Thesis Formatting Basics: Sample Layout and Specifications

Every thesis follows a particular layout format. There are general layout requirements and those that are only peculiar to a particular profession. That is, in the instructional guide to writing your thesis, your supervising professor includes a section that details the required layout guide. Aside from this, you should know other primary thesis layout requirements when writing a thesis.

For college students preparing their thesis, this article outlines relevant format, layout, and specification information to note.

What is the layout of a thesis?

The layout of a thesis refers to the structure of which a thesis should appear. It details how your points are arranged in the thesis. Without following the recommended layout for your thesis, it affects the flow of your work.

Every thesis has a primary layout structure it follows. The basic thesis layout is:

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Review of Scholarship
4. Research Problem
5. Research Objectives
6. Results
7. Discussion
8. Conclusion
9. Reference
10. Appendix

This is the basic layout of any thesis paper. Any extra thing included in this is usually based on the preferences of your discipline.

Learning how to format a thesis the right way

Thesis formatting is as important as the layout of your thesis; that is why you should study the thesis format sample you are working with. The format details how your finished work should look. The format you use for your thesis should make your work look appealing to readers.

When formatting your thesis, the main things to pay close attention to is your font of choice, spacing, paper size, margin, title page, page numbering, hyperlinks, drawing (if you include a graph, table, or map), footnote, and also whether the soft copy should be in a Word doc, HTML, or PDF format.

Before choosing a thesis writing format, ensure you consult your supervisor’s guidelines for your thesis dissertation. Professors often include it to give students an understanding of what their thesis’s format should appear like.

The best thesis paper format

Your format of thesis makes your work look neat and arranged. Below are format tips and a thesis sample format on what to note when formatting your thesis:

• Fonts

The font you use while writing determines the clarity of your essay. Choose a font that is generally acceptable in academia. One common font used widely in academia is Times New Romans. Your font size is another important part. Since your work must be clear and readable to others, choose a font size that makes your font bold and clear to readers.

Font 12 is mostly the default font size. Also, depending on if you are writing the heading, subheading, or body of your essay, you will tweak your font’s boldness to match it.

• Spacing

Use 1.5 or a double-lined spacing (2.0) for your text for a research paper. It makes your text not look clustered. Your reference, footnote or endnote, table caption, and long quotations should use single-lined spacing.

• Paper Size

Remember that you will be printing your thesis after writing. In your computer, set the paper size to 85 x 11 inches.

• Margin

Pay attention to the margin of your work. The wrong margin could cost you some marks. Set it to 1.5 inches for the left margin while the top, bottom, and right margin should be 1 inch.

• Title Page

Your title page should be properly organized. Arrange your thesis layout accordingly on the title page; use upper and lower cases where needed. Your title page should also include “Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy,” depending on your level.

• Page Numbering

Your work is easily accessible when numbered accurately. So, include the page numbering, and it should appear in the top right corner of the page.

Your thesis is not graded only based on the content of your work. Your professor pays attention to your format and layout. Before formatting your thesis, check out for a format of thesis sample that will guide you through the process. And the above-listed points serve a useful purpose in understanding how to tweak your format to fit.