• 2-minute read
• 17th February 2014

Get It Right with Our Dissertation Structure Template

We read many dissertations each year, so we know what needs to be included. That’s why we’ve put together a dissertation structure template for you! Your dissertation may be different, though, so this is only a guideline.

A dissertation should include:

1. Cover Page
2. Abstract
3. Acknowledgements
4. Table of Contents
5. Introduction
6. Main Body of Writing
7. Conclusion
8. Bibliography
9. Appendices

Cover Page

This will usually include the title of your dissertation, your name, your course title, and the name of your supervisor. Check with your supervisor if you need to add anything else, such as the course you are on or the word count.

Abstract

This page gives a brief summary of your dissertation, typically in about a third to a half of the page.

Acknowledgements

Here you give thanks to those who have supported you throughout your research and writing up your dissertation.

Table of Contents

The table of contents needs to set out the individual chapters and sub-headings, followed by the page numbers. You may also need a list of figures and tables.

Introduction

In this section, you introduce the reader to your dissertation and provide an overview of your study.

Main Body

In this part, you will include the main chapters or headings of your work. Here you discuss the literature you have used, followed by an analysis, evaluation, and discussion.

Conclusion/Findings

In the conclusion, you need to bring together the various parts of your dissertation and demonstrate how you have answered your research question. You may also want to include suggestions or recommendations for future research.

Bibliography

For your bibliography, you need to compile a comprehensive list of all the references and source material you have used in your dissertation.

Appendices

Include any material here that would otherwise interrupt the flow of your writing, such as questionnaires or transcripts.

If you’re writing your undergraduate dissertation or your postgraduate thesis, you should consider having your document checked by a professional. It doesn’t cost as much as you might think. Have a look at our prices page for more information.