Kickstart your Masters dissertation comprises four days of online webinars and face-to-face workshops, offering advice on all elements of dissertation planning and writing, from choosing a research methodology to writing a literature review. These friendly sessions are designed for you to get some tips from the experts and put your dissertation on track for success.
When you book you will receive a confirmation email and calendar invite. You will also receive a reminder email the day before. Please cancel your booking if you are no longer able to attend. For any online sessions you book you will receive the webinar link when you book and in the reminder. If you haven’t received your invite link an hour before it is due to start, please email studyadvice@reading.ac.uk.
| Date and Time | Topic | Detail | Location | Link to Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Monday 3rd March 11:00 -12:00 |
Managing your dissertation project | The dissertation is a complicated process. This session will help you start to figure out how to structure and prepare your project, from planning your time and organising your tasks to dealing with setbacks and utilising feedback. | Online | Book |
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Monday 3rd March 12:15 -12:45 |
Digital Skills for Dissertations: Using Microsoft Word | In this short session we will demonstrate some useful features in Microsoft Word that will help you to structure your dissertation document - and introduce you to training resources in LinkedIn Learning. You will find out how to discover training resources to answer your questions about the most useful features of Microsoft Word, when you need them. | Online | Book |
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Monday 3rd March 13:00 -13:30 |
Search tips and tricks | In this short session we'll look at preparing to search for literature. We'll think about identifying where to look, techniques for constructing a comprehensive search, selecting keywords, then applying search operators and truncation. | Online | Book |
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Monday 3rd March 14:00 -15:00 |
Getting started with your literature review | In this session, we will think about the purpose of a literature review, and how it sets the scene for your dissertation. You will learn tips and strategies on how to plan and structure this chapter, and how to integrate your sources effectively. | Online | Book |
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Monday 3rd March 15:30 -16:30 |
Being critical in your reading and writing | This session will explore how to develop a critical approach to your writing in your dissertation. We will also consider how each stage of the dissertation may require different ways of being critical. | Online | Book |
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Tuesday 4th March 11:00 -12:00 |
Matching methodologies to your research question | In this session, we will consider how to plan and write up your methodology, with emphasis on how it addresses your research question. We will explore advantages and limitations of different methodologies, and how they can be used in complementary ways. | Online | Book |
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Tuesday 4th March 12:15 -12:45 |
Digital Skills for Dissertations: Start using Microsoft Excel | In this short session we will discuss some of the Microsoft Excel features that will help you to organise, analyse, and present data for your dissertation. This session will be ideal for new users. We'll think about some tasks you can complete in Excel, and where you can find additional help and tutorials using LinkedIn Learning and other online sources. | Online | Book |
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Tuesday 4th March 13:00 -13:30 |
Better than Google | In this short session we will look at the best places to start your literature search, and then how to move on to finding subject specific resources. | Online | Book |
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Tuesday 4th March 14:00-16:00 |
Literature search retreat
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This in-person session offers you a space and structured activities to explore different strategies for finding relevant literature to inform your dissertation literature review. We will guide you through different techniques and search tools to help you build an annotated bibliography of materials relevant to your topic with help on hand. | Global Study Lounge, Edith Morley room 230 | Book |
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Wednesday 5th March 11:00 -12:30 |
Pitch your Masters Dissertation project! | Talking with others can be a catalyst in the process of developing a project and identifying your intended contribution. This interactive workshop is designed to help you clarify your research project and communicate effectively its significance. We will do guided activities on: how to pitch your project and inspire confidence; how to narrow down from a topic to a research question; and how to reflect on your role as a researcher. | Palmer 108 | Book |
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Wednesday 5th March 13:00 -13:30 |
AI tools for literature search | In this short session we will introduce you to some AI tools you can use for your dissertation literature search - helping you build a comprehensive search, identify key papers and create summaries. | Online | Book |
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Wednesday 5th March 14:00 -16:00 |
Dissertation writing retreat | Are you struggling to write your dissertation? Come along to this in person session which offers you a place and space to write, using known techniques to get you going. During the set writing blocks you can book a slot to speak to a Study Adviser and receive individual advice. You should be available for the whole session, and remember to bring your work and your laptops (or pen and paper) with you. Global Study Lounge, Edith Morley room 230 | Global Study Lounge, Edith Morley room 230 | Book |
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Wednesday 5th March 14:00 -15:30 |
Endnote | Learn the basics of using Desktop EndNote to manage references and add them to Word documents. | Online | Book |
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Thursday 6th March 13:00-15:00 |
Masters Dissertation drop in | If you are now getting started with your Masters dissertation, Study Advice and your Academic Liaison Librarians may be able to share expert tips and help you be successful. Bring your questions along to our dedicated drop in. No need to book, just turn up for a chat at the Library ground floor area. | Library ground floor | No need to book! |
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Friday 7th March 13:00-15:00 |
Masters Dissertation drop in | If you are now getting started with your Masters dissertation, Study Advice and your Academic Liaison Librarians may be able to share expert tips and help you be successful. Bring your questions along to our dedicated drop in. No need to book, just turn up for a chat at the Library ground floor area. | Library ground floor | No need to book! |