A thesis is a document that presents the author’s research and findings and is submitted for a degree or professional qualification. However, given that they are often thousands of words long, writing them can be quite a daunting task! This course is ideal for those preparing to write a thesis from students and academics to writers and entrepreneurs.
Thesis Writing For Beginners is an online program that will help expand your knowledge of literature review, data collection and research methodology to prepare a professional thesis.
In this professional development course, you will learn to define a problem, outline a hypothesis, select a topic, undertake quantitative and qualitative research, and find appropriate literature from journal articles, textbooks and the internet.
You will also learn to write a research proposal, structure your thesis according to guidelines and ethical data collection, and recognise some of the pitfalls when it comes to writing an academic paper.
On completion of this course, you will have a sound knowledge of how to write a thesis, whether it’s to enhance your career opportunities, expand your writing portfolio or pitch a new business idea!
Course Structure
Research Project - Thesis Preparation
Unit 1 – The problem statement
- Introduction
- What is a problem
- Selecting a topic
- Structure of a problem statement
- How does a problem statement relate to quantitative and qualitative research
- Referencing and reference types
Unit 2 – The literature review part one
- What is a literature review
- Relating your literature review to the problem statement
- Types of literature
- Collecting information
- Finding literature: text books, journal articles, indexes, abstracts, internet
Unit 3 – The literature review part two
- Critical reading
- Literatire review structure
- Writing
- Verbs
- Quotations
- Presentation of work
Unit 4 – The hypothesis
- What is a hypothesis
- Definitions
- Scientific method
- Structuring a hypothesis
- What is not a hypothesis
- Null hypothesis
- Correlation vs cause and effect
- Occam’s razor
Unit 5 – The method
- Introduction
- Structuring your research method
- Research strategy
- Data collection
- Quantitative data
- Qualitative data
- Data sampling
- Sampling methods
- Research integrity
Unit 6 – Data collection
- Introduction
- Primary and secondary sources of data
- Quantitative data
- Qualitative data
- Data collection
- Literature review
- Key informants
- Experimental
- Correlation
- What is correlation
- Questionnaires, Surveys and Tests
- Interviews
- Documentation
- Observation
- Focus groups
- Case studies
- Combination and triangulation
Unit 7 – Research proposal
- Introduction
- Outline
- Cover Page, abstract, introduction, problem statement, hypothesis, context background, literature survey, research methodology
- Time schedule, budget, terminology, resource list, appendix
- Academic writing
Unit 8 – Thesis writing
- Nature of thesis structure
- Thesis structure guidelines: different types
Unit 9 – Ethics
- Ethics of collecting data
- Human research
- Non human research
- Ethics committee
- Categories of research
Unit 10 – Where to from here
- Pitfalls
- Finalising a thesis submission
Assessment
When you study with Australian Online Courses you will be assessed using a competency-based training method. Competency-based training focuses on a learner’s ability to receive, respond to and process information to achieve a competency result. As such, skills-based and knowledge assessments are geared towards attainment to meet industry-defined standards.
Assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, including short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 100 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional development for those wishing to learn to prepare and plan a thesis.