How to write a dissertation conclusion chapter - 4 key structure sections with examples & questions

When writing your dissertation conclusion chapter, you should focus on doing four key things.

1. Recapping your aims and objectives
2. Critically considering the implications of your findings
3. Identifying who or what could benefit from your research
4. Outlining the potential impact of future research in this area

Keep your conclusion short and direct.

There is no need to repeat or summarise anything you’ve already written about in the preceding discussion chapter.

The conclusion is about zooming out and asking the, “So, what?” question. This chapter is about thinking through the implications and potential applications of what you’ve discovered in your study.

As it’s the last chapter of your dissertation that your examiner will read, it’s a golden opportunity to finish strong, end on a high and leave them with a great impression of your thesis.

Don’t rush through the conclusion chapter.

Take your time, give it some thought. It’s an important chapter so perhaps leave some time in between finishing your discussion chapter and starting your conclusion chapter. This will give you the opportunity to take a step back from your dissertation. You need to do this if you are to write an impactful and thoughtful conclusion. Let it breathe!

It’s easy to get caught up in the detail of your dissertation, and that’s why the conclusion chapter is sometimes a hard one to write because it involves thinking about the bigger picture. Also, by this point in your thesis, you’re probably overwhelmed, burned out and just want to finish the thing! However, if you allow yourself time and space, your conclusion chapter will be all the better for it.

Chapters
0:00 - 2:03 Introduction and overview
2:04 - 3:31 Recap aims and objectives
3:32 - 5:04 Implications of findings
5:05 - 5:42 Beneficiaries of your research
5:43 - 6:58 Potential impact of future research
6:58 - 7:39 Conclusion

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