The doctorate is a post-graduate degree and the highest academic qualification in the world. It crowns several years of in-depth research in a specific field, leading to a PhD thesis or doctoral thesis defended before an academic jury.

Choosing the subject of your doctoral dissertation is a crucial step in any doctoral student's academic career. This decision not only shapes the course of your research, but also influences your commitment, motivation and the potential impact of your work in your field of study. However, given the vast breadth of knowledge and research possibilities, finding a challenging, feasible and original topic can be daunting.

To succeed in your PhD thesis and earn your doctorate, discover practical tips to guide you through the dissertation topic search and writing process.

 

Contents: 

đź“Ś The 6 key steps to choosing your PhD thesis topic

 

What is a Phd thesis?

A PhD thesis, doctoral thesis or doctoral dissertation is an academic research project on a specific subject. It is carried out over several years (3 years or more) with the support of a thesis director, and is defended before an academic jury.

Writing a PhD thesis is a way of exploring a subject in greater depth through research, showcasing one's expertise in the field and making an original, innovative contribution to the discipline. Validation of the doctoral thesis enables researchers and students in the doctoral cycle to obtain the doctoral degree.

Choosing the subject of a university thesis is a very important phase in your research process. It involves a great deal more thought than other academic work, such as a graduation thesis or internship report.

 

Here are the 6 key steps to choosing the right topic for your doctoral thesis 👇

how to write a PhD thesis

Step 1: Identify your academic interests and skills

Choosing a relevant topic for your doctoral thesis starts with a thorough introspection of your interests and skills. By combining passion and expertise, you lay the foundations for fruitful and stimulating research. A good match between your subject and your abilities ensures that you remain motivated and effective throughout your doctoral cycle.

Passion and motivation influence the choice of your PhD thesis topic

 

The importance of choosing a PhD thesis topic that inspires you

Writing a PhD thesis is a long-term project that can span several years. To maintain consistent motivation, choose a topic that excites you. A strong interest in your subject helps you overcome moments of doubt and fatigue, which are inevitable during the research process.

how to write a doctoral thesis

How to Determine What Captivates You in Your Studies

To identify what excites you, think about the courses you enjoyed the most, the projects you like to work on, and the topics that spark your curiosity. Ask yourself questions such as:

  • What topics fascinate me the most within my field?
  • What problems or questions motivate me to search for solutions or answers?
  • Are there themes or areas I explore even outside my academic studies?
phd thesis example

Concrete examples of PhD thesis topics
 

 

  • If you're studying psychology and are fascinated by memory mechanisms, exploring the effects of sleep on memory maintenance could be a highly motivating thesis topic.
  • If you study political science and are interested in power dynamics in post-conflict societies, you could explore national peace strategies.

Your knowledge and skills validate your choice of doctoral thesis topic

 

The importance of your knowledge base

A thorough knowledge of your PhD or doctoral thesis topic reduces the time you need to adapt. This allows you to concentrate on more advanced aspects of your research.

 

Evaluate your academic skills

Select a research topic for which you have the required skills. Start by listing your academic and practical skills.

  • What courses have you excelled in?
  • What research methodologies have you mastered?
  • Do you have any specific skills, such as statistical analysis or computer modeling?
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How to identify Your strengths in your doctoral studies

  • Review your transcripts: Identify the courses where you achieved the highest grades.

  • Analyze your past projects: Think about the research projects, essays, theses, or internship reports that you found particularly rewarding and successful.

  • Seek feedback: Ask your professors or mentors for feedback on your previous work to gain a better understanding of your strengths. Additionally, through mentor matching initiatives, you can identify mentors who specialize in areas you want to improve or explore further.

phd thesis structure

Examples of PhD thesis topic choices based on academic skills

  • If you have advanced statistical skills and a thorough knowledge of quantitative methods, a thesis topic with complex statistical analysis is appropriate.

  • If you have a strong background in ethnographic research, the ideal university thesis topic involves case studies and field observations.

Step 2: Analyze the literature on your PhD thesis idea

The literature review helps you understand the current state of research. This enables you to identify information gaps and formulate a relevant PhD thesis topic.

 

Research status of your PhD thesis topic


Using academic databases

Academic databases offer access to thousands of articles and doctoral theses. Use precise keywords to refine your search. Consult abstracts to quickly assess the relevance of articles.

  • The theses.fr website is a search engine for French doctoral theses in various fields (human and social sciences, economics, science-politics, etc.).
  • The Dart Europe E-theses portal contains numerous European university PhD theses.
  • The Open Dissertation and Thesis website offers free access to international doctoral theses.
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How to conduct effective literature research

To guide your research, identify the key sources to consult in your field of expertise. Check academic databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, and PubMed...

Look for recent and relevant articles. Take notes on current trends and popular topics.

Doctoral thesis student

Identify gaps in research studies

As you read, note the questions that researchers and PhD students have not yet addressed. Identify areas where data is missing or contradictory.

 

How can you analyze the recommendations for your future research?

Researchers often suggest avenues for further study. Read the conclusion and discussion sections carefully. Note any suggestions that are relevant to your area of expertise. These recommendations may inspire your own research.

what is a university doctoral thesis

Use the gaps to formulate your PhD thesis topic

Once you've identified the gaps, think about how to fill them.

  • Formulate research questions based on these gaps.
  • Make sure these questions are specific and feasible.
  • Use these questions to guide your own doctoral research.

Step 3: Assess the feasibility of your doctoral thesis topic

Considering the feasibility of your topic is crucial. Make sure you have the necessary material and financial resources, and seek expert advice to refine your PhD or doctoral thesis topic.

