Surviving My Honours Thesis Writing: 6 Lessons I Wish I Knew Before I Started

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I've finally submitted my final year dissertation, and here's a recounting of my experience alongside 6 lessons for writing a successful thesis while maintaining your sanity.
If you're stuck with your thesis writing, content ideation or brainstorms, you can book 1-on-1 session with me here for a consultation via Skillshare: www.skillshare.com/en/profile... or Superpeer: superpeer.com/robinwaldun
Other Resources:
My weekly newsletter: amugofinsights.substack.com/
The Back to the Basics class for avid readers: skl.sh/3HtD1Kb
My class on keeping a writer's diary:
skl.sh/3qHJKYg
My playlist on Reading:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls2yn...
Introduction: 00:00
1: Start Early: 02:11
2: Your Topic Will Change: 02:57
3: Develop An Ideas Bank: 05:23
4: Weathering Criticism: 10:36
5: Ritualize Your Writing: 15:23
6: Be Kind To Yourself: 19:35

[@JohnSmith-hl2oh]

How can we read your thesis? 👇Petition to read Robin’s thesis

[@RCWaldun]

I can’t release it to the public yet but I’ll try to get it published then I’ll let you guys know. :)

[@7nochannel]

My husband reads every research work I do and he is a harsher critic than my colleagues 😂 very useful. Also gives me the opportunity to argue for my ideas and weigh their validity without sounding like a pompous arse to my supervisor and colleagues.

[@aicreatortoolkit]

I’m a high school student who has a disability. I’m graduating this June. I’m the type of person who thinks deeply and sometimes it can be lonely. It’s like you have this island of treasure but no one understands because they’re so caught up with the shimmer of day to day life that they forget to be curious, and ponder. I want to stay in academia and learn as much of the sciences, humanities and mathematics as humanly possible. Currently, I’m in that island looking for people to share the treasure with.

[@isydoyle]

good luck on your intellectual journey

[@arianamartinez1135]

You will find your people and find your way toward the things you are passionate about! It may not look the same way for everyone (i.e. elite university, an academic career, etc.) but everyone can be a life-long learner and nurture their curiosity. There are so many free, online lectures through arts organizations, museums, cultural centers, etc. that can support your learning and help you find community from wherever you are. Don’t listen to anyone who says otherwise or who tries to dismiss your passion. A lot of people are unkind to people like you out of dissatisfaction with their own lives and a desire to drag other people down with them.

[@padmeasmr]

Bro you were crazy 🤣 how did you do itttt. My BA thesis took me three/four months, but it took me almost one year to research and write my MA thesis (around 16,000 words) which was original but kind of crazy and ambitious. My supervisor was the head of the uni and that added to the pressure although he was great. I just took my time to read, make lots of notes (I had 80 pages of notes and quotes with pages references by the end) and had written a scheme for the thesis as well for every chapter. Some things ended up being deleted or moved to another paragraphs but I must say that after that massive work, writing the thesis was kind of a formality and really beautiful. To me the final part where you have to write conclusions and read everything again and again is the hardest bit. But it's so worth it ❤ oh and also adding the references and all well written at the end of every paragraph helps a lot otherwise you become crazy. Oh and also to me key was writing every morning (sometimes afternoon) in a coffee shop or library. At home I couldn't do anything 😅

[@hectorasuaje46]

Hi Robin, this video came at a time of need, I started developing the idea for my thesis back in January when suddenly I got into a bike accident that took 5 months to recover from, I thought back then that it would be the ideal time to write and study since I could not really do much physically, however my mind was not in the right place. As today im fully recovered and I have been working non stop gathering references, ideas and bibliographies for the last 3 weeks, I should start writing next week; since I lost some time I have 3 months left to finish and I feel the pressure (probably for the better) hearing your organization I see a path to follow and stick to, thank you. Im studying Audiovisual Media which is basically filmmaking and my thesis is about the ways of reading, understanding and feeling an image, rejecting estructuralism methodology where everything pretends to have a logical place and unchanging meaning like linguistics to allow us to accept a more complex way of approaching images, understanding how ethics and cultural satisfaction has a lot to do with how we allow certain ideas to reach us (something like that, im still developing the topic).

