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Thesis Exposé schreiben

Writing Thesis Exposé – Professional Tips + Examples

What is a Thesis Exposé, do I need it for my Thesis and what should I pay attention to? Here are the guidelines for the exposé of your thesis.

How do I find the right thesis topic?

Your thesis will take some time to complete. Therefore, you should choose a topic for your thesis that at least interests you, and better yet, excites you. Something you’re passionate about and feel like really diving into. Ideally, and to simplify your thesis, you also have some prior knowledge of the topic. This can also benefit you at the latest when you defend your thesis.

The topic of your thesis is either given to you by your professor, or you can choose it yourself. It just has to have something to do with your field of study. First of all, you should look into the exact requirements of your study program and find out whether a scientific or practice-oriented focus should be implemented and whether there are any specifications regarding the scope of your thesis.

Ask your professor

In almost every university you can go to a consultation with your professor. There you can roughly explain which topics you are also involved with outside of your studies. Together with your professor, find a connection to your studies and work out a topic.

Current literature

Are there any recent publications in your field , perhaps? Check the optional seminar reading or the journals in your library. You can find many current sources on Google Scholar or other online databases , for example.

Brainstorming

Write down any ideas, experiences, and anything else that comes to mind. Under each topic, you can collect bullet points and write down what you already know about it and how much the topic interests you.

Past seminar papers

Maybe you’ve already written a cool term paper and can tie in with the research? Are there any questions that are still unanswered from your point of view? Were there any lecture topics that particularly interested you?

Exchange ideas with other fellow students

Meet and interact with your fellow students . Often the thoughts of others already bring you to a good topic. In the same way, of course, you can ask friends and family who are not experts.

Professional direction

Do you already know what you want to do for a living after graduation? Then it would be beneficial to write your paper on a topic from the industry that might interest and impress your future employer .

Your already gained experience

Your experience as an intern or working student can help you in choosing a topic. Ask leaders or staff and get inspired.

Why write a synopsis?

One of the most important parts of your thesis is the exposé. But why actually? The synopsis is a scientific project plan that helps you to formulate the research question precisely, to narrow down your topic, and to give you a structured overview of the content and schedule of your work.

The synopsis should serve as a guideline before the actual writing of your thesis. Often the exposé is required by your supervisor after you have chosen your topic and possibly already dealt with the problem or question.

However, the exposé is not binding. Because your ideas, structures or even your title can always change during the writing process of your thesis. Especially in the beginning, the synopsis can help you sort out your thoughts and ideas.

An exposé has many advantages. It helps you get an overview of your ideas and organize them. Also, you can impress your supervisor with the fact that you have studied the topic and it is relevant. Best of all, it can save you a lot of time writing later. It also serves as a basis for discussions with your supervisor to avoid misunderstandings and to comply with university guidelines.

The contents of an exposé for your thesis

So now we know that the synopsis is an outline of your planned scientific work. But what actually belongs in the exposé and how is it structured?

Here you write a brief introduction and presentation of your research topic and justify its relevance.

Objective and state of knowledge

At this point, you describe what you want to have found out at the end of your research project and why.

State of research and theoretical basis

Now you give a small overview of the existing literature and a theoretical basis for your research.

Research concept

Your concept is the most important element in your synopsis. At this point you present your hypothesis , your research question and also your methodology .

Preliminary outline

Then, even if your outline is not final, you can structure and list your ideas.

This is where you tabulate your schedule .

Bibliography

Last, show your correctly cited review of your sources used and literature relevant to you.

What do I have to pay attention to in the exposé for my thesis?

It is important for your exposé to clearly formulate your topic, the research question and the objective . Make sure you have a concise and appropriate working title and that your timeline and deadlines are set. It is also important to make sure that you adhere to the appropriate criteria of your university with your cover page and document formatting.

Frequently asked questions about: Thesis Exposé

The synopsis should be 2-5 pages long on average. Regardless of whether you are writing a synopsis for your bachelor’s thesis, master’s thesis or dissertation.

The synopsis is a preliminary plan for your thesis. Therefore, all essential information that will be relevant for your work later on must be included here. This includes a summary of the question and the main part, as well as an outline and a timetable.

Dei Expose should not be longer than 3-4 pages, maximum 5 pages.

Edited at: December 7, 2022

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writing expose for master thesis

Notes on writing a exposé

The first comprehensive written presentation of a research project takes place after the orientation and planning phase in the form of an exposé. It describes in a generally understandable way all essential aspects of the future project with regard to research context, research topic, research question, methods, sources and resources.

It is necessary or useful

  • for the registration of research projects (theses, dissertations)
  • for grant and research applications
  • as an indicator of practicality and consistency of content
  • as a basis for discussion
  • as a starting point for the more detailed planning of a research project.

Both the preparation of the exposé, which often requires a clear structuring and verbalization of the research idea for the first time, is useful for the researcher, as is the fixed result, which forms a thematic, methodological and planning anchor for the duration of the research project - regardless of how far one eventually moves away from it. There are no uniform guidelines for exposés. In the field of audio communication, exposés for theses should have a length of 3-4 pages of text (Arial 11 point single-spaced), for dissertations a length of 6-8 pages is common, while applications for grants and project proposals also require a length of 10-15 pages. The synopsis should have the following structure:

Heavily abbreviated, synoptic statement of research need, research question, method, expected result, and benefits.

Introduction

Brief outline of the topic with a quick focus on the subject under investigation. For this purpose, aspects of the history of technology or a research tradition can be outlined, an existing theoretical background can be illuminated, a classification in research disciplines can be made and, if applicable, a personal research interest can be stated. The introduction of the topic should be focused on a concrete question, at the same time the relevance of the topic should be made clear, e.g. with regard to society, basic research or concrete applications.

State of the art of research

Overview of existing work in the thematically closer research area. The author conveys his/her knowledge of the subject and points out research deficits and, if applicable, points of contact to existing work. This results in the research relevance, a further thematic delimitation as well as possible methodological approaches.

The methods used to answer the question outlined above should be named and their suitability briefly justified. This can be a source research, a qualitative or quantitative analysis, an empirical procedure (with experimental design, effect criteria, variation of conditions, sample, operationalization or measuring instrument, technical means and statistical evaluation) or a technical procedure. Here, too, a reference to methodological literature and methodologically comparable studies is appropriate. If source work is in the foreground, description and assessment of the source situation with regard to type, extent, expected relevance and accessibility, possibly also in the form of a table or a sketch. At this point, reference should also be made to existing declarations of intent and agreements (e.g. with archives, laboratories, cooperation partners).

