used in your research proposal, in APA format. This will not be included in the word count for the proposal.  

• << Previous: Remote research projects
• Next: Qualitative research >>
• Last Updated: Mar 5, 2024 10:12 AM
• URL: https://libguides.shu.ac.uk/researchprojects

• Computer Science
•   Last modified: Thu Apr 28 14:06:20 2022.

Research Skills for Dissertations Masterclass [Online webinar]

Research skills for dissertations masterclass [online webinar] online.

Are you working on your dissertation or final-year project?  Sign up to the Library’s Research Skills for Dissertations Masterclass. This webinar will include short sessions covering the following topics, delivered by staff from the Library and 301: Academic Skills Centre:

• Discovering and questioning information
• Referencing tips and tricks
• Planning your dissertation (301: Academic Skills Centre)
• Discovering and using images, figures and infographics

This session is delivered completely online. To attend, you will need access to a computer and be able to listen to the session audio. Please note that there is no need to visit the Information Commons.

The link for this webinar and joining instructions will be emailed to you two days before the event.

Webinar recordings will be sent to those who attend the session.

Related LibGuide: Dissertations by University of Sheffield Library

• University of Sheffield Library
• Library Information and Advisory Support

Q. Where can I get my thesis bound?

• 4 AI Generative Tools
• 17 Assessment, Revision and Exams
• 3 Bibliometrics and Altmetrics
• 5 Bookable Spaces
• 3 Copyright
• 40 Databases
• 4 Dissertations and Thesis
• 12 Eresources
• 2 External Library User and Visitors
• 11 Inclusive Learning
• 8 InterLibrary Request
• 1 IT Support
• 12 Lending Services
• 6 Library Account
• 22 Library Sites
• 58 Library Support
• 6 Membership / External Users
• 11 Open Access
• 3 Print, Copy, Scan
• 1 Reading Lists
• 1 Recommend a book
• 32 Referencing and Reference Management
• 11 Research Data Management
• 47 Research Skills and Critical Thinking
• 16 Research Support
• 1 Screen Sharing
• 1 Special Collections and National Fairground Archives
• 40 StarPlus Help
• 13 Studying remotely
• 4 Subject Guides

Answered By: Your Library Team Last Updated: Nov 21, 2022     Views: 819

Print Services have a Thesis & Dissertation Binding service  and offer three packages for The University of Sheffield thesis and dissertation binding. These packages all meet the University regulations for thesis first and full submissions.

• Order via myPrint at   https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ printanddesign   discounts apply.
• You can drop your document at the Print & Design Solutions reception desk, located on Bolsover Street

Any queries please contact reception on 0114 222 1220 or email  [email protected]

