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Prize-Winning Thesis and Dissertation Examples

Published on September 9, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on July 18, 2023.

It can be difficult to know where to start when writing your thesis or dissertation . One way to come up with some ideas or maybe even combat writer’s block is to check out previous work done by other students on a similar thesis or dissertation topic to yours.

This article collects a list of undergraduate, master’s, and PhD theses and dissertations that have won prizes for their high-quality research.

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Table of contents

Award-winning undergraduate theses, award-winning master’s theses, award-winning ph.d. dissertations, other interesting articles.

University : University of Pennsylvania Faculty : History Author : Suchait Kahlon Award : 2021 Hilary Conroy Prize for Best Honors Thesis in World History Title : “Abolition, Africans, and Abstraction: the Influence of the “Noble Savage” on British and French Antislavery Thought, 1787-1807”

University : Columbia University Faculty : History Author : Julien Saint Reiman Award : 2018 Charles A. Beard Senior Thesis Prize Title : “A Starving Man Helping Another Starving Man”: UNRRA, India, and the Genesis of Global Relief, 1943-1947

University: University College London Faculty: Geography Author: Anna Knowles-Smith Award:  2017 Royal Geographical Society Undergraduate Dissertation Prize Title:  Refugees and theatre: an exploration of the basis of self-representation

University: University of Washington Faculty:  Computer Science & Engineering Author: Nick J. Martindell Award: 2014 Best Senior Thesis Award Title:  DCDN: Distributed content delivery for the modern web

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University:  University of Edinburgh Faculty:  Informatics Author:  Christopher Sipola Award:  2018 Social Responsibility & Sustainability Dissertation Prize Title:  Summarizing electricity usage with a neural network

University:  University of Ottawa Faculty:  Education Author:  Matthew Brillinger Award:  2017 Commission on Graduate Studies in the Humanities Prize Title:  Educational Park Planning in Berkeley, California, 1965-1968

University:  University of Ottawa Faculty: Social Sciences Author:  Heather Martin Award:  2015 Joseph De Koninck Prize Title:  An Analysis of Sexual Assault Support Services for Women who have a Developmental Disability

University : University of Ottawa Faculty : Physics Author : Guillaume Thekkadath Award : 2017 Commission on Graduate Studies in the Sciences Prize Title : Joint measurements of complementary properties of quantum systems

University:  London School of Economics Faculty: International Development Author: Lajos Kossuth Award:  2016 Winner of the Prize for Best Overall Performance Title:  Shiny Happy People: A study of the effects income relative to a reference group exerts on life satisfaction

University : Stanford University Faculty : English Author : Nathan Wainstein Award : 2021 Alden Prize Title : “Unformed Art: Bad Writing in the Modernist Novel”

University : University of Massachusetts at Amherst Faculty : Molecular and Cellular Biology Author : Nils Pilotte Award : 2021 Byron Prize for Best Ph.D. Dissertation Title : “Improved Molecular Diagnostics for Soil-Transmitted Molecular Diagnostics for Soil-Transmitted Helminths”

University:  Utrecht University Faculty:  Linguistics Author:  Hans Rutger Bosker Award: 2014 AVT/Anéla Dissertation Prize Title:  The processing and evaluation of fluency in native and non-native speech

University: California Institute of Technology Faculty: Physics Author: Michael P. Mendenhall Award: 2015 Dissertation Award in Nuclear Physics Title: Measurement of the neutron beta decay asymmetry using ultracold neutrons

University:  Stanford University Faculty: Management Science and Engineering Author:  Shayan O. Gharan Award:  Doctoral Dissertation Award 2013 Title:   New Rounding Techniques for the Design and Analysis of Approximation Algorithms

University: University of Minnesota Faculty: Chemical Engineering Author: Eric A. Vandre Award:  2014 Andreas Acrivos Dissertation Award in Fluid Dynamics Title: Onset of Dynamics Wetting Failure: The Mechanics of High-speed Fluid Displacement

University: Erasmus University Rotterdam Faculty: Marketing Author: Ezgi Akpinar Award: McKinsey Marketing Dissertation Award 2014 Title: Consumer Information Sharing: Understanding Psychological Drivers of Social Transmission

University: University of Washington Faculty: Computer Science & Engineering Author: Keith N. Snavely Award:  2009 Doctoral Dissertation Award Title: Scene Reconstruction and Visualization from Internet Photo Collections

University:  University of Ottawa Faculty:  Social Work Author:  Susannah Taylor Award: 2018 Joseph De Koninck Prize Title:  Effacing and Obscuring Autonomy: the Effects of Structural Violence on the Transition to Adulthood of Street Involved Youth

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Master Thesis/Project Report Format

Guidelines for preparation of master thesis/project report, overview of the steps.

