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Written by: Mirjam de Winter
Last updated on: February 17, 2026
A dissertation, also called a PhD thesis, is a substantial piece of original academic research written to obtain the doctoral degree. In your thesis you present new findings that contribute to knowledge in your field. At the end of the PhD trajectory, you defend your dissertation before a committee. If the defence is successful, the doctoral degree is awarded.
A PhD is a long and demanding process. Over several years, you conduct a large research project and build a coherent academic argument. This usually involves in depth literature work, strong methodology, data collection and analysis, and often publishing one or more papers.
Many (international) PhD candidates tell us they struggle with one or more of these points:
– Choosing a clear direction and narrowing the scope
– Turning a big topic into a sharp research question and feasible design
– Creating a realistic plan and sticking to it during busy periods
– Structuring chapters and maintaining a consistent academic line of reasoning
– Analysing qualitative or quantitative data with confidence
– Writing a strong discussion that links results to the literature and contribution
– Finishing and preparing for feedback loops and the defence
Stress and mental pressure are also common. Research consistently shows elevated rates of anxiety and depression among PhD and graduate students compared with the general population.
Topscriptie offers professional one to one coaching by supervisors with PhD experience. The support is tailored to what you need right now. For example:
Clarifying your research question and sharpening your focus Planning, weekly structure and realistic milestones Methodology and academic reasoning Support with qualitative and quantitative analysis Improving structure, argumentation and academic writing style Feedback on chapters and revision strategy Confidence, motivation and keeping momentum
Support can range from high level sparring about direction to hands on work sessions where we help you move forward step by step.
Reading a few dissertation examples is one of the fastest ways to understand what is expected in your discipline. Your university library is usually the best place to start.
Note: the DART Europe thesis portal has permanently closed. Useful alternatives are open access aggregators such as BASE, CORE and NDLTD, plus your university repository.
Publishing support: writing a scientific article
We can also support you with writing an academic paper in English for submission to journals. This is valuable for PhD candidates as well as students turning a thesis into a publishable article.
Our support includes structure, positioning, clarity of argument, and planning the writing process. We can also help you prepare revisions after reviewer feedback.
These are the practical habits that make a measurable difference in writing progress:
Treat writing as a weekly appointment
Protect fixed writing blocks and make them non negotiable, even if they are short.
Manage supervision meetings proactively
Send an agenda beforehand, be honest about progress, and end with clear next steps.
Write earlier than you think
Many candidates benefit from drafting the core argument early and building chapters around it, instead of waiting until everything is perfect.
Reduce cognitive load
Keep a running list of decisions, definitions, and key papers. Use a reference manager and organise literature by themes and projects.
Build a simple start ritual
Before writing: notifications off, one clear goal, short reset. A 7 minute meditation can be enough to calm the system and start sharper.
If you want, we can incorporate these habits into a personalised plan that fits your programme, deadlines and working style.
A short intake call is always free and without obligation. You will receive clear advice on what is realistic, what to prioritise, and what kind of support would help most.
Call us or request a free intake.
Let us help you with your studies. Discover what we can do for you.
Call or WhatsApp a thesis supervisor
+31614592593
Call or WhatsApp a thesis supervisor
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Thesis research consulting