Hi All

I am currently at the stage of choosing my Masters dissertation topic and am wondering if I should be worrying as much as I am about the impact my selection may have on my chances in a PhD selection process.
Basically I have spotted a very attractive studentship at a DTC which I will apply for when the process opens. At my current university we were offered the chance to do industry based projects for our dissertation, one of which involved assessing micro-renewable and energy demand reduction potential at a new build community building. This, I feel, would have looked excellent on my application to the DTC but I wasn't successful in getting that project.
Now I am really worried that my application to the DTC will be mortally damaged unless I do a dissertation on a similar topic, as I am sure the application process will be very competitive.
Am I over reacting, or does the choice of Masters dissertation topic have a big bearing on PhD applications?

Thanks

Nick