Learning objectives

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

• find guidelines on thesis presentation and referencing style
• locate advice on using Microsoft Word to write your thesis
• access information on thesis submission procedures.

Finding guidelines on thesis presentation

Preparing a thesis for submission is an exacting task. Even minor inconsistencies in format will detract in the eyes of your examiners. Consistency in layout are crucial. You will need to choose a standard referencing system in consultation with your supervisor.

Finding good models to follow The first step is to read other, recent UNE theses in your discipline area. Concentrate on those theses which received the best examiner's comments (consult your supervisors on this point). Close reading of recent theses will give you hints on the proper presentation of your thesis, as well as guidance on the standards required. You might also like to have a look at theses from other universities, although standards at other institutions may not be identical to those at UNE. For further information, see the pages elsewhere on Finding Theses.

Guidelines for UNE theses

Each School has its own standards. In general, however, these guidelines will be useful:

• theses should be word-processed and printed on plain, white, A4 size paper.
• allow a left margin of 30 mm and a minimum of 13 mm for other margins.
• the body of your thesis should be at double or one-and-half line spacing. References or notes may be single spaced, although some Schools prefer additional line spacing between each reference or note.
• type should be no smaller than 12 points. Choice of font is generally up to you, but serif fonts such as Times New Roman, Palatino or Garamond are usual and improve legibility.
• quotes of three or more lines should be left indented and single-spaced.
• tables and figures should be labelled in numerical order within each chapter. Table titles should be centred and above the table. Titles for figures should be centred and below the table.

Consult your supervisors for additional advice.

Standard guides The available guidelines don't cover every eventuality. You might like to browse through standard reference works on publication layout in the Library's collection. These include: Style Manual for Authors, Editors and Printers, 6th edition, Wiley, Milton, Qld. Call No R808.02/S938/2002 (also at 808.02/S938/2002). Gibaldi, Joseph (2009) MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th edition, Modern Language Association of America, New York. Call No 808.027/G437ml

Referencing styles

There are a wide range of referencing styles at use at UNE. The ASO provides a series of guides on the basic rules for each of the styles at use at UNE Schools.

Guides to referencing For further information on the styles used at UNE, see the Referencing page on the ASO site.

Using Word to write your thesis

Microsoft Word is the standard word-processing package used at UNE. It has a range of advanced formatting features and should be your first choice for writing your thesis.

Learning to use Microsoft Word There are a number of inexpensive books on the topic, such as Word For Dummies. These are available at most bookshops. In addition, the university of Auckland has a useful set of resources on using Word 2010 for thesis writing.

Preparing your thesis for submission

Faculties and Schools often provide their students with specialised guidance regarding the preparation of a thesis for submission. Consult with your supervisor regarding what resources are available.

Some really, really useful advice Back-up your work and keep a electronic copy at a place other than your normal work place. Update your back-ups as you continue to write and revise. If you don't do this, you risk losing years of work if your laptop is stolen, your computer crashes or some disaster strikes your home or workplace.

Summary

This module dealt with:

• finding guidelines on thesis presentation
• finding information on using Microsoft Word
• accessing information on thesis submission procedures.