[@heloisa754]

The topic changing after in depth research is so true! I’m handing in my thesis in 2 weeks along with a graphic project based on the research and the idea that I had of it initially is nothing like what I’ve come to learn now. I just wish I had more time with my supervisor, the whole class was given the same professor as their supervisor so it’s an overwhelming amount of work for them and due to that we’ve barely got any help at all.

[@chattySam00]

One of the best thesis writing YT. Very concise and realistic

[@crystalkewe]

I haven't come across any of your videos lately for the past year or so, and it so happens that the first video I see after this long is about writing your honours thesis, which I find timely because I'm currently in the process of securing a placement for an honours program in Computer Science in Australia. This video is definitely going to be handy!

[@RCWaldun]

Best of luck! Honours programs in Australia are really comprehensive and they will push you beyond your capabilities. Let me know how you go. :)

[@crystalkewe]

​@@RCWaldun Thanks Robin! The process is a bit frustrating because I don't fulfil the undergrad entry requirements, but I'm looking at other alternatives like bridging courses, etc. I've been speaking with Monash, UNSW and ANU. My case is unique in that I didn't finish year 11 and 12 as I decided to leave high school to pursue entrepreneurship, so I can't even get into a Foundation Year Program without a year 11 certificate. I'm hoping GoStudyAustralia can assist with options for me to secure a pathway into the undergrad honours program I'm interested in pursuing. Keeping my fingers crossed for now!

[@WeirdlyWonderfulASMR]

21:22 or ideally, you could carry a weather-resistant notebook wherever you go, capturing the thoughts as they come - I’m talking to myself. This was super helpful Robin, much appreciated. I’ve honestly been avoiding starting my capstone, and watching this gave me the slightest first step into the process~ P.S.: I’d be super interested in your rants about how the world’s hostile against conceptual thinkers who seek to better it.

[@2ngel2v]

I am writing my monograph for my bachelor's degree in literature and these tips definitely comfort my way. Thank you!

[@Das_Akash_X]

I'm currently doing my masters and at my university we have to write 4 2500 word research papers through out our whole 2 year course

[@jameshopkins7507]

Thank you for your considered thoughts on this topic. I am in the process of writing a long essay that has been stalling inexplicably. Your insights have really helped. Thanks.

[@laratahm8124]

amazing video, thank youu!

[@iyousef46]

Well, since you asked... I am attempting to write a piece of fiction set in a certain historical fiction, and the primary challenge, up until now, has been the manner in which I should tackle my research-setting priorities, how much note taking is reasonable, whether I should summarise result in essays, even though that's not the end in itself, etc. Fortunately, I am not shackled by BIG ACADEMIA yet, so I can take my time; but that's also a problem, since I tend to slack off or get distracted.

[@thewildaly]

I finished my thesis but I struggled so much with it. I love writing but ended up disliking the rigidity of academic writing.

[@RCWaldun]

It’s like learning an entirely different system of writing and I entirely get you.

[@jamespotts8197]

Even though I'm not attending university, as of yet, I'm planning on this event to be brought to fruition soon enough, I feel as if I must thank you for what may be, unwittingly not known, the fact that there are other humans in this realm of reality who also enjoy literature, writing as intensely & as much as I do, causes me to feel far less strange as well "out of sink", than with the rest of the world. So having a kindred spirit, allows me to be inspired with a surge of energy to continue my pursuits without abandon. Wholeheartedly with just a touch of the required recklessness needed, to out shine any quotidian levels of dedication far easier than thought possible. With this in mind I thank you.

[@immanuel_0697]

This will definitely be useful as some point. Thanks

[@Simon-vt1zp]

This video is presumptuous. It presumes anyone would care, or be interested.

[@himeshwarirathore444]

Thanks ❤

[@jasminegold6890]

Wonderful video! I'm kinda afraid to even write one but it's a challenging pursuit

[@RCWaldun]

It’s the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had this year. :)

[@jasminegold6890]

@@RCWaldun Good to know

[@shaaronego8227]

Omg the way you talk and explain everything is incredible 👏👏☺️any tips on how to learn to talk like you?

[@timothybai-nielsen7728]

Read. Also annunciate each word; exaggerate the pronunciation and get comfortable with widening your mouth for more clarity. Try audio journaling. I've yet to do this but I believe this can improve your articulation. The root of all of it all to speak with persuasion and confidence is to drop the fear. Once you do that, you'll be a much better communicator.

