What is a BA dissertation?

A BA dissertation is a substantial piece of independent research written in the final year of a Bachelor of Arts degree. It requires students to formulate a focused research question, engage with relevant literature and present findings in a structured academic format. The dissertation showcases research, analytical and writing skills essential for academic and professional development.

This blog post provides a comprehensive guide to writing a BA dissertation, including its definition, purpose, scope, structure and requirements. It also explains how to select a suitable topic, work effectively with a supervisor, apply best writing practices and use proofreading services ethically. Additionally, it lists resources that support research, writing and referencing throughout the dissertation process.

List of contents

BA dissertation
How to select a BA dissertation topic?
How to work with a BA dissertation supervisor?
Tips for writing a BA dissertation
Is it ethical to use professional proofreading services for a BA dissertation?
How can professional proofreading services help polish a BA dissertation?
Resources

Key takeaways

A BA dissertation involves independent research, original analysis and structured academic writing.
It typically includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, analysis and conclusion.
A suitable topic should be specific, researchable and aligned with available sources and departmental expectations.
Effective supervision depends on preparation, communication and respect for academic boundaries.
Strong writing practices include using credible sources, writing consistently and revising thoroughly.
Professional proofreading for a BA dissertation is ethical if it focuses on surface-level language correction and not content editing.

BA dissertation

A BA dissertation is an extended piece of independent academic research completed in the final year of a Bachelor of Arts degree. Unlike shorter assignments, it allows for a more sustained exploration of a focused topic. Typically, it involves identifying a research question, reviewing relevant literature, selecting appropriate methods, analysing evidence and presenting findings in a formal academic structure.

A BA dissertation usually ranges between 8,000 and 12,000 words and focuses on a specific issue within the student’s discipline. It must be narrow enough to allow detailed analysis but broad enough to engage with wider academic contexts. For example, a literature dissertation might examine representations of migration in one novel, while a history dissertation could analyse a particular policy or event over a defined period.

Purpose

The purpose of a BA dissertation is to demonstrate independent research skills and contribute original insight within a specific academic field. It offers a chance to explore a topic in depth, apply relevant theories and present a well-structured argument based on evidence.

A BA dissertation helps students:

deepen subject-specific knowledge
strengthen research and analytical skills
build experience in structuring and managing a long-form academic project
prepare for postgraduate study or research-based careers

Requirements

BA dissertation requirements vary by institution, but typically it must meet the criteria concerning the word count, originality of research, structure, academic style, submission deadline and supervision.

Word count: Usually between 8,000 and 12,000 words, excluding bibliography and appendices
Original research: The dissertation must address a clear research question and present original analysis or interpretation
Structure: Common sections include a title page, abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, analysis, conclusion and references
Academic style: The dissertation must follow formal academic conventions, including consistent referencing (e.g. MLA, APA or Chicago)
Submission deadline: Most departments set a fixed deadline in the final semester, with penalties for late submission
Supervision: Students are typically assigned a supervisor to provide guidance throughout the research and writing process

Structure

The structure of a BA dissertation typically includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, analysis, conclusion and bibliography. Although it can vary by institution and discipline, most follow a similar academic format. This structure helps organise ideas logically and ensures clarity for both writer and reader.

Title page includes the dissertation title, author’s name, institution, degree programme and submission date.
Abstract is a brief summary (usually 150–300 words) outlining the research question, methods, main findings and conclusion.
Acknowledgements (optional) are a short note thanking those who supported the research, such as supervisors, peers or family.
Table of contents lists chapter titles and subheadings with corresponding page numbers for easy navigation.
Introduction presents the topic, outlines the research question or hypothesis, explains the significance of the study and provides a brief overview of the structure.
Literature review evaluates existing scholarship related to the topic, identifies gaps or debates and positions the research within the academic field.
Methodology describes and justifies the research methods used to gather and analyse data or texts. It may include discussions of scope, limitations and ethical considerations.
Analysis (chapters) presents the main argument and evidence in one or more analytical chapters. The structure of these chapters varies depending on the subject and approach.
Conclusion summarises key findings, reflects on the research question and suggests implications, limitations or areas for future study.
Bibliography lists all sources cited in the dissertation, formatted according to the required referencing style (e.g. MLA, APA, Chicago).
Appendices (if needed) include supplementary material such as interview transcripts, questionnaires, datasets or images.

How to select a BA dissertation topic?

A successful BA dissertation topic is specific, researchable, clearly tied to the degree subject and achievable within the given timeframe. To select a BA dissertation topic, choose a focused and researchable question that aligns with course content, available sources and departmental expectations.

Start with past modules: Identify two or three modules that were especially engaging. Within those, note any authors, theories or debates that stood out. For example, a student studying postcolonial literature might focus on migration narratives in Caribbean fiction.
Choose a specific text, case or issue: Avoid general themes such as ‘identity in literature’ or ‘media and politics.’ Instead, choose a specific case such as White Teeth by Zadie Smith or a particular policy shift in UK broadcasting. This keeps the scope manageable and research focused.
Ask a researchable question: A good BA dissertation centres on a clear, arguable question. For example:
- How does White Teeth represent second-generation immigrant identity in postcolonial Britain?
- In what ways did the 2003 Communications Act reshape public service broadcasting in the UK?
Check the availability of sources: Use library catalogues and academic databases to confirm that the topic has sufficient primary and secondary sources. If the material is inaccessible, the topic may need adjusting.
Make sure it fits the discipline: A BA dissertation must meet the expectations of the department. A history dissertation should focus on historical sources and context. A media studies topic should reference relevant theories and methods in the field.
Discuss with a supervisor early: Bring a shortlist of ideas to the first meeting. A supervisor can flag gaps, recommend readings and help refine the topic into a viable research question.

