Writing Your Bachelor’s Thesis in 5 Steps. A Practical Guide

How Do I Write a Bachelor’s Thesis?

Finding a topic

Sounds simple? Depending on your field of study, selecting a topic can already be a challenge! Make sure to choose a subject that genuinely interests you—this will help you stay motivated. A bonus is if the topic has current relevance.

Here are some additional tips to guide you:

• University Guidelines: Many universities provide handouts or guidelines for writing a bachelor’s thesis, often made available by your institution or professor.
• Your Own Notes: Review your notes from past seminars. Is there a topic you’ve already come across that you’d like to explore in more depth?
• Future Academic and Career Goals: Does the topic align with your future aspirations? It might even enhance your résumé!
• Your Advisor’s Research Focus: If your advisor is researching a topic that also interests you, this could be the perfect opportunity to consult with an expert in the field.
• Narrowing the Scope: Choose a topic that can be effectively tackled within the allotted time. Clearly define its scope.

Still looking for inspiration? Check out our shop, where you’ll find the latest theses from various disciplines. We’ll also show you how to refine your topic into a clear research question in four simple steps.

Choosing an Advisor

The right advisor often becomes apparent based on their research focus within your field. However, if you have the option to choose, make sure you select someone you can work well with. After all, your advisor’s role is to support you throughout the writing process, clarify questions, and provide constructive feedback. At smaller departments, you may already know all potential advisors, giving you a solid basis for your decision. If you’re unsure about who to approach, check your faculty’s website for a list of staff members, including their research areas and publications, to find someone whose expertise aligns with your topic. Additionally, talking to fellow students about their experiences with different advisors can offer valuable insights.

Methodology

Most bachelor’s theses include a methodology section where you must scientifically justify your chosen research methods. These methods vary significantly depending on your field of study. The most commonly used methods include:

• Surveys / Expert Interviews
• Qualitative Content Analysis
• Literature Review
• Personal Observations / Case Studies / Experiments

In our tutorial, we explain how to select the right research methodology for your topic.

Structure

The structure of your thesis forms the foundation of your argument and guides readers from the introduction to the conclusion. Be sure to follow your university’s guidelines. Generally, your thesis should include the following sections:

• Title Page
• Abstract (if applicable)
• Table of Contents
• List of Figures and Tables (if applicable)
• List of Abbreviations (if applicable)
• Introduction (context of the research topic, research gaps, key concepts, research objectives, and a preview of the main body)
• Main Body (methodology, arguments, research findings)
• Conclusion (key insights, answers to the research questions, limitations of your research, and an outlook)
• References or Bibliography
• Appendices (if applicable)
• Declaration of Academic Integrity

Optional:

• Dedication and Acknowledgements
• Gender Disclaimer

Curious about how to maintain a clear narrative thread? Check out our tips on the topic. We’ve also compiled detailed guidance on writing a strong introduction and a perfect conclusion, as well as advice on inclusive language.

Writing Process

Here are the key tips to help you develop a clear and effective academic writing style for your bachelor’s thesis:

What makes a text easy to understand?

• Simple Sentences: Avoid overloading your text with technical terms; instead, use clear, concrete language that is widely understood. Write short sentences and minimize the use of subordinate clauses.
• Logical Structure: Ensure that the internal and external structure of your text work together. Maintain a coherent narrative and connect your sentences clearly. Use formatting tools such as paragraphs, subheadings, and highlights to make your structure obvious.
• Conciseness: Strike a balance between overly short sentences and long-winded, complex ones. Present your ideas succinctly and to the point.
• Clarity and Examples: Avoid presenting your arguments in an overly dry manner. Use examples where appropriate, but don’t overdo it.

• Technical Terms and Foreign Words: While these are essential in academic writing, make sure to use them correctly and in the right context.
• Avoid Informal Language: Steer clear of filler words like “kind of,” “maybe,” and phrases like “I believe” or “I think.”

Practical Tips: How to Improve Readability

• Read Your Text Aloud: Do you stumble over certain sections? That’s often a sign that a sentence is too long and needs to be shortened.
• Use Punctuation Effectively: Colons and dashes are great tools to emphasize your ideas.
• Break Up the Text: Use at least two to three paragraphs per page. A solid wall of text offers no visual breaks, making it harder for readers to follow.
• Ensure Smooth Transitions: Start new points with a logical flow rather than abruptly. This creates a more enjoyable reading experience by guiding your readers seamlessly from one idea to the next.
• Frame Your Working Title as a Question: This keeps your argument focused and helps you avoid straying from the central topic.
• Use Synonyms: Varied wording keeps your text lively. You can find helpful synonym dictionaries online. Be cautious with technical terms, though—misusing synonyms can change their meaning.

You can find everything you need to know about academic writing in our collection.

Revision and Proofreading

Take your time and review your entire text calmly, ideally one or two days after finishing the writing process. This helps you gain some distance and approach your work with a fresh perspective.

Check for spelling, grammar, and stylistic issues. Ensure that all sources are properly cited and included in the bibliography, and format your thesis according to your university’s guidelines. Finally, have one or two friends or family members proofread the entire text. It’s helpful to get feedback from people outside your field to ensure your explanations are clear and easy to understand.

Printing and Submission

The final step is to prepare all required documents, adhere to your university’s submission guidelines (e.g., number of copies, deadlines, digital version), and submit your bachelor’s thesis on time. It’s a good idea to request a receipt as proof of submission.