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What Is a Dissertation Preface? Meaning, Writing Tips and Examples

Published 22 Jun 2023

Being a vital entryway to scholarly pursuits, a dissertation preface provides readers with insights into the researcher's journey, motivations, and the significance of their work. This section is often overlooked, although it establishes the study’s tone and offers valuable glimpses into the researcher’s thought process. In this article, we’ll explore the preface’s meaning and purpose, components, effective strategies, and examples to help students complete an engaging writing piece and enhance the value of their dissertation. 

What is a dissertation preface? 

Before we delve into details about how to write a preface, let’s clarify the meaning of this term. A preface is an introductory section, which allows sharing the author’s experiences while completing a thesis or dissertation with the audience. This chapter should be written in the first person and is typically completed when a dissertation is finished, serving as a final reflection and a bridge between the researcher and readers. A dissertation preface has the following purposes: 

• Establishing context: Outlining the research's relevance, situating it within the broader academic or professional context, and helping readers grasp its purpose and scope.
• Expressing motivations: Articulating personal motivations, such as experiences, interests, or concerns, that inspired the research.
• Acknowledging contributors: Recognizing the support and contributions of mentors, advisors, colleagues, or family members who played a significant role.
• Revealing the thought process: Providing insights into the researcher's intellectual framework, theoretical perspectives, or methodologies related to the study and explaining their choices.
• Creating a connection with readers: Sharing personal reflections and experiences to establish rapport, engaging readers emotionally and intellectually, and making the research relatable and accessible.

Can a dissertation have a preface? 

Yes, a dissertation can have a preface. It’s an optional section at the beginning that allows the author to introduce the study, acknowledge contributors, and provide context. 

What information should be included in a preface?

As with writing a dissertation introduction , completing a preface requires understanding this chapter’s structure. It typically includes the following elements:

• Personal background: Provide a concise overview of your background to give readers context about your academic journey.
• Motivations: Write some sentences about your experiences or circumstances that inspired you to complete this academic work.
• Target audience: Mention the intended readership or target group for whom your thesis or dissertation was written.
• Your name, place, and date: Indicate your name, the place where you wrote the preface, and the date of writing at the end of the preface.

Note:   Frequently, it is customary to include either a preface or an acknowledgements section in written works, but not both.

Does the preface mean the same as the acknowledgements? 

No, the preface chapter and acknowledgements in a dissertation are distinct. The preface appears at the beginning, allowing the author to introduce the study, explain its purpose and scope, and offer context. The acknowledgements is a separate part or may be included in a preface at the end. This section expresses gratitude to individuals or institutions who contributed to the research project. While serving different purposes, both parts of the thesis provide context and acknowledge contributions to the dissertation.

How to write a preface for a dissertation?

• Avoid writing the preface beforehand.

It’s recommended to write the preface after finishing your work. Treat it as your final effort on the dissertation. This way, your preface will be well-grounded and compelling.

• Structure your preface effectively.

A well-crafted preface begins with a captivating introduction. Provide a concise overview of the topics you intend to discuss in your research paper and explain your approach. Keep the introduction brief, consisting of a few sentences, while ensuring it informs readers about the content they can expect. Include a thesis statement highlighting the central argument or purpose behind your thesis.

• Encourage reader engagement.

A compelling preface goes beyond summarizing a research topic; it actively involves the readers. It should arouse their curiosity and motivate them to delve further into your work. To achieve this, consider incorporating suitable anecdotes or intriguing data that pique readers’ interest. Since the preface is the first thing the audience will encounter, making it exciting and engaging is crucial. Use this opportunity to introduce yourself, explain the context of your thesis, and the reasons behind doing this research.

• Avoid including everything in the preface.

The preface should primarily convey essential information about your dissertation's topic. Other chapters, like the introduction or conclusion, can include additional details. The preface is a concise introductory paragraph, offering background information and laying the foundation for the subsequent body paragraph. The preface’s length depends on the number of details you want to include. If space is limited, keep your remarks brief and concise.

Dissertation preface example

Welcome to my master's thesis, "Painting Parisian Identity: Place and Subjectivity in Fin-de-siècle Art," the culmination of my academic journey in Art History at American University in Washington, DC. This thesis represents my dedication and fulfillment of the graduation requirements, with the research and writing process spanning from October to May 2023.

As I progressed in my studies, I realized that I tended to remain within my comfort zone. To challenge myself and expand my skills and expertise, I deliberately chose this topic. Through this endeavor, I embarked on an exploration of unfamiliar aspects, delving into the intricate world of Parisian art, unraveling the intricate relationship between place and subjectivity, and deciphering the nuanced artistic expressions of the fin-de-siècle period.

I owe deep gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Christopher Johnson, whose invaluable guidance and unwavering support have been instrumental throughout this research journey. Their expertise and mentorship provided me with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of my study effectively.

I am also indebted to the research lab at the Department of Art for their provision of invaluable scripts. Their contributions facilitated the alignment, analysis, and transformation of my data, significantly enhancing the depth and quality of my research.

Lastly, I want to express my deepest appreciation to my family and friends, whose unwavering support sustained me during this transformative process. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of them. And to you, dear reader, I sincerely hope that within the following pages, you will find both enjoyment and inspiration.