Preliminary work

If preliminary work has already been done that goes beyond the planning of the investigation (e.g. extensive research, production of objects of investigation or research tools, preliminary experiments), this should be listed with reference to specific points of contact.

Work plan and time schedule

A preliminary structuring of the time available for the project in the form of a work plan documents a realistic assessment of the sequence, structure and scope of the expected research work. A weekly schedule is recommended for smaller projects, and a monthly schedule for larger ones. Within these units, several small work steps can be listed.

List of literature used in the synopsis. It should already include the publications central to the research, even if additional sources and references are developed during the course of the work.

Helpful literature:

Kruse, Otto (2005). Keine Angst vor dem leeren Blatt: ohne Schreibblockaden durchs Studium. (Campus concret; 16). 11. Aufl. Frankfurt/Main, New York: Campus. Karmasin, Matthias und Ribing, Rainer (2006). Die Gestaltung wissenschaftlicher Arbeiten. (UTB 2774), Wien: WUV Facultas

writing expose for master thesis

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How to Write a Master's Thesis: A Guide to Planning Your Thesis, Pursuing It, and Avoiding Pitfalls

#scribendiinc

Part 1: Initial Considerations

Who needs to write a master’s thesis.

Thesis writing is one of the more daunting challenges of higher education. That being said, not all master's students have to write a thesis. For example, fields that place a stronger emphasis on applied knowledge, such as nursing, business, and education, tend to have projects and exams to test students on the skills and abilities associated with those fields. Conversely, in disciplines that require in-depth research or highly polished creative abilities, students are usually expected to prove their understanding and independence with a thesis.

What's Your Goal?

Do you want to write a thesis? The process is a long one, often spanning years. It's best to know exactly what you want before you begin. Many people are motivated by career goals. For example, hiring managers may see a master's degree as proof that the candidate is an expert within their field and can lead, motivate, and demonstrate initiative for themselves and others. Others dream of earning their doctorate, and they see a master's degree as a stepping stone toward their Ph.D .

writing expose for master thesis

No matter what your desired goal is, you should have one before you start your thesis. With your goal in mind, your work will have a purpose, which will allow you to measure your progress more easily.

Major Types of Theses

Once you've carefully researched or even enrolled in a master's program—a feat that involves its own planning and resources —you should know if you are expected to produce a quantitative (which occurs in many math and science programs), qualitative (which occurs in many humanities programs), or creative (which occurs in many creative writing, music, or fine arts programs) thesis.

Time and Energy Considerations

Advanced degrees are notoriously time and energy consuming. If you have a job, thesis writing will become your second job. If you have a family, they will need to know that your thesis will take a great deal of your attention, energy, and focus.

writing expose for master thesis

Your studies should not consume you, but they also should not take a back seat to everything else. You will be expected to attend classes, conduct research, source relevant literature, and schedule meetings with various people as you pursue your master's, so it's important to let those you care about know what's going on.

As a general note, most master's programs expect students to finish within a two-year period but are willing to grant extra time if requested, especially if that time is needed to deal with unexpected life events (more on those later).

Part 2: Form an Initial Thesis Question, and Find a Supervisor

When to begin forming your initial thesis question.

Some fields, such as history, may require you to have already formed your thesis question and to have used it to create a statement of intent (outlining the nature of your research) prior to applying to a master’s program. Others may require this information only after you've been accepted. Most of the time, you will be expected to come up with your topic yourself. However, in some disciplines, your supervisor may assign a general research topic to you.

Overall, requirements vary immensely from program to program, so it's best to confirm the exact requirements of your specific program.

What to Say to Your Supervisor

You will have a supervisor during your master's studies. Have you identified who that person will be? If yes, have you introduced yourself via email or phone and obtained information on the processes and procedures that are in place for your master's program? Once you've established contact, request an in-person meeting with him or her, and take a page of questions along with you. Your questions might include:

  • Is there a research subject you can recommend in my field?
  • I would like to pursue [target research subject] for my thesis. Can you help me narrow my focus?
  • Can you give me an example of a properly formatted thesis proposal for my program?

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help (to a Degree)

Procedures and expectations vary from program to program, and your supervisor is there to help remove doubt and provide encouragement so you can follow the right path when you embark on writing your thesis. Since your supervisor has almost certainly worked with other graduate students (and was one at some point), take advantage of their experience, and ask questions to put your mind at ease about how to write a master’s thesis.

That being said, do not rely too heavily on your supervisor. As a graduate student, you are also expected to be able to work independently. Proving your independent initiative and capacity is part of what will earn you your master's degree.

Part 3: Revise Your Thesis

Read everything you can get your hands on.

Whether you have a question or need to create one, your next step is simple and applies to all kinds of theses: read.

writing expose for master thesis

Seek Out Knowledge or Research Gaps

Read everything you can that relates to the question or the field you are studying. The only way you will be able to determine where you can go is to see where everyone else has been. After you have read some published material, you will start to spot gaps in current research or notice things that could be developed further with an alternative approach. Things that are known but not understood or understood but not explained clearly or consistently are great potential thesis subjects. Addressing something already known from a new perspective or with a different style could also be a potentially valuable project. Whichever way you choose to do it, keep in mind that your project should make a valuable contribution to your field.

writing expose for master thesis

Talk with Experts in Your Field (and Don't Be Afraid to Revise Your Thesis)

To help narrow down your thesis topic, talk to your supervisor. Your supervisor will have an idea of what is current in your field and what can be left alone because others are already working on it. Additionally, the school you are attending will have programs and faculty with particular areas of interest within your chosen field.

On a similar note, don't be surprised if your thesis question changes as you study. Other students and researchers are out there, and as they publish, what you are working on can change. You might also discover that your question is too vague, not substantial enough, or even no longer relevant. Do not lose heart! Take what you know and adjust the question to address these concerns as they arise. The freedom to adapt is part of the power you hold as a graduate student.

Part 4: Select a Proposal Committee

What proposal committees are and why they're useful.

When you have a solid question or set of questions, draft a proposal.

writing expose for master thesis

You'll need an original stance and a clear justification for asking, and answering, your thesis question. To ensure this, a committee will review your thesis proposal. Thankfully, that committee will consist of people assigned by your supervisor or department head or handpicked by you. These people will be experts who understand your field of study and will do everything in their power to ensure that you are pursuing something worthwhile. And yes, it is okay to put your supervisor on your committee. Some programs even require that your supervisor be on your committee.

Just remember that the committee will expect you to schedule meetings with them, present your proposal, respond to any questions they might have for you, and ultimately present your findings and thesis when all the work is done. Choose those who are willing to support you, give constructive feedback, and help address issues with your proposal. And don't forget to give your proposal a good, thorough edit and proofread before you present it.

