Thesis and Dissertation Guide

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  • The Graduate School Home
  • Introduction
  • Copyright Page
  • Dedication, Acknowledgements, Preface (optional)
  • Table of Contents
  • List of Tables, Figures, and Illustrations
  • List of Abbreviations
  • List of Symbols
  • Non-Traditional Formats
  • Font Type and Size
  • Spacing and Indentation
  • Tables, Figures, and Illustrations
  • Formatting Previously Published Work
  • Internet Distribution
  • Open Access
  • Registering Copyright
  • Using Copyrighted Materials
  • Use of Your Own Previously Published Materials
  • Submission Steps
  • Submission Checklist

Sample Pages

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What’s Included: The Dissertation Template

If you’re preparing to write your dissertation, thesis or research project, our free dissertation template is the perfect starting point. In the template, we cover every section step by step, with clear, straightforward explanations and examples .

The template’s structure is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for formal academic research projects such as dissertations and theses. The template structure reflects the overall research process, ensuring your dissertation or thesis will have a smooth, logical flow from chapter to chapter.

The dissertation template covers the following core sections:

  • The title page/cover page
  • Abstract (sometimes also called the executive summary)
  • Table of contents
  • List of figures /list of tables
  • Chapter 1: Introduction  (also available: in-depth introduction template )
  • Chapter 2: Literature review  (also available: in-depth LR template )
  • Chapter 3: Methodology (also available: in-depth methodology template )
  • Chapter 4: Research findings /results (also available: results template )
  • Chapter 5: Discussion /analysis of findings (also available: discussion template )
  • Chapter 6: Conclusion (also available: in-depth conclusion template )
  • Reference list

Each section is explained in plain, straightforward language , followed by an overview of the key elements that you need to cover within each section. We’ve also included practical examples to help you understand exactly what’s required in each section.

The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX.

FAQs: Dissertation Template

What format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).

The dissertation template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

What types of dissertations/theses can this template be used for?

The template follows the standard best-practice structure for formal academic research projects such as dissertations or theses, so it is suitable for the vast majority of degrees, particularly those within the sciences.

Some universities may have some additional requirements, but these are typically minor, with the core structure remaining the same. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.

Will this work for a research paper?

A research paper follows a similar format, but there are a few differences. You can find our research paper template here .

Is this template for an undergrad, Masters or PhD-level thesis?

This template can be used for a dissertation, thesis or research project at any level of study. It may be slight overkill for an undergraduate-level study, but it certainly won’t be missing anything.

How long should my dissertation/thesis be?

This depends entirely on your university’s specific requirements, so it’s best to check with them. As a general ballpark, Masters-level projects are usually 15,000 – 20,000 words in length, while Doctoral-level projects are often in excess of 60,000 words.

What about the research proposal?

If you’re still working on your research proposal, we’ve got a template for that here .

We’ve also got loads of proposal-related guides and videos over on the Grad Coach blog .

How do I write a literature review?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack how to write a literature review from scratch. You can check out the literature review section of the blog here.

How do I create a research methodology?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack research methodology, both qualitative and quantitative. You can check out the methodology section of the blog here.

Can I share this dissertation template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template. If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, all we ask is that you reference this page as your source.

Can Grad Coach help me with my dissertation/thesis?

Within the template, you’ll find plain-language explanations of each section, which should give you a fair amount of guidance. However, you’re also welcome to consider our dissertation and thesis coaching services .

Free Webinar: Literature Review 101

IMAGES

  1. FREE 7+ Thesis Writing Samples & Templates in PDF

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  2. (PDF) FULL THESIS

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  3. 💋 What to include in a thesis. Thesis Statements: Definition and

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  5. 45 Perfect Thesis Statement Templates (+ Examples) ᐅ TemplateLab

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  6. (PDF) Successful thesis proposals in architecture and urban planning

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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

  1. PDF Sample Thesis Pages

    Sample Thesis/Dissertation Approval (TDA) Form Doctoral Students. Do not include the TDA in the PDF thesis file. Use of Adobe Reader to open and fill in the form is strongly recommended (form fields may not function as intended when used with a preview app). Title must match title found on title page. Include UIN . Degree must be correct

  2. PDF A Sample Research Paper/Thesis/Dissertation on Aspects of Elementary

    Theorem 1.2.1. A homogenous system of linear equations with more unknowns than equations always has infinitely many solutions. The definition of matrix multiplication requires that the number of columns of the first factor A be the same as the number of rows of the second factor B in order to form the product AB.

  3. Prize-Winning Thesis and Dissertation Examples

    Prize-Winning Thesis and Dissertation Examples. Published on September 9, 2022 by Tegan George.Revised on July 18, 2023. It can be difficult to know where to start when writing your thesis or dissertation.One way to come up with some ideas or maybe even combat writer's block is to check out previous work done by other students on a similar thesis or dissertation topic to yours.

  4. Dissertation & Thesis Outline

    Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates. Published on June 7, 2022 by Tegan George.Revised on November 21, 2023. A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process.It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding the specifics of your dissertation topic and showcasing its relevance to ...

  5. PDF A Practical Guide to Dissertation and Thesis Writing

    study for your dissertation/thesis as a research problem. Actively ask critical questions that will build a solid base for the development of your dissertation/thesis. Critically assess the significance of your research problem. Avoid common mistakes made by students when expressing their social science issue as a research problem.