• Select master project/thesis advisor.
• Select a project topic.
• Select a committee.
• Obtain approvals for committee, advisor.
• Register for the master project/thesis course with thesis advisor. (A section number will be provided to you by your project/thesis advisor.)
• Start Research on your master project.
• (Optional)  Present a thesis proposal to the committee during mid-way of the thesis.
• Write project report/thesis.
• Present your master project and/or defend thesis.
• Submit your master project report, or publish thesis.

Project/Thesis Option

Discuss with your master project advisor at the beginning to decide whether your master project will be more suited for the project or thesis option.

Questions to ask when evaluating your master project topic:

• Is there current interest in this topic in the field?
• Is there is a gap in knowledge that work on this topic could help to fill?
• Is it possible to focus on a manageable segment of this topic?
• Identify a preliminary method of data collection that is acceptable to your advisor.
• Is there a body of literature is available that is relevant to your topic?
• Do you need financial assistance to carry out your research?
• Is the data necessary to complete your work is easily accessible?
• Define the project purpose, scope, objectives, and procedures.
• What are the potential limitations of the study?
• Are there any skills called on by the study that you have yet to acquire?

Master level project involves:

• Analyzing the problem or topic.
• Conducting extensive research.
• Summarizing findings from the research investigation.
• Recommending additional research on the topic.
• Drawing conclusions and making recommendations.
• Documenting the results of the research.
• Defending conclusions and recommendations.

Pre-Thesis Planning

When you’re contemplating a thesis topic, you should discuss your interests with as many people as possible to gain a broad perspective. You will find your faculty advisor knowledgeable and willing to offer excellent suggestions and advice regarding an appropriate thesis topic.

Give considerable thought to the identification and planning of a thesis topic. Review literature related to your interests; read a variety of research papers, abstracts, and proposals for content, methods and structure. Looking at completed master’s theses will be a useful activity toward expanding inquiry skills and thought processes.

After the thesis advisor is selected, you may register on-line for a thesis section. You will need to see your thesis instructor to obtain the thesis section number.

Suggested Master Project/Thesis Completion Timeline

Below please find a suggested timeline. Individual timelines may vary from one student to another.

Required Deadlines

• The approval page with all signatures must be submitted to the graduate advisor prior to the last day of the semester.
• The thesis must be submitted electronically prior to the last day of classes. The last day of class can be identified in the on-line Academic calendar.

Scholarship Possibilities

Funding is usually available to students with expertise to the specific area. You will want to research scholarship options during the pre-project planning as many scholarship applications are due months before the award is granted.

• Research assistantship with a faculty advisor related to the topic of research
• Teaching assistantship to teach an undergraduate laboratory
• Check with  Career Center  for on-campus positions
• Attend all career fairs that would be of interest to consider summer internships
• SPIE (The International Society for Optics and Photonics)
• ISA (International Society of Automation)

More opportunities exist; you will need to search for scholarships based on your topic of research.

Citing Sources

The Technology Division at the Cullen College of Engineering* does not mandate citation styles, but you must cite your sources and cite them consistently. Here are some helpful links to assist you with citation:

• Landmark's Son of a Citation Machine
• Wikipedia Citation Templates

*The   Human Development Consumer Science department   prefers you to use the APA style. Please consult with your thesis advisor when choosing a citation style .