John Walling

Washington, May 25, 2023

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Written by Steven Robinson

Steven Robinson is an academic writing expert with a degree in English literature. His expertise, patient approach, and support empower students to express ideas clearly. On EduBirdie's blog, he provides valuable writing guides on essays, research papers, and other intriguing topics. Enjoys chess in free time.

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How to Write a Preface

Last Updated: March 22, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 109,937 times.

A preface may be used to introduce a work of nonfiction, such as a book, dissertation, or thesis. Your preface will provide information about your background to establish your credibility, as well as why you wrote the book. At first, writing your preface might seem difficult, but it helps to think of it as an introduction to your work. Drafting a preface is a simple process, but you’ll want to revise it before publishing.

Drafting Your Preface

• Provide your credentials if they’re important to the topic. For example, when writing a book about bipolar disorder, it would be helpful to explain your professional and educational background as a psychiatrist. To keep this section informal, you might decide to do this in the form of an anecdote.
• For instance, “As I earned my degrees in psychology, I began to recognize the importance of pharmaceuticals for managing mental illness, so I pursued a medical degree. In my ten years of practice, I’ve treated over a hundred patients with bipolar disorder, most of whom are able to manage their condition with medication and counseling.”
• For a memoir you might write, "Becoming a foster parent changed my life and the lives of the children who came to live with me. I thought I would be helping them, but through caring for them I gained a lot, as well."

• You could write, “After watching so many of my patients make a complete turnaround, I realized that my treatment strategies could be used to help others. I decided to write this book to help other mental health professionals treat their patients using my methods.”
• For a nonfiction historical text, you could write, "Ancient Egypt has interested me since I first watched The Mummy as a small child. After years of research, I finally have knowledge of my own to contribute."
• If you're writing a memoir you might write, "After sharing my experiences with others through outreach efforts, I realized I could help others with my life story."

• For instance, “My treatment methods focus on an integrated, holistic approach that differs from many treatment protocols,” or "Through my research, I've gained a new perspective on the pyramids of Giza that I will share through this book."
• If you're writing a memoir, you could say, "As an avid reader, I recognized that there weren't many stories out there like mine."

• For example, “I wrote this book for mental health professionals, but individuals who’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder may also find it helpful,” or "This book is for all of the history buffs like myself."
• If you're writing a memoir, you might say, "This book is for everyone who's struggling to find their place in the world."

• For example, “This book will explain my treatment methods and best practices. I also provide example exercises, as well as ten detailed case studies.”
• As another example, "While I was in Egypt, I collected stories as well as facts. I will share all of them with you, as well as the photos I took along the way."
• Your memoir preface might read, "In my book, I discuss both my experiences and how they changed me. You'll find stories and mementos that I hope will touch your heart."

• For example, “Before writing this book, I published eight peer-reviewed papers about my work with patients," or "Among my photos is a mummy who had never been photographed."
• Your memoir might include, "During my years as a foster parent, I took in 152 children. Of those I cared for, I'm still in contact with 54. Each of them hold a piece of my heart."
• As an example, you could read over the preface to Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray . Although his novel is a work of fiction, Wilde includes a preface to provide the reader with a series of contradictory statements that inspired his work.

• You might write, “I want to give a special thanks for Sarah Lopez, who served as my research assistant throughout this project,” or "I'd like to give a special thanks to my host family in Egypt who has been my rock throughout three research visits."
• For a memoir, you might write, "Thank you to my family for supporting me throughout the years, and thank you to each child who has let me be their foster mother."
• You should only include your acknowledgements if you have a few people to honor. If you have several, it’s best to create a separate acknowledgements section.

Revising Your Preface

• Varied sentence structure
• Good readability
• Run-on sentences
• Sentence fragments
• Grammar and spelling errors
• Problems with word choice

• If you’re working with a committee, ask one of the members to read over your preface.

• You may want to revise your preface several times.

• You may also want to get someone else to proofread your preface, as they’ll be able to better spot typos and mistakes. It’s often harder to detect your own errors.

Writing an Effective Preface

• If you write your preface before you write the text, you'll likely need to rework it once your book or paper is finished.

• If you’re working with a publisher, ask them for the correct formatting.
• For a journal article or research paper, check the submission guidelines or contact the editor.
• If you’re writing an academic thesis or dissertation, check with your school or committee to get the specific format they prefer. You may also be able to access a template. [13] X Research source

• For example, “I intended my research to help you, the reader, approach the field of robotics from a new angle.”

• For example, you might want to include background on your topic that inspired you to conduct this research project. This is okay as long as you also include the information in the proper section of your text.

• For example, you might be writing a book that’s based on decades of research or that sprang out of an interesting incident. If this is the case, you might decide to write a longer preface to share this with the reader. This is a judgment call you’ll have to make for yourself.

Sample Annotated Prefaces

Community Q&A

• Don't stress about your preface! It's the part of your text where you get to express yourself in a casual manner. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Readers often skip the preface, so your work should stand alone without it. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://shsulibraryguides.org/thesisguide/preface
• ↑ https://pubs.acs.org/userimages/ContentEditor/1218291395327/PrefaceGuidelines.pdf
• ↑ https://penandthepad.com/make-preface-8258662.html
• ↑ https://www.awelu.lu.se/writing/rewriting-stage/how-to-revise/
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/preface-vs-introduction

About This Article

While drafting your preface may seem difficult at first, it helps to think of it as an introduction to your work and yourself. For example, write about your educational or professional background, or discuss what inspired your writing project or research. You can keep this section slightly informal, using anecdotes or personal experiences to guide your reader into your work. Include why your text is important or why your reader should read your text. This is also an opportunity to explain who your target audience is, so let your reader know if this work is right for them. For instance, you might say “This book is for all of the history buffs like myself,” or “This book is for everyone who’s struggling to find their place in this world.” For tips on how to proofread your preface, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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• Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Published on June 7, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on November 21, 2023.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process . It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding the specifics of your dissertation topic and showcasing its relevance to your field.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation , such as:

• Your anticipated title
• Your abstract
• Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review, research methods, avenues for future research, etc.)

