How Do I Structure a Thesis?
Learn the essential sections of a thesis, what to include in each, and how to organize your work effectively for academic success.
Thesis Template
Title Page
- What to include:
- Thesis title
- Your full name
- Degree program (e.g., MSc in Sustainability, Innovation, and Technology)
- University name
- Supervisor(s) name(s)
- Submission date
Abstract
- What to include:
- A concise summary of the thesis (150–300 words)
- Include the problem statement, methodology, key findings, and implications.
- Write this section last.
Acknowledgments (Optional)
- What to include:
- Thank individuals or organizations that supported your work, such as supervisors, mentors, or collaborators.
Table of Contents
- What to include:
- A list of all sections, sub-sections, and appendices with corresponding page numbers.
- Include a list of figures and tables if applicable.
List of Figures and Tables (if applicable)
- What to include:
- Numbered list of all figures and tables in the thesis.
- Include figure/table titles and corresponding page numbers.
Abbreviations and Acronyms (if applicable)
- What to include:
- A list of abbreviations and acronyms used in the thesis, along with their full forms.
Chapter 1: Introduction
- What to include:
- Background and context of the research.
- Problem statement: What problem are you addressing?
- Research objectives: What do you aim to achieve?
- Research questions or hypotheses.
- Scope and limitations of the research.
- Brief outline of the thesis structure.
Chapter 2: Literature Review
- What to include:
- Overview of existing research relevant to your topic.
- Identification of research gaps your study addresses.
- Theoretical or conceptual frameworks (if applicable).
- Critical analysis and synthesis of key studies.
Chapter 3: Methodology
- What to include:
- Research design: qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods.
- Data collection methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, experiments).
- Description of tools, instruments, or software used.
- Sampling strategy and population.
- Data analysis techniques (e.g., statistical methods, thematic analysis).
- Ethical considerations and how they were addressed.
Chapter 4: Results and Discussion
- What to include:
- Presentation of findings:
- Clearly present the data using tables, graphs, charts, or narratives.
- Include any key patterns, trends, or unexpected results.
- Interpretation of results:
- Discuss the significance of your findings in relation to your research questions or hypotheses.
- Compare your results with prior studies highlighted in the literature review.
- Address implications, contributions, and how findings align (or deviate) from expectations.
- Critical analysis:
- Explore limitations of the results and their potential sources.
- Discuss the broader implications for theory, practice, or policy.
- Integrate results and their interpretation into a cohesive narrative.
Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations
- What to include:
- Restate the research objectives and summarize key findings.
- Discuss the broader implications of your work.
- Offer recommendations for practice, policy, or future research.
- End with a concise closing statement.
References
- What to include:
- A complete list of all cited works in a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago).
- Ensure all references are accurately formatted.
Appendices (if applicable)
- What to include:
- Supplementary materials, such as:
- Survey/questionnaire templates.
- Raw data or additional figures/tables.
- Ethics approval documents.
- Code snippets (if applicable).
Formatting Tips:
- Font: Use a professional font like Times New Roman or Arial, size 12.
- Line spacing: 1.5 or double-spaced.
- Margins: 1-inch or as specified by your institution.
- Page numbers: Include in the footer (start numbering after the title page).
- Consistency: Use consistent headings, subheadings, and styles throughout.