How Do I Structure a Thesis?

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

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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.

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Acknowledgments (Optional)

• What to include:
  • Thank individuals or organizations that supported your work, such as supervisors, mentors, or collaborators.

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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.

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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.

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Abbreviations and Acronyms (if applicable)

• What to include:
  • A list of abbreviations and acronyms used in the thesis, along with their full forms.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.