Writing a dissertation is a complex and lengthy process, during which researchers often face various unforeseen circumstances. One of these situations is the need to change the research topic. At this stage, it is important to carefully justify the reasons for the change and follow the established procedure. In this article, we will review the process of changing the topic, as well as the main reasons that may lead to this.
Common reasons for changing a dissertation topic
It is worth noting that the reasons for changing the research topic are individual and depend on the specific circumstances of the researcher. The most common ones are:
1. Changes in research priorities
If scientific trends or interests change during the research process, it may be necessary to reorient the research topic to new, more relevant issues in science.
2. Lack of research materials
There are cases when, when in the process of working on a dissertation, it turns out that access to the necessary sources or materials is limited or impossible. In this case, changing the research topic becomes a necessary measure.
3. Irrelevance of the topic
Some topics that seemed important at the beginning of the research may lose their relevance due to the rapid development of scientific fields. If you want to learn more about how to choose the right topic for your dissertation, read our article on this topic.
4. The need for changes in scientific methodology
In the course of research, a researcher may face the need to update the methodology. This happens when new methods or technologies emerge that allow for a deeper study of a topic. Such changes may require a change in the dissertation topic.
The procedure for changing the topic of dissertation research
The Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 502 states that the change of the topic of a dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Science is approved by the Academic Council of the institution or the Academic Council of the relevant structural unit after discussion by the department, department or laboratory.
Based on the analysis of the guidelines of a number of Ukrainian universities on changing dissertation research topics, we have outlined the following key stages of this process:
- Justification of the need to change the topic. The applicant must prepare a written justification for the reasons for changing the research topic.
- Coordination with the supervisor. The next stage is to agree the justification with the supervisor and obtain his/her written consent to change the topic.
- Consideration at a meeting of the department. The new topic is discussed at a meeting of the department to which the applicant is assigned. It, in turn, provides a recommendation for changing the topic.
- Meeting of the Academic Council of the Faculty. In case of approval of the change of the research topic at the meeting of the department, the issue is submitted to the Academic Council of the Faculty.
- Approval by the Academic Council of the University. The final decision to change the topic is made by the Academic Council of the higher education institution.
- Issuance of the order. Based on the decision of the Academic Council, an order is issued to change the topic of the dissertation. After that, the applicant must make an entry in his or her individual plan, indicating the number of the protocol and the date of the meeting of the Academic Council of the University where this decision was made.
Changing the dissertation topic and scientific publications
When changing the topic of the dissertation, it is important to consider the consequences that this may have on the applicant's scientific publications. The presence of published articles on the topic of the dissertation in journals indexed by Scopus or Web of Science databases is one of the mandatory requirements for admission to the defence of the work.
In addition, the applicant must submit articles published in journals ranked in the first or second quartile (Q1, Q2) according to the SCImago Journal and Country Rank or Journal Citation Reports classification or in professional journals of Ukraine (or other countries, except for the state recognised by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine as an aggressor state).
After changing the topic of the dissertation, it is necessary to analyse previously published articles. If they do not correspond to the new direction of research, the applicant will have to supplement his or her scientific work with new publications that will be directly related to the new topic of the dissertation.
To learn more about all the requirements necessary for the successful defence of a dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Science, read our articles.
Changing a dissertation topic is a complex but doable process that requires careful planning and compliance with all requirements. With the right justification and clear implementation of the necessary procedures, the applicant will be able to successfully implement these changes and continue working on the research in a new direction.
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