Quick answer
A dissertation conclusion summarises the findings against each objective, answers the research question directly, shows the contribution of the study, and gives practical recommendations, limitations and suggestions for future research. It should not introduce new data, and is usually 5 to 10% of the word count.
Many students run out of time and energy by the conclusion, so they write a quick summary and stop. That is a missed opportunity. Knowing how to write a dissertation conclusion well can lift your overall mark, because it is the last chapter your marker reads before deciding on a grade.
A good conclusion does more than repeat your findings. It answers your research question directly, shows what your study adds to knowledge and practice, makes realistic recommendations, and is honest about limitations. In most UK dissertations it is around 5% to 10% of the total word count.
This guide explains what to include, how to structure it, and how it differs from the discussion chapter, with short examples you can adapt.
Conclusion vs discussion: what is the difference?
The discussion chapter interprets your findings in detail and compares them with the literature. The conclusion steps back and summarises what the study has achieved overall. If your discussion asks "what do these findings mean and how do they relate to previous research?", your conclusion asks "so what have we learned, and what should happen next?"
Some universities combine the two into one chapter. If yours does, keep a clear concluding section at the end with its own heading, so the marker can easily find your final answer to the research question.
Dissertation conclusion structure
- 1Restate the aim of the study in one or two sentences.
- 2Summarise the key findings, organised by objective or research question.
- 3Answer the main research question clearly and directly.
- 4Explain the contribution to theory and to practice.
- 5Make practical recommendations based on your findings.
- 6Acknowledge the limitations of the study.
- 7Suggest areas for future research.
- 8Close with a short final statement (and a reflection, if your course requires one).
Summarising findings by objective
The clearest way to summarise findings is to take each objective or research question in turn and state what you found. This shows the marker that you achieved everything you set out to do in the introduction.
Keep it concise. Do not repeat statistics, long quotations or detailed comparisons with the literature; those belong in the findings and discussion chapters. One short paragraph per objective is usually enough.
Tip: Example: "Objective 1 sought to identify the engagement practices used by managers. The findings show that regular one-to-one check-ins and flexible scheduling were the most widely used practices, while formal recognition schemes were rare."
Answering the research question
Somewhere in your conclusion, ideally after the summary of findings, write a short paragraph that answers your main research question directly. Many dissertations never do this explicitly, and markers notice. Use the same wording as your research question so the link is obvious.
If the answer is mixed or uncertain, say so honestly and explain why. A nuanced answer supported by evidence is far stronger than an overconfident claim.
Showing your contribution
Explain what your study adds. For theory, you might confirm an existing model in a new context, extend it, or show where it does not fit. For practice, you might identify actions that managers, clinicians, teachers or policymakers could take.
Be specific and realistic. "This study contributes to the limited research on hybrid working in small accounting firms by showing that informal check-ins matter more to engagement than formal schemes" is much stronger than "This study makes a significant contribution to knowledge".
Writing recommendations
Recommendations should come directly from your findings, not from general opinion. Each recommendation should say who should do what, and why, based on your evidence.
- Link every recommendation to a specific finding.
- Address a clear audience, for example HR managers or ward leaders.
- Keep them practical and achievable.
- Prioritise two to five strong recommendations rather than a long list.
- Where relevant, mention cost, timescale or resources needed.
Writing the limitations of the study
Every study has limitations, and acknowledging them shows maturity as a researcher. Common limitations include a small or non-random sample, a single organisation or location, self-reported data, time constraints and the researcher's own position or bias.
For each limitation, briefly explain how it might affect your findings and, where possible, how you reduced its impact. Do not undermine your entire study; present limitations as context for interpreting the results.
Tip: A useful pattern: "The study was limited to X, which means the findings may not apply to Y. However, Z was used to strengthen the reliability of the results."
Suggestions for future research
Future research suggestions often grow naturally from your limitations. If your sample was small and qualitative, a larger quantitative study could test your findings. If you studied one country or sector, others could be compared. Make suggestions specific enough that another student could turn them into a research question.
Common dissertation conclusion mistakes
- Introducing new data, sources or arguments not discussed earlier.
- Simply repeating the discussion chapter word for word.
- Never answering the research question directly.
- Recommendations that are not based on the findings.
- Ignoring limitations, or listing so many that the study seems worthless.
- Overclaiming the impact of a small study.
- Ending abruptly without a final concluding statement.
Writing a reflection section (if required)
Some programmes, especially in nursing, education, social work and some business courses, ask you to reflect on the research process at the end of the dissertation. A reflection is not a diary of everything that happened. It is a short, analytical look at what you learned about research, what you would do differently, and how the experience will shape your future practice.
Write it in the first person if your course allows, and link your points to evidence from your project. For example, explain how a low survey response rate taught you to plan recruitment earlier, or how interviewing participants changed your understanding of the topic. Models such as Gibbs' reflective cycle can give the section a clear structure.
A short dissertation conclusion example
The example below is illustrative and based on an invented study of hybrid working in small accounting firms.
Restating the aim: "This study aimed to explore how managers in small and medium-sized UK accounting firms support employee engagement in hybrid teams."
Answering the research question: "The findings indicate that managers rely mainly on informal, regular contact rather than formal engagement schemes, and that this approach is valued by employees but applied unevenly, leaving junior staff less visible."
Contribution: "By focusing on smaller firms, the study adds to research on hybrid working that has mostly examined large organisations, and it shows that the quality of informal communication is central to engagement in this context."
Recommendation: "Firms should introduce a simple, scheduled routine of short one-to-one check-ins for all staff, with particular attention to junior employees."
Limitation and future research: "As the study involved 12 participants from five firms, the findings may not apply to all SMEs. Future research could survey a larger sample to test whether these patterns are widespread."
Useful phrases for a dissertation conclusion
- "This study set out to..."
- "In answer to the main research question, the findings indicate that..."
- "These results extend previous research by showing that..."
- "In practical terms, this suggests that managers should..."
- "The findings should be interpreted with caution because..."
- "Further research is needed to establish whether..."
- "Overall, this dissertation has shown that..."
Need help with your dissertation conclusion?
If your conclusion feels thin or repetitive, a fresh expert view can help. FIZBS Master's and PhD-qualified experts can review your conclusion, check that it answers your research question and suggest how to strengthen your recommendations and limitations. Dissertation support is £30 per 1,000 words, and proofreading starts from £12 per 1,000 words.
Message us on WhatsApp 24/7 or book a WhatsApp call with an expert (in English). New customers get 10% off their first order.
Reference your sources in seconds
Paste a DOI, ISBN or web link into our free Harvard referencing generator and get the full reference and in-text citation, ready to copy into your work. Using APA 7? Try the free APA referencing generator.