university of westminster dissertation

Library Guides

Dissertations 2: structure: structures, structuring dissertation chapters.

How should a dissertation look? How is it structured?  

There isn't a single convention on dissertation writing, so check if your lecturers gave you any guidance (this can be on Blackboard, e.g. on course handbooks or lecture slides).

This guide presents two common types of structures: a "standard" structure , mostly used in sciences and social sciences, and a "thematic" structure , mostly used in humanities.   

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• Last Updated: Nov 23, 2021 3:47 PM
• URL: https://libguides.westminster.ac.uk/c.php?g=692395

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PhD by published work

The PhD by published work route is intended primarily for mid-career research-active academics who, for one reason or another, haven’t had the opportunity to undertake a research programme leading to a PhD.

Submissions for this award will consist of a coherent body of work which is of the same quality, rigour and volume as required of a standard PhD in your field and which constitutes an original contribution to knowledge.

We welcome applications from Westminster staff and from outside the University. Applications are considered on their merits within the relevant colleges and applicants are advised to approach the relevant members of academic staff for an informal discussion before applying.

If your application is successful, you will be assigned one or more supervisors who will advise on which of your publications should form your final submission to be examined and how your commentary should be written. The commentary (15,000 words) describes the aims of the research you’ve undertaken to produce your publications, incorporates an analytical discussion of the main results and puts the total work submitted in context.

What kind of publications are considered to be appropriate for a submission via this route?

• books and book chapters
• refereed journal papers
• Other media/other public output (eg architectural or engineering designs)
• The submission of a single book, work or artefact is also possible
• The body of work may not include any material produced more than ten years before the date of submission

How do I apply?

You should first make contact with the relevant academic or  relevant College  for an informal discussion of your publications and how they might be considered for a PhD by Published Work. If you decide to apply, you will make an application in the normal way.

What should my application consist of?

In addition to the standard application process, your application should also include a portfolio of publications, accompanied by a proposal not exceeding 2,000 words in length, which contextualises the selected publications, demonstrates their coherence and outlines the intended contribution to knowledge.

View the guidance on  how to write your PhD by published work research proposal .

What happens after I’ve applied?

Your application will be considered by a College panel, which will assess the quality and the coherence of your publications and your proposal, and if the panel wishes to take your application further, it will invite you to interview, following which you will receive a decision.

How long will it take from initial enrolment to final submission of the work for examination?

This is a part-time programme which takes a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 24 months.

What should I do next?

• Check that you meet the entry requirements and review your options for funding your programme
• Find out if we cover your proposed area of research and if there is a supervisory team available

If you decide to proceed, you can find links to apply and all the information you need on our Research area pages .

Related pages

Fees and funding.

How much will it cost to study a research degree?

Entry requirements

Find out if you can apply for a Research Degree at the University of Westminster.

Research degree by distance learning

Find out about Research Degree distance learning options at the University of Westminster.

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Museums for all: towards engaging, memorable museum experiences through inclusive audio description

Hutchinson, R. 2019. Museums for all: towards engaging, memorable museum experiences through inclusive audio description. PhD thesis University of Westminster Social Sciences https://doi.org/10.34737/v01vw

Permalink - https://westminsterresearch.westminster.ac.uk/item/v01vw/museums-for-all-towards-engaging-memorable-museum-experiences-through-inclusive-audio-description

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Can I access past dissertations through the library?

18 jan 2024 • faqs, information.

The library doesn't hold past dissertations, but there is a lot support available.

For help with researching and writing your dissertation, see our Dissertation research guide .

You can also speak with one of our Academic Engagement Librarians .

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Format Guidelines

In this section:, basic guidelines, abbreviations, general formatting, sequence of elements, specific elements, submission deadlines.

This document explains the formatting and submission requirements that Westminster expects all students to follow in their theses, dissertations, or projects only. Make sure you refer to it often during your writing and submission process. For guidelines on formatting course papers, please see the CTW’s Citation and Formatting Guide .