In the final product, you can also provide a chapter outline for your readers. This is a short paragraph at the end of your introduction to inform readers about the organizational structure of your thesis or dissertation. This chapter outline is also known as a reading guide or summary outline.

Table of contents

How to outline your thesis or dissertation, dissertation and thesis outline templates, chapter outline example, sample sentences for your chapter outline, sample verbs for variation in your chapter outline, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis and dissertation outlines.

While there are some inter-institutional differences, many outlines proceed in a fairly similar fashion.

• Working Title
• “Elevator pitch” of your work (often written last).
• Introduce your area of study, sharing details about your research question, problem statement , and hypotheses . Situate your research within an existing paradigm or conceptual or theoretical framework .
• Subdivide as you see fit into main topics and sub-topics.
• Describe your research methods (e.g., your scope , population , and data collection ).
• Present your research findings and share about your data analysis methods.
• Answer the research question in a concise way.
• Interpret your findings, discuss potential limitations of your own research and speculate about future implications or related opportunities.

For a more detailed overview of chapters and other elements, be sure to check out our article on the structure of a dissertation or download our template .

To help you get started, we’ve created a full thesis or dissertation template in Word or Google Docs format. It’s easy adapt it to your own requirements.

 Download Word template    Download Google Docs template

It can be easy to fall into a pattern of overusing the same words or sentence constructions, which can make your work monotonous and repetitive for your readers. Consider utilizing some of the alternative constructions presented below.

Example 1: Passive construction

The passive voice is a common choice for outlines and overviews because the context makes it clear who is carrying out the action (e.g., you are conducting the research ). However, overuse of the passive voice can make your text vague and imprecise.

Example 2: IS-AV construction

You can also present your information using the “IS-AV” (inanimate subject with an active verb ) construction.

A chapter is an inanimate object, so it is not capable of taking an action itself (e.g., presenting or discussing). However, the meaning of the sentence is still easily understandable, so the IS-AV construction can be a good way to add variety to your text.

Example 3: The “I” construction

Another option is to use the “I” construction, which is often recommended by style manuals (e.g., APA Style and Chicago style ). However, depending on your field of study, this construction is not always considered professional or academic. Ask your supervisor if you’re not sure.

Example 4: Mix-and-match

To truly make the most of these options, consider mixing and matching the passive voice , IS-AV construction , and “I” construction .This can help the flow of your argument and improve the readability of your text.

As you draft the chapter outline, you may also find yourself frequently repeating the same words, such as “discuss,” “present,” “prove,” or “show.” Consider branching out to add richness and nuance to your writing. Here are some examples of synonyms you can use.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .

The title page of your thesis or dissertation goes first, before all other content or lists that you may choose to include.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

• Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review , research methods , avenues for future research, etc.)

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

George, T. (2023, November 21). Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved June 11, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/dissertation-thesis-outline/

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How to Write a Preface for a Thesis?

The preface for a thesis paper is the way an academic scholar introduces himself to the readers. A Preface is a small introduction written by the author of the thesis paper to share the basic idea and their writing experience with readers. The preface is written in the initial part of the dissertation. In your preface, start by conveying a small thanks to all those who have helped you complete your thesis.

In this blog post, you will learn how to write a Preface for your Thesis paper.

How to write a Preface for a dissertation

After defining what is a Preface, you should know about the parts of a thesis. Before writing, you must know what are the areas you should cover in a Preface. More or less, you should cover all these areas:

1.   Your personal information.

Readers are also keen to know about your details along with your writing. You should write about some of your qualifications or previous writings in two to three sentences. In this way, they will feel interested in your writings. Remember, that maybe it’s the only opportunity for the readers to know you, so, include the credentials if it helps the topic.

2.   Your motivation for the work.

There is some motivation behind all research work.  You also must have some. You should include in the preface for the thesis paper your inspiration behind the research. But don’t add much about it. Also, it’s not necessary every time to add that.

3.   Address the target group of the dissertation.

Your preface must connect with the target group. That is, you should introduce your target group in the preface section. Also, you can add shortly if anything you have noticed about the group is special.

4.   Credit to other researchers.

5.   thanking the contributors..

The preface for the thesis paper should never hesitate in acknowledging all those who have assisted in completing the paper. Regardless of whether it’s an individual or an institution, you must introduce them in some lines.

However, never add too much of everything in your preface age. For any research paper, you should not write a preface that crosses more than five hundred words.

In this, you can thank both your personal and professional team who have helped with your research. Commonly family, research institutions, instructors, and typists are thanked in this section.

Are both acknowledgment and preface added for a dissertation?

Sometimes, within a preface, acknowledgments are added. However, remember that acknowledgment and the preface meaning are not the same things. The main intention of an acknowledgment is to thank those who have assisted you in finishing the research. And as mentioned earlier, the preface also covers the same thing.

