Structure of the Thesis

Writing a thesis is complicated if you do not know how to start with it.  The first step is to write an outline of your thesis in order to have a guide while writing your thesis.

Here is a sample thesis outline or structure for your thesis writing:

  • Title Page

It includes the thesis title, author, institution, department, date of delivery, research mentor(s) and advisor, institutions, and email address.

  • Abstract

Abstract just contains 1 to 2 paragraphs approximately 400 words. It contains the details why the paper is important as well as the summary of major results and explains the major implications of the work. It should be concise and readable.

  • Table of Contents

It contains headings and subheadings with corresponding page numbers.

  • Introduction

Introduction should catch the attention of the reader immediately. It should be interesting and motivate the reader to read the rest of the paper. It provides why the study was undertaken and why the thesis paper is written. Also, it contains background information and significance of the study as well as the scope of work.

  • Methods Used

It includes the method used in the research study such as the description of the material, procedure and theory. Also, it contains the procedures being used including the calculations, techniques and equipment.

  • Results of the Study

It provides the results of your study such as the actual statement of observation including tables, graphs and statistics.

  • Conclusions

Describe your conclusion by summarizing the new observation, interpretation and insights based on your study.

  • Recommendation

It includes recommendation if necessary such as the remedial solution to the present problem or further research for the study.

  • Acknowledgment

This section is to acknowledge all the people who help financially, technically and intellectually.

  • List of Figures and Table

It contains all figures and tables used in the thesis with page numbers

 

 

Thesis Structure

Many students today has the hard time to write their thesis because they think that thesis is hard to do and it implies a lot of time and hard work. But, if you outline and know the format and structure thesis, then you will be seeing yourself doing it easily. Most schools and universities today provides thesis structure that to be followed by their students.

The following are the usual thesis structure.

  • Title Page. It is differ among universities and institution but share the common contains such as Title and author. Some institution provides format for the title page.
  • Abstract. It is the most read part of the thesis because it contains the accurate summary of the research described in the document.  It includes the problem, methods of investigation,  and  conclusions. It should not exceed 350 words in length. It appears at the beginning of the document but it is not an introduction of your research.
  • Table of Contents.  It contains the page number of each section so the reader helps to be able to find things easily. It has the subheadings of each chapter.
  • List of Tables. It includes the tables used in your thesis.
  • List of Figures. It provides list of figures in your document.
  • List of Illustration. It contains the illustration used in your thesis.
  • List of Symbols and Abbreviation. It includes the symbols and abbreviation used in your document.
  • Glossary.  This section is optional but it is good to have a glossary of terms so that your reader may understand all terms use during your study, It is serve as brief dictionary.
  • Acknowledgement.  It is the way of thanking those who make contribution to make your thesis possible. Also, it is optional.
  • Introduction. It contains the background of your study as well the hypothesis. Also, it provides the statement of the problem as well as the solution to the problem.
  • Review of Related Literature. It provides the published documents related to your study which provides also the substantive findings and theoretical and methodological contributions.
  • Materials and Methods Used. It contains the methods as well as the materials used to solve the problem presented in your study.
  • Results and Discussion. It provides how do your obtains the results and discussed it in the proper way using proper formulas and measurements.
  • Conclusion and Suggestion for further research.  It discussed the conclusion regarding the hypothesis presented in the introduction. Also, describe the possible future research.
  • Appendices. It includes the research related material used in your study such as survey questionnaire, interview transcripts and other supplementary data.