Thesis Quality

The Technology Division at the Cullen College of Engineering has significant expectations with regard to thesis quality. Poor or average level theses will not receive college approvals. It is the joint responsibility of the student and the committee to ensure that the thesis is of acceptable quality. Ultimately, the task is one borne by the student as the thesis is a reflection of the quality of their work. The thesis committee can direct the student to seek assistance if quality issues are noticed as the chapters are developed. The student should take quality feedback seriously and not wait until the end to attempt to fix this type of problem as it can result in significant delays and postponement of graduation. When you write and defend your thesis, keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Shows a cursory examination of the topic.
• Makes little use of existing data sources.
• Fails to examine primary sources.
• Shows little comprehension of crucial texts or research in the subject matter.
• Lacks adequate organization.
• Treats the topic in a competent, straightforward way.
• Shows a good grasp of the material.
• Makes use of existing data sources in a competent fashion or shows a good acquaintance with primary sources and current research.
• Shows a solid comprehension of research in the subject matter
• Sustains a line of argumentation throughout the thesis
• Shows all of the above qualities of a quality thesis as well as some measure of originality in research. Originality is defined as developing new data; treating existing data in an original or particularly compelling way; developing new or particularly compelling theoretical arguments; interpreting existing research in an original or particularly compelling way; or bringing primary or secondary materials and research together to sustain a new, comprehensive or compelling interpretation. In general, a thigh quality thesis either shows some measure of originality in its argument or empirical base; or is in some other way striking or new.

Organization of Thesis

The original and copies of the thesis MUST include the following items  IN THE ORDER LISTED :

• Blank sheet of bond paper at the beginning of each copy submitted.
• Copyright page (optional).
• Title Page (must show month and year of graduation - see example).
• Signature page (see example). All three required copies must have ORIGINAL SIGNATURES of the committee and the student. Signatures must be in black ink. This page should be omitted from the electronic thesis.
• Acknowledgment (optional).
• Abstract Title Page (optional - must show month and year of graduation - see example).
• Abstract (optional - University Microfilms, Inc. requires abstracts be no longer than 150 words.).
• Table of Contents.
• References.

Style Requirements

Although there is no prescribed style for the completed thesis, there are several style manuals available which may prove helpful. The student should contact the thesis advisor to discuss the style manual to be used.  Above all, it is important to be consistent throughout the entire thesis.  Decide how you wish to structure your manuscript and be consistent throughout it.

Steps in the Submission of Electronic Dissertation/Thesis

• Write your thesis per Technology Division at the Cullen College of Engineering thesis guidelines.
• Successfully defend your thesis. Make corrections per the thesis committee.
• Committee signs the approval page.
• Submit a copy of the final thesis version to the Associate Dean for Research for Graduate Studies or your graduate advisor for formatting review a minimum of two weeks prior to the end of the semester.
• Wait for formatting approval before beginning electronic submission process.

Electronic Submission

• Create a single pdf file of the thesis. The signature page is NOT included in the online submission.
• Submit the signed approval page to your graduate advisor. Approval page is stored in the student’s file. ET students must also submit rubric sheets, one for each committee member.
• Please note you will be asked if you would like to embargo your work, request a journal hold or a patent hold. Be sure to check with your committee chair about these features and whether your committee chair will approve them.
• Uploading the thesis requires an active Cougarnet account and log in. If you have not used your Cougarnet account in more than 90 days, please contact the ETD administrator for assistance.
• You will receive an e-mail confirming your upload to TDL. Please forward this email to your graduate advisor.
• Wait for confirmation from your faculty chair and graduate advisor that your document has been accepted.
• Email your committee chair requesting approval of your submission. Also request approval of the embargo, if applicable.

Specifications

The font should be Times New Roman, 12 pt. font

The margins should be one inch (1") each

Electronic Copy Submission

All CCE Technology Division theses submitted in an electronic format may be hosted on the College webpage. You must submit an electronic copy of the thesis in pdf format that accurately represents the printed version of the final document.

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Master’s thesis examples: tips and ideas for your next academic paper.

• January 1, 2023
• Last Updated: July 21, 2023

Table of Contents

A master’s thesis is extremely important, it represents how you ideate and your interest. Additionally, a master’s thesis also tells your employer a lot about you and what you can bring to the table. It might surprise you, but in most cases, a good master’s thesis can typically help you get the job of your dreams. However, picking a good thesis topic can be a total nightmare. So, We have compiled some tips and curated a few master’s thesis examples in this blog to make your writing process easier and more interesting. 

Before we dive into master’s dissertation examples, let’s understand what a master’s thesis is and how to write a good master’s thesis proposal. 

What Exactly Is A Master’s Thesis?

The master’s thesis is a unique piece of academic writing that enables students to delve deeply into a subject and develop an extensive report that illustrates how one‘s understanding has increased over the course of the master’s degree programme. To support the underlying argument in the thesis paper, there is a requirement for exhaustive primary and secondary research. In-depth research also helps college students gain knowledge significantly and it improves their learning skills.  

