Dissertations and Theses: Tips on Structure of the Main Text

A dissertation or thesis is a major component of the writing work associated with the completion of a degree or a professional qualification. This is the document in which the student presents the research undertaken and its findings. The importance of this work is that it plays an important role in the evaluation of a student’s academic performance.

There is a tendency for students in their writing of dissertations and theses to concentrate on the written content only. In doing so, they fail to give enough attention to the structure. They pay a high price for this negligence through the poor rating received for their dissertations and theses.

Tips on the structure of the main text of dissertations and theses

• The main text in a dissertation or thesis is divided into several chapters that have appropriate headings.
• The first chapter of the main text introduces the research undertaken, the rationale for it, and the objectives. 
• The second chapter of the main text of a dissertation or thesis summarises the existing body of knowledge on the topic. 
• The third and fourth chapters of the main text of a dissertation or thesis relates to the research methodology used. Sampling, data collection techniques, and data analysis methods are the other important components. 
• The fifth chapter the main text of a dissertation or thesis is the presentation of the results of the research. 
• The sixth chapter of the main text of a dissertation or thesis is the conclusion. The conclusion summarizes the main findings of the research and its contributions.

These tips help in properly structuring the main text of dissertations and theses.