Please note that for each degree program the thesis should conform to the following length limitations.

• PhD dissertations: 100,000 words (including footnotes).
• ThM Theses: 50,000 words (including footnotes)
• DMin Projects: 300 page maximum (including bibliography)

Please note that students are responsible for the information provided in this document. Check back regularly for updates or revisions that may affect the formatting of your thesis, dissertation, or project (hereafter referred to collectively as “theses”).

A. Basic Guidelines

1. turabian.

The primary style guide for WTS theses is Kate L. Turabian’s A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations , 9th edition (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2018). The thesis format and bibliographical guidelines of Turabian should be followed unless they are modified by this document.

For problems or questions of format not covered by Turabian or this document, WTS thesis writers should follow The Chicago Manual of Style , 17th edition (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2017).

2. SBL Handbook

The Biblical Studies department may require that you use The SBL Handbook of Style , 2nd edition (Atlanta, GA: SBL Press, 2014), supplemented by Turabian. Please check with your advisor or department for more details.

Note: All departments use the SBL abbreviations for ancient texts and standard references, as described in Section B below.

3. Review your Formatting

Your completed thesis should comply with all of the formatting requirements outlined in this document. If you are unsure of any of the format requirements, be sure to check with the Center for Theological Writing or the Library Director before you turn in your completed thesis. If you would like assistance with formatting, please request an appointment with the Director of the Center for Theological Writing . Works not conforming to these standards will be rejected. Sample pages may be sent to the Library Director at an early date for review.

B. Abbreviations

1. For the use of abbreviations in general, see Turabian, 9th ed., 342–351, 355–357. Use abbreviations sparingly in text, more liberally in footnotes and tables. Abbreviations containing all capital letters do not usually use periods.

2. In many theses, numerous citations of standard works and major journals make it desirable to use abbreviations when citing them.

a. For directions in the use of abbreviations in biblical areas, please consult The SBL Handbook, 2nd ed., chapter 8.

b. When citing biblical texts, use the abbreviations for books of the Bible and other primary source Ancient Texts as found in Section 8.3 of The SBL Handbook, 2nd ed. Although most extra-biblical ancient sources are abbreviated using periods, note that you are not to put a period after abbreviations of biblical books.

c. For citing secondary sources in biblical studies (including certain journals, periodicals, major reference works and series), please use the abbreviations found in Section 8.4 of The SBL Handbook, 2nd ed.

d. If you use abbreviations for standard works or major journals in the body of your text, footnotes, or bibliography, you must include a list of these abbreviations with their matching full titles in the “Abbreviations” page in the preliminary pages of your thesis or dissertation. Keep in mind that you do not need to include in this list common academic abbreviations, such as the ones listed in Turabian, chapter 24. (See Section E.7 below for instructions for formatting the Abbreviations page, and click here to see a sample abbreviations page.)

C. General Formatting Guidelines

The font size must be 12 point for the body of the text; for footnotes the font size may be as small as 10 point.

2. Line Spacing

a. The body of the text should be double spaced. The abstract should be double spaced.

b. Footnotes should be single spaced, with a double space between each note.

c. Leave two blank lines between the title and the first line of the text for all major elements of your thesis.

a. The left margin must be 1½ inches. Do not, for any reason, type anything in this margin. Margins of this size are needed so that the thesis can be properly bound.

b. Right margin: 1 inch. Top and bottom margins: 1 inch

4. Chapter Titles and Subheadings

a. Chapter titles should be formatted as described in Turabian, 9th ed., 402–404, and Fig. A.9. Do not use the alternative format. Chapter titles that exceed one line should be single-spaced.

b. Turabian provides for five distinct formatting levels for subheadings (Turabian, 9th ed., 404–405). Use only as many levels as you need. The title of the chapter does not count as a level of subheading.

c. The most basic divisions of your chapter should be more visually prominent (first or second level subheads), while the subdivisions of each of these sections should be less visually prominent (third level on down). Be sure to leave two blank lines before and one blank line after each subheading, and do not put a period after a subheading that is not immediately followed by text. Never allow a subheading to appear at the bottom of a page without text immediately following it.

d. The following example of how to use subheadings is based on Turabian, 9th ed., 404–405. This example is provided in order to illustrate the common three-level system. You do not have to use the exact number of levels illustrated below; choose the number of levels suited to the divisions in your thesis chapters, maintaining the principle of visual prominence explained above.