Useful additional information

• Thesis binding price list
• Contact details and location

Links & Files

• Library Accessibility Statement
• Share on Facebook

Was this helpful? Yes 2 No 0

Browse by University and Academic Department

--> Abdullah, Salman (2019) Avalanche Breakdown Characteristics of thin Al0.85Ga0.15As0.56Sb0.44Avalanche Photodiodes. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Abdulmajid, Abdulmajid (2019) High Gain Wide Bandwidth Layered Dielectric Resonator Antennas. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Al-Baidhani, Ahmed (2019) Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer Based on Generalized Triangular Decomposition. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Al-Hameed, Sabah (2019) Audio Based Signal Processing and Computational Models for Early Detection and Prediction of Dementia and Mood Disorders. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Allu, Ahmed (2019) Modelling and Control of a Grid-Connected Full Bridge Modular Multilevel Converter for Integration of Wind Energy Conversion Systems. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Alrezj, Osamah (2019) Signal Preprocessing Techniques to enhance Glucose Prediction from NIR and MIR spectra. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Alsharif, Rabab (2019) Dynamic Interactions of a Double-stage Photovoltaic Power Converter: Modelling and Control. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Alwaely, Basheer (2019) Graph Spectral Feature Learning for Shape Representation. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> albahri, Mohamed (2019) Efficient Elliptic Curve Cryptography Software Implementation on Embedded Platforms. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Barakali, Beyit (2019) Pattern and Polarization Reconfigurable Antennas for Gain Enhancement. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Benda, Doris (2019) On the Optimization of PV Cells’ Orientation Angles and Their Deployment at Base Stations for Energy-efficient Cellular Networks. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> CHEN, XINTAO (2019) Quantum Cascade lasers in the Mid-infrared. MPhil thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Chmelicek, Petr (2019) Dual Rotor Magnetically Geared Power Split Device for Hybrid Electric Vehicles. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> DOU, TIANTIAN (2019) Nonlinear Dynamic System Identification and Model Predictive Control Using Genetic Programming. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Farias Martins, Lais (2019) Modelling and Analysis of DC-DC Converters for Bidirectional EV Charging Applications. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Gao, Yuan (2019) Advanced Technologies Enabling the Efficient and Fair Coexistence Between LTE-U Systems andWiFi Networks. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Ghataora, Suneal S. (2019) III-Nitride: Fabrication and Characterisation of Micron and Sub-Micron Structured Electrically Injected Light-Emitting Diode. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> HE, Fei (2019) A Portable Low-power Electronic Adherence Monitoring System for Cystic Fibrosis. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Heeley, Andrew D (2019) FIBRE OPTIC COUPLED, INFRARED THERMOMETERS FOR PROCESSES INCURRING HARSH CONDITIONS. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Henthorn, Stephen (2019) Direct Antenna Modulation using Frequency Selective Surfaces. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Hu, Rongguang (2019) Stator Winding Fault Detection Techniques for Permanent Magnet Machine Drives. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Jafri, Ahsan (2019) Array Signal Processing Based on Traditional and Sparse Arrays. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Khatab, Mohammed (2019) Investigation of Novel Axial Flux Magnetically Geared Machine. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Lan, Xiang (2019) Beamforming and Direction of Arrival Estimation Based on Vector Sensor Arrays. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Li, Huayang (2019) Investigation of Flux Reversal Permanent Magnet Machines. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Liu, Wuling (2019) On a Generalised Typicality and Its Applications in Information Theory. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Liu, Yue (2019) Investigation of Magnetic Gearing Effect in Fractional Slot and Vernier Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Ma, Jie (2019) Investigation of High Speed Permanent Magnet Motors. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Mantar Gundogdu, Burcu (2019) Control Analysis for Grid Tied Battery Energy Storage System for SOC and SOH Management. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> McDermott, Samuel (2019) Optical quantitative phase microscopy: novel methods and applications. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Petersen, Alexander (2019) Multilevel Converters for Battery Energy Storage: How Many Levels and Why? PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Qi, Weijie (2019) A Study about Heterogeneous Network Issues Management based on Enhanced Inter-cell Interference Coordination and Machine Learning Algorithms. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Rockett, Thomas (2019) Growth of GaAsBi pin diodes using MBE. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Saad, Rola (2019) Miniaturised Dual Band High Impedance Surfaces. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Syed, Zohaib Ahmed (2019) III-nitride nanostructured photo-electrodes for enhanced solar-powered hydrogen generation. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Tao, Ran (2019) Advanced Technologies for Energy Saving, Wireless Backhaul and Mobility Management in Heterogeneous Networks. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Wan, Yihong (2019) Fault behaviour and management of a permanent magnet aerospace starter-generator. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Wang, Jiaqi (2019) Heterogeneous Cellular Networks Mixed with LoS and NLoS Transmissions. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Wang, Yu (2019) Analysis of High-Speed Permanent Magnet Machines. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Watson, Matthew T (2019) The Collinear Mecanum Drive. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Xiao, Shuai (2019) On-line Temperature Monitoring of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Yang, Han (2019) Investigation of Doubly Salient Stator Slot Permanent Magnet Machines. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Zhang, Le (2019) Image Quality Assessment for Population Cardiac MRI: From Detection to Synthesis. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Zheng, Hui (2019) Performance Analysis of Indoor Wireless Communications in Dense Cellular Networks. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

--> Zhu, Hui (2019) HIGH EFFICIENCY BASE DRIVE DESIGNS FOR POWER CONVERTERS USING SILICON CARBIDE BIPOLAR JUNCTION TRANSISTORS. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.

• Arts & Humanities

Dissertation Template - University of Sheffield

Related documents

Study collections

Add this document to collection(s).

You can add this document to your study collection(s)

Add this document to saved

You can add this document to your saved list

Suggest us how to improve StudyLib

(For complaints, use another form )

Input it if you want to receive answer

Dissertations

• Library research skills
• Research methods
• Data sources
• Digital archives
• Databases for Arts and Humanities
• Databases for Engineering and Computer Science
• Databases for Medicine, Dentistry and Health
• Databases for Science
• Databases for Social Sciences

Library Help

Library subject guides.

UK Open Data

Find data published by central government, local authorities and public bodies in the UK. Topic areas include business and economy, crime and justice, environment, health, transport.

UK Data Service (registration required)

Provides access for UK Universities to UK and international social, economic and population datasets. Data available include census data, international macrodata, longitudinal studies, qualitative/mixed methods and UK surveys - see 'Key Data' for more information.

See also UK Data Service student resources . These include a worksheet to help you use the UK Data Service to find the right data for your dissertation.

Data Visualisation Hub

A joint initiative between The University Library, IT Services, and Research Software Engineering (RSE). This community website exists to provide research staff and students at the University of Sheffield with information and inspiration about the visual presentation of data.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority data hub

Data resource relating to South Yorkshire.

Finding and reusing data

Library web page on data indexing services and portals.

