How to choose an undergraduate dissertation topic
Congratulations! Thinking about the dissertation topic and where to start means you made it through most of the university and are in your final year! Over a year ago, I was in the same position and felt overwhelmed. So, here I am now to help you a little!
Below is my dissertation result and a part of the feedback. Quite proud of this one. That’s why I want to share my insight and help you succeed too!
While I talk to marketing students mainly, and your focus area might be around the different subjects you can still carry on reading, there are some juicy hints for everyone!
Dissertation result
Part of the feedback from my dissertation
If you are reading this post, you already know how difficult it is to choose the topic you will focus your thoughts and research around for the following months. I spent too much time thinking about it wasting the time I could spend on the research. So don’t make the same mistake.
Here are my top three tips for you on how to decide and save a lot of time wondering around about the topic.
- Choose the topic you will be happy to discuss in your future job interview. Something relevant that tackles market, society and technology matters is always interesting to discuss!
- Is there anything already exciting for you? Focus on it, look at it from different angles, and read what’s available about this subject already. Being passionate about the topic will motivate you.
- Stay up to date with marketing news. My favourite (and yours should be, too!) is MarketingWeek. I’ve learned a lot and found many inspirations there! They talk about serious issues and provoke exciting debates in the industry.
Still not sure?
List a few subjects you could write about and eliminate the least interesting.
How did I decide on my dissertation topic?
First, I knew it got to be around the automotive industry because I have done a placement year in this area and wanted to use my connections for primary research.
Then, I looked at the hot topics in the industry. Digitalisation, automation, work from home, and globalisation were some topics that drew my attention.
Later, I linked that to my experience at the automotive company as a marketing assistant and discussed with my dissertation tutor possible angles I could tackle the topic.
Finally, I decided to research digitalisation’s impact on B2B sales efficiency in the automotive industry.
My favourite part of the dissertation was primary research and conducting interviews with some people from Cummins and Rolls Royce. They had so much knowledge! Take your time with 1-1 interviews. You will gain much insight, understand the topic better, and even look at it from new angles.
You got this. Good luck!