Dissertation structures and formats vary depending on the educational institution, but there are some general guidelines that all dissertations must adhere to.
In this article, we will outline the basic structure of a dissertation and provide tips for formatting your document correctly.
We will also discuss how to create an effective title page and table of contents. Let’s get started!
What is a Dissertation, and What is its Purpose?
A dissertation is a lengthy, formal document that students submit to earn an advanced degree such as a Master’s or Doctoral degree.
The purpose of a dissertation is to demonstrate the student’s mastery of the subject matter and their ability to conduct independent research.
A dissertation typically includes original research results, a thorough analysis of those results, and a conclusion section that offers insights and recommendations.
The structure of a dissertation can vary depending on the educational institution, but there are some general guidelines that all dissertations must adhere to.
Different Sections of a Dissertation
In most cases, a dissertation will have the following sections: an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion/analysis, and conclusion.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these sections:
Introduction
The introduction should provide a brief overview of the topic and state the purpose of the dissertation. It should also include a statement of the research question or problem that will be addressed in the study.
Literature Review
The literature review should summarize previous research on the topic and identify any gaps in the literature that the current study will address.
Methodology
The methodology section should describe the research methods used in the study, including how data was collected and analyzed.
Results
The results section should present the findings of the study in a clear and concise manner.
Discussion/Analysis
The discussion/analysis section should interpret the results of the study and offer insights and recommendations.
Conclusion
The conclusion should summarize the findings of the study and state the implications of those findings.
In addition to these sections, a dissertation may also include an abstract, table of contents, acknowledgments, and/or appendices.
Table of Contents: The table of contents should list all the sections and subsections of the dissertation, as well as the page numbers on which they can be found.
Abstract: The abstract is a brief summary of the dissertation that provides a snapshot of the main findings and conclusions.
Acknowledgments: The acknowledgments section is where you thank those who helped you with your research or assisted you in writing the dissertation.
Appendices: The appendices section includes any supplemental material that is relevant to the dissertation, such as charts, graphs, tables, questionnaires, interview transcripts, etc.
Now that you know the different sections that make up a dissertation let’s take a closer look at how to format each one correctly.
How to Format your Dissertation
The following are the steps on how to format your dissertation:
Step One: Margins
-Your margins should be one inch all around.
Step Two: Fonts and Spacing
-Use a standard font such as Times New Roman or Arial, in size 12 points.
-Space your text at least one inch all around.
-Single space the text within paragraphs, but double space between paragraphs.
Step Three: Pagination
-Page numbering should be in the upper right-hand corner of each page, beginning with page one.
-Number pages consecutively throughout the dissertation, including front matter and appendices.
Step Four: Headings and Subheadings
-Headings and subheadings should be formatted in accordance with the level of heading.
-There should be only one level of headings per document.
-Heading levels are designated by Roman numerals (I, II, III, etc.), followed by a period.
-Subheadings are designated by Arabic numerals (i, ii, iii, etc.), followed by a period.
-Headings and subheadings should be flush left, with subsequent lines indented five spaces.
Step Five: Table of Contents
-The table of contents should list the headings and subheadings in their proper order, along with the page numbers on which they appear.
-The table of contents should be placed after the front matter and before the body of the dissertation.
Step Six: Citations
-Citations should follow The Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition) or the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (sixth edition).
-In-text citations should include the author’s last name and the date of publication.
-For multiple authors, list all names in the order they appear in the source.
-Sources cited within tables and figures should be listed in a separate table or figure caption and referenced within the text.
Step Seven: Appendices
-Appendices should be placed after the body of the dissertation and before the references.
-Each appendix should be labeled with a letter (A, B, C, etc.), followed by a period.
-Include an appendix title page that lists the title of the appendix and its corresponding letter.
Step Eight: References
-References should be placed at the end of the dissertation, following the appendices.
-References should be listed in alphabetical order by author’s last name.
-Do not include works that are not cited within the text of the dissertation.
Step Nine: Binding and Submission
-Once your dissertation is complete, it should be bound in accordance with the guidelines of your institution.
-Submit two copies of your dissertation to your advisor and the office responsible for degree conferral.
Tips for Ensuring your Dissertation is of the Highest Quality
- Make sure you have a strong understanding of the topic matter. If you are unsure about something, do not be afraid to ask your supervisor for help.
- Start writing early and give yourself plenty of time to revise. Rushing through the final stages of your dissertation will only lead to poor quality work.
- Ensure that the topic of your dissertation is well-researched. Spend time learning about other authors’ work, discuss ideas with others and use good quality paper to ensure that the information you are sharing is accurate.
- Before submitting for examination, make sure all dissertation sections are complete, including an abstract, literature review, methodology, and reference list.
- Follow guidelines set by your supervisor or university, such as format and font size, to ensure that the dissertation is of high quality.
- Don’t underestimate the importance of presentation, both in content and visual appearance. Make sure you use language suitable for academic writing and avoid spelling mistakes. Ensure diagrams are unambiguous and that tables are arranged logically.
- Make use of a spell checker and a thesaurus to improve your written English. Read through your dissertation slowly and carefully to make sure you have not made any mistakes – do this as many times as necessary until you are confident with the finished product.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Dissertation
Avoid the following when writing your dissertation:
- Do not simply re-arrange existing information into a new format. Make sure you have critically analyzed other people’s work, making your own opinions explicit throughout.
- Do not write in first person, use passive voice or engage in unnecessary self-praise (e.g. ‘I conducted the research, personally collecting all data.’).
- Do not cite references in the body of your dissertation unless you are using direct quotes or referring to specific information. The reference list should only contain works that you have cited within the text.
- Avoid making subjective statements (e.g. ‘This paper is interesting’). Use language that clearly expresses your opinion (e.g. ‘This paper provides an interesting analysis of…).
- Make sure the thesis structure is logical and that you have used good paragraph construction to make your points clear.
- Do not assume your supervisor knows anything about your topic, explain all points clearly.
Conclusion
The dissertation is an important milestone in any academic career, and getting it right the first time is crucial. By following the guidelines in this guide, you can structure and format your dissertation to reflect the high standards of your discipline. We wish you the best of luck as you embark on this challenging but rewarding journey!
