thesis manuscript sample

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Thesis / dissertation formatting manual (2024).

• Filing Fees and Student Status
• Submission Process Overview
• Electronic Thesis Submission
• Paper Thesis Submission
• Formatting Overview
• Fonts/Typeface
• Pagination, Margins, Spacing
• Paper Thesis Formatting
• Preliminary Pages Overview
• Copyright Page
• Dedication Page
• Table of Contents
• List of Figures (etc.)
• Acknowledgments
• Text and References Overview
• Figures and Illustrations
• Using Your Own Previously Published Materials
• Using Copyrighted Materials by Another Author
• Open Access and Embargoes
• Copyright and Creative Commons
• Ordering Print (Bound) Copies
• Tutorials and Assistance
• FAQ This link opens in a new window

UCI Libraries maintains the following  templates to assist in formatting your graduate manuscript. If you are formatting your manuscript in Microsoft Word, feel free to download and use the template. If you would like to see what your manuscript should look like, PDFs have been provided. If you are formatting your manuscript using LaTex, UCI maintains a template on OverLeaf.

• Word: Annotated Template (Dissertation) 2024 Microsoft Word document of a template with annotations of what to look out for.
• PDF: Annotated Template (Dissertation) 2024 PDF of a template with annotations of what to look out for.
• Word: Thesis Template 2024 Editable template of the Master's thesis formatting.
• PDF: Thesis Template 2024 PDF template of the Master's thesis formatting (not editable).
• Word: Dissertation Template 2024 Editable Microsoft Word template of the PhD Dissertation formatting.
• PDF: Dissertation Template 2024 PDF template of the PhD Dissertation formatting (not editable).
• Overleaf (LaTex) Template
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• Next: FAQ >>
• Last Updated: Sep 30, 2024 10:51 AM
• URL: https://guides.lib.uci.edu/gradmanual

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• Graduate Students
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• General requirements

Manuscript-Based (Article-Based) Theses

• Initial Thesis Submission
• Thesis examination
• Doctoral oral defence
• Final Thesis Submission
• Thesis Writing and Support Resources
• Letters of Completion/PGWP

FAQ on manuscript-based theses

As an alternative to the traditional format, a thesis may be presented as a collection of scholarly papers of which the student is the first author or co-first author. A manuscript-based doctoral thesis must include the text of a minimum of two manuscripts published, submitted or to be submitted for publication. A manuscript-based Master’s thesis must include the text of one or more manuscripts. Articles must be formatted according to the requirements described below. Note that a manuscript-based thesis must follow the general structure of a thesis as explained here . An FAQ explaining the difference between a standard and a manuscript-based thesis is available here .

Manuscripts for publication in journals are frequently very concise documents. A thesis, however, is expected to consist of more detailed, scholarly work. A manuscript-based thesis will be evaluated by the examiners as a unified, logically coherent document in the same way a traditional thesis is evaluated. Publication of manuscripts, or acceptance for publication by a peer-reviewed journal, does not guarantee that the thesis will be found acceptable for the degree sought.

A manuscript-based thesis must:

• be presented with uniform font size, line spacing, and margin sizes (see Thesis Format under Preparation of a Thesis );
• conform to all other requirements listed under Thesis Components on the Preparation of a Thesis page;
• contain additional text that connects the manuscript(s) in a logical progression from one chapter to the next, producing a cohesive, unitary focus, and documenting a single program of research - the manuscript(s) alone do not constitute the thesis;
• stand as an integrated whole.

Any manuscripts that are under review, accepted or published in a journal must be included in your manuscript-based thesis without changes (i.e. identical to the published or submitted versions). The only change is with respect to the font/size which should be the same as the one used for the rest of the thesis for consistency and homogeneity reasons. So each chapter represents a full manuscript and has its own reference list. Then at the end of the thesis, you have a master reference list which includes all the other references cited throughout the other sections of the thesis, mostly within the general introduction but also from the general discussion.

