You are just about to start your thesis and are wondering how to lay it out?
Does it really matter which way you set it in?
Yes, it does…
The following outline will help you…
When you make an outline of your thesis before starting it, the examiner gets the indication that you are professional and you have followed the rules and regulations of your institute. Moreover, when you follow the University dissertation layout that you have prepared, you can be sure that you haven’t missed any important step.
A thesis outline will consist of the following chapters:
1. Title page: The title of your thesis should be in CAPS and in the center. Give at least 4 line space then write your name, also centered. After some more line spaces write the name of your institute and department followed by the date of submission in the next line.
2. Acknowledgement: This section of your thesis is dedicated to those people who have helped you in your research. By mentioning them, you thank them for serving their efforts with you.
3. Table of contents: in this section you list down all your chapters in an organized order, by
mentioning the page numbers side by side. This helps the reader in browsing the chapters.
4. Thesis Abstract: this chapter is usually published and is meant for the outside readers. You have to summarize your complete paper here, include all the key points. You just have to explain briefly.
5. Introduction: Normally your introduction is the first chapter. The thesis introduction usually has a statement of the problem along with the brief overview of your study and its significance. It also mentions the research methodology and serves some argument for the use of it and how it relates with the research topic.
6. Thesis literature review: All your facts, data and research work are put into the literature survey chapter. It is the body of your whole thesis. You make necessary arguments to support your topic and research question and give explanations to make your point. This is lengthiest and the most difficult task of all because here you organize all your arguments and present them in an order.
7. Methodology: this chapter usually consists of your research method that you have undertaken. You have to explain the method and also give reasons for your choice. You have to convince the reader that your research method relates to your topic.
8. Thesis conclusion: sum up all you findings and work in this section. Be precise and mention all your findings and tell the reader how did you come across these findings during your research and how do they prove your point or relate to your question. You have to make your findings a part of your conclusion of Dissertation proposal layout. Along with your findings, you will also state the results of your research. Make your conclusions strong and give recommendations.
Mostly students face this challenge in their masters program. They have to summarize their two or three years of masters study in an outline so that they can convince the committee that they are eligible for the degree.
