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.