How to Prepare for Committee Meetings

Be ready for committee meetings with synopses of your material for committee members, answers for expected questions, and a calm attitude. To prepare for those meetings, sit in on proposal and thesis defenses so you can watch how other graduate students handle them and see what your committee might ask of you. You can even hold rehearsals with friends and fellow students acting as your committee to help you build confidence for your presentation.

writing expose for master thesis

Part 5: Write Your Thesis

What to do once your proposal is approved.

After you have written your thesis proposal and received feedback from your committee, the fun part starts: doing the work. This is where you will take your proposal and carry it out. If you drafted a qualitative or quantitative proposal, your experimentation or will begin here. If you wrote a creative proposal, you will now start working on your material. Your proposal should be strong enough to give you direction when you perform your experiments, conduct interviews, or craft your work. Take note that you will have to check in with your supervisor from time to time to give progress updates.

writing expose for master thesis

Thesis Writing: It's Important to Pace Yourself and Take Breaks

Do not expect the work to go quickly. You will need to pace yourself and make sure you record your progress meticulously. You can always discard information you don't need, but you cannot go back and grab a crucial fact that you can't quite remember. When in doubt, write it down. When drawing from a source, always create a citation for the information to save your future self time and stress. In the same sense, you may also find journaling to be a helpful process.

Additionally, take breaks and allow yourself to step away from your thesis, even if you're having fun (and especially if you're not). Ideally, your proposal should have milestones in it— points where you can stop and assess what you've already completed and what's left to do. When you reach a milestone, celebrate. Take a day off and relax. Better yet, give yourself a week's vacation! The rest will help you regain your focus and ensure that you function at your best.

How to Become More Comfortable with Presenting Your Work

Once you start reaching your milestones, you should be able to start sharing what you have. Just about everyone in a graduate program has experience giving a presentation at the front of the class, attending a seminar, or watching an interview. If you haven't (or even if you have), look for conferences and clubs that will give you the opportunity to learn about presenting your work and become comfortable with the idea of public speaking. The more you practice talking about what you are studying, the more comfortable you'll be with the information, which will make your committee defenses and other official meetings easier.

Published authors can be called upon to present at conferences, and if your thesis is strong, you may receive an email or a phone call asking if you would share your findings onstage.

Presenting at conferences is also a great way to boost your CV and network within your field. Make presenting part of your education, and it will become something you look forward to instead of fear.

What to Do If Your Relationship with Your Supervisor Sours

A small aside: If it isn't already obvious, you will be communicating extensively with others as you pursue your thesis. That also means that others will need to communicate with you, and if you've been noticing things getting quiet, you will need to be the one to speak up. Your supervisor should speak to you at least once a term and preferably once a week in the more active parts of your research and writing. If you give written work to your supervisor, you should have feedback within three weeks.

If your supervisor does not provide feedback, frequently misses appointments, or is consistently discouraging of your work, contact your graduate program advisor and ask for a new supervisor. The relationship with your supervisor is crucial to your success, especially if she or he is on your committee, and while your supervisor does not have to be friendly, there should at least be professional respect between you.

What to Do If a Crisis Strikes

If something happens in your life that disrupts everything (e.g., emotional strain, the birth of a child, or the death of a family member), ask for help. You are a human being, and personal lives can and do change without warning. Do not wait until you are falling apart before asking for help, either. Learn what resources exist for crises before you have one, so you can head off trauma before it hits. That being said, if you get blindsided, don't refuse help. Seek it out, and take the time you need to recover. Your degree is supposed to help you become a stronger and smarter person, not break you.

Part 6: Polish and Defend Your Master's Thesis

How to write a master’s thesis: the final stages.

After your work is done and everything is written down, you will have to give your thesis a good, thorough polishing. This is where you will have to organize the information, draft it into a paper format with an abstract, and abbreviate things to help meet your word-count limit. This is also where your final editing and proofreading passes will occur, after which you will face your final hurdle: presenting your thesis defense to your committee. If they approve your thesis, then congratulations! You are now a master of your chosen field.

Conclusion and Parting Thoughts

Remember that you do not (and should not) have to learn how to write a master’s thesis on your own. Thesis writing is collaborative, as is practically any kind of research.

writing expose for master thesis

While you will be expected to develop your thesis using your own initiative, pursue it with your own ambition, and complete it with your own abilities, you will also be expected to use all available resources to do so. The purpose of a master's thesis is to help you develop your own independent abilities, ensuring that you can drive your own career forward without constantly looking to others to provide direction. Leaders get master's degrees. That's why many business professionals in leadership roles have graduate degree initials after their last names. If you already have the skills necessary to motivate yourself, lead others, and drive change, you may only need your master's as an acknowledgement of your abilities. If you do not, but you apply yourself carefully and thoroughly to the pursuit of your thesis, you should come away from your studies with those skills in place.

A final thought regarding collaboration: all theses have a section for acknowledgements. Be sure to say thank you to those who helped you become a master. One day, someone might be doing the same for you.

Image source: Falkenpost/Pixabay.com 

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12. Feb 2024

Writing an exposé

Written by Emma Harlow

Do you have a research question that you would like to investigate? Would you like to do that in the context of a doctorate? Are you planning to present your idea to your preferred professor to apply as a candidate for supervision? It’s time to write your exposé!

The exposé provides an overview of your planned research work. It links your research question with a plan for its investigation. You provide a clearly understandable, coherently reasoned explanation of

  • what you want to investigate,
  • why you’re investigating it and
  • how you want to investigate it.

writing expose for master thesis

A well-written synopsis not only convinces scholarship providers or potential supervisors of your research idea. It also helps you as the author to structure your own project, to critically question it and to recognize potential challenges early on. Think of the exposé as a very first draft of your dissertation. This type of preparation can save valuable time, energy and resources later on.

Form and structure of an exposé

A clear structure is the necessary framework for convincingly communicating the core of your idea – the research question. You explain how you derived it and how you want to investigate it. There is not one strict form that an exposé must follow. However, certain key elements should be present in a logical order to achieve a comprehensible result.

The structure

A) abstract.

The abstract narrows down the content of your exposé to approximately half a page. It is the figurehead of your synopsis. Since the convincing power of this section determines whether the reader takes an interest in the detailed synopsis, it should contain the research question as well as the most important information about the research interest, the intended methods and the expected results. The abstract is usually written last.

B) Problem definition and research interest

At first, you situate the planned work in the discipline and demonstrate its relevance. To do so, you introduce a scientific problem that forms the basis of your specific research question. This part should build on a good selection of scientific sources. In order to not get lost in the vastness of a field, try to narrow down the area of your work. By defining the scope of your anticipated research, you’ll already reflect a lot about possible constraints. This will help you develop a good reasoning for your research question and anticipate challenges for its investigation. Also, let the readers know why you want to address this problem in particular and explain to them why you want to find a solution.