You can read about how you can write a acknowledgement here.

Tips to write a preface for dissertation.

1.   never write the preface beforehand..

Practically it’s quite hard to write about what is a preface requirement from your paper without completing the text. But on the contrary, if you choose to write the preface after completing your paper, you will find it much more convenient. There will be minimal chances for rework and you can take it as your last work with the thesis.

2.   Format the preface well.

If you think that formatting does not impact your research paper much, then you are wrong. Also, make a query about the correct formatting from your institution, because there are varied formatting requirements of a preface.

3.   Communicate with your readers.

4.   never keep all the core information in the preface section..

Though many readers indeed read your preface page, at the same time, one can’t deny that many also skip it. So, it will be a fifty-fifty chance for your preface page. That’s why never add too much important information on that page as readers can overlook them. Or else, if it’s too necessary to add such information, repeat them in the latter part of your text.

5.   Keep it concise.

A researcher is not expected to write anything flowery in that part. So, keep your preface for thesis short and crisp. But if you have a long interesting experience related to the paper and which can also interest readers then don’t hesitate to share. In that case, keep it for one and a half pages only and not more than that.

How does the forward and introduction vary from a preface?

Though for beginners all these three can appear the same if you notice the write-ups then they are completely different.

●    What is a Foreword:

●    what is a preface:.

As shared earlier, a preface for thesis is written by the researcher himself. And the section shares the experience of the writer in completing the work. This section also works like an acknowledgment.

●    What is an Introduction:

An introduction for any thesis paper is completely different from the above two. It introduces the readers to the main content or the subject of the paperwork.

Preface examples.

Preface example for a single writer.

Also, this lengthy work was impossible with the teamwork of our institution ( name of the institution). Their amount of hard work is truly commendable. Thanks to my family also for supporting me during the hard times.

Preface example for two or more writers

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Dissertation Preface – Components & Guide

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A dissertation preface allows the author to share personal reflections with the reader. It’s like an introduction to your dissertation. So, unlike other academic writing , it tends to be more conversational and informal. In this article, we’ll go over what a dissertation preface is, what to include in it, and why it’s important. So, whether you’re just starting your dissertation or you’re almost done, understanding how to write a good preface can make your work even stronger.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1 In a nutshell: Dissertation preface
• 2 Definition: Dissertation preface
• 3 How to write a dissertation preface
• 4  What is included in a dissertation preface?
• 5 Example of a dissertation preface

In a nutshell: Dissertation preface

• Planning what to include in the dissertation preface is important before you start writing.
• Identifying your audience ahead of time can help them better connect to the content you will be producing.
• An effective introduction will do more than summarize the work that follows; it will also draw the reader in.

Definition: Dissertation preface

A dissertation preface is used to introduce the reader to the major body of your work. Its major purpose is to familiarize the reader with the dissertation’s subject and to provide a synopsis of the content, rationale for writing, and overall organization. Typically, a dissertation’s preface will introduce you to the author, the research methodology , and the overall objectives of the work.

The preface goals are to set the stage for the reader, establish the relevance of the issue at hand, and offer a synopsis of the relevant prior research. Moreover, this section allows the author to publicly thank and recognize anybody who had a role in facilitating the study. Generally, a dissertation preface establishes the work’s tone and introduces the reader to the work’s structure.

On the other hand, the format and arrangement of a dissertation preface may change based on the academic institution’s specifications or rules.

I. Introduction

• Background information and research justification
• Research goals or questions
• Methodology
• Study’s importance

II. Acknowledgments

• In the acknowledgments section, you write an appreciation for all who helped or supported the dissertation project.

III. Personal statement

• Here is where consideration of one’s background and interests in the study area.

IV. Organization of the dissertation

• This part includes summaries of the chapters and their contents.

How to write a dissertation preface

Composing a preface could present challenges because it calls for carefully balancing your words to inform and captivate readers. So, if you are struggling with writing a dissertation preface, consider these helpful tips.

• Introduce your topic : Start by briefly presenting the subject of your dissertation and outlining the overall scope of the subject area, justifying why you chose it. This approach will enable readers to comprehend the context and significance of your study.
• Acknowledge the contributions of others: First, thank your supervisor and others who have helped you throughout your research journey. This section is also an excellent opportunity to explain any ethical or logistical issues you encountered during your research and how you resolved them.
• Provide a brief overview of the structure: This will help readers understand the organization of your research and how the various chapters of your dissertation fit together.
• Write in a clear and concise style: Your preface should be easy to read and understand, so avoid using jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to your readers. Remember that your preface reflects your dissertation, so take the time to write it well.
• Describe how you conducted your study: Including the methods you used to gather and analyze data, in the introduction. The reader will appreciate this clarification of your work’s background.
• End on a note of gratitude: To wrap off your introduction, express gratitude to everybody who has aided you. Similarly, you may discuss the significance of being given the chance to write a dissertation.

Following these steps will help you write a thorough preface for your dissertation preface that sets the scene and gives credit where credit is due.

 What is included in a dissertation preface?

In a dissertation preface, writers usually explain why they did the study, the things they researched, and why they wanted to do the project. The writer can thank people or places that helped with the research. Some things you might want to write at the beginning of your dissertation are:

• The author chose the topic for its relevance to the subject or personal interest.
• The author’s question or ideas for investigation.
• This is how we did our research.
• Thanking individuals or organizations who helped or supported.
• Any restrictions on gathering or studying data during research.
• A short description of how the dissertation is organized.