 

Available resources for your research project

 

Check access to necessary research tools

  • List the tools you need and ensure you can use them throughout your project. Consult with your thesis supervisor to confirm their availability.
doctoral dissertation

Assess available financial resources

Check if you have access to funding to cover the costs of your doctoral research. If not, you may be able to find funding from companies or organizations interested in your PhD thesis topic.

 

  • British Council – Study UK Scholarships and Funding
    The British Council offers a list of scholarships for PhD programs in the UK. Many universities provide fully-funded scholarships for international students.

  • DAAD – EPOS Scholarship Program
    The DAAD EPOS scholarship program supports young professionals from developing countries and emerging economies to pursue Master’s or PhD studies in Germany. The scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and insurance.

phd thesis defense

Academic and scientific community to guide you in your PhD thesis

 

Thesis supervisors to support you in your studies

Discuss your ideas with your PhD thesis supervisor. Clearly explain your interests and objectives. Adjust your topic if necessary. Ask for additional resources or recommended readings.

 

Benefit from exchanges with other academics

Attend conferences and seminars in your field. Exchange ideas with participating researchers. Ask questions to doctoral students and research teams. Request feedback on your ideas. Use these exchanges to refine your topic.

Step 4: Assess the originality and relevance of your PhD thesis topic

Look for innovative angles and assess the potential impact of your PhD thesis topic. This ensures that your research makes a significant and relevant contribution.

 

Innovation to add value to your subject

 

Find a new angle that responds to your problematic

Look for a unique aspect of your subject and avoid repeating research that has already been done. Think of new approaches or perspectives

 

Examples of innovative approaches to your doctoral thesis
 

  • Look at recent studies for ideas.
  • Identify under-used methods or theories.
  • Take inspiration from other disciplines to find original angles.
  • Use an approach that reflects your personality: funny, committed, curious, inventive...
students working on phd theses

Potential impact of your PhD thesis topic

 

Assess the subject's impact on your discipline

Consider how your research can advance knowledge in your field. Think about the theoretical or practical contributions your PhD thesis topic can make to higher education. Choose a topic that has the potential to make a difference.

 

Consider its impact on society

Think about the implications of your research: social, economic, ecological, biological, human, scientific... See if your topic can solve real-life problems. Aim for a positive impact on the community or the public.

Step 5: Narrow down your doctoral thesis topic

Narrowing down your topic makes your research more manageable and focused. Choose a specific aspect and formulate a clear research question. These steps ensure a focused and well-defined study.

 

Specificity of your thesis topic

 

Why a too broad topic is problematic?

A broad topic complicates your research. It makes comprehensive data collection difficult. You risk losing sight of your main objective.

 

Techniques to narrow down your PhD thesis topic

Choose a specific aspect of your topic. Focus on a particular period, population, or location. Formulate clear and targeted research questions.

doctoral studies for university phd

Clear research question for your studies

 

Importance of a precise research question

A clear question guides your study. It defines the scope of your research. It helps you stay focused and organized throughout your research.

 

Examples of well-formulated research questions

  • Instead of "What are the impacts of climate change?", ask "How has climate change affected agricultural production in France since 2000?"
  • Instead of "How can education be improved?", ask "What methods increase student participation in high school mathematics classes?"

Step 6: Test your idea with the doctoral community

To refine your work, write a research proposal and submit it for feedback. Carry out a pilot study to assess the feasibility of your research methodology. These steps will prepare you to undertake your research effectively.

 

Preliminary proposal for PhD thesis topics

 

Write a detailed research proposal

Start by writing a preliminary research proposal. Describe your topic, research question and method. Identify objectives and expected results.

 

Submit your proposal for expert feedback

Share your proposal with your thesis supervisor, junior researchers or peers. Ask for feedback and suggestions. Use comments to improve your proposal.

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Pilot study of your PhD thesis topic

 

Conduct a small pilot study

If possible, conduct a study to test your research methodology. Collect data on a small sample. Assess the feasibility of your approach.

 

Analyze the results of your pilot study

Identify the strengths and weaknesses of your research method. Adapt your approach based on the conclusions drawn.

How to write your PhD thesis?

Once you've chosen the subject of your Phd thesis and your research methodology, you can start writing your dissertation.

Here are the 7 steps to follow when writing your PhD thesis

  1. Plan and organize: draw up a detailed plan with deadlines for each chapter, and gather the necessary resources (literature, tools, etc.).
  2. Conduct literature review: carry out an in-depth analysis of existing work related to the chosen thesis topic.
  3. Collect data: implement the chosen research methodology, collect and organize relevant data in a systematic way.
  4. Analyze collected data: analyze collected data using appropriate tools and techniques, then interpret results in relation to research questions and hypotheses.
  5. Write chapters: write each chapter of the doctoral thesis, ensuring that each section is coherent, clear and precise.
  6. Revising and editing: reread and revise the thesis several times to correct errors and improve the quality of the writing. We recommend that you analyze your PhD thesis in anti-plagiarism software for students to identify misquoted sources, and add them to your bibliography. If you've used ChatGPT to help you write, consider checking your doctoral thesis in an AI checker.
  7. Prepare to defend your doctoral thesis: prepare to defend your thesis, highlighting key points and significant results. For this final stage, it's essential to practice and prepare for potential questions from the jury.
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Choosing the right subject for your PhD thesis is a crucial step in the success of your academic career. A good subject is one that excites you, matches your skills and makes an original and significant contribution to your field of study. By identifying your interests and skills, conducting a literature review, and considering the feasibility of your project, you'll ensure that you lay a solid foundation for your academic research.

 


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Information: this informative article, which does not require any personal reflection, was written in part with the help of ChatGPT. We have reworked the automatically-generated content (corrected repetitions, corrected turns of phrase, added clarifications, added quotations, checked the veracity of information, etc.). 

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