Thesis Proof Edit Rewrite Services

Presenting Your Thesis

Thesis presentation requirements can vary across subject areas/disciplines, degree types, university guidelines, examination requirements, etc. and style choices. Thesis Services advises you to follow your university's guidelines, check similar other theses and make suitable style decisions. If in doubt, ask your supervisor, but still consider these common areas when deciding how to present your thesis.

Page Numbers/Pagination

Consider various questions and points:

• Start pagination in your prelims or on the first main page of your actual thesis (usually introduction)?
• If pagination starts on your first main page, do your prelims have a different type of numbering (see next) or are they unnumbered?
• Usually, the main thesis content/body is numbered in Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3); if used, pagination for preliminaries is usually in lowercase Roman numerals (i, ii, ii).
• Page numbers at the bottom is common, but some request page numbers at the top. How far from the top and bottom edges?
• Are page numbers aligned left, right or centred? How close to the margin (consider binding)?
• Number thesis pages consecutively from 1 (wherever they begin) through to the final page.
• Keep the same font for the page numbers as the body text or change? Serif or non-serif? Nothing fancy – no bold, italic, etc.

Organising Your Material

Theses have three main sections (preliminary material/prelims, thesis chapters and end matter/additional material) organised in a specific sequence.

Preliminary material/prelims include title page, contents, lists (e.g. illustrations, additional material), abstract, declaration, acknowledgements and preface (if used), so include all in your specific required order.

Organising your thesis chapters is usually straightforward (references being the final main chapter). New thesis chapters almost always begin at the top of a new page.

End matter usually begins with appendices/appendix in the order in which they occur in the thesis, followed by your references and additional material. Mount required large additional images accordingly (these are sometimes also used in the body); consider pockets, wallets and attachments; safely secure any CDs/DVDs/USBs.

Line Spacing

Some say double or 1.5 throughout. Others give a specific measurement for thesis text but advise on variations (e.g. single-space abstract, footnotes, references, bibliography). Block quotations and contents/lists also often vary (e.g. single for block quotes, specific spacing for your contents).

Margins

The left margin is usually largest to allow for binding, while the other three (top, bottom, right) usually have the same measurement. They can have specific measurements to follow or minimum measurements to meet (avoid excessively large margins though). For example, left = 1.5 inches minimum; top, right, bottom = 1 inch minimum (or equivalents in mm or cm). ALL pages must meet such styles; no material (e.g. artwork, tables) should 'overflow', though sometimes exceptions are made (check beforehand).

Word Count

Watch your word count: don't go too far under it (unless your supervisor has previously agreed to this), don't exceed it (be aware of what counts towards it) and, if required, present/show/note your word count. If you've written too many words and need to reduce your word count without losing essential arguments, consider using Thesis Services' 'trimming' services.

Font

Body text usually has a minimum x-height of 11 or 12 point. Headings usually vary but are 'heavier' than body text. Similarly, several font types are usually given, though different ones may be allowed (e.g. serif for paragraph text, sans-serif for titles).

Copies

Numerous copies of your thesis are often required. Ideally, all should be printed the same; otherwise, use high-quality photocpying. Also consider quality in any photocpying of additional material, images, etc.

Paper

Consider/check various aspects:

• Size: usually A4 (210 mm X 297 mm).
• Colour: white (I've never seen any other coloured paper for theses).
• Quality: make sure the paper has a general sense of quality but not excessively so (check other factors here). Also, match any university demands (e.g. 'green', recycled, without certain chemicals).
• Opacity: enough for clear reading (no text from the other side/next sheet coming through).
• Printing: usually one side only, though some allow and indeed request you print on both sides but make sure before you do this. Professional printing is probably advisable, unless you're confident your own/another's equipment will produce satisfactory results.
• Consistency: usually the same paper is used throughout.
• Weight: 70–100 grammes per square metre (gsm) depending on single- or double-sided printing, appearance, opacity, etc.
• Generally avoid 'fancy' paper, patterns, non-white, glossy/photo paper, etc. – don't stand out for the wrong reasons.
• Your university will give specific demands for binding: follow them. Also check the margins are okay and the binding has not caused problems to or on the paper (e.g. piercing something printed in your thesis document).

External Guides

Universities provide theses presentation and indeed formatting guidelines, but they also use external guides such as those from the Modern Languages Association, Chicago Manual of Style or guides for specific subject areas (e.g. APA). Many also recommend the British Standard Institution (BSI) (BS4821: 1990) Recommendations for the Presentation of Theses, but do check with your specific university what you should use and which takes precedence (see thesis/academic resources for more information).

Although you often have specific presentation instructions to follow (e.g. university guidelines), sometimes you can choose a suitable style. If you do, be sensible. If you want help, contact Thesis Services.

(Note: These points overlap with those in formatting your thesis.)