Basically, the beginning of a dissertation preface should tell readers what the writer is studying and what they hope to accomplish in the rest of the dissertation.

Example of a dissertation preface

Example 1: Dissertation preface by a single writer

The motivation for undertaking this research project initially stemmed from my longstanding desire to create a written work centered around our nation’s cultural legacy. As we move forward into the future, we must also appreciate and honor our previous experiences. My firm conviction is that the events of the past shape the present, and this document intends to demonstrate this notion.

The collaboration of our institution (named) was essential to achieve this extensive project. Their level of dedication and effort is highly praiseworthy. I am grateful to my dear family for their unwavering support during challenging moments.

Example 2: Dissertation preface by two or more writers

It’s never too late to learn about the culture we belong to. The interesting parts of my community’s way of life motivated me and my colleagues to finish this research paper. The thesis wants to tell people that even though science is important, what brings us together are things we have in common because of our culture. I wrote the beginning part, and my friend (name) wrote the rest, focusing on issues we face today.

We would like to thank our parents for always believing in us and our fellow students, who motivated us. We are fortunate to be connected to this organization. We are genuinely thankful to everyone.

What is in a dissertation preface included?

The preface ought to contain details concerning background information about the project. Financial support (if available) is a significant aspect covered in the report.

What is the typical length of a dissertation preface in a thesis?

A brief preface is sufficient, as it does not summarize the main argument. For your thesis to be evaluated by the examiners during the final examination, your supervisor must scrutinize the preface first.

What are the important factors in creating an effective dissertation preface?

An engaging preface is essential. The information provided should be captivating for the reader, but not critical for comprehending the content. Notable research methodologies are frequently incorporated in the preface.

Is it acceptable to write a dissertation preface using the first-person perspective?

The author typically writes a preface at the book’s beginning and often communicates in the first person. This outlines the reasons behind the author’s decision to write the book, their journey towards creating it, and the obstacles they encountered.

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Structure and Style of Theses and Dissertations

Workday student support.

Graduate students can find "how to" guides and support information on our Workday support page .

Each student and their supervisory committee should work together to determine the scholarly scope and most appropriate structure of the thesis, keeping in mind scholarly standards within their fields and professional objectives of the student.

As forms of scholarship continue to evolve, so do the possibilities for how a body of scholarly work can be expressed. Theses at UBC can include many forms of knowledge production and scholarly representation. Some examples are:

• a fully unified textual volume, similar to a scholarly book
• a series of published or publication-ready manuscripts with synthesis
• inclusion of scholarly professional artefacts such as policy papers or curriculum plans, for example, along with description and analysis
• a compendium of multimedia works with written description and analysis

Within this flexibility of structure, there remain several elements that must be included in each thesis or dissertation, and specifications to be followed, in order to enable consistent standards and proper archiving.

In addition to the preliminary materials described below, all theses should include an introduction to the subject, a critical analysis of the relevant prior scholarly work, a description of the scholarly methods, a presentation of the results, and a discussion and summary of the results and their implications. Knowledge dissemination products or modes can be incorporated as appropriate.

As appropriate, representation of the research results or methodologies may take a variety of forms, including scholarly publications or submissions (manuscripts), scholarly text, creative text, graphics, audio/visual products, or web pages,  Additional knowledge translation or dissemination products or descriptions of activities can be incorporated, such as policy briefs, lay or professional publications, syllabi, or outlines of workshops or exhibits.

Every thesis will have a PDF component that includes at least the following elements:

• Committee page
• Lay summary
• Table of contents, and/or a List of all submitted files (if there are files in addition to the PDF)

1. Title page (required)

2. committee page (required).

The committee page:

• is the second page of the thesis and is numbered ii
• lists all examining committee members and supervisory committee members, along with their titles, departments, and universities or organizations
• does not include signatures
• is not listed in the table of contents

See Resources for Thesis Preparation and Checking for examples and templates.

Doctoral students: Please include this page in the copy for the External Examiner, with your supervisory committee entered. If you know which members of the committee will be on the Examining Committee you can include them there; otherwise, they can go under Additional Supervisory Committee Members.

Doctoral students post-defence: Please remember to update the committee page before final post-defence submission if necessary.

3. Abstract (required - maximum 350 words)

The abstract is a concise and accurate summary of the scholarly work described in the document. It states the problem, the methods of investigation, and the general conclusions, and should not contain tables, graphs, complex equations, or illustrations. There is a single scholarly abstract for the entire work, and it must not exceed 350 words in length.

4. Lay Summary (required - maximum 150 words)

The lay or public summary is a simplified version of the abstract that explains the key goals and contributions of the research/scholarly work in terms that can be understood by the general public. it does not use technical terms and discipline-specific language. It must not exceed 150 words in length.

5. Preface (required)

Sample Prefaces

The Preface includes a statement indicating the student's contribution to the following:

• Identification of the research question(s)
• Design of the research work
• Performance of the research
• Analysis of the research results

If any of the work was collaborative, the above statement must also detail the relative contributions of all collaborators, including the approximate proportion of the research, analysis, and writing/representation conducted by the student.

If any of the work has led to any publications, submissions, or other dissemination modes, all must be listed in the Preface. For publications, the title of the article, the names and order of all co-authors, and the journal details (if accepted or published) must be included, and linked to the related chapter or portion of the thesis. For further details, see “Including Published Material in a Thesis or Dissertation”.