Click here to view a sample first page of a chapter and an example of proper line spacing for subheadings.

5. Pagination

a. Assign page numbers to the title page, the copyright page, the dedication page, and the CV, but adjust the settings on your word processor so that the page numbers do not appear.

b. The preliminary pages should be numbered using lower-case Roman numerals (i.e., i, ii, iii, etc.). Restart page numbering using Arabic numerals beginning with the first page of chapter one.

D. Sequence of Elements

Place the preliminary pages in the following order. Do not follow Turabian, 9th ed. or the SBL Handbook, 2nd ed. for this sequence.

a. Title page

b. Copyright page

c. Dedication (optional)

d. Abstract

e. Contents

h. Abbreviations

i. Preface or Acknowledgements (optional)

j. Body of Text

k. Appendices

l. Bibliography

m. Curriculum Vitae

E. Specific Elements

1. title page.

Please use these fillable forms to complete your title page.

ThM Thesis Title Page

PhD Dissertation Title Page

DMin Project Title Page

Please note that if the thesis has both a main title and a subtitle, the main title should appear on a single line, followed by a colon. Begin the subtitle on a new line.

On the title page, the title of the thesis should be double-spaced. Use our preformatted title pages for correct line spacing.

There are no exceptions to the format of your title page.

2. Copyright Page

a.In submitting their approved theses, students are responsible for complying with US copyright law. For more information, please see “ Copyright and Your Disseration Thesis: Ownership, Fair Use, and Your Rights and Responsibilities. ” Also consult the discussion of fair use in chapter 4 of The Chicago Manual, 17th ed.

b. When quoting from the Bible, please ensure that you have followed the copyright restrictions for the version(s) you have used.

c. If you choose to include a copyright notice in your thesis, please consult Turabian, 9th ed., 388–389, for instructions on how to format the copyright page.

Click here to view a sample copyright page.

3. Abstract

a. An informative abstract will help readers decide whether or not to consult the full text of your work. Include your thesis statement, main arguments, and conclusions presented in the order in which they appear in your thesis. Use keywords but avoid references to tables, figures, or outside sources.

b. Label the first page “Abstract,” centered at the top of the page. Leave two blank lines between the title and the first line of the text, and double space the text, as described in Turabian, 9th ed., 389.

4. Contents

The label for this page should read “Contents,” not “Table of Contents” (see Turabian, 9th ed., 390, 393, and Figs. A.3–A.4).

Click here to view a sample contents page.

If your thesis contains figures, they should be listed on a “Figures” page in the front matter, as described in Turabian, 9th ed., 393. Click here to see a sample “Figures” page.

Click here to see a sample figure with caption. See Turabian, 9th ed., chapter 8, and 370–373, 380–382, for a discussion of how to format and label your figures. Please note that you should state the source of any figure you did not create yourself. Follow the guidelines described in The Chicago Manual, 17th ed., 141–144, and Turabian, 9th ed., 372–373.

If your thesis contains tables, their titles should be listed on a “Tables” page in the front matter, as described in Turabian, 9th ed., 393 and Fig. A.5. Do not combine figures and tables into a single list; in other words, follow Turabian, 9th ed. Fig. A.5, not A.6. Click here to see a sample “Tables” page.

Click here to see a sample table. See Turabian, 9th ed., chapter 8 and 370–379, for information about design and format of your tables. Please note that you should state the source of any table that you did not create yourself. Follow the guidelines described in The Chicago Manual, 17th ed., 141–144, and Turabian, 9th ed., 372–373.

