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Dissertation writing can sometimes seem as if you’re ascending a mountain, and getting that first step out of the way—writing your introduction—seems the most daunting. Whether you’re doing it by yourself or with law dissertation writers, getting your introduction right is imperative. Your research’s first impression, essentially, so you want it to be powerful, concise, and impossible to neglect. But exactly how to write dissertation introduction that stands out from the crowd? What essential elements should it include? And how long should it really be?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about what to include in a quality dissertation introduction, complete with an introduction to dissertation example and practical tips to make yours shine. By the end, you’ll have all the tools to craft an opening that hooks your readers and sets the stage for your entire research project.
Why the Introduction in a Dissertation Matters
The introduction of a dissertation is your first impression. It tells your reader what the research is about, why it matters, and how you are going to explore your chosen subject. It isn’t a formality; it’s your sales pitch to keep your readers reading.
“What should a dissertation introduction include?” is a question that many students have. Or “What to include in the introduction of a dissertation?” Depending on your field, the answer isn’t always clear-cut, but the general idea is always the same: engage your reader with your work.
You need to think of it like opening statements in a court case—it frames your argument, presents your case, and makes the reader want to keep listening (or reading). The introduction in a dissertation isn’t just a formality—it’s the foundation of your entire work. A well-crafted introduction:
1. Immediately captures your reader’s interest
2. Clearly explains why your research matters
3. Sets the boundaries of your study
4. Outlines your key questions and objectives
5. Provides a roadmap for what’s to come
If you’re stuck wondering what to write in introduction of dissertation, don’t worry. We’re about to break it down into manageable, actionable steps that will transform that blank page into a compelling opening chapter.
The Perfect Dissertation Introduction Structure
Understanding how to write introduction in dissertation starts with mastering its structure. Here’s the proven framework that works for virtually any discipline:
Start with a Killer Hook (Seriously, Make It Count)
Your opening lines need to grab your reader by the collar and say, “Pay attention!” Some powerful options:
1. A startling statistic (“Every year, cybercrime costs global businesses over $1 trillion…”)
2. A provocative question (“What if our current legal system is completely unprepared for AI-driven crimes?”)
3. A compelling anecdote or real-world example
4. A bold statement that challenges conventional wisdom
For example, in a law dissertation:
“When the European Court of Justice ruled against Facebook in 2023, it exposed a fundamental flaw in international data protection laws—one that affects every internet user worldwide.”
Provide Just Enough Background Context
This is where you answer, “Why does this proper research matter?” Well, your dissertation introduction should cover the broader academic conversation, key theories or legal frameworks, current gaps in knowledge, and why now? (What makes this timely?) And keep it focused—save the deep dive for your literature review.
Clearly Define Your Research Problem
This is the heart of your introduction of a dissertation. Be specific:
- Weak: “This dissertation looks at privacy laws.”
- Strong: “This research identifies three specific loopholes in GDPR enforcement that allow tech giants to circumvent user privacy protections.”
State Your Research Questions and Objectives
List 3-5 central questions your study answers. They should be:
1. Clear and concise
2. Directly tied to your problem
3. Researchable within your scope
4. Important to your field
Here are some examples of a legal dissertation:
1. How do current extradition treaties fail to address cybercrime jurisdiction?
2. What legislative changes would most effectively close these gaps?
3. What can we learn from countries successfully prosecuting cross-border cybercrimes?
Explain Your Study’s Significance
Answer the “so what?” question by highlighting theoretical contributions, practical applications, policy implications, and benefits to future research.
Outline Your Dissertation Structure
Briefly summarise each chapter (1-2 sentences each). This helps readers navigate your work.
What Should a Dissertation Introduction Include? A Checklist
Still wondering what should the introduction of a dissertation include? Here’s your cheat sheet:
Attention-grabbing opening
Concise background context
Clearly defined research problem
Specific research questions/objectives
Strong justification for the study
Brief chapter overview
Dissertation Introduction Example That Works
A Real-World Sample Introduction
To truly master how to write a good introduction for a dissertation, let’s examine a concrete example of dissertation introduction from international law. This sample demonstrates all the key elements we’ve discussed in action.
The Attention-Grabbing Opening
In 2022 alone, Interpol reported a 600% rise in cryptocurrency-based financial crimes but only fewer than 2% of them saw successful prosecutions. The gap in enforcement reflects a fundamental failure of how legal systems respond to crimes involving digital assets—a failure with tangible consequences for victims and market stability both.