Depending on the feedback of your examiners and/or the oral defence committee, you may be required to make revisions to your thesis before final submission. The committee’s comments must be addressed in the connecting text between chapters and/or the discussion section. You must not make any changes to the manuscripts themselves in your final thesis.

In the case of multiple-authored articles, the student must be the first author . Multiple-authored articles cannot be used in more than one thesis. In the case of students who have worked collaboratively on projects, it may be preferable for both students to write a traditional format thesis, identifying individual contributions. Consult this page for information on intellectual property and required permissions/waivers.

In the case of co-first authored articles , only one student can use the article in a manuscript-based thesis and must have a written agreement from the other co-first author student(s).

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial 4.0 International License . Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, McGill University .

Department and University Information

Graduate and postdoctoral studies.

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Dissertation/Thesis Template

The fastest (and smartest) way to craft a winning dissertation that showcases your study and earns you marks. 

Available in Google Doc, Word & PDF format 4.9 star rating, 5000 + downloads

Step-by-step instructions

Tried & tested academic format

Fill-in-the-blanks simplicity

Pro tips, tricks and resources

What’s Covered In The Template?

This dissertation template is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for formal academic research projects. The template structure reflects the overall research process, ensuring your document has a smooth, logical flow. Here’s how it’s structured:

• The title page/cover page
• Abstract (sometimes also called the executive summary)
• Table of contents
• List of figures /list of tables
• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Literature review
• Chapter 3: Methodology
• Chapter 4: Research findings /results 
• Chapter 5: Discussion /analysis of findings
• Chapter 6: Conclusion
• 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.

Download The Template

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FAQs: Dissertation & Thesis Template

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 .

Additional Resources

If you’re working on a dissertation or thesis, be sure to also check these resources out…

1-On-1 Private Coaching

The Grad Coach Resource Center

The Grad Coach YouTube Channel

The Grad Coach Podcast

Theses and Dissertations Guide: Preparing Your Manuscript

• Graduation Deadlines
• Graduation Checklist
• Citing Images
• ETD Formatting Video

Sample Pages

• Training/Tutorials
• Avoiding Plagiarism This link opens in a new window
• Submitting Your Manuscript
• For Students in the College
• For Engineering Students
• For Education Students
• Digital Accessibility for ETDs
• Requesting Bound Copies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• OhioLINK ETD Center
• Memberships
• Microsoft Word Thesis and Dissertation Formatting Classes

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937-229-2345 (phone)

Attention Authors!

Remember to proofread your manuscript! Doublecheck spelling, page numbers, table of contents, etc.

Preparing Your Manuscript

The following guidelines should be used to prepare all UD theses and dissertations. Please note beginning January 2023 all theses and dissertations must meet OhioLINK's Digital Accessibility Standards. Visit "Digital Accessibility for ETDs" tab for more information and instructions.

A primary purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that all UD theses and dissertations present a consistent appearance.  Do not rely on previously accepted theses and dissertations.  While they may have met the guidelines at the time of their submission, they may not meet current guidelines.

Some departments have additional guidelines for preparing manuscripts.  I t is your responsibility to follow department-specific guidelines together with those found in this guide when preparing your manuscript.   When a discrepancy is found, defer to the department guidelines.   The final responsibility for the format of your thesis or dissertation rests with you as the author.   Correct s pelling, punctuation, and grammar should be used.   The Graduate Academic Affairs  reserves the right to reject any manuscript that does not observe these fundamentals and that does not follow accepted format guidelines.

Keywords for ETDs

One benefit of the OhioLINK ETD Center is the inclusion of author-supplied keywords. Please be prepared to supply several subject keywords to describe your thesis or dissertation during the online submittal process. Adding your name as a keyword is not useful.

Style Manuals

The Graduate Academic Affairs will accept theses and dissertations prepared in the format recommended by the style manual published by your discipline’s professional society as long as it falls within the general format and content guidelines described in this document. The most recent style manuals should be used. 