[@raadwaaa]

this came just in time

[@meirad20]

I just started doing incremental writing and it is amazing for reigning in adhd.

[@MatthewSmith-qd6du]

Got my exams at unimelb this semester and it’s defs stressful, doing a 1500 word essay is defs easier than 15,000 😅

[@RCWaldun]

Wrapping up my final 5k coursework essay now. May the force be with you.

[@VieannaRutty]

I'm in my masters right now and I feel so lost. There are many topics that I find valuable, especially regarding my own experiences and observations, yet I cannot seem to decide. Did you have this same struggle?

[@lucisomething9967]

I'm working on my term paper and although it is significantly better than last year because this time I have a good adviser it's overwhelming to do while exams are also happening and I'm behind on my term paper schedule. However, I really need to do better on this task this year, so I'm fighting with myself mentally to get back to it even after wanting to give up. Academy is hard :(

[@RCWaldun]

Hang in there! Realize that the process itself will grow you into a better thinker, not the end result, and be kind to yourself!

[@lucisomething9967]

@@RCWaldun Thank you

[@Animotionpictures511]

Hey Robin! I'm a philosophy student in Mexico and I'm on the thesis process too. Would be great if, when finished, you could share yours with us :D

[@mraleck3106]

happy day guys...

[@Manuel421]

Recently I've been getting back into reading so I really appreciate your videos as I'm also new to your channel in general. My main focus right now is Stoic Philosophy and Popular Math not only to expand my knowledge on both subjects but to also help me cope with stress and anxiety. When I was in College which now feels like so long ago lol I took a Philosophy course and truly enjoyed it so are there any books you can recommend for that journey? As I stated before at the moment I'm focused only on the Ancient Stoics. So far I have Discourses along with The Enchiridion by Epictetus, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, and a collection of Senecas most famous essays that include On The Shortness of Life, On Anger, etc...In the future I'm hoping to add Hardship and Happiness. I know Letters is highly praised but for now I believe that this is quite a good start. Anyway apologies for the long comment.

[@ladyoftheflowers9781]

Where are you planning to apply for graduate programs? Planning to venture abroad?

[@LaLunaAngel]

Thanks for the great video Robin! I'll be writing my bachelor's thesis in philosophy next semester and am a little bit scared. Still, I feel like the hardest part is to find a good research topic. I've got so many ideas that I want to write about but then I find myself questioning whether they're even suitable for an argumentative research thesis and whether they're too broad or narrow, and so on. So for me the biggest struggle is where to start? I already have a professor in mind I want to ask to be my supervisor, but again, I want to approach him only once I have a rough topic or at least direction I want to go into. Do you have any tipps or words of encouragement for such a situation? Thanks in advance and best regards!

[@RCWaldun]

What you’re going through perfectly normal. I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to write about until 6 months after I started my thesis writing period. If your supervisor is solid, then they’ll definitely factor in shifts in research focus and having a rough idea is more than enough at this stage. Another thing: supervisors are there to mentor you, not for you to please. And I think this is the biggest mindset shift when we advance from undergrad coursework to graduate research: now it’s your turn to focus on something you’re passionate about instead of conforming to a determined rubric. Best of luck and remember to have fun during the process! :)

[@Quip_gdb]

I recently wrote my honours thesis too on a new theory involving Althusser and durkheim. What are the guidelines for your thesis?

[@sarapeine6785]

Personally, I feel like writing a thesis (or any sort of academic work) is difficult enough on its own, but I personally feel there is just so much preassure on top of it if you plan to stay in academia; getting a job in the faculty, do speeches on conferences, get additional certificate and you are still only left with only a slight chance to pursue a career in that field - because, frankly, a great thesis just does not seem like its enough. Take good care of y'all, academia is tough.

[@RichardShortland-Neal]

I would love to know what apps you used to organise your references and citations.

[@thewildaly]

I used Scribbr late in my MA career. I highly recommend it. Check it under “citation tools”. I have different lists for each class like “syntax paper”, Brazilian creole”, “MA research” and so on and so forth. It’s very good.

[@shanzaez1675]

In what world is an honours thesis 1500 words? I'm in undergrad and my honours thesis is 5000 words😭😭😭😭😭

[@mariamaman]

It’s 15000