7. Abbreviations

Abbreviations of standard works and major journals referenced in the thesis (see section B above) must be listed and defined, as described in Turabian, 9th ed., 398, and Fig. A.7.

Click here to see a sample abbreviations page.

8. Notes-Bibliography Style

a. The notes-bibliography style as explained in chapters 16 and 17 of Turabian, 9th ed., is the primary citation system used at Westminster, supplemented by The SBL Handbook, 2nd ed., for theses in biblical studies.

Please note the following:

(1) All footnotes must be placed at the bottom of the page as described in Turabian, 9th ed., 162, Section 16.3.4.1 (see also, The SBL Handbook, 2nd ed., chapter 6). There is no other option. Begin each footnote on the page in which the source is referenced. Footnotes should be numbered consecutively from the beginning of each chapter. Do not attach footnotes to titles or subtitles.

(2) When using “shortened notes” (see Turabian, 9th ed., 163–167), follow the template labelled “Author-Title Notes” on pages 165–166. Do not use “Author-Only Notes.” For SBL, consult The SBL Handbook, 2nd ed., chapter 6.

(3) The use of “Ibid.” is discouraged in order to avoid errors caused by reordering one’s references. Shortened notes should be used instead. If you choose to use “Ibid.,” carefully study the guidelines in Turabian, 9th ed., 166–167.

(4) For references to encyclopedia and dictionary articles, the citation method for “Parts of Edited Collections” should be used (see Turabian, 9th ed., 184–185). For subsequent references, use “Author-Title Notes” format described in number 3 above. Do not use the citation method for reference works found in Turabian, 9th ed., 204–205. SBL users should follow The SBL Handbook, 2nd ed., 94–95. See the chapter “Lexicons, Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Grammars” in the CTW’s Citation and Formatting Guide for examples.

b. Electronic Sources. For a useful orientation to citing online sources found in Westminster’s databases or on the web, consult Turabian, 9th ed., 143–146. Models for citing a variety of electronic sources are provided in the Citation and Formatting Guide.

Click here for a sample bibliography.

9. Appendix

The appendix to your thesis is a separate element placed after the main body of the thesis but before the bibliography and CV. An appendix normally includes supporting material that cannot be easily placed in the body of your paper. In the case of a Dmin project, materials (books, curriculum, etc.) that are part of the ministry model can be included here. If different types of materials are provided, group each type in separate appendices. When thinking about what should be included in an appendix, select only that information which is critical to the reader’s understanding of the main body of the project. For example, survey results should be summarized rather than presented by individual respondent. Please consult Turabian, 9th ed., 410, for more details.

Click here for a sample appendix page.

10. Curriculum Vitae

The last page of the thesis must include a curriculum vitae (“CV”). This page should not be numbered. The curriculum vitae should include information about the author’s life (birth date, marriage), ordination and/or ecclesiastical membership, education (degrees, dates, thesis or dissertation titles), publications, and academic awards. Do not include references. Do not put a page number on your CV, and do not list a page number for it on the contents page. Click here to see a sample CV page.

F. Submission Deadlines and Plagiarism Guidelines

1. submission deadlines.

a. DMin Deadlines

Nov. 15: Completed DMin project due

May 1: Approved DMin project due

b. PhD Deadlines

Dec. 15: Completed PhD dissertations due to advisor for preapproval

Jan. 30: Completed PhD dissertations due

May 1: Approved PhD dissertations due

c. ThM Deadlines

Oct. 1: Completed ThM theses due (fall completion students only)

Dec. 15: Approved ThM theses due (fall completion students only)

March 1: Completed ThM theses due

May 15: Approved ThM theses due

Note: When the dates listed above fall on a weekend in a given year, the thesis deadline will be the following Monday.

2. Plagiarism Pledge

In keeping with the Seminary’s honor code, students will be required to sign a “plagiarism pledge,” which will be sent electronically to the student by Academic Affairs. Be sure to review the seminary’s definition of plagiarism before signing the pledge. The plagiarism pledge must be signed by the final submission deadline.