Roll over the Preparing Your Manuscript tab above then click on "Citing Images" pages for more information.

This section discusses requirements for the general layout of your manuscript, the order of front and back matter, and page numbering.  See the Sample Pages  for additional information. Guidelines are similar for both theses and dissertations; instructions specific to theses or dissertations will be marked accordingly.   

General Layout   

The Graduate  Academic Affairs  recommends that you use your word processor’s global page settings or create a template adhering to the following guidelines:   

Margins:   1 inch on top, bottom and right sides and 1 ½ inches on the left.

Line spacing:   Double-spaced; long quotations and footnotes may be single-spaced. Spacing on preliminary pages should follow the examples in the Sample Pages .

Fonts:   Text font and text size should be chosen for ease in reading. Font size 12 is recommended. Use consistent font styles for section headings.   

Footnotes or Endnotes:   Follow the accepted practice of your discipline or the chosen style manual. The format selected should be consistent throughout the manuscript.   

Spell check: Change the word processor spelling setting to include words in ALL CAPS.   

Pagination:   

Arabic numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.) are placed at the bottom center of the page on all pages, beginning with the number 1 on the Approval page.

Order of Preliminary Pages

The preliminary pages consist of the following pages in this order:

Title page (Required)

Approval page (Required)

Copyright page (Optional)

Abstract (Required)

Dedication (Optional)

Acknowledgements (Optional)

Preface (Optional)

Table of Contents (Required)

List of Illustrations (As needed)

List of Tables (As needed)

List of Symbols (As needed)

Title Page (Required)  

The title of the thesis or dissertation begins one inch from the top of the page and should be a meaningful description of the substance of the document.   It is recommended that word substitutes be used for formulas, symbols, superscripts, subscripts, Greek letters, and other similar material. The title page should also contain the following:   

Title of the thesis/dissertation IN ALL CAPS   

The word “Thesis” or “Dissertation”  

Statement of submission  

School or College  

Degree being sought  

Full legal name of degree candidate or name according to university records

Name of university granting the degree or the small UD logo located at http://logo.udayton.edu/basic.asp       

City and state in which the university is located  

Month and year degree is to be conferred  

Approval Page (Required)  

The approval page for the electronic submission will contain the names, but not the signatures of all committee members. However, the signed, original signature page must be submitted to the Graduate Academic Affairs before final approval is granted. If you are submitting paper copies to be bound, please make sure a copy of the Graduate Academic Affairs-approved signature page is included.

  The Title of the thesis/dissertation IN ALL CAPS   is centered and placed one inch from the top of the page. The name of the student is left-justified and added two lines below the title: Last, First Middle. Format the rest of the page according to the Sample Pages .  

Copyright Page (Optional)  

Your manuscript is automatically protected by copyright even if you do not include a copyright page. You may choose the additional protection of registering your copyright for a fee at   www.copyright.gov/eco .  For further copyright information, please see the U.S. Copyright Office Frequently Asked Questions at ( http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/ ).

Format this page according to the Sample Pages .

  Abstract (Required)  

The abstract should briefly state the problem, describe the procedure or methods used, and summarize the conclusions reached in the thesis or dissertation. The length of the abstract should not exceed 500 words.  

The heading ABSTRACT is centered and placed one inch from the top of the page followed by the title of the thesis/dissertation in ALL CAPS, centered four lines below the heading. Author’s name and name of university are left-justified and single-spaced, two lines below the title.  The advisor’s name is left-justified and two lines below the university name.   The text of the abstract begins two lines below the advisor’s name.  

Dedication (Optional)  

The dedication is an optional page that gives the author the opportunity to dedicate the manuscript to an individual or group. The Sample Pages  show one option for formatting.  

Acknowledgements (Optional)  

The acknowledgements (or acknowledgments) page is an optional page that gives the author the opportunity to thank those who have provided help during the research and writing of a thesis or dissertation.  

The heading ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS is centered and placed one inch from the top of the page. The text begins four lines below the heading.  