What Makes A Good Thesis Paper?

The steps to writing a good master’s thesis are as follows: 

Choose a relevant and a good topic 

There is no secret recipe for selecting the perfect thesis topic. Students can explore topics of their interest and then widely read up on that subject. Talking to other scholars who are invested in that field also significantly helps.  They should start looking for unexplored angles which will help them shed new light on the selected topic. A good topic leads to a good thesis argument and a good argument will result in an excellent thesis paper. 

Choose An Accurate Thesis Question

Make certain that your thesis questions are carefully crafted because these questions generate valuable research. It’s important to choose a unique question as your answer will add new substance to the existing body of research. A well-chosen question will also help to keep the research focused, organised, and interesting. 

Conduct Extensive Research

As a next step, you must conduct the required research to find the answer to the main question of your Master’s thesis. Do whatever it takes to accurately answer the thesis question which includes reading other research papers that already exist and carrying out surveys and interviews.  

It is not enough to just conduct research; one must also know how to format the thesis paper. The manner in which you present your report is also critical. 

Here Are The Steps To Follow While Writing A Master’s Thesis

Although formatting varies by university, there are some general steps that must be followed when writing a thesis paper. The following are some basic guidelines: 

• Introduction 

Draft a coherent introduction. The introductory section is important, as it is the first section a reader comes across and the writer must clearly establish their goal. The objectives of the dissertation and the broader hypothesis must be stated clearly in the introduction. The introduction must be drafted in an accessible tone that allows people who aren’t experts in the field to understand the context.

• Literature review

This segment enables students to show their extensive understanding of the subject by contextualising existing texts in their specialised area. Students go over the main pieces of work, outlining any problems they find. The review of literature is basically an overview of all the previous research on your selected topic.

• Contextualise 

After the literature review, contextualise your report. It simply means you should describe how your primary and secondary research adds to the existing body of knowledge after reviewing it. In other words, you should describe how your work advances the field. In this section, you can describe how you found information on the subject. This segment’s purpose is to show the cognitive processes that contributed to your research results. 

• Write Your Results 

This section gives students the chance to objectively demonstrate what they discovered while conducting their research. Students could perhaps simply list the data they collected using a particular framework or research methods and arrange their findings in a comprehensible way without providing any analysis. 

• Conclusion 

Your conclusion should explain the significance of this Master’s thesis and possibly offer a route for future researchers to take in order to continue gathering pertinent data. Additionally, after giving readers all the information they need, this portion is where students can decipher the raw data and illustrate how their research has changed their understanding of the subject or given the readers a new perspective. 

The following are some master’s thesis examples from a variety of disciplines, ranging from science to architecture. However, these are just a few master’s dissertation examples, and students should conduct their own research to find out relevant topics for themselves.

Here’s The List Of Master’s Thesis Examples :

• An explanation based on the science of COVID-19 and its effects on individuals 
• How important is the legalisation of same-sex marriage? 
• Pros and cons of the rise of artificial intelligence. Will it soon take over humanity? 
• How will the economic downturn affect job opportunities for new graduates? 
• What are the workplace sexual harassment issues for all genders
• What is the housing model of the 21st century? 
• The significance of recycled materials in environmentally friendly real design
• What are digital marketing trends to expect and how they will affect businesses?  
• What is the online advertising impact on consumer behaviour?
• Climate change and its implications in 2023 

Master’s Thesis Examples: FAQs

1. Why is a master’s thesis important?

A thesis provides you with an excellent opportunity to dive deep into interesting research in order to acquire a deeper understanding of your field of work. 

2. Who should take up a thesis for their final project in their master’s degree?

Students who want to work in academia or do their PhD should always pursue a thesis. They should also take this route if they want to pursue a doctorate.

3. What is the most important factor to consider when deciding on a thesis topic?

Choose a topic that excites you the most. Your topic of interest will make the writing process much easier. 

4. Can I co-author my master’s thesis with a faculty member?

If your degree allows that, then absolutely. In many cases, your thesis guide is your co-author. 

Thank you for reading this blog on ‘Master’s Thesis Examples: Tips and Ideas For Your Next Academic Paper’ . If you’d like to read more blogs, here are some recommendations that may be of interest to you –  

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Theses and Capstone Projects: Writing your thesis or capstone project report

When a final project includes a written document of some sort, students are expected to follow the appropriate MSOE style guide. There are separate style guides for undergraduate and graduate work.