C) Current state of research

Closely connected to the definition of the scientific problem, you prove the relevance of the topic based on the state of the scientific debate around it. You outline what is known about the research objective, if it’s been challenged before and if so, in which manner. When selecting works for this section, consider them from the perspective of what the most important scientific positions on the topic are and what gaps in knowledge currently exist. What deficiencies or points of criticism do you see in the existing works in this field? Be careful about judging the work of other scientists, rather focus on the contribution you could add to the field. All these considerations form the base to develop and justify a new research question.

D) Your research question

Based on the knowledge about the scientific problem and the state of the art, you introduce your specific research question. Develop hypotheses and assumptions about possible outcomes. It should become clear what the aim of the work is, why it is relevant and to what extent answering the research question will advance the field of knowledge.

E) Methodology, (re)sources and materials

Here, you identify the methods, resources and materials needed to investigate your research question. They depend heavily on the approach of your work, whether you are primarily conducting primary surveys or aiming for secondary analyses. Explain the choice of methods in terms of their suitability to investigate your research question and the pragmatics of their application. You should also think about the availability of and the access to (re)sources and materials. In case you’re using material from preliminary work, e.g. your master’s thesis, you should also be transparent about this here. At the end of this section, the way of proceeding should be clear and there should be a comprehensible preliminary research design.

F) Preliminary work plan and time schedule

In the next step, you present the planned workflow together with a time reference. Your schedule should prove that your proposed research design is able to gain answers to your research question in a foreseeable and identifiable time frame. At an early stage, it is clear that you cannot plan everything in detail. Larger intervals, such as quarterly targets, are easier to plan at this stage. Subquestions, an intermediate goal or method should be assigned to each time interval. This could be presented in the form of a table. You should add a start and a provisional end date to your plan. It is important that you keep your timetable realistic. Research involves uncertainties, surprises and sometimes delays. You should also consider your own abilities and take into account existing commitments (e.g. care work) when designing your plan. The duration of a doctorate is three to four years. Keep in mind that not all of this time will be dedicated to research. If you are planning to work part-time alongside your doctorate, be transparent about how this will affect the time required to complete your thesis. Adapt the schedule accordingly.

G) Bibliography

Last but not least, giving an overview on the literature you’ve used to design your research proposal is mandatory. Focus on relevant, pertinent and accessible literature and limit yourself to the most helpful works for writing the synopsis. When referring to literature, pay attention to a consistent citation style.

The form and language of an exposé

Number of pages The length and level of details depend on the time, the purpose, the subject area and the respective requirements. If you want to submit a proactive application to a professor and want to convince them with your idea to supervise you as a doctoral candidate, a short synopsis of a few pages (up to 5) will be sufficient. It is not advisable to write a very detailed exposé at this stage and for this purpose. Exposés in more developed versions are usually between 5 and 20 pages long. They mark the end of an in-depth orientation and preparation phase and are therefore more extensive. Exposés written for the acquisition of scholarships and research funding tend to be oriented towards the upper page limit.

Language The general rules for scientific writing also apply for exposés. Precise wording ensures that your synopsis is understood. You should pay attention to the correct use of technical terms and to avoiding colloquial language. As you are presenting your own ideas in the exposé, it is advisable to use your own words and use verbatim quotations only very sparingly. Also, keep an eye on redundancies and try to avoid them. It is also important to pay attention to correct spelling and grammar. Neglecting spelling and grammar will give the reader the impression of carelessness. Proofreading is recommended before an exposé is sent out.

Formal aspects The cover page of your exposé should contain the following information: Your first and last name, your academic degree, the provisional title of the thesis, the topic, and, after they confirmed to supervise you, the name of the respective supervisor(s). Format your exposé reader-friendly: use 1.15pt to 1.5pt line spacing, a calm font (e.g. Arial, Georgia) in an appropriate size (11 or 12), and use justified text, page numbers and add a table of contents.

Further considerations and tips on writing an exposé

When writing down your own research idea for the very first time, it can be helpful to understand the creation of the synopsis as a process that serves to improve your own understanding. For a first application to a potential supervisor, the result does not have to be perfect, as there are still a lot of uncertainties. If your idea leads to a confirmation of supervision, a more differentiated exposé can be developed. During the process, there will most likely be many changes that will influence the outline of the doctorate as it progresses. You don’t have to know every single aspect right away and adjustments can be made later if they become necessary. Expanding your exposé and adapting it to changes is easier if you already have a well thought-out structure.

Sometimes you need to present your research idea for different purposes and/or at different times. For example, when applying to a research school before starting your doctorate or for research funding later on. Depending on the occasion, you can and should adapt your exposé accordingly to meet the respective requirements. If you’re writing an exposé to apply for a scholarship, discussing your exposé with colleagues and your supervisor can be an advantage. They are already familiar with writing research proposals and have academic experience, so they can contribute their perspective on scientific and formal aspects to the discussion. Also, adapt your timeplan to the scholarship’s period of funding.

Further information

  • An article with video about putting together your exposé is presented on this website . (Note: There is advertising for paid services on this website, but the most important content is available free of charge. We only point out the free content and do not advertise the paid services.)
  • If you’re interested in a very detailed explanation of what a thesis outline contains and also in the linguistic aspects of it, visit this website and benefit from numerous further links to in-depth content.
  • In addition to a chapter on the exposé , the brochure “Doing your doctorate. Making conscious decisions and getting off to a good start.” by the network Qualitätszirkel Promotion (QZP) contains lots of further information for anyone preparing for a doctorate .
  • Griffith University’s tips for developing an exposé focus on identifying a suitable research topic for yourself and provide helpful guidelines as well as a video in which doctoral candidates talk about the process.
  • Die Universität Osnabrück bietet mit ihrer Broschüre über das Schreiben eines wissenschaftlichen Exposés einen sehr ausführlichen Leitfaden .
  • Einen guten Übersichtsartikel über das Schreiben eines Exposés mit einem Fokus auf die Literaturverwaltung bietet dieser Artikel .
  • Der Leitfaden zum Verfassen eines Exposés der Universität Bielefeld enthält eine Checkliste zur Strukturierung und Unterstützung des Schreibprozesses.
  • In einem ausführlichen Video (19 min) zu Inhalten und Aufbau eines Exposés für die Dissertation teilt ein Wissenschaftscoach seine Erfahrungen und Tipps.
  • Die Broschüre Promotion – bewusst entscheiden und gut starten des Qualitätszirkel Promotion (QZP) enthält neben einem Kapitel zum Exposé viele weitere hilfreiche Informationen für alle, die sich auf eine Promotion vorbereiten.
  • Aus dem Netz der MLU (intern oder VPN) kann das Buch Promotionsplanung und Exposee von Jutta Wergen aufgerufen werden (Stand: 06.02.2024). Es enthält unter anderem einen ausführlichen Ratgeber mit Hilfestellungen und Anleitung zum Verfassen eines Exposés.

