A dissertation introduction sets the direction for your entire research project. It introduces your topic, explains why the research matters and gives the reader a clear understanding of what your dissertation will investigate.

If you are unsure how to write a dissertation introduction, the key is to make it focused, logical and directly connected to your research aims and questions.

What Is a Dissertation Introduction?

The introduction is the opening chapter of your dissertation. It provides the context for your research and explains what the study intends to investigate.

A strong introduction should help the reader understand:

• What your research is about
• Why the topic is important
• What problem or research gap you are addressing
• What your research aims and objectives are
• What research questions you will answer
• How the dissertation is structured

What Should a Dissertation Introduction Include?

Although requirements vary between universities and subjects, most dissertation introductions contain several important elements.

1. Introduce the Research Topic

Begin by introducing your general area of research. Give enough background to establish the context without providing an extensive literature review.

Explain what the topic involves and why it is relevant to your field of study.

2. Provide Background and Context

Give the reader the information they need to understand your research.

You might discuss recent developments, key issues, industry trends, social changes or academic debates relevant to your topic.

Keep this section focused. The detailed discussion of existing research should normally appear in your literature review.

3. Explain the Research Problem

Clearly identify the problem, issue or gap that your dissertation will address.

Ask yourself:

What is currently missing, unclear or under-researched?

A well-defined research problem gives your dissertation a clear purpose.

4. Explain the Research Gap

Your dissertation should contribute something to the existing body of knowledge.

The research gap might relate to:

• A topic that has received limited attention
• Conflicting findings in previous research
• A specific population or geographical area that has been overlooked
• A new development requiring further investigation
• Limitations in existing studies

Avoid claiming that “no research exists” unless you can genuinely support this with evidence.

5. State Your Research Aim

Your research aim provides the overall purpose of your dissertation.

It should be concise and directly connected to your research problem.

For example:

This study aims to examine the impact of social media marketing on consumer purchasing behaviour among UK university students.

6. List Your Research Objectives

Research objectives break your overall aim into manageable steps.

They often begin with action verbs such as:

• To examine
• To investigate
• To analyse
• To evaluate
• To explore
• To identify

Make sure your objectives are realistic and can actually be addressed within your dissertation.

7. Present Your Research Questions

Your research questions should follow logically from your research problem, aim and objectives.

For example:

How does social media marketing influence purchasing behaviour among UK university students?

Do not introduce research questions that are unrelated to the objectives or that your chosen methodology cannot answer.

8. Define the Scope of the Study

Explain what your dissertation will and will not cover.

You may need to clarify:

• The geographical location
• The target population
• The time period
• The industry or sector
• The key variables or concepts
• The research boundaries

A clearly defined scope helps prevent your dissertation from becoming too broad.

9. Briefly Explain the Methodology

You do not need to provide a full methodological discussion in the introduction.

Instead, briefly explain how the research will be conducted.

For example, mention whether your study uses:

• Qualitative research
• Quantitative research
• Mixed methods
• Primary data
• Secondary data
• Interviews
• Surveys
• Desk-based research

The detailed explanation should appear in your methodology chapter.

10. Provide a Dissertation Structure

Finish the introduction with a short overview of the remaining chapters.

For example:

Chapter One: Introduction introduces the research topic, problem, aims, objectives and questions.
Chapter Two: Literature Review evaluates existing academic research related to the topic.
Chapter Three: Methodology explains the research approach and methods used.
Chapter Four: Findings presents the results of the research.
Chapter Five: Discussion interprets the findings in relation to existing research.
Chapter Six: Conclusion summarises the key findings and provides recommendations.