The applicable style guide can be found here:

• MSOE Graduate Student Documentation and Style Guide For Technical Documents
• MSOE Undergraduate Documentation and Style Guide

Thesis and Capstone Reports

MSOE librarians work closely with graduate students and their advisers during the thesis and capstone report phase of their education. The following resources, documents and information will help you complete your final project.

Graduate Thesis and Capstone Report Format Checks

In compliance with Graduate Programs Council (GPC) Policy 4.3.009, the library is responsible for verifying that all MSOE Graduate Thesis and Capstone Report documents comply with MSOE’s format requirements.

Graduate Thesis and Capstone Report Completion

• Graduate Thesis and Capstone Document Process This document walks through the process of completing a masters thesis or capstone document, including the library publication approval check and other considerations.
• Graduate Thesis and Capstone Publication Approval Form Complete this form and submit it to the library along with the thesis or capstone project to be reviewed.
• MSOE Electronic Thesis and Capstone Project Report Permission Form Use this Form to grant MSOE permission to electronically publish a graduate degree thesis or a graduate degree capstone project report or other independent graduate degree final report or essay.
• Library “Non-Circulation Status” Request Form Complete this from to request access restrictions for a thesis or capstone report.

Personal Thesis/Capstone Bindery Request

The library offers a bindery service for graduate students interested in having copies of their thesis or capstone report bound in a durable, sturdy, and attractive hardcover binding. Students are charged a fee per volume for the service. To request binding of a thesis or capstone report, please send an email to [email protected] .

Electronic Publications at MSOE

• Electronic Publications at MSOE A selection of theses and final capstone project reports completed by graduate students at MSOE that have been approved for electronic dissemination.

MSOE electronic publication provides the broadest possible method of disseminating your work. With electronic publication, the full text of your electronic thesis, capstone project report, or final independent report or essay is freely accessible world-wide on the Internet. Electronic publication of your document typically results in more recognition of your research work, wider dissemination of scholarly information, and acceleration of research.

The MSOE Library invites MSOE graduate students who have completed an approved master's thesis, capstone project report, or other independent final report or essay to submit their work to the MSOE Institutional Repository. In order to participate, graduate students must complete and submit a Permission Form in order to enable MSOE to electronically publish their work.

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• Last Updated: Feb 9, 2024 8:42 AM
• URL: https://libguides.msoe.edu/theses-capstone-projects

What’s Included: The Dissertation Template

If you’re preparing to write your dissertation, thesis or research project, our free dissertation template is the perfect starting point. In the template, we cover every section step by step, with clear, straightforward explanations and examples .

The template’s structure is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for formal academic research projects such as dissertations and theses. The template structure reflects the overall research process, ensuring your dissertation or thesis will have a smooth, logical flow from chapter to chapter.

The dissertation template covers the following core sections:

• The title page/cover page
• Abstract (sometimes also called the executive summary)
• Table of contents
• List of figures /list of tables
• Chapter 1: Introduction  (also available: in-depth introduction template )
• Chapter 2: Literature review  (also available: in-depth LR template )
• Chapter 3: Methodology (also available: in-depth methodology template )
• Chapter 4: Research findings /results (also available: results template )
• Chapter 5: Discussion /analysis of findings (also available: discussion template )
• Chapter 6: Conclusion (also available: in-depth conclusion template )
• Reference list

Each section is explained in plain, straightforward language , followed by an overview of the key elements that you need to cover within each section. We’ve also included practical examples to help you understand exactly what’s required in each section.

The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX.

FAQs: Dissertation Template

What format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).

The dissertation template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

What types of dissertations/theses can this template be used for?

The template follows the standard best-practice structure for formal academic research projects such as dissertations or theses, so it is suitable for the vast majority of degrees, particularly those within the sciences.

Some universities may have some additional requirements, but these are typically minor, with the core structure remaining the same. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.

Will this work for a research paper?

A research paper follows a similar format, but there are a few differences. You can find our research paper template here .

Is this template for an undergrad, Masters or PhD-level thesis?

This template can be used for a dissertation, thesis or research project at any level of study. It may be slight overkill for an undergraduate-level study, but it certainly won’t be missing anything.

How long should my dissertation/thesis be?

