Dissertation Guidelines Awareness

Examine the key dissertation guidelines for PhD students, including language, formatting, word limits, and requirements to meet university standards.

Dissertation Guidelines Awareness

Published 18th Jan 2025

Introduction

PhD Assistance Academy provides guidance to students navigating the complexities of dissertation submission. This overview outlines key requirements for thesis presentation, arrangement, and submission, with a focus on compliance with institutional regulations to ensure a smooth submission process.

Language of Thesis

Submission in English

The default requirement for dissertation submission is in English.

Submission in Another Language

Exceptional Cases: Students may submit their thesis in the language of study if it enhances the intellectual quality of the research.
Approval Process:
- Permission must be obtained from the Dean of College and the Dean of Faculty prior to registration.
- The Postgraduate Administration Office must be informed.
Requirements:
- A thesis abstract and title must be provided in both English and the language of submission.

Presentation and Arrangement of Theses/Dissertations

Paper Format

Standard Size: International A4 (210mm x 297mm) or US Letter (216mm x 279mm).
Weight: Between 70 g/m² and 100 g/m².
Illustrative Materials: Large items like maps or drawings should be bound with the thesis or attached in a wallet inside the back cover.

Margins

Left & Right: 30mm
Top & Bottom: 20mm

Typing and Font

Spacing: Double or one-and-a-half spacing, except for indented quotations and footnotes, which may use single spacing.
Font: Arial, size 12.

Printing

Double-Sided: Required for all submissions.

Page Numbering

All pages, starting from the title page, must be numbered consecutively.

Arrangement of Content

The content must be presented in the prescribed order.

Section	Details
Title Page	Includes title, author name, degree, date, declaration, and signature.
Abstract	Approximately 300 words summarizing the research.
Table of Contents	Lists all subsections with page numbers.
Lists	Tables, illustrations, and accompanying material (if any).
Author’s Declaration	Statement of individual contribution in joint research (if applicable).
Definitions & Abbreviations	List of technical terms and abbreviations (if applicable).
Text	Divided into chapters and sections.
Appendices	Supporting documents or data (if any).
Glossary	Explanation of specialized terms (if any).
Bibliography	References in the required citation format.
Index	Optional, for terms and topics covered in the thesis.

Submission Format

1.Binding for Examination:

Temporary binding options include perfect binding with paper or transparent covers, or comb binding.

2. Multiple Volumes:

Theses exceeding 350 double-sided pages must be divided into volumes, each containing a signed title page indicating the total and current volume numbers, and spine labels showing the candidate’s name, degree, submission month/year, and volume number.

3. Additional Copies:

Students should retain an additional copy for personal use, particularly for viva voce examinations.

Illustrations and Copyright Material

1. Attribution:

Illustrations like maps or photographs must include captions acknowledging their sources.

2. Third-Party Copyright:

Written permission is required for including copyrighted material.
If permission is not obtained.
submit two versions: one with and one without the copyrighted content, replacing it with a placeholder note.

Degree	Maximum Word Count
PhD/EngD	100,000 words
MPhil	60,000 words
EdD	50,000 words
DClinPsy	12,000 words
MbyRes	40,000 words
Others	As specified in the guidelines

Word Limits for Theses/Dissertations

The word count does not include the abstract, preliminaries, footnotes, appendices, or bibliography, but it does include all other content.

Additional Guidelines

Temporary binding must be compliant with examiners’ accessibility needs (e.g., large-print copies).
A signed declaration affirming the originality of the student’s work must be included.
All submitted theses must follow the university-approved formatting and sequence.