Exploring the Various Types of Dissertations: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re here, it means you've arrived at the most exciting (and a little scary) point of your academic career: the dissertation. Congratulations! You are rather near the finish line. In essence, a dissertation is an extensive research document that is required to be finished in order to be awarded a degree. Students must complete a dissertation at the end of their program to show their knowledge of the subject and contribute new research.

Dissertations are among the most difficult research papers to write. It requires a significant investment of time, focus, and energy from students. You might think writing a dissertation is difficult, but wait till you get stuck on deciding what kind of dissertation you’re going to write. Choosing the type of dissertation you want to do can feel a lot like standing at a crossroads. There are several paths in front of you, but no obvious sign telling you which way to go.

To help you out of this confusion, we’re here with this guide that explains the different types of dissertations and their purpose so you can make this decision without any stress.

Learning the Basics: What is a Dissertation?

Let’s start with the basics first. Well, most students usually consider the dissertation the last test to earn a degree. And as you can guess, it’s usually in their final year of college or university. You have to identify an issue, read what others have written about it, then organize your own research and present your findings. And yes, it’s as scary as it sounds.

Before you start thinking, Oh, it’s just an essay, let us clarify: it’s so not. Most dissertations have parts like an introduction, a review of what others have written, your plan, your results, what those results mean, and your final thoughts. Dissertation writing services like Sample Assignments can help you write a dissertation that not only impresses your professors but also your peers.

Key Dissertation Types Students Undertake in Academics

It’s okay to be confused about the kind of dissertation you’re going to be writing. After all, it’s a big deal. But most students aren’t even familiar with the types of dissertations that exist. So, to clear the confusion, we’re sharing the most common types of dissertations. Your topic and the purpose of your research are going to be the most important factors here. Also, remember, no matter the style, all dissertations have one main goal—they help add new knowledge to a subject.

Empirical Dissertations

• You collect your own data in this type.
• That might mean doing experiments, interviews, surveys, or just watching how things happen (called observation).
• These methods are common in science and social studies.
• You’ll either work with numbers (quantitative) or words and meanings (qualitative).
• The goal is to study real-world info that you gather yourself.

Case Study Dissertations

• This one looks closely at a single case—or maybe a few that are connected.
• It helps you understand something in great detail.
• You’ll often see this used in business, education, and law.
• It’s a good choice if you want to dive deep into one specific example.

Theoretical Dissertations

• You won’t collect any new data here.
• Instead, you’ll study existing theories and research.
• Your job is to build on those ideas or give a new perspective.
• This type is common in philosophy, law, and political science.

Comparative Dissertations

• These dissertations compare two or more things side by side.
• The aim is to find similarities, differences, or interesting patterns.
• You might use this approach in subjects like public policy, international relations, or literature.
• It’s all about understanding how things relate to each other.

Systematic Review Dissertations

• This kind doesn’t involve doing your own research.
• Instead, you study and evaluate lots of previous research on a topic.
• It’s used a lot in health and psychology fields.
• You’re gathering strong evidence from many sources to explain a subject.

Project-Based Dissertations

• You create something real—like a product, service, or idea—and test it.
• For example, you might design an app or launch a local campaign.
• After the project, you’ll write about what you did and what you learned.
• It’s hands-on and practical, often used in real-world settings.

Narrative Dissertations

• These focus on people’s personal stories and real-life experiences.
• You talk to people, hear their memories, and explore their journeys.
• This type is usually qualitative, so it looks at words, feelings, and meaning—not numbers.
• It’s often used when you want to deeply understand someone’s lived experience.

You are required to submit a research proposal prior to starting an advanced dissertation, especially for a doctorate program. For that, you can avail our dissertation proposal help.

Read Also: How You Can Find a Perfect Dissertation Writing Service in UK!

Empirical vs. Theoretical Dissertations: Key Differences Explained

If you are still not sure that you’ve chosen the right type of dissertation or structured it the right way, you can always take help from a dissertation proofreading service online.

Exploring Comparative and Case Study Dissertations

Both case study and comparative dissertations use a qualitative methodology, but their scope and emphasis are different.

Comparative Dissertations

• This type of dissertation compares two or more subjects like countries, companies, or theories to understand how they’re alike and different.
• It involves spotting patterns, differences, and similarities through a side-by-side analysis.
• You might use this method to examine how two schools handle online learning or how different governments approach healthcare.
• It’s especially useful when you want to explore how certain factors work across different settings.
• Comparative studies are ideal for identifying trends and helping you make more general conclusions that could apply to a wider group.

Case Study Dissertations

• A case study focuses on just one specific subject, like a business, a program, a person, or a policy.
• Instead of comparing, you’re doing a deep dive into that one case to understand every detail about it.
• This method is great when your topic is complex, unique, or closely tied to its context.
• For example, you could explore how a single startup company survived a financial crisis or how a particular school rolled out an anti-bullying program.
• Case studies are best when you want to provide rich, detailed insight into a real-world example rather than make broad claims.

