Seven Points to Check Before Using Dissertation Support

Useful academic support should help you become a more capable researcher. Before working with a tutor, editor or writing adviser, use these seven questions to agree on an appropriate and transparent arrangement.

1. Is it permitted? Read your programme’s rules on editing, tutoring and outside assistance before sharing assessed work.
2. Does the adviser understand the task? Discuss the discipline, level of study and type of feedback you need. Do not treat a general writing qualification as proof of subject expertise.
3. Is the scope clear? Agree whether the help concerns planning, explanation, comments or proofreading. Your argument and submitted work should remain your own.
4. Are costs and deadlines written down? Establish the fee, deliverables and revision arrangements before beginning. Avoid promises of guaranteed grades.
5. Will information be protected? Remove confidential research data and ask about file access, retention and deletion.
6. Can you understand the feedback? Request explanations and examples of the reasoning behind a suggested change. A helpful reviewer makes the next revision easier to carry out yourself.
7. How should assistance be acknowledged? Follow your institution’s requirements and keep a record of the support received.

If the arrangement involves someone else writing your assessed dissertation, reconsider it and ask your supervisor about acceptable alternatives. A librarian, writing centre or methods workshop may address the problem more directly.