  Preface (Optional)  

A preface is included in instances where the genesis of the research is important for the understanding of it, or when the method or procedure of investigation is so unusual as to require prefatory explanation.  

The heading PREFACE is centered and placed one inch from the top of the page.   The text begins four lines below the heading.  

Table of Contents (Required)  

The table of contents includes chapter headings, subdivisions of chapters, and all other parts of the thesis or dissertation listed exactly as they appear in the text along with the starting page number.  

The heading TABLE OF CONTENTS is centered and placed one inch from the top of the page.   The text begins four lines below the heading.  

Note: When using the automatic option in preparing a table of contents, remember to click "update" before submitting for review.

List of Figures or Illustrations (As needed)  

The figures page includes illustration or figure titles and page numbers.  

The heading LIST OF FIGURES or LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS is centered and placed one inch from the top of the page. The list begins four lines below the heading.  

Note: When using the automatic option in preparing a list of illustrations or figures, remember to click "update" before submitting for review.

List of Tables (As needed)  

The tables page includes table titles and page numbers.  

The heading LIST OF TABLES is centered and placed one inch from the top of the page. The list begins four lines below the heading.  

Note: When using the automatic option in preparing a list of tables, remember to click "update" before submitting for review.

List of Symbols, Abbreviations or Special Nomenclature (As needed)  

The list of symbols, abbreviations or special nomenclature is provided to acquaint the reader with symbols, abbreviations or special nomenclature that are essential to the work. When used, these lists can take any form acceptable to the discipline.  

The heading LIST OF SYMBOLS or LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS is centered and placed one inch from the top of the page. The list begins four lines below the heading.  

The Text (Required)  

The nature of the thesis or dissertation determines the organization of the body or main text into chapters, groups of   chapters, or other pertinent schemes of exposition.   These divisions are dictated by the nature of the discipline.   Punctuation, spelling, and general form should be consistent throughout the text. The text begins four lines below the heading.  

Quotation of Copyrighted Material (Required)  

The author of a thesis or dissertation is fully responsible for the use of any copyrighted material in the manuscript.   Generally, permission to use copyrighted material should be sought when a direct quotation of more than 150 words or an illustration is used.   Permission is sought from the author or publisher holding the copyright.   Generally, permission is granted on condition that proper acknowledgement is made.   In some cases, copyright holders require payment.   Necessary clearance for copyrighted material must be obtained before final submission of the thesis or dissertation.

FYI-- The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI, BDI-II)   and the  Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)   are examples of copyrighted materials that may not be included in an electronic thesis or dissertation. 

For more information:  

UMI Copyright Guide  

Copyright Law and Graduate Research  

Bibliography (As needed)  

The bibliography or reference list of sources used is required if applicable.   Pages should be formatted according to the style manual or discipline-specific guidelines used.  

The heading BIBLIOGRAPHY is centered and placed one inch from the top of the page.   The text begins four lines below the heading.  

Appendices (As needed)  

The appendix or appendices include reference materials such as tables, figures, charts, illustrations, abbreviations, and other addenda not placed in the text.  

When there are multiple appendices, the heading APPENDIX is followed by a capital letter or Arabic number.   The heading APPENDIX and capital letter is centered and placed one inch from the top of the page. Double space after this heading to insert the Appendix titles which should appear in lowercase letters with only major words capitalized.  The text begins four lines below the appendix title.   

Formatting Sequence

• Formatting Sequence for a Dissertation or Thesis 5/2022
• Sample Pages 7/23

These sample pages are designed to assist you in preparing your thesis or dissertation by giving you a visual representation of a variety of common pages along with guidelines for margins and appropriate information to include on the page. Some departments may have slightly different requirements and you should follow those as directed.

The closer your paper follows these guidelines, the fewer corrections you will

have during format checking.

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• Last Updated: Aug 7, 2024 2:15 PM
• URL: https://libguides.udayton.edu/etd