This depends entirely on your university’s specific requirements, so it’s best to check with them. As a general ballpark, Masters-level projects are usually 15,000 – 20,000 words in length, while Doctoral-level projects are often in excess of 60,000 words.

What about the research proposal?

If you’re still working on your research proposal, we’ve got a template for that here .

We’ve also got loads of proposal-related guides and videos over on the Grad Coach blog .

How do I write a literature review?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack how to write a literature review from scratch. You can check out the literature review section of the blog here.

How do I create a research methodology?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack research methodology, both qualitative and quantitative. You can check out the methodology section of the blog here.

Can I share this dissertation template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template. If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, all we ask is that you reference this page as your source.

Can Grad Coach help me with my dissertation/thesis?

Within the template, you’ll find plain-language explanations of each section, which should give you a fair amount of guidance. However, you’re also welcome to consider our dissertation and thesis coaching services .

Creating an Outline for Your Master’s Thesis

1. introduction.

Your master’s thesis serves to explain the research that you have done during your time as a masters student. For many students, the master’s thesis is the longest document that they’ve ever written, and the length of the document can feel intimidating. The purpose of this CommKit is to cover a key element of writing your thesis: the outline.

2. Criteria for Success

The most important criterion for success is that you’ve shown an outline with your chapter breakdown to your advisor. Your advisor is the one that formally signs off on your thesis as completed, so their feedback is the most important. 

Every master’s thesis will have the following elements.

• Introduction  –  Familiarize the reader with the topic and what gap exists in the field. 
• Literature Review – Provide a detailed analysis of similar work in the field and how your work is unique. Master’s thesis literature reviews typically have at least 60 citations throughout the entire document 
• Methods – Explain how you produced your results
• Results –  Show your results and comment on their significance and implications. 
• Conclusion – Summarize the methodology you used to generate results,  your key findings, and any future areas of work.

Having an outline for your master’s thesis will help you explain the motivation behind your work, and also connect the different experiments or results that you completed. Furthermore, an outline for your master’s thesis can help break down the larger task of writing the entire thesis into smaller, more manageable chapter-sized subtasks.

4. Analyze Your Audience

The most important audience member for your master’s thesis is your advisor, as they are ultimately the person that signs off on whether or not your thesis is sufficient enough to graduate. The needs of any other audience members are secondary. 

Ideally, a good master’s thesis is accessible to people that work in your field. In some cases, master’s theses are passed on to newer students so that that research can continue. In these cases, the thesis is used as a guide to introduce newer students to the research area. If you intend for your thesis to be used as a guide for new students, you may spend more time explaining the state of the field in your introduction and literature review. Additionally, your thesis will be posted publicly on DSpace , MIT’s digital repository for all theses. 

5. Best Practices

5.1. identify your claims.

A key element to figuring out the unique structure to your master’s thesis is identifying the claims of your work. A claim is an answer to a research question or gap. Your thesis can have both a higher level claim and also lower level claims that motivate the research projects that you worked on. Identifying your claims will help you spot the key objectives which you want to highlight in the thesis. This will keep your writing on topic. 

Some examples are shown below:

Gap/Question : There are no field-portable microplastic sensing technologies to measure their distribution in the environment.

→ Claim : Impedance spectroscopy can be used in a microfluidic device to rapidly distinguish organic matter from polymers.

Gap/Question: How effective are convolutional neural networks for pose estimation during in-space assembly? 

→ Claim : Convolutional neural networks can be used to estimate the pose of satellites, but struggle with oversaturated images and images with multiple satellites.

5.2. Support Your Claims

Once you have identified your claim, the next step is to identify evidence that will support it. The structure of your paper will be very dependent on the claim that you make.  Figure 1 and 2 demonstrate two different structures to support a claim. In one outline, the claim is best supported by a linear structure that describes the building, testing, and validation of a model. In another outline, the claim is best supported by a trifold structure, where three independent methods are discussed. Depending on the extent of the evidence, you could break this trifold structure into 3 separate chapters, or they could all be discussed in a singular chapter. The value of identifying claims and evidence is that it helps you organize your paper coherently at a high level. The number of chapters that are output as a result of your claim identification is up to you and what you think would be sufficient discussion for a chapter within your thesis. 