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How to write a masters dissertation or thesis: top tips.

How to write a masters dissertation

It is completely normal to find the idea of writing a masters thesis or dissertation slightly daunting, even for students who have written one before at undergraduate level. Though, don’t feel put off by the idea. You’ll have plenty of time to complete it, and plenty of support from your supervisor and peers.

One of the main challenges that students face is putting their ideas and findings into words. Writing is a skill in itself, but with the right advice, you’ll find it much easier to get into the flow of writing your masters thesis or dissertation.

We’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to write a dissertation or thesis for your masters degree, with top tips to consider at each stage in the process.

1. Understand your dissertation or thesis topic

There are slight differences between theses and dissertations , although both require a high standard of writing skill and knowledge in your topic. They are also formatted very similarly.

At first, writing a masters thesis can feel like running a 100m race – the course feels very quick and like there is not as much time for thinking! However, you’ll usually have a summer semester dedicated to completing your dissertation – giving plenty of time and space to write a strong academic piece.

By comparison, writing a PhD thesis can feel like running a marathon, working on the same topic for 3-4 years can be laborious. But in many ways, the approach to both of these tasks is quite similar.

Before writing your masters dissertation, get to know your research topic inside out. Not only will understanding your topic help you conduct better research, it will also help you write better dissertation content.

Also consider the main purpose of your dissertation. You are writing to put forward a theory or unique research angle – so make your purpose clear in your writing.

Top writing tip: when researching your topic, look out for specific terms and writing patterns used by other academics. It is likely that there will be a lot of jargon and important themes across research papers in your chosen dissertation topic. 

How to write a thesis

2. Structure your dissertation or thesis

Writing a thesis is a unique experience and there is no general consensus on what the best way to structure it is. 

As a postgraduate student , you’ll probably decide what kind of structure suits your research project best after consultation with your supervisor. You’ll also have a chance to look at previous masters students’ theses in your university library.

To some extent, all postgraduate dissertations are unique. Though they almost always consist of chapters. The number of chapters you cover will vary depending on the research. 

A masters dissertation or thesis organised into chapters would typically look like this: 

Write down your structure and use these as headings that you’ll write for later on.

Top writing tip : ease each chapter together with a paragraph that links the end of a chapter to the start of a new chapter. For example, you could say something along the lines of “in the next section, these findings are evaluated in more detail”. This makes it easier for the reader to understand each chapter and helps your writing flow better.

3. Write up your literature review

One of the best places to start when writing your masters dissertation is with the literature review. This involves researching and evaluating existing academic literature in order to identify any gaps for your own research.

Many students prefer to write the literature review chapter first, as this is where several of the underpinning theories and concepts exist. This section helps set the stage for the rest of your dissertation, and will help inform the writing of your other dissertation chapters.

What to include in your literature review

The literature review chapter is more than just a summary of existing research, it is an evaluation of how this research has informed your own unique research.

Demonstrate how the different pieces of research fit together. Are there overlapping theories? Are there disagreements between researchers?

Highlight the gap in the research. This is key, as a dissertation is mostly about developing your own unique research. Is there an unexplored avenue of research? Has existing research failed to disprove a particular theory?

Back up your methodology. Demonstrate why your methodology is appropriate by discussing where it has been used successfully in other research.

4. Write up your research

Write up your thesis research

For instance, a more theoretical-based research topic might encompass more writing from a philosophical perspective. Qualitative data might require a lot more evaluation and discussion than quantitative research. 

Methodology chapter

The methodology chapter is all about how you carried out your research and which specific techniques you used to gather data. You should write about broader methodological approaches (e.g. qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods), and then go into more detail about your chosen data collection strategy. 

Data collection strategies include things like interviews, questionnaires, surveys, content analyses, discourse analyses and many more.

Data analysis and findings chapters

The data analysis or findings chapter should cover what you actually discovered during your research project. It should be detailed, specific and objective (don’t worry, you’ll have time for evaluation later on in your dissertation)

Write up your findings in a way that is easy to understand. For example, if you have a lot of numerical data, this could be easier to digest in tables.

This will make it easier for you to dive into some deeper analysis in later chapters. Remember, the reader will refer back to your data analysis section to cross-reference your later evaluations against your actual findings – so presenting your data in a simple manner is beneficial.

Think about how you can segment your data into categories. For instance, it can be useful to segment interview transcripts by interviewee. 

Top writing tip : write up notes on how you might phrase a certain part of the research. This will help bring the best out of your writing. There is nothing worse than when you think of the perfect way to phrase something and then you completely forget it.

5. Discuss and evaluate

Once you’ve presented your findings, it’s time to evaluate and discuss them.

It might feel difficult to differentiate between your findings and discussion sections, because you are essentially talking about the same data. The easiest way to remember the difference is that your findings simply present the data, whereas your discussion tells the story of this data.

Your evaluation breaks the story down, explaining the key findings, what went well and what didn’t go so well.

In your discussion chapter, you’ll have chance to expand on the results from your findings section. For example, explain what certain numbers mean and draw relationships between different pieces of data.

Top writing tip: don’t be afraid to point out the shortcomings of your research. You will receive higher marks for writing objectively. For example, if you didn’t receive as many interview responses as expected, evaluate how this has impacted your research and findings. Don’t let your ego get in the way!

6. Write your introduction

Your introduction sets the scene for the rest of your masters dissertation. You might be wondering why writing an introduction isn't at the start of our step-by-step list, and that’s because many students write this chapter last.

Here’s what your introduction chapter should cover:

Problem statement

Research question

Significance of your research

This tells the reader what you’ll be researching as well as its importance. You’ll have a good idea of what to include here from your original dissertation proposal , though it’s fairly common for research to change once it gets started.

Writing or at least revisiting this section last can be really helpful, since you’ll have a more well-rounded view of what your research actually covers once it has been completed and written up.

How to write a masters dissertation

Masters dissertation writing tips

When to start writing your thesis or dissertation.

When you should start writing your masters thesis or dissertation depends on the scope of the research project and the duration of your course. In some cases, your research project may be relatively short and you may not be able to write much of your thesis before completing the project. 