Guide for statistical information

Library guide for statistical information. 

Good RDM practices for taught students  (PDF)

A short guide to good research data management practices, helping you to effectively manage the data and code in your research project to save you time and make it easier to share with your supervisor or collaborators.

 [email protected]                  0114 222 7200                      01952 783022

• << Previous: Research methods
• Next: Digital archives >>
• Last Reviewed: Mar 4, 2024 10:50 AM
• URL: https://sheffield.libguides.com/dissertations

• Postgraduate study
• Postgraduate taught courses

Urban and Regional Planning

Explore this course:.

Applications for 2024 entry are now open. Apply now or register your interest to hear about postgraduate study and events at the University of Sheffield.

Department of Urban Studies and Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences

Course description

Our one-year masters will help you get started in the planning profession. The course examines the factors that shape cities and rural areas. We’ll show you how research is used in policy-making and evaluation. You’ll develop research and design skills, and specialise in an aspect of planning.

This MSc is innovative and intensive, with your study carefully structured. The first semester focuses on developing core skills and knowledge in planning, focusing on theories and practices of planning and policy making in the UK, Europe and the fast developing Global South.

In the spring semester you'll apply these skills and knowledge to particular planning problems. You'll also have the opportunity to specialise your study through a number of option modules.

You'll develop a good understanding of both theories of planning and public administration and its practice.

Study in Europe

You have the option to spend the spring semester at one of our European partner universities in either Aalborg, Amsterdam, Lyon or Milan.

Accreditation

This programme is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). Completing an accredited course puts you on track to become a chartered town planner, opening up a wide range of future career opportunities.

An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.

Find out what makes us special at our next online open day on  Wednesday 17 April 2024 .

You may also be able to pre-book a department visit as part of a campus tour. Open days and campus tours

1 year full-time

Your course is designed and managed to ensure you get the most out of your course, and have every opportunity to deepen your intellectual and practical skills.

Lectures, tutorials, and seminars give you the chance to examine the knowledge you have gained, and to study current developments in planning. Individual and group projects help develop your research, negotiation, analysis and decision-making skills, and your skills in information technology, and team working. Workshop sessions give you advice and guidance on techniques, strategy and skills in project work. Engagement with guest speakers including policy makers and professional planners helps you to put your learning in context by developing insights into planning practice and governance.

Your personal dissertation supervisor, a specialist in your field of study, will guide you through the research process and help develop your knowledge of leading research in the field.

The emphasis is on continual assessment. This provides feedback and testing of your skills as your work progresses and allows a wide range of skills to be tested.

Assessment methods include essays, policy papers, reports, posters and oral presentations, all designed to test specific skills and levels of understanding. There are no final unseen examinations.

Throughout your time in the department, we will give you support in developing your intellectual and practical skills. Your personal tutor will act as your academic and personal advisor for the year. The course director is also available to discuss any issues with you.

Your career

The employability of our graduates is of paramount importance to us. The development of skills, knowledge and personal attributes that enhance your career underpins our programme design. We have a dedicated Employability Manager,  Amy Woolley , to support you. We’ll prepare you for employment after graduation.

How we'll help you prepare for your future career

Department of Urban Studies and Planning

We are the top-rated Royal Town Planning Institute accredited planning school in the UK (REF 2021), with an intellectual reputation for theoretical strength, especially in the fields of urban inequalities and social justice. Study with us and become part of a new and exciting group of urban professionals and change makers.

As a student at Sheffield, you'll develop the knowledge and skills to build a successful career in planning and related urban and environmental professions. You'll be taught by world-leading academics whose cutting-edge research feeds directly into the seminar room. You'll learn using the latest technology in our dedicated teaching spaces; visualising complex data through Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software and using virtual and augmented reality to explore how people interact with urban spaces.

You'll be at the heart of a vibrant academic community and will benefit from an excellent staff-student ratio, resulting in a genuinely friendly and inclusive academic environment. Our open-door policy means you can drop in on your lecturers at any time during their office hours, without an appointment. We believe this will help with your wellbeing and encourage your intellectual curiosity.

We work with national governments, international bodies such as the UN, research councils, private business, the voluntary sector, and local communities to shape policy and inspire change in urban environments. Join us to explore the pathways to creating fair, just and sustainable places.

Student profiles

Sheffield is a fantastic city to live in as a student. I am thrilled to be studying here and excited for the opportunities which lie ahead...

Kajol Maheshwari MSc student, MSc Urban and Regional Planning

MSc Urban and Regional Planning student Kajol discusses life as an international student in Sheffield, and how her course is helping to prepare her for a future in planning.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree.

We may also consider your application if you do not meet the standard academic requirements but you have relevant professional experience.

If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College . This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department .

Fees and funding

Additional costs.

Costs for field classes are not included in the tuition fee.

You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.

More information

[email protected] +44 114 222 6900