Presentation of Masters theses
Format of the thesisIn general, format and presentation of theses should follow the guidelines for PhD theses (see PhD Handbook from School of Graduate Studies for more detail).
- International Standard Paper Size A4 should be used.
- Pages should be numbered consecutively and clearly.
- The typing should be 1.5 spaced and presented in a clear and legible font (eg size 12 Times New Roman or equivalent) and may be presented on both sides of the paper.
- Left and right margins should be no less than 30mm. Care should be taken with page numbers to allow for page trimming when the thesis is bound.
- Before producing final copies of a thesis for submission, the candidate should ensure that all the spelling, grammar, punctuation and choice of language are of a suitable academic standard and the bibliography or list of references is complete and exact.
- Please consult with your supervisor for the preferred referencing style in your chosen discipline. Most referencing styles are acceptable as long as they are informative and you are consistent in your use of them.
Order of contents
A thesis must be preceded by a title page. The title page of the thesis should show:
- the title of the thesis
- the full name of the author
- the degree for which submitted (see below)
- month and year
- the name of the centre, the department and faculty in which the research was carried out
- Candidates who have pursued a course of study with coursework component shall state "Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Social Health (with coursework component) or (by research)"
Example of title page:
Title of the thesis
Student's full name
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Social Health (specify stream)
Month Year
Centre for Health and Society
School of Population Health
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
The University of Melbourne
The thesis is ordered in the following manner:
- Title page
- An abstract of 300-500 words
- The following declaration, signed by the student:
This is to certify that
-
- the thesis comprises only my original work, except where indicated
- due acknowledgement has been made in the text to all other material used.
- Preface - For most students, this section will not apply. However, for those for which it does, it includes a declaration of all the sources from which the candidate's information is derived; the extent to which the candidate has used the work of others; work carried out in collaboration must indicate the contribution of others; inclusion of work submitted for other "qualifications" and work carried out prior to Masters candidature enrolment.
- Acknowledgments
- Table of contents
- List of tables, figures and illustrations (if list items are fewer than 10 in number, this is not necessary)
- Main text
- Bibliography or List of References (check with your supervisor to determine what is required in the stated discipline)
- Appendices (if any)
Thesis preparation and binding
When submitted for examination, theses should normally be bound using temporary binding to facilitate the incorporation of amendments which might be required by the examiners.
The thermal binding method must be used with covers strong enough to resist damage by bending or knocking. Twin-ring, spring-back and spiral binders are not acceptable, as theses bound in these ways frequently do not survive travel through the post.
If there are photographs or charts which need to be included in the thesis, facilities are available for colour laser printing and photocopying in the Postgraduate Association and a scanner is available in the Graduate Publishing and Presentation Centre. The Postgraduate Association also provides a temporary binding and photocopying service.
Final binding of the thesis
On completion of the examination, any revisions and corrections required by examiners should be incorporated in the body of the thesis. Once any required revisions have been made and been approved by your supervisor, the thesis can be permanently bound. A list of bookbinders is available from the SGS or Postgraduate Association.
Any colour can be chosen for the thesis cover.
The name of the author, the title (abbreviated if necessary), degree and the year of submission must be on the spine.
It is preferable to use acid-free paper for the final version of the thesis (suitable paper is available from the University Bookroom and other stationery suppliers).
You are required to lodge one copy of the revised, permanently-bound thesis at the Centre for Health and Society; this may be lodged with the Postgraduate Co-ordinator. It is usual to also give a copy of the bound thesis to your supervisor.
Manuals on the presentation of theses
The Baillieu Library provides advice in several Infoguide publications which are available from Reader Services in the Library.
Thesis Writing Guide is available from the University of Melbourne Postgraduate Association
How to Write a Better Thesis or Report by David Evans, reference copy available from School of Graduate Studies.