Find the Right Level of Support for Your Dissertation Journey
I understand that every student’s needs are different. That’s why I offer support ranging from R450/hour for flexible, ad hoc assistance to five comprehensive packages that provide structured mentorship throughout your dissertation. For those preparing for their final defence, I also offer a dedicated presentation preparation service.
To help you make the best choice, I invite you to book a free 15-minute consultation—by phone or video call. We’ll discuss your current progress, challenges, and goals, and I’ll recommend the most suitable package for your situation. This is a no-pressure conversation designed to give you clarity and confidence before you make any commitment.
Package 1
Research Kickstarter
R900
Best for students who need quick clarity or a confidence boost
You have an idea, but you’re not sure where to start – or you feel stuck after a supervisor’s comment. This package gives you a focused, one‑off session to get moving again.
What’s included:
- A brief pre‑session message to understand your current challenge (e.g., research idea, problem statement, methodology test, or chapter outline)
- A 60–90 minute live video call (Zoom/Teams) where we map out your next steps
- After the call, you receive a short written summary with actionable recommendations
Ideal for:
- Refining a research idea before writing a proposal
- Preparing for the Research Methodology Test
- Understanding what goes into Chapter 1 or 2
- Overcoming writer’s block or supervisor feedback you don’t fully understand
Your time, respected: No live editing. I review your materials beforehand so our call is purely strategic.
Package 2
Proposal Pro
R4250
From research idea to an approved proposal
The proposal is the foundation of your entire dissertation. Get it right with guided, asynchronous support that mirrors how I work with my Stellenbosch students.
What’s included:
- Everything from the Research Kickstarter (strategy call + summary)
- 3 rounds of written feedback on your full research proposal document
- Each round: I review your Word document using tracked changes, margin comments, and suggestions – exactly as I do for my university tutoring
- After each round, we schedule a 30‑minute follow‑up call to discuss my feedback and your revisions
- A final “readiness check” before you submit to your supervisor or ethics committee
Deliverables aligned with the MEM study guide: Research Proposal (10% of module mark) and ethics application preparation.
Package 3
R5250
Deep support through Chapters 1–5 and your data analysis
Once your proposal is approved, the real work begins. This package is for students actively writing chapters, collecting data, or analysing results.
What’s included:
- 4 rounds of in‑depth, asynchronous feedback on your dissertation chapters (Chapters 1 through 5)
- For each round: detailed tracked‑change edits, structural comments, and specific suggestions for improvement
- A 30‑minute video call after each round to clarify feedback and answer questions
- Dedicated review of your data analysis plan (quantitative or qualitative) and the write‑up of your findings
Typical use cases:
- Literature review (Chapter 2) organisation and argument flow
- Methodology chapter (Chapter 3) – justifying your design
- Results & discussion (Chapters 4–5) – turning data into a coherent narrative
No live editing: You send your document, I review it on my own time, and we meet after. This is how proper academic feedback works.
Package 4
R3500
Polish your report, article, and presentation for submission
You have a full draft – now make it shine. This package focuses on the endgame: the final report, the research article, and the recorded presentation.
What’s included:
- 2 rounds of high‑level review of your complete Research Assignment Report – focusing on argument consistency, flow, and alignment with your research questions
- 1 round of structural editing of your research article (7,000–10,000 words) – not copy‑editing, but ensuring it reads as a stand‑alone summary of your study
- 1 round of feedback on your recorded presentation script and slides (PowerPoint template) – including tips for a natural delivery, not reading a script
Directly supports: Final Report (50%), Article (20%), and Presentation (10%) – exactly the high‑weighting deliverables in most masters degrees.
Package 5
R11 740
Complete, year‑long mentorship from first idea to final submission
This is the package for students who want peace of mind. You get everything from Packages 1–4, plus ongoing priority support. I become your dedicated coach for the entire research year.
What’s included:
- All services from Kickstarter, Proposal Pro, Writing & Analysis Wingman, and Final Stretch Finish Line
- Unlimited email support (reasonable use – typically 2–3 emails per week, answered within 24–48 hours)
- Quarterly “big picture” calls (45 minutes) to review progress, manage timelines, and troubleshoot any issues with your supervisor or ethics clearance
- Priority scheduling – you skip the waitlist
- A final mock oral presentation session (30 minutes) before you record your symposium video
Ideal for: Students who want a single, predictable fee for the entire year and prefer regular, low‑friction contact with a coach who knows their work inside out.
How we work: You send chapters, I return them with tracked changes and comments. We meet online every 2–4 weeks. No live editing – just expert, thoughtful feedback.
Ad‑Hoc Hourly Support
R450 / hour
For small, one‑off tasks
Not ready for a package? You only need help with a single page, a statistical question, or a 20‑minute confidence check. This one is for you.
Typical uses:
- Review a few tables or figures for interpretation
- Help phrasing a few tricky paragraphs
- Clarifying a supervisor’s comment
- Rehearsing a presentation segment
How it works: Send me the specific questions or short document before the call. We meet for up to 60 minutes. No hidden minimum.
Add‑On: Presentation Prep (Standalone)
R900
Perfect for the masters Virtual Research Symposium
You’ve written the report – now you need to record a 20‑minute presentation that looks professional and natural. This add‑on can be bought alone or added to any package.
What’s included:
- Review of your presentation script (to avoid “reading”)
- Feedback on your slide design (using the prescribed template)
- A 30‑minute mock Q&A session where I play the role of an examiner
Result: You record with confidence, your face and voice are clear, and your presentation meets the module’s expectations.