Writing a Thesis or Dissertation: Scientific and Empirical Research (MPLS, MedSci, SocSci)

A course for students writing or preparing to write a thesis or dissertation in scientific and empirical disciplines, particularly MPLS, Medical Sciences and empirically oriented Social Sciences.

This course is for students who are writing, or preparing to write, a thesis, dissertation or other longer research text in a scientific or empirical discipline. It is particularly suited to students in MPLS and Medical Sciences, as well as those in Social Sciences whose research is primarily empirical or data-driven.
The course examines how the communicative purpose of different sections of a research text shapes their structure and language. Sessions focus on areas such as introductions, literature reviews, discussions, conclusions and abstracts, using examples relevant to scientific and empirical disciplinary contexts. The course also provides practical guidance on planning, organising, writing and revising an extended research project.

Course Timetable: Michaelmas Term 2026

Course overview

This course is for students who are either writing, or preparing to write, a long standard academic text, such as a thesis, dissertation or research article. Each lesson focuses on a different section of such long form writing (e.g., introductions, literature reviews, discussions) and examines the expected structures and language conventions found within them. The course builds upon the foundational focus of our other course  "Introduction to Academic Writing" (IAW); however, completion of IAW is not a requisite for enrolment. The course also offers practical tips and expert guidance on addressing the significant challenge of preparing, organising, writing and revising a thesis or dissertation.

Learning outcomes

• Gain an understanding of the different organisational structures used within Humanities, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences dissertations and theses
• Consider works of previous Oxford students in order to understand the common structural, linguistic and stylistic issues that arise when drafting a research project
• Increase competence in incorporating citations into texts, including choosing appropriate tenses and reporting verbs   
• Learn how to structure the various parts of a dissertation or thesis (Introduction, Literature Review, Discussion, Conclusion and Abstract)
• Learn how to use AI tools within the University's rules to assist in the writing process

Enrolment information

For Learners with an Oxford University SSO (Single Sign-On) simply click on the enrol button next to the class that you wish to join. 

For Learners without an Oxford University SSO, or who are not members of the University, once enrolment opens, please email admin@lang.ox.ac.uk with the following details:

• Full name
• Email address and phone number
• The name of the course you wish to study
• The start date and time of the course
• Your connection to Oxford University, if any (to determine course fee)

We will then provisionally enrol you onto the course and send you a link to the Oxford University Online Store for payment. Once payment is received we will confirm your place on the course. Please note that we will be unable to assist you until enrolment has opened, so please do not send us your enrolment details in advance.