Library, study and digital skills
Dissertation, research and capstone project toolkit
A toolkit for your dissertation or research project, including finding and accessing resources, tracking your research, and borrowing specialist equipment.
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Our dissertation and research project success guidance is here to provide support with researching and writing your dissertation.
For many of our students, your course at York St John University will be your first experience of writing a research project or dissertation. Even if you have written a research project before, they can still be a daunting task. We have focused this toolkit on written dissertations and projects, but if you are doing a video dissertation, the same ideas of research, thinking, planning and drafting are important and you should apply them in the contexts of producing video rather than long-form text.
Your project will involve researching an area of interest in more depth than in previous assignments. Our guides will help you find the right tools for your subject and get the most out of your research.
Explore our toolkit to start preparing for your project, or get to know the teams that can provide you with more support. This toolkit exists as an extension of our Your Assignment Toolkit so we recommend looking at that first for foundational skills in researching, thinking, and writing.
Why we do a dissertation, research or capstone project
A dissertation, research or capstone project allows you to explore and study a topic area in more depth that other kinds of assignments you have done before, and allows your tutors to assess the depth and breadth of your research, thinking and communication skills. The subject content of dissertation, research and capstone projects will vary, but the skills required to undertake and complete the project are, broadly, the same:
- You will work independently, under supervision from an academic, to produce a large piece of work. Whilst you may have an opportunity to collaborate with others, you are ultimately submitting an independent piece of original and critically engaged work.
- It will take a large investment of your time. The project starts with a lot of planning, reading, and thought, and followed by writing, analysing, rewriting, and editing. Undertaking this work is a challenge but it is exciting and achievable with time and good planning.
Guidance
Getting started with a dissertation
How to get started with a dissertation, research or capstone project.
Accessing resources
How to find and use resources for your project, including specialist subject material, different types of resource, and resources from outside York St John.
Track searches and reading
Keeping records of your searches and reading for your project, including formulating search questions, documenting research, and saving references.
Writing and drafting
Information on writing and drafting a longer piece of work in order to set yourself up for sucess.
Referencing
Information on referencing and reference managers.
Systematic and systematised reviews
Information on systematic and systematised reviews, including planning your search strategy, recording your search and screening your results.
Book in with a Specialist Team
Book a tutorial with one of the University's specialist learning teams. Decide what you need help with and choose the most appropriate team to help. To make the most of your tutorial, use our tutorial and meeting notes template before, during and after your tutorial:
Study Development team (York Campus students)
Book a tutorial with a Study Development tutor for help with your academic work or your Maths, or join our Study Hub.
London Student Support and Guidance Team (London Campus students)
Book an individual tutorial for support with your academic assignments.
London Academic Writing tutorials
Insessional Support and Language Development (ISLD) team (York Campus students)
Our dedicated team for International students will support you with language, communication and academic skills for your university work. You can book tutorials and attend our workshops and weekly Academic Discussion Group.
The weekly Academic Discussion Group takes place on Wednesdays, 1.00pm to 2.00pm in the Creative Centre, Room CC / 011.
Academic Liaison Librarians
Each subject area has an Academic Liaison Librarian. Your librarian can offer subject-specific tutorials on finding, evaluating and referencing specialist resources, literature, evidence and information. They can also support you with Reference Management software tools.
AI brings lots of questions. First check the following for answers or things you can do to grow your skills:
- York St John University Guiding Principles on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (2025)
- Your Critical AI Toolkit
- Your assignment brief
If you need to talk to someone about a specific assignment and what you can or cannot do with AI, speak to your module lecturer first. After speaking with them, choose a specialist study skills team relevant for the skill you are using AI for:
Developing your writing, reading, thinking, planning and language skills with AI
Study Development team (York Campus students)
Book a tutorial with a Study Development tutor for help with your academic work or your Maths, or join our Study Hub.
London Student Support and Guidance Team (London Campus students)
Book an individual tutorial for support with your academic assignments.
London Academic Writing tutorials
Insessional Support and Language Development (ISLD) team (York Campus students)
ISLD on campus tutorials ISLD online tutorials
Finding, evaluating and referencing resources with AI
Academic Liaison Librarians
Each subject area has an Academic Liaison Librarian. Your librarian can offer subject-specific tutorials on finding, evaluating and referencing specialist resources, literature, evidence and information, including where AI fits in.
Digital Training team
1 to 1 or small group training is available for most software and systems in use at the university. You can also browse our practical how-to guides to find out more about using IT for your studies.
Assistive Technology team
Assistive technology is equipment and software that enhances learning. Although widely used by disabled students, at York St John University, assistive tech is available for all. Assistive technology can be helpful in all parts of learning, from writing essays, to revising for exams and preparing presentations.
Our advisers can support students and staff to get more out of assistive technology. You can book a tutorial for specialist advice with one of the team, or use our recommended self-help online resources.
