What are students saying about their dissertation experiences?
Students generally express a wide range of feelings about dissertation support; some feel very well supported, while others feel extremely disappointed. Some appreciate the guidance provided by their tutors, citing it as helpful and useful in navigating the challenges of writing a dissertation. Others, however, experience difficulties in getting timely feedback, find the allocation of supervisors inadequate or struggle with the lack of clear expectations and support.
Many students express significant frustration with what they perceive as a lack of preparation for the final-year project. They argue that the skills and knowledge acquired in earlier years are insufficient for tackling a dissertation. This frustration is compounded by the high workload and stress of managing multiple assignments and projects simultaneously.
Some students find initiatives such as writing retreats and dedicated support services invaluable in staying on track and overcoming obstacles. However, others feel that these resources are either insufficient or poorly advertised, leading to feelings of isolation and disconnection from academic support networks.
A notable trend is the concern about the impact of industrial action, such as strikes, on dissertation supervision and support. Some students report feeling deliberately "sabotaged" by staff who they believe are prioritizing their interests over student needs.
Overall, the dominant sentiment among students is that dissertation support is highly variable. Some experience excellent guidance, while others feel abandoned or unsupported.