5.3. Connect the Evidence to Your Claims with Reasoning

One common mistake that students make when writing their thesis is treating each chapter as an isolated piece of writing. While it is helpful to break down the actual task of thesis writing into chapter-size pieces, these chapters should have some connection to one another. For your outline, it is ideal to identify what these connections were. Perhaps what made you start on one project was that you realized the weaknesses in your prior work and you wanted to make improvements. For readers who were not doing the research with you, describing the connections between your work in different chapters can help them understand the motivation and value of why you pursued each component. 

5.4. Combine Your Claims, Evidence, and Reasoning to Produce Your Outline

Once you have identified your claims, the evidence you have surrounding each claim, and the reasoning that connects each piece of your work, you can now create your full outline, putting the pieces together like a jigsaw puzzle. An example outline is provided as an annotated example.

There are no requirements for minimum or maximum number of chapters that your master’s thesis can have. Therefore, when translating your outline to a literal chapter breakdown, you should feel free to use as many chapters as needed. If your methods section for a claim is extremely long, it may make more sense to have it be a standalone chapter, as shown in the attached annotated pdf. 

6. Additional Resources

Every IAP, the Comm Lab hosts a workshop on how to write your master’s thesis. This workshop provides tips for writing each of these sections, and steps you through the process of creating an outline. 

Resources and Annotated Examples

Example 1. structure diagram and table of contents, example 2. table of contents.

Excellent Master Theses MBIT

You can find a full overview of all BIT theses here: https://essay.utwente.nl/view/programme/60025.html. Theses are scored based on the criteria in the assessment form for the Final Project . Below a few examples of theses that scored well. 

• Naik, Nilay Prashant (2023)  Application Portfolio Management Maturity : A Grounded Theory investigation on the processes and expected benefits.
• Man, T. (2022)  Modelling Security Architectures of Collaborative Networks.
• Versloot, C.W.A. (2019)  Amplifying the Analyst: Machine Learning Approaches for Buried Utility Characterization.
• Plant, O.H. (2019)  DevOps under control : development of a framework for achieving internal control and effectively managing risks in a DevOps environment.  
• Aggelen, J.M. van (2017)  Using virtual reality to support substance use disorder treatment in people with an intellectual disability.
• Franck, T. (2016)  Towards an Integrated Model of Smart Manufacturing Enterprises.
• Teerenstra, G.H.G. (2016)  The start of IT Governance in a Dutch Academic Medical Centre.  
• Brand, A. (2013). Improving interoperability between electric mobility and the electricity system - Towards a reference architecture for charging electric vehicles.
• Paagman, A.J.G.M. (2012). Only for the money?: Motives for introducing shared services in government organizations.
• Iankoulova, I.D. (2012). Business Intelligence for horizontal cooperation: Measuring the performance of a transformation network sharing cooperation between logistics companies.
• Groot, R.E.J. de (2012). IT-Based risks in advergame campaigns: A focus on fairness and privacy.
• Oude Maatman, R.B. (2011). Design and evaluate a deployment process for the ES benefits management method.
• Boot, M.N.S. (2011). Electronic retail payments at public events: An exploratory study into the feasibility of various electronic payment systems at public events.
• Wesselink, M.G. (2011). Requirements engineering in market-facing projects: A case study.
• Veen, E.R.G. van der (2011). Precedent for doing things differently: case studies of agile development of large, distributed outsourcing projects.
• Hoorn, R. van der (2011). Ensuring the pigs don’t chicken out: Improving the use of good practices in agile software development.
• Maranny, E.A. (2011). Stage Maturity Model of m-Government (SMM M-Gov): Improving e-Government performance by utilizing m-Government features.
• De Jong, F. (2009). The Right Governance Framework for Managing an Offshore IT Outsourcing Relationship.: The Shell Case.
• Koster, S.R. (2009 ). An evaluation method for Business Process Management products.
• Steen, B. (2009). Generation of optimal business processes from business rules.
• Brandhorst, C.J. (2008). Intelligente Elektronische Ondersteuning voor Huisartsen.
• Draaijer, R. (2008). Why Share? An empirical investigation of knowledge contribution within electronic networks of practice.  
• Linders, S. (2008). Opportunities and limitations of using SOA concepts and technologies for building BI applications: a Delphi Study.
• Oostrum, A.R. (2008). A service register as an information intermediary : towards a structured design approach for service registers.
• Elling, E. (2007). Tools for fun and fruitful meetings: don’t let meetings make you go bananas!

