Dissertation Outline Generator
This dissertation outline generator turns your topic, subject and level into a chapter plan, with suggested word targets for each chapter. It makes a plan only, not the dissertation itself. You then refine the plan with your supervisor and write every chapter yourself.
How to use the dissertation outline generator
- Enter your working title or research question
- Choose your subject, level and approach
- Add your word limit from the module handbook
- Read the plan, then copy it into your own document
Dissertation topic outline
A clear topic gives a better plan. Compare these two: 'social media and business' is too broad to plan. 'How do small UK cafes use Instagram to attract customers?' points to a method. Need ideas first? Browse our dissertation topics.
Dissertation outline template
Most empirical dissertations follow this order: introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion. Humanities projects often use thematic chapters. Our dissertation structure guide explains what each chapter does.
Dissertation outline example
An invented 10,000-word empirical project. The split is one suggestion from a UK university library guide, so adjust it to your handbook.
| Chapter | Words | What it must do |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | 1,000 | State the question and aims |
| Literature review | 3,000 | Group sources by theme, show the gap |
| Methodology | 1,500 | Justify design, sample, ethics |
| Results | 500 | Report findings without opinion |
| Discussion | 3,000 | Link findings to the literature |
| Conclusion | 1,000 | Answer the question, note limits |
Free dissertation planner
Once you have a plan, make it yours:
- List two or three key sources under each heading
- Set a draft date for each chapter, working back from your deadline
- Take it to your supervisor and update it after each meeting
The suggested plan does not know your handbook. Many universities set their own rules on AI tools, so check yours before you use the output.
Related tools
- Thesis statement generator
- Essay generator for argumentative essay outlines
- Choose methods: data collection methods
- Next step: dissertation proposal
- Later: dissertation format
Sources
- University of Westminster Library, Dissertation structure: standard dissertation
- University of Suffolk, Planning your dissertation
- Russell Group, Principles on the use of generative AI tools in education
Frequently asked questions
What should a dissertation outline include?
Chapter headings, a word target for each, the question each chapter answers and the key sources. Add your research question at the top. See how to format it later.
How do I create a dissertation outline?
Start with your research question and word limit. Split the words across chapters, then add sub-headings and sources. Check the plan with your supervisor.
How long should a dissertation outline be?
There is no fixed length. A page or two is often enough to discuss with a supervisor. Check whether your department sets a format.
Does it write my dissertation?
No. It creates a chapter plan only. The research, analysis and writing are yours, as our academic integrity policy explains.
Is it free, and is there a limit?
It is free. You can use it up to 20 times a day.