Notice how this:
Starts with a startling statistic
Immediately establishes the research problem
Connects to real-world impact
Establishing Context and Gap
While blockchain technology has revolutionized global finance, regulatory frameworks remain stuck in analogue paradigms. Existing literature (Smith, 2020; Chen & Patel, 2021) has thoroughly documented technical aspects of cryptocurrency, but few studies examine why legal systems consistently fail to prosecute these crimes effectively.
This section:
Provides necessary background
Identifies the specific research gap
Shows awareness of existing scholarship
Defining the Research Focus
This dissertation investigates three specific enforcement barriers: (1) jurisdictional conflicts in cross-border cases, (2) the ‘knowledge gap’ between legal professionals and blockchain technology, and (3) the inadequacy of current evidentiary standards for digital assets.”
Key features:
Clearly states the research scope
Breaks down the problem into specific aspects
Uses numbered points for clarity
Research Questions and Significance
The study addresses three central questions: First, what structural aspects of cryptocurrency create unique enforcement challenges? Second, how do current legal frameworks inadvertently enable criminal activity? Third, what lessons can be drawn from jurisdictions with relatively successful prosecution rates?
These findings will contribute both to academic debates about technology regulation and provide actionable recommendations for policymakers. With over 300 million crypto users worldwide, the stakes for effective regulation have never been higher.
This part:
Presents focused research questions
Explicitly states the study’s value
Connects to real-world relevance
Structural Overview
Chapter 2 reviews existing literature on crypto regulation. Chapter 3 details the methodological approach. Chapter 4 presents case studies of successful and failed prosecutions. Chapter 5 analyses jurisdictional challenges, while Chapter 6 proposes a model regulatory framework.
The conclusion:
Provides a clear roadmap
Shows logical progression
Keeps it brief but informative
This dissertation intro example shows how to successfully include all necessary components while preserving readability and flow. Each component naturally builds on the one before it to create a smooth introduction that draws the reader in and provides information.
How to Write an Introduction for Dissertation: Pro Tips
Word Count Guidance
The ideal word count for a frequently asked question “how many words should a dissertation introduction should be” is usually 8–10% of the overall length, or 1,200–1,500 words for a write dissertation that is 15,000 words long.
Write It Early, Polish It Last
Draft your introduction early to clarify your focus, but expect to revise it repeatedly as your research evolves.
Balance Academic Rigour with Readability
Avoid dense jargon—make complex ideas accessible without oversimplifying.
Ensure Logical Flow
Each section should naturally lead to the next. Use transition phrases like “Given this gap…” or “To address these questions…”
Get Feedback Early
Share drafts with advisors to ensure your write my introduction effectively sets up your research.
Common Dissertation Introduction Mistakes to Avoid
The “Kitchen Sink” Approach
Trying to include everything results in a vague, unfocused introduction. Stay tightly targeted on your specific research problem.
Overpromising
Avoid claims like “This study will solve all problems with…” Be precise about what you will and won’t cover.
Weak Transitions
Jumping abruptly from background to questions to methodology confuses readers. Use clear signposting.
Forgetting Your Audience
Remember who will read this—typically academics who know the field but not your specific angle.
Dissertation Introduction Template for Quick Reference
For those who prefer a dissertation introduction template, here’s a quick outline:
Hook: [Startling fact/question/quote]
Context: [Brief background showing why this matters]
Problem: [Specific gap your research addresses]
Questions: [3-5 central research questions]
Significance: [Why these answers matters]
Structure: [Brief chapter-by-chapter overview]
Final Checklist Before Submission
Before finalising your dissertation introduction, ask:
Does my opening immediately grab attention?
Is the research problem crystal clear?
Are my questions specific and researchable?
Have I shown why this matters?
Is the structure logically organised?
Have I maintained an academic tone without being dry?
Wrapping Up
Mastering how to write a dissertation introduction sets the tone for your entire research journey. Remember—this isn’t just about checking boxes. Your introduction should excite readers about your work while clearly outlining what’s to come.
For those who require extra support, professional law dissertation writers can help you find a way to structure and perfect your introduction. However, with this guide’s framework and examples, you now have the wherewithal to pen an introduction doing justice to your important research.