Assignment writing · step-by-step guide

Thesis & dissertation: the writing guide

Every academic paper — and especially the thesis and dissertation — follows a specific, internationally established structure. In this guide you’ll see step by step what each section includes, from the cover page and abstract to the methodology, results and bibliography — and how to organise it correctly.

Stationery
01

Cover page

The cover page must contain specific information:

  • Institution name & logo
  • Faculty, department and field / specialisation
  • Thesis title
  • Student details (full name, student ID)
  • Supervising professors
  • City and date
Example cover page
Example cover page
02

Abstract

The abstract helps the reader understand whether the content interests them. It includes the most important information in the paper — from the introduction through to the conclusions.

03

Table of contents

Use an automatic table of contents, so that corrections and page updates happen with one click.

Example table of contents
Example table of contents
04

Tables & figures

Automatically number all tables, figures and diagrams with captions — this also auto-generates indexes (e.g. a list of figures).

Example list of figures
Example list of figures
05

Preface

The preface explains the reasons and means by which the thesis was produced and describes the lab or research group where it was carried out.

06

Introduction

The first section of the thesis: background, key concepts and the research questions that will be answered.

07

Main body

It is divided into a theoretical and (if there is one) a research part, and further into chapters. In the theoretical framework you present all the core theory; the literature review plays a decisive role in quality. If there is research, the methodology is analysed first and then the results.

08

Conclusions / summary

If the thesis does not include research, a summary and some final thoughts are enough; otherwise, analysis and drawing conclusions are required.

09

References

It includes all — and only — the sources that were used, with a specific citation system depending on the institution’s requirements (APA, Harvard, etc.).

10

Appendices

After the bibliography, material that was used or developed as part of the work is placed (questionnaires, code, etc.).

11

Formatting

The most common formatting is Times New Roman font, size 12, 1.5 line spacing on A4. Each institution provides its own detailed guide.

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