But regardless of the nature of your research project and of the scope of your course, you should start writing your thesis or at least some of its sections as early as possible, and there are a number of good reasons for this:

Academic writing is about practice, not talent. The first steps of writing your dissertation will help you get into the swing of your project. Write early to help you prepare in good time.

Write things as you do them. This is a good way to keep your dissertation full of fresh ideas and ensure that you don’t forget valuable information.

The first draft is never perfect. Give yourself time to edit and improve your dissertation. It’s likely that you’ll need to make at least one or two more drafts before your final submission.

Writing early on will help you stay motivated when writing all subsequent drafts.

Thinking and writing are very connected. As you write, new ideas and concepts will come to mind. So writing early on is a great way to generate new ideas.

How to improve your writing skills

The best way of improving your dissertation or thesis writing skills is to:

 Finish the first draft of your masters thesis as early as possible and send it to your supervisor for revision. Your supervisor will correct your draft and point out any writing errors. This process will be repeated a few times which will help you recognise and correct writing mistakes yourself as time progresses.

If you are not a native English speaker, it may be useful to ask your English friends to read a part of your thesis and warn you about any recurring writing mistakes. Read our section on English language support for more advice. 

Most universities have writing centres that offer writing courses and other kinds of support for postgraduate students. Attending these courses may help you improve your writing and meet other postgraduate students with whom you will be able to discuss what constitutes a well-written thesis.

Read academic articles and search for writing resources on the internet. This will help you adopt an academic writing style, which will eventually become effortless with practice.

Keep track of your bibliography 

Keep track of your bibliography

The easiest way to keep the track of all the articles you have read for your research is to create a database where you can summarise each article/chapter into a few most important bullet points to help you remember their content. 

Another useful tool for doing this effectively is to learn how to use specific reference management software (RMS) such as EndNote. RMS is relatively simple to use and saves a lot of time when it comes to organising your bibliography. This may come in very handy, especially if your reference section is suspiciously missing two hours before you need to submit your dissertation! 

Avoid accidental plagiarism

Plagiarism may cost you your postgraduate degree and it is important that you consciously avoid it when writing your thesis or dissertation. 

Occasionally, postgraduate students commit plagiarism unintentionally. This can happen when sections are copy and pasted from journal articles they are citing instead of simply rephrasing them. Whenever you are presenting information from another academic source, make sure you reference the source and avoid writing the statement exactly as it is written in the original paper.

What kind of format should your thesis have?

How to write a masters dissertation

Read your university’s guidelines before you actually start writing your thesis so you don’t have to waste time changing the format further down the line. However in general, most universities will require you to use 1.5-2 line spacing, font size 12 for text, and to print your thesis on A4 paper. These formatting guidelines may not necessarily result in the most aesthetically appealing thesis, however beauty is not always practical, and a nice looking thesis can be a more tiring reading experience for your postgrad examiner .

When should I submit my thesis?

The length of time it takes to complete your MSc or MA thesis will vary from student to student. This is because people work at different speeds, projects vary in difficulty, and some projects encounter more problems than others. 

Obviously, you should submit your MSc thesis or MA thesis when it is finished! Every university will say in its regulations that it is the student who must decide when it is ready to submit. 

However, your supervisor will advise you whether your work is ready and you should take their advice on this. If your supervisor says that your work is not ready, then it is probably unwise to submit it. Usually your supervisor will read your final thesis or dissertation draft and will let you know what’s required before submitting your final draft.

Set yourself a target for completion. This will help you stay on track and avoid falling behind. You may also only have funding for the year, so it is important to ensure you submit your dissertation before the deadline – and also ensure you don’t miss out on your graduation ceremony ! 

To set your target date, work backwards from the final completion and submission date, and aim to have your final draft completed at least three months before that final date.

Don’t leave your submission until the last minute – submit your work in good time before the final deadline. Consider what else you’ll have going on around that time. Are you moving back home? Do you have a holiday? Do you have other plans?

If you need to have finished by the end of June to be able to go to a graduation ceremony in July, then you should leave a suitable amount of time for this. You can build this into your dissertation project planning at the start of your research.

It is important to remember that handing in your thesis or dissertation is not the end of your masters program . There will be a period of time of one to three months between the time you submit and your final day. Some courses may even require a viva to discuss your research project, though this is more common at PhD level . 

If you have passed, you will need to make arrangements for the thesis to be properly bound and resubmitted, which will take a week or two. You may also have minor corrections to make to the work, which could take up to a month or so. This means that you need to allow a period of at least three months between submitting your thesis and the time when your program will be completely finished. Of course, it is also possible you may be asked after the viva to do more work on your thesis and resubmit it before the examiners will agree to award the degree – so there may be an even longer time period before you have finished.

How do I submit the MA or MSc dissertation?

Most universities will have a clear procedure for submitting a masters dissertation. Some universities require your ‘intention to submit’. This notifies them that you are ready to submit and allows the university to appoint an external examiner.

This normally has to be completed at least three months before the date on which you think you will be ready to submit.

When your MA or MSc dissertation is ready, you will have to print several copies and have them bound. The number of copies varies between universities, but the university usually requires three – one for each of the examiners and one for your supervisor.

However, you will need one more copy – for yourself! These copies must be softbound, not hardbound. The theses you see on the library shelves will be bound in an impressive hardback cover, but you can only get your work bound like this once you have passed. 

You should submit your dissertation or thesis for examination in soft paper or card covers, and your university will give you detailed guidance on how it should be bound. They will also recommend places where you can get the work done.

The next stage is to hand in your work, in the way and to the place that is indicated in your university’s regulations. All you can do then is sit and wait for the examination – but submitting your thesis is often a time of great relief and celebration!

Some universities only require a digital submission, where you upload your dissertation as a file through their online submission system.

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Writing an Exposé

Your thesis begins by writing a detailed project proposal. The more detailed and thorough your proposal, the better your final thesis. 

The structure of the proposal is very similar to that of your final thesis or a scientific paper:  

  • Abstract (~ 200 word summary) 
  • Research challenge or question 
  • Literature review 
  • Proposed approach/methods 
  • Implementation plan and schedule 
  • Hardware and software requirements (e.g. head-mounted display, workstation, tracking system) 

Examples of thesis proposals: 

Bachelor thesis: Visualisaing protein networks  

Bachelor proposal: Eine kritische, komparative Analyse von Methoden zur Untersuchung differentieller Genexpression  

Honors Thesis Proposal For Joint Graphical Lasso and Deep Learning Methods for Dynamic Brain Connectome Prediction  

Honors Thesis Proposal For Design and Investigation of Vitiated-Air Heater for Scramjet Engine  

Masters thesis: Implementation and Evaluation of the TPC-DI Benchmark...  

