Title Page

• Elements: Title, author name, degree program, institution, submission date, supervisor(s).

• Note: Include abstract (150–300 words summarizing problem, methods, findings, implications) on a separate page.

Acknowledgments

• Personal and professional thanks.

• Optional; common in humanities. Keep concise (about 1 page).

Table of Contents

• List chapters, subsections, figures, and tables.

• Auto-generate in Word or LaTeX for accuracy.

List of Figures/Tables/Abbreviations

• Add as applicable.

• Essential for quantitative research; ensure clear labeling.

Chapter 1: Introduction

• Subsections:

  1. Background and Rationale

  2. Research Problem/Questions

  3. Objectives and Hypotheses

  4. Significance and Scope

  5. Thesis Structure Overview

• Notes: Contextualize the gap in literature, state 3–5 research questions, link to broader theoretical/practical impacts, define delimitations, summarize structure.

• Length: 10–15% of total word count (8,000–15,000 words).

Chapter 2: Literature Review

• Subsections:

• 
  

  1. Theoretical Framework

  2. Key Themes and Debates

  3. Methodological Gaps

  4. Synthesis and Justification

• Notes: Map scholarship chronologically or thematically, critique sources critically, position your work within the field.

• Length: 20–25% of total (15,000–25,000 words).

Chapter 3: Methodology

• Subsections:

  1. Research Design (Qual/Quant/Mixed)

  2. Data Collection Methods

  3. Sampling and Participants

  4. Data Analysis Techniques

  5. Ethical Considerations

  6. Limitations of Approach

• Notes: Justify choices with references, detail tools (surveys, interviews, software), address validity/reliability, include IRB approval process.

• Length: ~15% (10,000–15,000 words).

Chapter 4: Findings/Results

• Subsections:

  1. Presentation of Data

  2. Key Patterns and Evidence

  3. Visual Aids (Tables/Graphs)

• Notes: Report objectively without interpretation; use appendices for raw data.

• Length: 20% for qualitative, up to 30% for quantitative (15,000–25,000 words).

Chapter 5: Discussion

• Subsections:

  1. Interpretation of Findings

  2. Relation to Literature

  3. Theoretical/Practical Implications

  4. Unexpected Results

• Notes: Link back to research questions/hypotheses, highlight original contributions.

• Length: 15–20% (10,000–20,000 words).

Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendations

• Subsections:

  1. Summary of Contributions

  2. Limitations and Future Research

  3. Policy/Practice Recommendations

• Notes: Restate significance without introducing new data, suggest 2–3 avenues for future research, end with a strong closing statement.

• Length: 5–10% (5,000–10,000 words).

References

• Full bibliography (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).

• Use a reference manager (e.g., Zotero, EndNote).

• Typical count: 100–300 sources.

Appendices

• May include: Supplementary materials, questionnaires/instruments, additional data.

• Notes: Provide raw data, transcripts, code, or protocols; reference in the main text; label clearly.

• Keep under 50 pages unless necessary.

Word Count Guidance: Total 80,000–100,000 words. Adjust for field-specific requirements (e.g., STEM may need more appendices for data; humanities may emphasize literature review).
Usage: Copy into Word/Google Docs and customize subheadings. Distribute as .docx or .pdf if needed.
Customization Tips: Add discipline-specific sections (e.g., "Conceptual Model" for social sciences, "Experimental Design" for STEM)