If any of the work is intended for publication but has not yet been published, you may say whether or not it has been submitted. Do not say where it has been submitted, as if it is not accepted for publication that information will be misleading.

If the work includes other scholarly artifacts (such as film and other audio, visual, and graphic representations, and application-oriented documents such as policy briefs, curricula, business plans, computer and web tools, pages, and applications, etc.) that have been published or otherwise publicly disseminated or that have co-authors, they must be listed in the Preface (with bibliographical information, including information on co-creators, if applicable).

If ethics approval was required for the research, the Preface must list the Certificate Number(s) of the Ethics Certificate(s) applicable to the project.

In a thesis where the research was not subject to ethics review, produced no publications, and was designed, carried out, and analyzed by the student alone, the text of the Preface may be very brief. Samples are available on this website and in the University Library's online repository of accepted theses.

The content of the Preface must be verified by the student's supervisor, whose endorsement must appear on the final Thesis/Dissertation Approval form.

Acknowledgements, introductory material, and a list of publications do not belong in the Preface. Please put them respectively in the Acknowledgements section, the first section of the thesis, and the appendices.

6. Table of contents (required)

7. list of tables (required if document has tables), 8. list of figures (required if document has figures), 9. list of submitted files (required if additional files are submitted with the pdf), 10. list of illustrations (advisable if applicable).

If you remove copyrighted tables, figures, or illustrations from your thesis you must insert the following at the spot where the table, figure, or illustration previously appeared:

• A statement that the material has been removed because of copyright restrictions
• A description of the material and the information it contained, plus a link to an online source if one is available
• A full citation of the original source of the material

See the UBC Library Copyright Educational Resources: Theses and Dissertations Guide “ Unable to get Permission? ”

11. Lists of symbols, abbreviations or other (advisable if applicable)

12. glossary (optional), 13. acknowledgements (optional).

This may include statements acknowledging support and contributions from various sources, including the student’s research supervisor and committee, research participants, colleagues, friends, and family members. IMPORTANT : Please ensure that everyone you mention in your Acknowledgements understands and accepts that their name will be appearing online in an open-access document.

Any funding for the research should be listed here.

14. Dedication (optional)

15-17. thesis body: introduction, research chapters, conclusion (usually required unless the thesis consists only of multimedia).

This contains the comprehensive contextualization, methods, findings, analysis and implications of the scholarly work. These components can be organized and expressed in a manner that the student and their supervisory committee deems to be most appropriate to the work, to the student and their objectives, and to the relevant disciplines.

In many cases the thesis will be organized in chapters, while for others (especially those including creative and/or other modes of expression) it may take different forms. The different elements should be divided appropriately (and indicated as such in the Table of Contents) to enable ease of review. The thesis should be presented in a manner that enables a cohesive understanding of the work and which is credible within the field. In all cases, certain elements are required:

Introductory content.  This must clearly state its theme, topics, hypotheses and/or goals and provide sufficient background information to enable a non-specialist in the subject matter to understand them. It must contextualize the topic and questions within a thorough review of relevant literature and/or other foundational scholarship

Research/Scholarship methodologies, findings, products.  The account and products of the scholarly work should be complete and sufficiently detailed to enable a reader to understand how the work was carried out and analyzed, and how to apply similar methods in another study.

Analysis and summary content.  This should include a reflective analysis of the scholarly findings and/or products, integrated into the context of the thesis subject to demonstrate how the thesis leads to new understandings and contributions. The work’s potential (or actual) impact, its limitations, and its significance should be outlined.

18. Bibliography (mandatory except for MFA and MMUS)

There must be only one Bibliography or References section for the whole thesis.

19. Appendices (Optional)

These consist of supporting material that is not integral to the understanding of the work and/or easily incorporated into the thesis body, potentially including additional methodological details or data, copies of surveys used, etc. They must be referred to in the document.

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Thesis and Dissertation Guide

• « Thesis & Dissertation Resources
• The Graduate School Home

• Introduction
• Copyright Page
• Dedication, Acknowledgements, Preface (optional)
• Table of Contents
• List of Tables, Figures, and Illustrations
• List of Abbreviations
• List of Symbols

Non-Traditional Formats

Font type and size, spacing and indentation, tables, figures, and illustrations, formatting previously published work.

• Internet Distribution
• Open Access
• Registering Copyright
• Using Copyrighted Materials
• Use of Your Own Previously Published Materials
• Submission Steps
• Submission Checklist
• Sample Pages

II. Formatting Guidelines

All copies of a thesis or dissertation must have the following uniform margins throughout the entire document:

• Left: 1″ (or 1 1/4" to ensure sufficient room for binding the work if desired)
• Right: 1″
• Bottom: 1″ (with allowances for page numbers; see section on Pagination )
• Top: 1″

Exceptions : The first page of each chapter (including the introduction, if any) begins 2″ from the top of the page. Also, the headings on the title page, abstract, first page of the dedication/ acknowledgements/preface (if any), and first page of the table of contents begin 2″ from the top of the page.

Non-traditional theses or dissertations such as whole works comprised of digital, artistic, video, or performance materials (i.e., no written text, chapters, or articles) are acceptable if approved by your committee and graduate program. A PDF document with a title page, copyright page, and abstract at minimum are required to be submitted along with any relevant supplemental files.