  6. PDF A Complete Dissertation

    dissertation. Reason The introduction sets the stage for the study and directs readers to the purpose and context of the dissertation. Quality Markers A quality introduction situates the context and scope of the study and informs the reader, providing a clear and valid representation of what will be found in the remainder of the dissertation.

  7. Sample Pages

    Sample Pages. Sample pages are provided as an online resource and as a full sample PDF document to assist you in formatting your thesis or dissertation document. Please pay careful attention to both the descriptions in this Thesis and Dissertation Guide as well as the sample pages. Some sample pages are meant to show different formatting ...

  8. Free Dissertation & Thesis Template (Word Doc & PDF)

    The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX. Download The Dissertation Template. Download Grad Coach's comprehensive dissertation and thesis template for free. Fully editable - includes detailed instructions and examples.

  9. What Is a Thesis?

    Revised on April 16, 2024. A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master's program or a capstone to a bachelor's degree. Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation, it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete.

  10. PDF Thesis

    Thesis Your thesis is the central claim in your essay—your main insight or idea about your source or topic. Your thesis should appear early in an academic essay, followed by a logically constructed argument that supports this central claim. A strong thesis is arguable, which means a thoughtful reader could disagree with it and therefore needs

  11. PDF A Guide to Writing a Senior Thesis in Sociology

    Harvard College. The thesis project requires research into the theories and past research relevant to the project, analysis of data, either original or existing, and a written final product. The thesis should be a project that can be feasibly completed in 7-10 months. Generally, a thesis is about 60 to 100 pages, but there is no minimum or maximum.

  12. PDF APA 6 Dissertation Template

    limit the abstract to one typed page; (b) maintain the scholarly language used throughout the. dissertation; (c) keep the abstract concise, accurate, and readable; (d) use correct English; (e) ensure each sentence adds value to the reader's understanding of the research; and (f) use the full.

  13. PDF The Following Pages Are Samples of Thesis/Dissertation Preliminary

    (SAMPLE TITLE PAGE) THE OFFICE OF GRADUATE EDUCATION SAMPLE PAGES: DISSERTATIONS AND THESES (2 double line spaces) by (2 double line spaces) JOHN SMITH, BS, MS (5 single line spaces) DISSERTATION (or THESIS) Presented to thety Facul of The University of Texas at Dallas in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of

  14. PDF Sample Dissertation Overview

    Sample Dissertation Overview. The problem generally is addressed in two related parts: The problem statement is contained in Chapter 1, and a review of the related research, theory, and professional literature is described in Chapter 2. The methods used for investigating the problem are usually included in Chapter 3.

  15. PDF Guidelines for The PhD Dissertation

    3 sample title page for a phd dissertation copyright notice abstract sample abstract formatting errors front and back matter supplemental material tables and figures visual material acknowledging the work of others page 19 references footnotes bibliography citation & style guides use of copyrighted material page 20 services and information page 22 proquest publishing orders and payments

  16. PDF Guides and Examples of Elements of Theses and Dissertations

    The last thing that should be done before submitting the final version of a thesis or dissertation is to chec k and make sure the titles and page numbers in a List of Figures, List of Tables , and the Table of Contents are correct. List of Tables A List of Tables is not required but may be included if the thesis/dissertation contains tables.

  17. PDF CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

    CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION. 1. The purpose of this qualitative grounded theory study was to identify what motivates. women to stay in or return to science, technology, engineering, and math professions. (STEM), leading to a motivation model. As illustrated in the literature review, research has. abbreviations. introduce introduce you can use Once ...

  18. PDF Writing a Scientific-Style Thesis

    2.4 Differences between Master's and PhD thesis 6 2.5 Rules of Submission 6 2.5.1 Research Master's thesis layout 7 2.5.2 PhD thesis layout 8 3 Preparing to Write 9 3.1 Before you begin 9 3.2 Obtain copies of successful theses in your area of research 9 3.3 Pre-writing activities 9 3.4 Making time to write 10

  19. (PDF) HOW TO WRITE YOUR MASTER THESIS: THE EASY HANDBOOK

    minimum of ten days for all members of the thesis committee to review the thesis. Step 1: Prepare the content of your presentation. The content of your presentation is the mirror of your thesis ...

  20. PDF Writing a thesis proposal

    2.3 Requirements of a Proposal. In order to achieve its purpose, a thesis proposal must fulfil the following general requirements: • Establish a context for your research and demonstrate the need for it. • Show that your study will meet this need, and how it will meet this need, i.e. the method you will use.

  21. PDF The Thesis Writing Process and Literature Review

    The key here is to focus first on the literature relevant to the puzzle. In this example, the tokenism literature sets up a puzzle derived from a theory and contradictory empirical evidence. Let's consider what each of these means... The literature(s) from which you develop the theoretical/empirical puzzle that drives your research question.

  22. PDF A Sample Qualitative Dissertation Proposal

    Microsoft Word - Proposal-QUAL-Morales.doc. A Sample Qualitative Dissertation Proposal. Prepared by. Alejandro Morales. NOTE: This proposal is included in the ancillary materials of Research Design with permission of the author. LANGUAGE BROKERING IN MEXICAN IMMIGRANT FAMILIES LIVING IN.

  23. PDF A Sample Quantitative Thesis Proposal

    NOTE: This proposal is included in the ancillary materials of Research Design with permission of the author. Hayes, M. M. (2007). Design and analysis of the student strengths index (SSI) for nontraditional graduate students. Unpublished master's thesis. University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE. with the task of deciding who to admit into graduate ...