Read Also: How to Write a Dissertation in a Day: Challenges & Expert Tips for Success

Systematic Review and Project-Based Dissertations: What You Need to Know

Systematic Review Dissertation

• This type looks at lots of previous studies on one topic.
• You find, read, and sum up what other researchers have already said.
• You create rules to decide which studies to include or leave out.
• Then, you search online databases to gather those studies.
• You check how good or reliable each study is.
• This method is common in subjects like psychology and health.
• It’s used when you need strong evidence from many sources.

Read Also: Get Access to Dissertation Proofreading Service UK

Project-Based Dissertation

• This one is all about doing something real and useful.
• You create or apply something—like a new app or business plan.
• Example: building a software prototype or making a marketing strategy for a local company.
• You test your project in the real world, not just on paper.
• It’s hands-on and practical.
• You also write a report explaining how and why you did it.
• The report includes your process, reasons behind your choices, and what the project means.

A Guide to Narrative Dissertations and Their Applications

One of the main topics of narrative dissertations is personal narratives. Individual experiences are examined in this kind of research as opposed to general trends or statistics. It is used in fields where people's voices and opinions are important, such as sociology, education, and healthcare. Academics employ a variety of methods to gather data, such as life story interviews and reflective diaries. The goal here is not to make broad generalizations. Instead, the objective is to understand the huge, complex world of a person's lived experience. Our understanding of how people make sense of their circumstances, develop their identities, and negotiate the intricate systems around them is aided by narrative dissertations.

Research Methodologies in Dissertations

So now that we’ve discussed all about different types of dissertations, let’s move on to the next important step. That is describing your research methodology. Many students have no clue how to write a methodology dissertation and that’s where they get stuck. But fear not because we’re here to save the day. Here we’ll discuss in detail what dissertation methodology is and how to write a methodology for a dissertation. You’ll have to answer these while writing your methodology:

• Who took part in your study
• How you collected your information (like surveys, interviews, etc.)
• How you looked at the information (your analysis)
• Any rules you followed or challenges you faced

Read Also: Trending Management Dissertation Ideas For UK Students

Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods: A Comparative Overview

When thinking about how to write methodology for dissertation, there are three main types you can use.

Experimental, Historical, and Descriptive Research Methods Simplified

Keep in mind that you’ll also need to add a literature review to your dissertation for which you can get help from our dissertation writing service.

Read More: 10 Trending AI Dissertation Ideas to Consider

How to Select the Best Dissertation Type for Your Study

To choose the most suitable dissertation type, begin by clearly defining your research problem and objectives. Reflect on the following:

• What kind of data do you need to answer your research question?
• Is your field of study more inclined toward empirical or theoretical work?
• Are you working with human participants, historical documents, or abstract theories?
• What are your strengths as a researcher—data analysis, critical thinking, or storytelling?

By providing answers to these questions, you can better connect your methodology dissertation, strategy, and topic, creating a dissertation project that is both logical and doable.

Read More: Why Students Fail Their Dissertation & How to Avoid Them

Struggling to Choose the Right Dissertation Type? Get Expert Guidance

We hope we have answered all your questions, like what are the types of dissertation and what is a dissertation methodology. Even if you have some confusion, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. It might be quite beneficial to seek professional help from a dissertation writing service like Sample Assignment. Additionally, seeking assistance early on can help you save time, lower stress levels, and achieve better outcomes.

Read Also: Top Computer Science Dissertation Ideas for 2025 in UK

Conclusion

The kind of dissertation you choose will shape how your research goes. Each type of dissertation comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. When you understand these clearly, it’s easier to make smart, confident decisions.

No matter what your research goal is, it's important to match your topic with the right dissertation style. That’s how you set yourself up for success.

And if you ever feel stuck or unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of dissertations?

There are several types of dissertations, including empirical, theoretical, comparative, case study, narrative, systematic review, and project-based. Each type focuses on different research approaches and goals, depending on your study’s needs.

What is the difference between empirical and non-empirical dissertations?

Empirical dissertations involve collecting new data through surveys or experiments. Non-empirical dissertations, however, rely on existing research and theoretical analysis. They don’t gather fresh data but instead build on existing knowledge.

Can I use both qualitative and quantitative methods in my dissertation?

Yes, you can use both methods in a dissertation. This approach is called a mixed-methods approach. It combines qualitative insights with quantitative data, offering a more comprehensive view of your research topic.

What is a mixed-methods dissertation?

A mixed-methods dissertation uses both qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection and analysis. This combination gives you the flexibility to draw from both numbers and narratives, allowing for a deeper understanding of the topic.

What is a theoretical dissertation?

A theoretical dissertation focuses on concepts and frameworks rather than collecting new data. It involves analyzing existing theories, critiquing ideas, or developing new theoretical models based on literature and logical reasoning.

What are the advantages of a project-based dissertation?

A project-based dissertation allows for real-world application of research, giving you practical experience. It can also have direct professional relevance, making it a valuable experience for those seeking to connect academia with their career.

How does a comparative dissertation differ from other types?

A comparative dissertation focuses on comparing two or more subjects to examine their similarities and differences. This method helps you understand the relationship between different cases, offering insights into broader patterns or distinctions.