There is no fixed length for an exposé. Much of the material in your exposé will become part of your final thesis. Here is a rough guide:

Additional guides: https://www.scribbr.de/anfang-abschlussarbeit/expose-bachelorarbeit/

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What's in a Thesis Exposé?

When I accept to supervise a thesis (be it a Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral Thesis), I will ask the candidate to produce, as the first milestone in the project, an exposé of his or her thesis. Its size and the time available for producing it differ for the three types of theses: For a Bachelor thesis, it should be available about 2-3 weeks after the formal thesis start; for a Master thesis after 1 month; for a Doctoral thesis after 3 months. However, the idea and structure are equal in all three cases.

A thesis is a one-person research project, and think of the exposé as a project plan. It needs to answer the questions: What is the goal of the project? Where does it start from? Why bother? What is the plan to run it in time? In terms of a research project and a thesis exposé, this leads, more sternly, to the sections:

Have you ever seen in a supermarket a bottle with the label saying “Bottle”? A can called “Can”? Yet, many students decide to call their theses exposé “Exposé”. That makes no sense – “Exposé” could be or appear in the subtitle, but the title should be the working(!) title of your planned thesis. Working title means it may well change in wording and/or detail while you are working on the subject for your thesis later until thesis submission, but it should reflect clearly the main goal and/or contribution of the planned thesis. Please don’t forget to put your name on the exposé as the author!

Describe the goal of your work. This may concern an analytical result (e.g., proving that P $\neq$ NP), or an empirical one (e.g., examine the performance of the HAYAI algorithm on gravel paths), or a constructive one (e.g., a new algorithm for stereo matching of images taken in complete darkness), or – most frequently for an Informatics thesis – a combination of the three (e.g., a new 3D scan matching algorithm running in O(log log n) and its evaluation in a botanical garden). Normally, the title of the thesis would reflect the goal.

Scientific and/or technological background

Give a sketch of the state of the art that your thesis sets out to improve. In an exposé, the sketch has to be very short and to the point, mentioning exactly the top most relevant papers. For a university thesis, the background includes stating which local equipment and results you will use, if any (e.g., a robot running the HAYAI algorithm).

If you have absolutely no idea where to start in order to reach your goal, you will probably not make it in time for thesis submission. State here where you will start working. In many cases (typically in Bachelor theses, often in Master theses), a particular approach is enforced as part of the thesis topic that you get.

Expected scientific and/or technological contribution

State briefly in what respect you expect your result to be significant. It should somehow improve on the state of the art, or provide new empirical data, or lead to a result that was never there before.

Work program

Break down your thesis project into smaller steps and make a schedule what you plan to do in which order and in what time. Plan in the order of weeks and months rather than days. If possible and useful, formulate milestones, i.e., important intermediate results. Plan the immediate future in more detail than the distant one. Don’t plan for doing all the technical work first, and writing everything down from scratch in the last three weeks: That will almost never work out! Plan to interleave the reading/thinking/programming/experimenting and the writing.

The author of the exposé is the candidate, i.e., you! Why?: Your thesis supervisors have normally an idea of the thesis topic that they give to you. Your formulation in the exposé shall make sure that you have the same understanding of what you are supposed to work on. Moreover, much of the exposé text may in fact go into your final thesis: a typical introduction shares much of the material with your exposé, and you should have written that yourself.

Be prepared, however, to adjust your topic while working on it! In fact, this is the norm rather than the exception, which leads to the final remark about the exposé: This is a plan for your thesis work, and, like all plans in life, is subject to revision in detail! Don’t hesitate to change details of what your exposé says, if it turns out to be necessary. However, do hesitate to change significantly the topic and approach of your thesis that you have described in your exposé – before you do that, consult your instructors!

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What Is An Expose For A Thesis: A Comprehensive Guide

  • bởi Thành Công
  • Tháng Chín 29, 2023

Pdf) Writing A Journal Article From Your Thesis Or Research Project

How To Write A Successful Research Proposal | Scribbr 🎓

Keywords searched by users: What is an expose for a thesis example of an exposé, master thesis exposé example, what is an exposé, bachelor thesis exposé example, how to write an exposé for master thesis, research exposé example, exposé thesis example, phd expose example

How Do You Write An Expose For Research?

Crafting a compelling research exposé involves effectively conveying the essence of recent research, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the topic. To achieve this, your exposé should begin by elucidating the key concept, the research’s broader context, and its novel elements relevant to your own project. Furthermore, it is crucial to contextualize your work within the existing body of research, articulating the scientific objectives that your research project aims to address. Additionally, emphasize the unique and significant contributions that your project brings to the broader field of research. This multifaceted approach ensures that your exposé not only informs readers about your research but also situates it within the larger academic landscape, highlighting its relevance and innovation.

What Is The Expose Of A Master Thesis?

The purpose of an exposé in the context of a master’s thesis serves a dual role. Firstly, it serves to elucidate and delineate the extent and strategy of the student’s forthcoming research endeavor. Specifically, it functions as a tool to provide the student with an initial insight into the chosen research subject, emphasizing its significance. Furthermore, it aids in the formulation of an initial framework for the thesis, assisting the student in structuring their work effectively. This exposé is crucial as it sets the foundation for the entire master’s thesis project, offering both the student and their advisors a clear roadmap for the research process.

Aggregate 16 What is an expose for a thesis

Pdf) Writing A Journal Article From Your Thesis Or Research Project

Categories: Summary 30 What Is An Expose For A Thesis

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How to Write a Successful Research Proposal  | Scribbr 🎓

An exposé serves as a blueprint for your master’s or doctoral thesis, providing a clear outline for each step in the process, as well the questions you plan to address . It should show that you a. have a clear research question; b. can argue its relevance; c. Recent research should be explained in such a way as to clearly outline the idea, the context, and new aspects of your own project. On the background of the state of research, clearly explain the scientific goals of your research project and describe the special contribution of your project to general research. The purpose of an Exposé is twofold. First, it shall clarify the scope and plan of the student’s work . In particular, it shall help the student to get a first impression on the research topic and its relevance and to develop a preliminary structure for the thesis.

Learn more about the topic What is an expose for a thesis.

  • What should be included in a master’s thesis exposé in …
  • Recommendations for Writing an Exposé – Universität Leipzig
  • Master Thesis – Guide for an Exposé – bwl.uni-mannheim.de
  • Exposé definition in American English – Collins Dictionary
  • Writing a Bachelor’s Thesis Exposé
  • Expose vs exposé – Grammarist

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  1. PDF Guidelines for Writing a Master T hesis Exposé

    Guidelines for Writing a Master T hesis Exposé . An exposé for a master thesis should comprise between10- 12 pages plus a cover page and abstract. The main text should be structured as described below. Please use a common typeface like (sans serif) Arial or Times New Roman (serif). The font size is 11 pt, the line spacing is 1½.

