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Dissertation Template

Section 1: Dissertation template structure

Most dissertations follow a similar template structure in terms of their chapter/section format and are designed to present your work in a clear and logical manner.

Abstract

The abstract provides a summary of the issues that have been researched and an overview of its findings. Generally, it is expected to be within the region of 250-300 words, which means it is important to keep it brief and to the point. Due to its content, the abstract should be the last part of the dissertation that you right.

Table of contents

List of figures

List of tables

The three above sections are self-explanatory. However, one of the mistakes often made is a failure to update these details once the dissertation has been completed. If you have access to Microsoft Word or another similar software programme, it is recommended that you use the automatic table of contents and list options, which in the 2007 version are found under the reference table within the document. The advantage of this approach is that, providing you have accurately applied the style format throughout the dissertation, the lists can be automatically updated, rather than having to spend time trying to do it manually.

Chapter 1 - Introduction

As suggested, this chapter provides an introduction to the subject matter being researched. It should begin with a brief overview of the subject and the reasons and justifications for why you have chosen the particular subject or issue to study. This should be followed by subsections, which can include the following:

1. Research rationale - where you will be outlining the questions/hypotheses you are seeking to resolve.

2. Aims and Objectives - containing the main aim of the study and an outline of the objectives that will help you to achieve this goal. It is important to ensure that the aims and objectives are closely focused upon the issue you are to study and not...