How To Apply The Right Dissertation Format: Useful Hints For Dummies

Writing a dissertation is not easy, but it is not as difficult as you may think. It is challenging, exciting and rewarding experience. It can be time-consuming, frustrating and exhausting. If you have no idea what the assignment format is you should read this short guide for dummies to get on track.

Format and structure

Just like any other writing, an assignment should follow particular format and structure. Of course, the structure may vary from one institution to another, but usually it is similar.

• Format


• Title page


• Blank page (notified with copyrights only)


• Signature page


• Acknowledgement (optional)


• Abstract


• Table of contents


• List of tables and figures


• Introduction


• Research


• Conclusion and future work


• References or bibliography


• Appendix


• Vita (short biography, optional)

• Structure – Structure of an assignment should be like an orchestral work containing:


• Prelude


• Main movements


• Finale (encore is included only if the author is great musician)

The same goes for the dissertation structure.

Other important details

Except format and structure, it is really important to know what font and what size to write with. As well as, where to write page number and whether to write them Arabic or Roman number, and other details that mustn’t be left out.

• Page numbers – Write Arabic numbers throughout the paper, but Roman till the introduction chapter. Numbers should be placed in the middle of the bottom.


• Font and size – The easiest and the simplest font for reading is Times New Roman. The size is differently set for every institution, but most usually students use size 12. It is important to have consistency of the font and the size of the font throughout the whole paper.


• Numeration of tables and figures – These elements are numbered with Arabic numerals next to the appropriate word.


• References – Books, reports, articles, web pages and conference papers are all differently written.


1. Books are written with the last name of the author first, the initial letter of the first name, the name of the book, number of edition (with letters), place of publishing, year of publishing.


2. Articles – Last name of the author, first name of the author, name of the article, names of the editors, Name of the journal, (number of published edition), pages where the article is, name of the publisher, place, month and year of publishing.


3. Web sites – Which page is it, the link, and the year of editing.

If you are still unclear about the thesis format and structure, ask your instructor for the best answer, since all institutions have different requirements.