Introduction 

A Master dissertation is detailed research conducted on a topic selected by a student. The most common types of dissertations can involve collecting data from the study participants or analysing published papers and grey literature to summarise their findings and recommendations for future research. The former type of dissertation is also called an empirical dissertation, and the latter is called a non-empirical dissertation. Students often may wonder about how many words in a dissertation. The average word count in a Masters dissertation ranges from 15,000 to 20,000 words. 

There are many types of dissertation for master’s students in the UK, depending on their specialisation. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.  

Writing a Masters dissertation is crucial to obtaining a master’s degree and plays a significant role in a student’s career advancement (Minott, 2019). Here are some ways in which writing a dissertation can help in career advancement:

1. Expertise and credibility: A dissertation showcases a student’s research skills and expertise in a specific field of study. It demonstrates their ability to identify research gaps, develop research questions, analyse data, and draw meaningful conclusions. This expertise and credibility gained by writing a dissertation can enhance a student’s reputation in the field and position them as thoughtful leaders in their specialisation. 
2. Job opportunities: Completing a dissertation demonstrates the dedication and commitment required to undertake a long-term project. This can be a valuable asset when applying for jobs in academia or research-based organisations in various specialities like healthcare, economics and business management as it shows employers that the candidate has the necessary skills to succeed in these roles. 
3. Networking: Writing a Master dissertation involves working closely with an advisor or committee, attending conferences and seminars, and engaging with other researchers in the field. This provides an opportunity to build a professional network that can lead to future collaborations and job opportunities. 
4. Publication opportunities: A well-written dissertation can be a valuable source of research that can be published in academic journals or presented at conferences. This can further enhance a student’s reputation in the field and increase their chances of future publications (Perry, 2020).