Dissertation Formatting Tips
Posted on February 3, 2007
A dissertation has to be formatted. It means that your writing has to fit into some structure that meets academic requirements. Note that different universities prefer using different styles – APA citation style, MLA citation style, Harvard citation style. Some of them have designed their own citation and formatting styles. The dissertation formatting guidelines presented in this article are the basic requisites of writing that have to be taken into consideration. The rest is up to your supervisors.
1. How to Format a Dissertation. The Title Page
Definition:
The title page is the front page of your paper.
General guidelines:
- The title page includes:
- the name of the university;
- the title of your dissertation;
- your name;
- submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a degree of (state your degree) in (your major);
- state the year.
Our tips on formatting a dissertation:
- Ask your supervisor what are the requirements for margins, spacing, and other technical information.
- The part for degree and major can be stated differently. Check, what your university is looking for.
- Do not number the title page
2. How to Format a Dissertation. Acknowledgements
Definition:
The acknowledgements page is used to thank those who have helped the student in obtaining the graduate degree.
General guidelines:
- a personal statement about the project may be included in the acknowledgments page;
- the tone of an acknowledgments page must be academic and appropriate to a scholarly work;
- month and year of submission to the supervising committee should be included at the bottom of the acknowledgments page.
Our tips on formatting a dissertation:
- On this page, you may also list permissions to quote copyrighted material.
3. How to Format a Dissertation. Dedication Page
- If you want to dedicate the written dissertation to an individual or group of people, this is the appropriate place to do so. The text of the dedication page should not exceed two or three paragraphs.
4. How to Format a Dissertation. Contents Page
Definition:
This page shows a reader what topics your dissertation covers and gives basic impression about its content.
General guidelines:
- write headings and subheadings separately, one under another;
- write page numbers;
- dot the path from headings to page numbers.
Our tips on formatting a dissertations:
- The contents page has to provide the reader with a view of the materials cowered.
5. How to Format a Dissertation. List of Tables, Charts, and Figures
Definition:
If there are five or more tables, charts, and/or figures, this list must be included.
General guidelines:
- give separate listing for tables, charts, and figures;
- titles should differ;
- titles have to match with page numbers in a dissertation.
Our tips on formatting a dissertation:
- These are all listed on one page.
6. How to Format a Dissertation. List of Symbols and Abbreviations
Definition:
- Include this page if a dissertation contains symbols or abbreviations.
General guidelines:
- Give a description of used symbols and abbreviations.
Our tips on formatting a dissertation:
- These features can also be placed in Appendices.
7. How to Format a Dissertation. The Abstract
Definition:
The abstract is a summary of your dissertation. It has to be placed on a separate page.
General guidelines:
- don’t use headings;
- write a short statement about the area of investigation;
- give a brief discussion of the methods and procedures used when gathering data;
- acknowledge readers with the condensed summary of the findings;
- tell about a conclusion reached in the study.
Our tips on formatting a dissertation:
- Length is very important. Some universities ask for 200, others for 250 words. Find out your university’s requirements.
8. How to Format a Dissertation. The Introduction
Definition:
This is the lead into your dissertation.
General guidelines:
- include the topic;
- state the problem;
- provide a clear rationale for a hypothesis;
Our tips on formatting a dissertation:
- Write in a clear, concise manner.
9. How to Format a Dissertation. Literature Review
Definition:
Literature review is a summary of the analyzed information. It is stated as a discussion.
General guidelines:
- provide the text that you came up with;
- don’t make this part too long.
Our tips on formatting a dissertation:
- Make it clear when your group works for comparing/contrasting.
10. How to Format a Dissertation. Methodology
Definition:
The Methodology section can vary in length and content, depending on the initial requirements.
General guidelines:
- Include:
- subject population: explanation and definition of the person or thing being studied;
- data collection: explanation of data and the methods using which data was obtained;
- statistical analysis: explanation of data and the methods by which data was obtained.
Our tips on formatting a dissertation:
- Make an appropriate division, and correlate it with the page numbers given in the Contents page.
11. How to Format a Dissertation. Conclusion
Definition:
A conclusion draws a line by explaining what was researched, how it was researched, and what the results are.
General guidelines:
- Include:
- results: facts about your researches;
- discussion: analyze the results and facts in an attempt to judge the suggestions inherent in his or her findings;
- recommendations: indicate what work has to be done once you have analyzed your results.
Our tips on formatting a dissertation:
- Don’t give opinions in a results section.
12. How to Format a Dissertation. Bibliography
Definition:
Materials used when preparing a dissertation.
General guidelines:
- The arrangement is determined by the style requirements;
Our tips on formatting a dissertation:
- Use notes to keep track of sources.
13. How to Format a Dissertation. Appendices
Definition:
These are the materials that do not go into the main body, but that are still important in a dissertation writing.
General guidelines:
- Include:
- additional data that you want to give to your reader;
- if there is more than one, give letters A, B, C.
Our tips on formatting a dissertation:
- Do not include Appendices if there is no need in them.
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