The conclusion section puts the major findings of the report into a larger context by reflecting on the purpose of the thesis. It is also useful to indicate other conclusions that can be drawn from the report. It is therefore one of the most read sections of the thesis. For many investigative projects, it is also common for conclusions to end on recommendations for action or future work.

Contents

• Reflect on the purpose of the thesis
• Summarise the key information
• Comment on the analysis
• Comment on the implications and consequences

The conclusion should not:

• introduce / discuss new ideas / material

See here for some commented example conclusions from computer science (the same ones discussed in introductions): Conclusion 1: Cloud service analysis

 

Tips Think about the following questions: What is the main message of your thesis? Your conclusion should make this clear What other conclusions can be drawn? Are there obvious future steps which your research could take? For useful phrases to use in writing conclusions, click here for the University of Manchester’s Academic Phrasebank.