How to work with a BA dissertation supervisor?

To work effectively with a BA dissertation supervisor, treat the relationship as a structured academic collaboration: maintain clear communication, prepare for meetings, follow deadlines and respond to feedback promptly. Good supervision can improve the quality of the dissertation and make the research process more manageable. Follow these key strategies:

Prepare before meetings: Always come to meetings with specific questions, a draft section or a clear agenda. Avoid vague updates. For example, ask for feedback on argument structure or referencing, rather than general writing quality.
Stick to agreed deadlines: Supervisors often set internal deadlines for outlines, drafts or reading lists. Meeting these deadlines keeps the project on track and signals reliability.
Take notes and follow up: Write down key feedback during meetings and act on it. After the meeting, send a short follow-up email summarising next steps or clarifying any points.
Respect the supervisor’s role: Supervisors guide the process but do not write or edit the dissertation. Use their input to refine the argument, improve clarity and identify gaps, but maintain full responsibility for the work.
Ask for guidance on structure and scope: If unsure about how much to include or how to organise chapters, ask early. A supervisor can suggest whether the topic needs narrowing or expanding.
Limit last-minute requests: Most supervisors will not read entire drafts the week before submission. Plan well in advance to give time for feedback and revisions.

Tips for writing a BA dissertation

Writing a BA dissertation requires planning, consistency and academic rigour. To manage the process effectively and meet university standards, follow these key tips:

Break down the project: Divide the dissertation into clear sections: introduction, literature review, methodology, analysis and conclusion. Create a timeline with weekly goals for reading, writing and revising.
Start with a working structure: Outline the main argument and chapter headings early. Even a rough structure helps maintain focus and coherence throughout the writing process.
Use academic sources strategically: Prioritise peer-reviewed journal articles, academic books and reliable primary sources. Keep a detailed record of all references to avoid plagiarism and save time when compiling the bibliography.
Write regularly: Set aside time for writing several days a week. Writing in small, regular sessions often leads to better results than rushing large sections close to the deadline.
Stay analytical: Avoid simply describing sources. Instead, interpret evidence, evaluate arguments and develop a clear line of reasoning that supports the research question.
Revise and proofread: Allow time to revise for structure, clarity and argumentation. Proofread carefully for grammar, referencing and formatting. Most universities require adherence to a specific style guide, such as MLA or Chicago.
Seek feedback early: Ask for supervisor feedback on outlines or draft sections. Early comments help correct problems before they affect the final mark.

Is it ethical to use professional proofreading services for a BA dissertation?

Yes, it is ethical to use professional proofreading services for a BA dissertation — but only within clearly defined limits. According to the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, proofreaders may:

correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting and minor inconsistencies
raise queries about clarity or typographical errors.

However, they must not:

rewrite text,
improve arguments,
fact-check
alter content in ways that affect academic performance.

The dissertation must remain the student’s own work.

In short, using a professional proofreader is ethical as long as the intervention is limited to language correction and surface-level clarity and not content development or academic enhancement. Academic institutions often require students to declare such assistance and may also ask for supervisor’s approval.

How can professional proofreading help polish a BA dissertation?

Professional proofreading services can polish a BA dissertation by improving language quality, consistency and presentation without altering its academic content. Specifically, a professional proofreader can:

correct spelling, grammar and punctuation errors
ensure consistent use of terms, headings, formatting and style
flag unclear or awkward phrasing for the student to revise
check for typographical errors, repetition and formatting issues
verify that referencing style is applied consistently (if permitted)
help prepare the text for submission by reviewing layout and structure (e.g. table of contents, headings, page numbers)

Resources

Cite Them Right is a practical online tool and book for referencing in multiple citation styles, used by many UK universities.
Google Scholar helps locate academic sources such as journal articles and books. Use with care to avoid over-reliance on non-peer-reviewed material.
Purdue OWL offers clear guidance on research writing, grammar, academic tone and citation styles including APA, MLA and Chicago.
The Royal Literary Fund provides accessible explanations of essay and dissertation structure, argumentation and referencing.
The Undergraduate Research Handbook by Gina Wisker helps students understand the research process and develop critical thinking skills, with practical advice on formulating questions, engaging with sources and managing time effectively.
Your Undergraduate Dissertation by Nicholas Walliman offers step-by-step guidance on planning, researching and structuring a BA dissertation, making it especially useful for students managing their first major independent project.
Zotero or Mendeley are free reference management tools that help collect, organise and cite academic sources.

Conclusion

A BA dissertation is both a challenge and an opportunity to demonstrate academic independence, critical thinking and subject expertise. With careful planning, ethical guidance and the right support, students can produce work that meets institutional standards and prepares them for future academic or professional paths.

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