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≡ final thesis format.

Final thesis format

 In general, the report of a final thesis should be structured as follows.

• Abstract: A short text (250 to 500 words) in which the content and nature of the work is described, focusing particularly on the objectives, methods, results and conclusions of the thesis.
• Table of contents: This must include the headings of all sections and subdivisions in the order in which they appear in the text, showing the page number on which each starts.
• List of tables: The titles and numbers of all tables included, in the order in which they appear in the text.
• List of figures: The titles and numbers of all figures included, in the order in which they appear in the text.
• List of abbreviations / Glossary (where appropriate)
• INTRODUCTION. This section must include the following:
• Object: The final result that is to be achieved.
• Scope: Work packages and deliverables required to arrive at the solution.
• Requirements: Or basic specifications. Limitations of the solution proposed.
• Rationale: A broad overview of the need for the work, which is then considered from a more specific perspective. The aim is to focus and contextualise the thesis.
• MAIN BODY. This section must include the following:
• Background and/or review of the state of the art (where appropriate): The current situation with respect to the topic of study.
• Methodology: The steps to be followed to achieve the objectives of the thesis, including the techniques and tools necessary to solve the problem.
• Planning and decision making on alternative solutions.
• Discussion of the solution(s).
• SUMMARY OF RESULTS.
• Budget summary and/or economic feasibility study (as appropriate).
• Analysis and assessment of environmental and social implications (where appropriate).
• Conclusions and recommendations for further work: This section should present a final synthesis based on interpretation of the results obtained. Conclusions are generally brief and must be directly related to the objectives of the thesis.
• Planning and scheduling of the proposed further work.
• List of bibliographic references and regulations applied: A list of the documents consulted and cited throughout the thesis. Information on recommended practices with respect to citations and how to generate bibliographic references can be found at this address: https://bibliotecnica.upc.edu/en/investigadors/citar-elaborar-bibliografia

The format of each of these documents is free, but a Report template is provided.

Students should check the spelling and grammar of all final thesis documents, use the International System of Units (SI) and a consistent number of decimal places, and identify the axes of graphs included in the text.

The length of the core text of the final thesis should not exceed a maximum of 60-70 pages.

3 inspiring master’s thesis acknowledgement examples

Writing a thesis acknowledgment is a meaningful milestone, marking the completion of a master’s thesis and the end of a master’s education. Questions about its length, tone, and acceptability commonly arise for many students. To provide inspiration, here are three concise master’s thesis acknowledgment examples for you to consider as you compose your own.

What to consider when writing a master’s thesis acknowledgement

Master’s thesis acknowledgement example 1: formal and polite, master’s thesis acknowledgement example 2: emotional and personal, master’s thesis acknowledgement example 3: humorous and grateful.

It is very rare not to have an acknowledgment for your thesis, so almost all master’s students will face the challenge of writing one sooner or later if they are working on a thesis. Master thesis acknowledgments typically range between 100-350 words.

While there are usually no fixed rules on how to write it, remember that the acknowledgment is one of the first things that the reader (including potential assessors!) will see, as it is usually placed before the thesis introduction . Thus, you want to make a good impression. While making an acknowledgment personal, keep it somewhat formal.

Furthermore, it is good to thank your supervisor, even if you did not have the best relationship, out of courtesy. You can also express gratitude to family, friends, or even pets, but keep in mind that many theses are publicly available, so do not share anything that you would not want the world to know. Again, maintaining a somewhat formal tone will help with this.

If you want more information, check out this post on general tips that I wrote on how to create a distinct and meaningful acknowledgment section that reflects your gratitude and appreciation.

You may also like: 5 inspiring PhD thesis acknowledgement examples

While some individuals are naturally expressive, openly sharing their private lives even in public, others may not feel as comfortable with such openness—and that’s perfectly acceptable.

Crafting a brief, formal, and polite thesis acknowledgement is a universal practice, ensuring that you convey appreciation without overstepping personal boundaries.

If you are more emotional and personal, and want to include that in your thesis acknowledgement, this is also perfectly fine. Remember, do you, as long as you keep it to an acceptable level of formality.

While maintaining a degree of formality in a thesis acknowledgement, there’s room for a touch of humor to let your personality shine through. Embracing a lighthearted tone doesn’t diminish the significance of the acknowledgment; rather, it can add a personal and engaging touch.

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