Corrections, Clarity, and Confidence: Reflecting on My MA by Research Dissertation

Corrections, Clarity, and Confidence: Reflecting on My MA by Research Dissertation

When I first submitted my Master of Arts by Research dissertation, I felt a mix of relief and nervous anticipation. The research had consumed so much of my time and energy, exploring costume history, curatorial practice, and the threads that connect people to objects. I was proud of the work, but I also knew it wasn’t perfect.

Now, having completed the corrections, I realise just how much I’ve grown, not just as a researcher, but as a writer.

The Word Count War

One of the biggest challenges was reducing the word count. I’ve never been one for brevity, especially when the subject matter is rich and layered. But trimming the excess was necessary. I had to ask myself hard questions: Does this really add to the argument? Is this repetition or reinforcement?

It was painful at times, like cutting away parts of myself, but also strangely satisfying. I learned how to be more concise without losing meaning, how to trust the reader to follow my argument without over-explaining.

Spotting the Silly (and the Surprising)

As I worked through the corrections, I found unfinished sentences that trailed off mid-thought. I stared at them, wondering how I’d missed them the first time. I also came across entire sections that now seemed irrelevant material; I must have included them in a moment of panic or over-enthusiasm. Why did I think that belonged there? I genuinely couldn’t remember.

These discoveries were humbling but also encouraging. They showed me how far I’ve come. My writing style has evolved significantly in just a year. I’m more confident now, more focused. I understand my own habits—both the good and the not-so-good and I know how to shape my work with greater clarity.

Looking Ahead

Completing corrections wasn’t just about fixing mistakes. It was about refining my voice, sharpening my thinking, and preparing myself for the next stage: my PhD at the University of Hull. I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead. This process has taught me how to balance depth with precision, how to write with purpose, and how to let go of what no longer serves the argument.

I’ve learned that good writing isn’t just about saying everything; it’s about telling the right things in the right way.

Final Thoughts

If you’re facing corrections, don’t see them as a setback. They’re a chance to revisit your work with fresh eyes, to polish and perfect, and to see how much you’ve grown. For me, they’ve been a bridge between the researcher I was and the one I’m becoming.

And now, with my final version ready to submit, I feel proud, not just of the dissertation, but of the journey it represents.