How to Write a Dissertation Introduction

Let’s be honest, staring at a blank document titled “Chapter 1: Introduction” can be daunting. I’ve been there, both as a former student and now as an academic supervisor. The good news? A strong introduction isn’t about magic; it’s about structure. Think of it as your project’s foundation.

This guide will walk you through a proven dissertation introduction structure UK students can follow, complete with the kind of aims and objectives examples dissertation markers hope to see. We’ll demystify exactly how to write a research question and clarify the critical difference between aim and objective in research that so many students find tricky.

Having supervised hundreds of dissertations, I can tell you that a clear introduction is the single best predictor of a high-quality thesis. It shows your marker you have a plan, and that instantly builds confidence.

Beyond being the first chapter, your introduction is your best chance to make a good impression. It’s your opportunity to say, “I have understood the field, I have found a gap worth filling, and here is my robust plan to fill it.” A well-crafted introduction doesn’t just describe your research—it sells it.

Over the years, I’ve refined a simple, logical structure that works across disciplines. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a comprehensive and convincing introduction.

1. Start with the Big Picture

Begin by setting the scene. If your research is on mental health in universities, you might start with a statistic about the rising demand for student counselling services. The goal here is to show your reader why this general area is important. I always advise students to imagine they’re explaining their topic to an intelligent relative—start broad and interesting.

2. Narrow it Down: The Research Gap (This is the Key!)

This is the heart of your introduction. Now, you need to zoom in from the big picture to a very specific problem. What is missing from the current research? I tell my students to look for the “but…” or “however…” in the literature. For example, “While there is ample research on student stress, most studies focus on academic pressures, with little attention paid to the impact of social media and financial anxieties.” Clearly articulating this gap is what justifies your entire project.

3. State Your Mission: Aims, Questions, and Objectives

This is where you plant your flag. You’ve shown there’s a gap; now you need to state exactly how you’ll fill it. Getting this part right is crucial, and it’s where many students struggle. Please see a dedicated section with examples below.

4. Answer the “So What?” Question: Significance

Briefly explain who will benefit from your work. Will it help university wellbeing services? Inform policy? This section might be short, but it’s powerful. It shows you’ve thought about the real-world value of your research.

5. Provide a Roadmap: Dissertation Structure

Give your reader a tour guide for what’s ahead. A paragraph that outlines each chapter shows you are organised and makes the dissertation less intimidating for the reader to approach. For example: *”Chapter 2 will explore the existing literature on student mental health, while Chapter 3 will detail the mixed-methods approach used in this study…”*

6. Define Your Terms (If Needed)

If you’re using complex jargon or terms that have multiple meanings (e.g., “well-being” can be defined in many ways), take a sentence to define what you mean by them. This prevents misunderstandings later.

7. Set Your Boundaries: Limitations and Delimitations

This is a sign of academic maturity. Be honest about your project’s limits. Did you only survey students from one university? (Delimitation – a conscious choice). Was your sample size smaller than you hoped? (Limitation – a practical constraint). Acknowledging this shows critical self-awareness.

This trio is the backbone of your dissertation. Every chapter should connect back to them. Let’s clarify each part with a practical dissertation introduction example.

The Research Aim: Your Destination

The aim is your high-level goal. It’s broad and states what you hope to achieve.

• In simple terms: It’s the “what” of your study.
• Example from my field: “The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between social media usage and perceived loneliness among undergraduate students in the UK.”

How to Write a Research Question That Guides You

Your research question is the specific puzzle you are trying to solve. It should be focused enough that you can answer it thoroughly within your word count. A common mistake I see is questions that are too broad.

• A good research question is sharp and clear. Based on the aim above, a strong primary question would be:
  • “What is the correlation between daily time spent on image-centric social media platforms (like Instagram and TikTok) and self-reported feelings of loneliness in UK undergraduates?”
• Sub-questions help you break it down:
  • “How do students themselves perceive the impact of social media on their social connections?”
  • “Does the type of social media engagement (active vs. passive) influence this relationship?”

Research Objectives: Your Action Plan

This is where we see the clear difference between aim and objective. The aim is the destination; the objectives are your step-by-step travel plan. They are the specific, actionable tasks you will complete. I always remind students to use strong, active verbs.

• Aims and objectives examples dissertation writers can adapt:

  • To critically review the literature on social media usage, loneliness, and student populations.

  • To design and distribute a quantitative survey to measure usage patterns and loneliness scales among 200 students.

  • *To conduct semi-structured interviews with 15 volunteers to gain qualitative depth.*

  • To analyse the survey data and interview transcripts to identify key themes and correlations.

  • To develop recommendations for student-led digital wellness initiatives.

A Practical Example

Let’s imagine a project on sustainable fashion. Here’s how the core elements might look in a real dissertation introduction example:

• Topic: The Authenticity of Sustainability Marketing

• Aim: To evaluate the alignment between the sustainability claims of major UK high-street fashion brands and their observable supply chain practices.

• Research Question: How authentic are the sustainability marketing messages of leading UK fashion brands when compared to their material sourcing and production transparency?

• Objectives:

  1. To catalogue and categorise the sustainability claims made on the websites and marketing materials of three leading brands.

  2. To analyse publicly available supply chain reports and third-party audits for these same brands.

  3. To survey UK consumers to gauge their perception of these brands’ sustainability efforts.

  4. To synthesise the findings to determine the level of alignment between marketing, practice, and public perception.

Take a deep breath and run through this list. Does your introduction:

• Start with an engaging hook that shows why the topic matters?

• Clearly identify a specific, justified research gap?

• Have a clear aim, a sharp research question, and logical, actionable objectives that all align?

• Briefly explain the significance of your study?

• Include a helpful chapter-by-chapter roadmap?

• Acknowledge its limits honestly?

• Read aloud smoothly? (This is my top tip for catching awkward phrasing!)

Remember, this introduction is your argument for why your dissertation deserves to be written. By following this structure, you’re not just writing a chapter; you’re building a convincing case for your hard work. You’ve got this.

Dr. Eleanor Evans is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology and the Director of Undergraduate Dissertations at a leading UK university. She has over 15 years of experience helping students turn their ideas into successful research projects.