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University Centre for Academic English

Writing dissertations

The purpose of the activities in this section is to enable you to produce an effective dissertation, in accordance with the academic writing conventions followed at British universities.

You will learn about the different parts of a dissertation and how they relate to each other. You will also have the opportunity to consider different writing styles and choose the most appropriate for your subject area. Finally, you will consider the importance of developing your own study skills and explore some useful dissertation writing tips and techniques.

What is a dissertation?

In this subsection, you will examine the overall structure of a dissertation and the common information elements found in each part. You will also reflect upon a number of important factors that need to be considered when selecting a topic for your dissertation.

Defining a dissertation and its structure

In this activity you will consider the difference between a thesis and a dissertation. You will also identify different types of research and consider how the type of research affects the overall organisational pattern of the dissertation.

• View defining a dissertation and its structure activity

The elements of a dissertation

You will identify the information elements that the different chapters of a dissertation are likely to include. The numbering system that is typically employed for different sections of a dissertation is introduced.

• View the elements of a dissertation activity

Selecting a topic for your dissertation

Here you will explore the factors which will help you select a topic for your dissertation.

• View selecting a topic for your dissertation activity

Focusing on a topic

Here you will learn about techniques that can help you focus on a topic for your dissertation: creating mindmaps, formulating and refining research questions, and developing strategies for reading efficiently.

Brainstorming and mindmaps

You will practise using the techniques of brainstorming and creating mind maps to explore the possible areas you wish to cover in your dissertation.

• View brainstorming and mindmaps activity

Research questions and hypotheses

Here you will find out how to formulate and refine research questions. The meaning of the term hypothesis is also discussed.

• View research questions and hypotheses activity

Accessing and organising the literature for the dissertation 

You will explore effective ways to search for information and read efficiently. You will also find out how to manage, organise and record the literature that you access.

• View accessing and organising the literature for the dissertation activity

Research proposals, dissertation titles and personal journals

In this subsection you will identify the important elements in a research proposal, practise ways of writing an effective dissertation title, and explore the benefits of keeping a personal journal as part of the research process.

Writing a research proposal for a dissertation

Here you will examine the important information elements that should be included in a research proposal.

• View the writing a research proposal for a dissertation activity

Writing an effective title for your dissertation

You will find out how to write an effective title for your dissertation and how to present your title page.

• View writing an effective title for your dissertation activity

Keeping a research journal or diary

You will explore the value of keeping a research journal whilst conducting your research.

• View keeping a research journal or diary activity

The literature review

Different aspects of a dissertation literature review are explored. You will investigate the multiple purposes for which sources are cited in a literature review, explore different techniques for integrating sources into your text, consider the meaning of criticality in a literature review, and learn about strategies for giving your own voice prominence in your writing.

The multiple purposes of a literature review

This looks at how a literature review can be structured. It also considers the variety of purposes for which the related literature is used in a dissertation.

• View the multiple purposes of a literature review activity

Integrating sources

Different citation practices are introduced and the variety of ways in which the literature can be integrated into a text are considered.

• View integrating sources activity

Establishing your own position

You will learn about the organisational and linguistic techniques you can use to establish your own position in relation to the literature you are citing.

• View establishing your own position activity

How to be critical in a literature review

Here, the meaning of 'being critical' in a literature review is explored.

• View how to be critical in a literature review activity

Making linguistic choices

You will examine some of the linguistic strategies you can use to show your strength of commitment to the work you are citing.

• View making linguistic choices activity

Here, the different purposes of dissertation abstracts are considered. You will identify the common information elements in abstracts and the tense and voice changes that often occur in the text.

The purposes of a dissertation abstract

The various purposes of abstracts are explored. You will also analyse two abstracts to identify the different information elements which can be included.

• View the purposes of a dissertation abstract activity

Choices of verb tense and voice in different parts of an abstract

You will look at the changes in verb tense and voice that are likely to occur in an abstract and consider the reasons for these choices.

