Master of Wine study plan

Define a defensible research question for the Dissertation/Research Paper that is narrow enough to complete within the exam cycle and anchored in a testable hypothesis.

Draft a one-page research proposal covering rationale, scope, methodology, and expected contribution to the field.

Compile an annotated bibliography of 15 peer-reviewed sources, noting each source's methodology and relevance.

Map the dissertation's chapter structure against the exam's assessment criteria to identify required evidence.

Refine the research methodology, selecting qualitative, quantitative, or mixed approaches justified by the research question.

Identify and document data sources, sampling strategy, and any ethical approvals required.

Draft the literature review outline with thematic groupings and identified research gaps.

Establish a reference management system and citation style consistent with institutional requirements.

Write the full literature review, synthesizing sources into a coherent argument rather than a summary list.

Articulate the research gap explicitly and connect it to the proposed methodology.

Conduct a preliminary data collection or pilot exercise to test feasibility.

Log emerging findings and adjust the research design where the pilot reveals weaknesses.

Complete primary data collection or archival research according to the approved methodology.

Organize raw data into a structured dataset or coding framework ready for analysis.

Begin the analysis chapter, interpreting results against the research question.

Draft the discussion section linking findings back to the literature.

Finalize the discussion and conclusions chapters, addressing limitations and implications.

Verify every factual claim and citation against primary sources.

Produce a full first draft of the entire dissertation with consistent formatting.

Self-assess the draft against the marking rubric and log gaps.

Incorporate supervisor feedback into a revised draft, tracking every change in a response log.

Tighten the argument by removing redundancy and strengthening transitions between chapters.

Check all tables, figures, and appendices for accuracy and consistent numbering.

Confirm word count compliance and formatting requirements.

Proofread the full document for grammar, spelling, and citation consistency.

Prepare a concise abstract and executive summary that state findings and contribution.

Rehearse a 10-minute oral defense presentation summarizing methodology and conclusions.

Anticipate likely examiner questions and prepare evidence-backed answers.

Submit the final dissertation after a last integrity and plagiarism check.

Conduct a final mock defense with a peer or mentor and refine weak responses.

Compile a reference sheet of key sources and data points for quick recall during the defense.

Review the assessment criteria one final time to confirm every requirement is met.