Fonts must be 10, 11, or 12 points in size. Superscripts and subscripts (e.g., formulas, or footnote or endnote numbers) should be no more than 2 points smaller than the font size used for the body of the text.

Space and indent your thesis or dissertation following these guidelines:

• The text must appear in a single column on each page and be double-spaced throughout the document. Do not arrange chapter text in multiple columns.
• New paragraphs must be indicated by a consistent tab indentation throughout the entire document.
• The document text must be left-justified, not centered or right-justified.
• For blocked quotations, indent the entire text of the quotation consistently from the left margin.
• Ensure headings are not left hanging alone on the bottom of a prior page. The text following should be moved up or the heading should be moved down. This is something to check near the end of formatting, as other adjustments to text and spacing may change where headings appear on the page.

Exceptions : Blocked quotations, notes, captions, legends, and long headings must be single-spaced throughout the document and double-spaced between items.

Paginate your thesis or dissertation following these guidelines:

• Use lower case Roman numerals (ii, iii, iv, etc.) on all pages preceding the first page of chapter one. The title page counts as page i, but the number does not appear. Therefore, the first page showing a number will be the copyright page with ii at the bottom.
• Arabic numerals (beginning with 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) start at chapter one or the introduction, if applicable. Arabic numbers must be included on all pages of the text, illustrations, notes, and any other materials that follow. Thus, the first page of chapter one will show an Arabic numeral 1, and numbering of all subsequent pages will follow in order.
• Do not use page numbers accompanied by letters, hyphens, periods, or parentheses (e.g., 1., 1-2, -1-, (1), or 1a).
• Center all page numbers at the bottom of the page, 1/2″ from the bottom edge.
• Pages must not contain running headers or footers, aside from page numbers.
• If your document contains landscape pages (pages in which the top of the page is the long side of a sheet of paper), make sure that your page numbers still appear in the same position and direction as they do on pages with standard portrait orientation for consistency. This likely means the page number will be centered on the short side of the paper and the number will be sideways relative to the landscape page text. See these additional instructions for assistance with pagination on landscape pages in Microsoft Word .

Format footnotes for your thesis or dissertation following these guidelines:

• Footnotes must be placed at the bottom of the page separated from the text by a solid line one to two inches long.
• Begin at the left page margin, directly below the solid line.
• Single-space footnotes that are more than one line long.
• Include one double-spaced line between each note.
• Most software packages automatically space footnotes at the bottom of the page depending on their length. It is acceptable if the note breaks within a sentence and carries the remainder into the footnote area of the next page. Do not indicate the continuation of a footnote.
• Number all footnotes with Arabic numerals. You may number notes consecutively within each chapter starting over with number 1 for the first note in each chapter, or you may number notes consecutively throughout the entire document.
• Footnote numbers must precede the note and be placed slightly above the line (superscripted). Leave no space between the number and the note.
• While footnotes should be located at the bottom of the page, do not place footnotes in a running page footer, as they must remain within the page margins.

Endnotes are an acceptable alternative to footnotes. Format endnotes for your thesis or dissertation following these guidelines:

• Always begin endnotes on a separate page either immediately following the end of each chapter, or at the end of your entire document. If you place all endnotes at the end of the entire document, they must appear after the appendices and before the references.
• Include the heading “ENDNOTES” in all capital letters, and center it 1″ below the top of the first page of your endnotes section(s).
• Single-space endnotes that are more than one line long.
• Number all endnotes with Arabic numerals. You may number notes consecutively within each chapter starting over with number 1 for the first note in each chapter, or you may number notes consecutively throughout the entire document.
• Endnote numbers must precede the note and be placed slightly above the line (superscripted). Leave no space between the number and the note.

Tables, figures, and illustrations vary widely by discipline. Therefore, formatting of these components is largely at the discretion of the author.

For example, headings and captions may appear above or below each of these components.

These components may each be placed within the main text of the document or grouped together in a separate section.

Space permitting, headings and captions for the associated table, figure, or illustration must be on the same page.

The use of color is permitted as long as it is consistently applied as part of the finished component (e.g., a color-coded pie chart) and not extraneous or unprofessional (e.g., highlighting intended solely to draw a reader's attention to a key phrase). The use of color should be reserved primarily for tables, figures, illustrations, and active website or document links throughout your thesis or dissertation.

The format you choose for these components must be consistent throughout the thesis or dissertation.

Ensure each component complies with margin and pagination requirements.

Refer to the List of Tables, Figures, and Illustrations section for additional information.

If your thesis or dissertation has appendices, they must be prepared following these guidelines:

• Appendices must appear at the end of the document (before references) and not the chapter to which they pertain.
• When there is more than one appendix, assign each appendix a number or a letter heading (e.g., “APPENDIX 1” or “APPENDIX A”) and a descriptive title. You may number consecutively throughout the entire work (e.g., 1, 2 or A, B), or you may assign a two-part Arabic numeral with the first number designating the chapter in which it appears, separated by a period, followed by a second number or letter to indicate its consecutive placement (e.g., “APPENDIX 3.2” is the second appendix referred to in Chapter Three).
• Include the chosen headings in all capital letters, and center them 1″ below the top of the page.
• All appendix headings and titles must be included in the table of contents.
• Page numbering must continue throughout your appendix or appendices. Ensure each appendix complies with margin and pagination requirements.