• View choices of verb tense and voice in different parts of an abstract activity

Writing and revising a draft abstract

Here you will have the opportunity to write a draft for your own dissertation abstract while considering the common information elements, as well as tense and voice choices.

• View writing and revising a draft abstract activity

Introductions

This subsection explores different aspects of a dissertation introduction. It focuses on its various functions, the common information elements it contains and its organisational structure. The differences between the dissertation introduction, abstract and literature review are also examined.

The purpose of an introduction and different information elements

You will focus on the purposes of dissertation introductions, their common information elements and their organisational structure.

• View the purpose of an introduction and different information elements activity

Abstracts and introductions

The differences between a dissertation abstract and introduction are examined.

• View the abstracts and introductions activity

The relationship between the introduction and the literature review

Here the difference between an introduction and a literature review is discussed. You will also look at examples of how the initial chapters of a dissertation can be organised.

• View the relationship between the introduction and the literature review activity

Research methodology

Here you will be introduced to the methodology section of a dissertation. The typical information elements and possible organisational structures will be presented. You will also focus on using appropriate verb tense and voice when describing your methodology.

Typical information elements when describing your methodology

You will be introduced to the methodology section of a dissertation and consider what information elements are typically included. You will then read four extracts and be given practice in identifying different elements. You will consider the different ways that methodology sections can be organised.

• View the typical information elements when describing your methodology activity

Common tense choice and voice choices

You will be given practice in choosing appropriate verb forms to complete short extracts which describe the methodology.

• View common tense choice and voice choices activity

Presenting and discussing findings

In this subsection, you are introduced to the various ways in which findings can be presented in dissertations. In particular, this section will cover the difference between the presentation of findings in a dissertation based on empirical research and in a library-based dissertation. You will also examine techniques for integrating tables and figures into a text.

Presenting findings from empirical research studies

You will explore the various ways in which research findings can be presented in a dissertation.

• View presenting findings from empirical research studies activity

Including tables and figures in your dissertation

Here important techniques for integrating figures and tables into a text are presented.

• View including tables and figures in your dissertation activity

Presenting findings in library-based dissertations

You will look at examples from library-based dissertations which illustrate the way findings are integrated into these types of text.

• View presenting findings in library-based dissertations activity

Interpretation and discussion

This subsection examines approaches to the discussion and interpretation of findings. The session includes an overview of the common information elements in the Discussion chapter of a dissertation, an analysis of the different meanings of interpretation, and practice in techniques for expressing different degrees of certainty in your writing.

Common elements in discussion chapters

You will consider the different ways in which you can organise the final chapters of your dissertation. The common information elements of the Discussion chapter of a dissertation are presented and explored.

• View common elements in discussion chapters activity

Different ways of interpreting findings

You will explore the various meanings of interpretation and analyse examples in texts.

• View different ways of interpreting findings activity

Expressing degrees of certainty 

You will practise the various language techniques available for expressing different degrees of certainty about your findings and interpretations.

• View expressing degrees of certainty activity

Conclusions and dissertation writing techniques

In this final subsection, you will examine the role of the conclusion in a dissertation and its links to other sections. Typical information elements will be presented. You will also focus on the need for cross referencing within a dissertation. You will consider a number of general techniques which will help you throughout your dissertation.

Conclusions

You will consider the role of a conclusion in a dissertation and how it is linked to other sections. You will also look at the different information elements often found in a conclusion.

• View conclusions activity

Cross referencing between dissertation chapters 

You will look at how authors refer back to previously given information within a dissertation and consider why it is necessary to cross reference in longer texts.

• View cross referencing between dissertation chapters activity

Time management, dealing with writer's block and revision strategies

Here you will focus on the importance of planning your time carefully during your dissertation. You will then be introduced to a number of strategies to help you keep writing. Finally, you will think about the importance of proof reading your work and making revisions.

• View time management, dealing with writer's block and revision strategies activity