How To Choose a Research Topic That Will Attract Quick Funding

A dissertation and a thesis are both academic research projects, but they differ in purpose, scope, and degree level.

A dissertation is a thorough and organised research report that is mandatory for the conclusion of a doctoral degree (PhD, DBA, EdD, etc.). It signifies the researcher’s original and significant input to a particular field of study. The dissertation process involves identifying a research problem, conducting broad literature reviews, applying rigorous research methodologies, and presenting findings that add new knowledge or insights to the academic discipline.

A thesis on the other hand is the academic research report presented by a master’s degree student as a condition for course completion. It presents the student’s research on a specific topic, demonstrating his ability to analyze, synthesize, and make input to existing knowledge within a field of study. The thesis process involves framing a research question, reviewing relevant literature, applying suitable research methodologies, and arriving at conclusions built on findings.

Here are the major differences between both of them:

Choosing a thesis or dissertation Topic

Understanding Academic Research Trends for Funding

Choosing an appropriate thesis topic is essential for a researcher to be able to attract scholarships, research grants, or funding opportunities. Scholarship committees and funding bodies look for topics that align with their research priorities, have real-world impact, and contribute to innovation. Therefore, it is important for you to observe the following when choosing a research topic in order to attract funding.

1. You Have to Spend Time to Identify Research Areas with High Funding Potential

It is essential that a master’s or doctoral student seeking scholarship funding for thesis or dissertation respectively should visit potential funding organisations like UNESCO, World Bank, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to consider high-demand research areas funded by these organisations. These organisations award scholarships and grants to researchers that align with global, national, or institutional priorities. This document will inform you of research areas of interest by these organisations in order to increase your chances.

2.You Have to Ensure that You Align Your Topic with Scholarship Providers’ Interests

Many scholarships providers are connected to particular industries or government programmes and as such support projects linked to their research goals. Companies also fund research that aids their business and some governments provide funding for research that aligns with their national development goals. You have to visit research scholarship websites to find areas of interest and align your research to them. Here are some examples:

www.profellow.com, www.scholarship-positions.com, www.grants.gov, pivot.proquest.com, www.researchprofessional.com, www.ssrc.org

3. Choose a Topic with Strong Data Availability

Acquiring funding for your thesis or dissertation often rests on the possibility and impact of your research proposal. A topic with strong data availability significantly strengthens your case for feasibility. Scholarship boards pay more attention to projects that demonstrate a clear path to completion and the potential for significant results. When your topic is supported by accessible and reliable data, it shows that your research is practical, well-planned, and likely to yield robust results.

Moreover, strong data availability allows you to design a persuasive proposal, highlighting the feasibility of your methodology and the significance of your expected results. In fact, a data-rich topic not only increases the quality of your research but also makes it more attractive to potential funders.

Click here to view our guide to applying for postgraduate studies and scholarships.