  2. PDF How to Write an Expose

    For larger research projects, such as a master's or a doctoral thesis, it is very useful to develop a schedule, listing each step in the process along with the amount of time you plan to spend on each step. It is not a bad idea to develop a rough outline while writing your exposé, in order to begin bringing structure to your work.

  3. PDF Recommendations for Writing an Exposé

    Recommendations for Writing an Exposé. Explain your project in general terms (not more than 15 lines). 3. State of research. Short and precise explanation of the state of research. It must refer directly to your project, and you must name the most important works by other scientists in your field of research.

  4. PDF Instructions for Preparing an Exposé

    In the first section of the exposé, you first explain the relevance of the overarching topic of your thesis and develop a specific research problem that you will tackle in your thesis. The research problem can arise either from scientific debates and controversies, or from empirical "puzzles" for which no satisfactory theoretical explanations ...

  5. PDF Master Thesis Guide for an Exposé

    preliminary structure for the thesis. Second, it shall provide an opportunity for a first, non-binding feedback for the student by the supervisor(s). In this context, please remember that the Exposé is written in a scientific writing style. In particular, please include citations and references in a proper manner, pay attention

  6. Writing Thesis Exposé

    Because your ideas, structures or even your title can always change during the writing process of your thesis. Especially in the beginning, the synopsis can help you sort out your thoughts and ideas. An exposé has many advantages. It helps you get an overview of your ideas and organize them. Also, you can impress your supervisor with the fact ...

  7. PDF How to Write an Expose

    write an exposé! The exposé summarizes your preliminary research design and guides you through writing your research paper. 1. Header • Name, e-mail address, number of semesters, study program • Date • Working title of your term paper • Name of the seminar . 2. Introduction to the research problem/research question

  8. PDF MASTER DEGREE THESIS: A COMPREHENSIVE WRITING GUIDE

    The process of writing a thesis is generally characterized by the following main steps: 1) Choose a topic of your interest and a possible supervisor. 2) Collect, gather, study, analyze and synthesize the relevant academic literature regarding the topic, to delineate the state-of-the-art and identify research gaps.

  9. PDF The Structure of an Exposé

    important components of an exposé for the application for a thesis. Please compose your exposé according to this guide and check that it contains all the necessary points for understanding your project and your intended methodology. Your Chair of Logistics Management Components of the exposé

  10. PDF How to write an Exposé for a final BA/MA thesis in international ...

    How to write an Exposé for a final BA/MA thesis in international relations1 The exposé with which you apply for a Bachelor or Master thesis supervision should give an overview of the following aspects of your project: 1. ... Type of thesis What is the type of your thesis (e.g. analytical description, theory-driven empirical ...

  11. Writing an exposé

    In the field of audio communication, exposés for theses should have a length of 3-4 pages of text (Arial 11 point single-spaced), for dissertations a length of 6-8 pages is common, while applications for grants and project proposals also require a length of 10-15 pages. The synopsis should have the following structure:

  12. How to Write a Master's Thesis: A Guide to Planning Your Thesis

    How to Write a Master's Thesis: The Final Stages. After your work is done and everything is written down, you will have to give your thesis a good, thorough polishing. This is where you will have to organize the information, draft it into a paper format with an abstract, and abbreviate things to help meet your word-count limit.

  13. Writing an exposé

    Exposés in more developed versions are usually between 5 and 20 pages long. They mark the end of an in-depth orientation and preparation phase and are therefore more extensive. Exposés written for the acquisition of scholarships and research funding tend to be oriented towards the upper page limit. Language.

  14. How to Write a Thesis: A Guide for Master's Students

    Tip #2: Begin Work on the Thesis Statement and Break Up the Thesis into Manageable Sections. After selecting an appropriate topic and developing a central research question for the thesis statement, it is then necessary to apply the research and writing skills you have learned throughout your degree program.

  15. PDF Guidelines for the preparation of a Master's Thesis proposal

    Guidelines for an EXPOSÉ for a Master Thesis 2 3 Time exposure, scope and style The thesis proposal is the screenplay for your final thesis. Make sure to assign sufficient time - the effort involved can usually be measured in weeks rather than days. A hastily and casually written exposé will not help you.

  16. How to Write a Dissertation or Masters Thesis

    Writing a masters dissertation or thesis is a sizable task. It takes a considerable amount of research, studying and writing. Usually, students need to write around 10,000 to 15,000 words. It is completely normal to find the idea of writing a masters thesis or dissertation slightly daunting, even for students who have written one before at ...

  17. How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction

    Overview of the structure. To help guide your reader, end your introduction with an outline of the structure of the thesis or dissertation to follow. Share a brief summary of each chapter, clearly showing how each contributes to your central aims. However, be careful to keep this overview concise: 1-2 sentences should be enough.

  18. Writing an Exposé

    Writing an Exposé. Your thesis begins by writing a detailed project proposal. The more detailed and thorough your proposal, the better your final thesis. The structure of the proposal is very similar to that of your final thesis or a scientific paper: Examples of thesis proposals: Masters thesis: Implementation and Evaluation of the TPC-DI ...

  19. What's in a Thesis Exposé?

    Give a sketch of the state of the art that your thesis sets out to improve. In an exposé, the sketch has to be very short and to the point, mentioning exactly the top most relevant papers. For a university thesis, the background includes stating which local equipment and results you will use, if any (e.g., a robot running the HAYAI algorithm).

  20. PDF How to write your Master Thesis

    1.1) Develop and formulate a research question. Place it in current scholarly and public debate. Highlight the relevance of this topic for sociology. Identify a gap in the literature or a current problem. Formulate the general aim and research question. Optional: narrow down the topic and specify the research question (alternatively in 2.)

  21. PDF Guideline for the Master Thesis

    English or German. The extent of a master thesis is strongly dependent on the topic. As a rule of thumb, the text body of a master thesis (from the Introduction to the Conclu-sions) has to be between 60-100 pages. Extensive annexes with original tables and ma-terials may add to this. The master thesis is due on the deadline as indicated in ...

  22. What Is An Expose For A Thesis: A Comprehensive Guide

    Learn more about the topic What is an expose for a thesis. What should be included in a master's thesis exposé in … Recommendations for Writing an Exposé - Universität Leipzig; Master Thesis - Guide for an Exposé - bwl.uni-mannheim.de; Exposé definition in American English - Collins Dictionary; Writing a Bachelor's Thesis Exposé