A dissertation introduction establishes the research problem, its context and the purpose of your study. It tells the reader what you will investigate, why the question matters and how the document is organised, without trying to reproduce the whole literature review.
Introduce the context and problem
Start with the relevant setting and move towards the specific issue. Support factual background with sources. Explain the problem your work addresses rather than relying on a broad statement that the topic is important.
Explain the rationale and scope
Show how your study relates to existing knowledge and what focused contribution it aims to make. Define boundaries such as population, setting or period. Do not claim that no research exists unless you have evidence for that conclusion.
State aims, questions and objectives
Make the main aim clear and keep the research questions answerable by your planned methods. Objectives should describe what the study will do, rather than promise outcomes that cannot yet be known. Check alignment with the methodology chapter.
Outline the approach and chapters
Provide a brief account of the research approach if your programme expects it. Explain what each chapter contributes without giving an extended summary of findings. Use the approved format where your department specifies a different arrangement.
Revise after completing the dissertation
Return to the introduction when the analysis is complete. Ensure the scope, questions and chapter outline match the final document. Remove promises the study did not fulfil and adjust background that no longer helps frame the research.
Related study guides
Continue with paragraph planning, referencing guidance or the study knowledgebase. For feedback on your own draft, contact Assignment Writer with the brief and your specific question.
