Try These Writing Tips for a Top Dissertation within your MA in International Relations

Writing your dissertation can be one of the most daunting parts of your International Relations MA

Writing an academic paper can be daunting, especially if you're tackling a complex topic such as contemporary U.S. foreign policy or working on your final dissertation. However, if you start on time, do quality research to support your arguments, and follow academic writing guidelines, you can turn a formidable task into one that can be enjoyable and enriching.

A number of steps in your approach can help you make the process flow more smoothly and produce a top result. To find out what these are, keep reading.

Know How to Explain International Relations Topics in a Simple Manner

When undertaking an MA in international relations, you may be presented with a lot of interesting but difficult topics to write your dissertation on. Despite the complexity of your topic, you need to be able to explain it simply.

You can practice simplifying the complicated ideas you're dealing with by trying to explain them to someone completely unfamiliar with the subject. This will help you not only with the flow of your writing, but with your final defence as well. It will also minimize the chances that the reviewers of your dissertation might misunderstand what you are trying to say.

The Most Important Step is to Begin Writing an Outline

Even if you're far from having settled on a clear outline, the most important step is to begin putting your ideas on paper. Regardless of whether your early work ends up being heavily edited, in the middle of your dissertation as opposed to the beginning, or even discarded altogether, this will still help you clarify how you want to piece your final document together.

Beginning the writing process is the most important step to completing a paper

Many students postpone beginning the writing process because they don't have a clear idea of the path they want to follow, and this then ends up pushing them into a rushed state before the deadline. Having something on paper means you've got the ball rolling, and can have a very positive psychological effect. However, be mindful that writing in this way requires thorough attention to transitions and flow during the final revisions of your paper.

Your MA in International Relations Dissertation Must Be Structurally Sound

To be considered as qualifying towards an international relations MA degree, it is imperative that your dissertation makes sense as a whole, and is theoretically and methodologically sound whilst following a clear structure.

You must apply the tenets of your theoretical approach, make sure you follow an appropriate methodology, and be able to provide rational arguments in defence of your choices. The more coherent your paper, the less likely it is that your assessors will find points to critique.

Don't Forget to Stay on Top of Your Bibliography

Supporting your arguments with strong and relevant sources is key. It's good practice to note your references immediately as you go, as doing so retrospectively can be very time-consuming, and you may not remember the exact sources.

Although there is software such as Zotero that can automatically generate your bibliography for you, it's still a good idea to check it over manually. If you're unclear on how to complete your references and citations properly, don't hesitate to consult with your tutors. Queen Mary Online’s MA course, for example, offers easy access to members of the university’s leading academic team throughout your studies, so you can always get the personalised guidance you need.

Keeping track of your sources is essential

Edit Your Work and Enlist Proofreading Assistance 

It is absolutely vital that you have your work proofread prior to handing it in. You will most likely find yourself spending long hours writing your paper, and this can make it more probable that you miss small things. An external reader such as a friend or colleague may be more likely to spot any unnecessary filler words, superfluous statements, or lack of clarity in your arguments.

Write your paper well enough in advance to provide time not only for external proofreading, but to complete a final read-through yourself as well. Setting the paper aside for some time prior to the submission deadline allows you to refresh your mind, and then view your writing with fresh eyes that will catch mistakes you may otherwise miss.

Are you ready to develop your expertise in world affairs?

Consider Queen Mary Online as your international relations university of choice.