You are required to list all the references you consulted. For specific details on formatting your references, consult and follow a style manual or professional journal that is used for formatting publications and citations in your discipline.

Your reference pages must be prepared following these guidelines:

• If you place references after each chapter, the references for the last chapter must be placed immediately following the chapter and before the appendices.
• If you place all references at the end of the thesis or dissertation, they must appear after the appendices as the final component in the document.
• Select an appropriate heading for this section based on the style manual you are using (e.g., “REFERENCES”, “BIBLIOGRAPHY”, or “WORKS CITED”).
• Include the chosen heading in all capital letters, and center it 1″ below the top of the page.
• References must be single-spaced within each entry.
• Include one double-spaced line between each reference.
• Page numbering must continue throughout your references section. Ensure references comply with margin and pagination requirements.

In some cases, students gain approval from their academic program to include in their thesis or dissertation previously published (or submitted, in press, or under review) journal articles or similar materials that they have authored. For more information about including previously published works in your thesis or dissertation, see the section on Use of Your Own Previously Published Materials and the section on Copyrighting.

If your academic program has approved inclusion of such materials, please note that these materials must match the formatting guidelines set forth in this Guide regardless of how the material was formatted for publication.

Some specific formatting guidelines to consider include:

• Fonts, margins, chapter headings, citations, and references must all match the formatting and placement used within the rest of the thesis or dissertation.
• If appropriate, published articles can be included as separate individual chapters within the thesis or dissertation.
• A separate abstract to each chapter should not be included.
• The citation for previously published work must be included as the first footnote (or endnote) on the first page of the chapter.
• Do not include typesetting notations often used when submitting manuscripts to a publisher (i.e., insert table x here).
• The date on the title page should be the year in which your committee approves the thesis or dissertation, regardless of the date of completion or publication of individual chapters.
• If you would like to include additional details about the previously published work, this information can be included in the preface for the thesis or dissertation.

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• What is a Dissertation Preface? | Definition & Examples

What is a Dissertation Preface? | Definition & Examples

Published on 31 August 2022 by Tegan George .

A preface is your opportunity to inform your audience about your experiences during the writing of your thesis or dissertation .

A preface is much more personal than other types of academic writing. It is written mainly in the first person and is one of the few places where using first-person is considered acceptable. Your preface is typically written upon completion of your thesis or dissertation, as a final step.

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Table of contents

What is included in a preface.

Dissertation preface example

The following items can be included in the preface:

• Your (brief) personal background
• Any (brief) personal experiences or circumstances that motivated you to pursue this type of academic work
• The target group for which your thesis or dissertation was written
• Your name, the place name, and the date at the time of writing, at the end of the preface

While it’s common practice to briefly acknowledge any individuals and/or institutions who have helped you during your writing and editing process, these should mostly be saved for your acknowledgements section .

Indeed, it is often common practice to write either a preface or an acknowledgements section, not both.

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

Check out this example about how to write a preface. The trick is to write the preface in a style that is personal, yet still professional. Remember that this is one of the few occurrences where first-person is acceptable, and in fact encouraged.

Before you lies the master thesis “Digital Eavesdropper: acoustic speech characteristics as markers of exacerbations in COPD patients.” It has been written to fulfill the graduation requirements of the Language and Speech Pathology program at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I was engaged in researching and writing this thesis from February to August 2021.

I noticed during my previous studies that I avoided stepping outside my comfort zone. This year I wanted to approach the thesis differently, by choosing a subject which required skills I did not yet have. I have worked with unfamiliar computer clusters, operating systems and FTP applications such as Ponyland, Linux, and FileZilla. I have also gained more experience with programs I was already familiar with. Also, I have learned that struggling is part of the process. Therefore, this thesis has taught me valuable lessons both professionally and personally.

I would like to thank my supervisor, Dr. Dana Scully, for the excellent guidance and support during the process. I deliberately chose you to be my supervisor, because I knew you would provide me with challenges. This has maximised the learning opportunities, for which I am grateful. I also want to thank Dr. Fox Mulder from the pulmonary health department at the University of North Carolina Medical Center for his contribution to the data collection for this study. I would like to thank the research lab at the department for providing me with scripts to align, analyse, and transform my data.

Finally, I want to thank my family and friends for being there for me. I would also like to thank you, my reader: I hope you enjoy your reading.

Walter Skinner Chapel Hill, August 14, 2021

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A Thesis or Dissertation Preface – Definition & Examples

Published by Alvin Nicolas at January 2nd, 2023 , Revised On February 1, 2024

A dissertation or a thesis preface is your chance to reflect on your experience during the writing. A preface is similar to reflective essay writing and mainly written in the first person. It is an informal style of connecting with your audience before getting to the actual contents of the thesis or dissertation.

Writing the preface in a thesis or a dissertation is usually the final step of the process.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing a Dissertation or Thesis Preface

• Reflect on your experiences with the study participants your thesis or dissertation was based around.
• Include any personal affiliations, relationships or circumstances that encouraged you to research in the chosen study area.
• Provide your brief personal background.
• Write your name, date of writing and place of writing at the end of the preface.
• Write either the preface or the acknowledgements. It is a rare practice to write both for the same paper in a dissertation or a thesis. Check your dissertation handbook to avoid making any errors.
• Many students choose to thank the institutions and people who were involved in the research and writing process. However, it is best to acknowledge the professional and personal contacts in a thesis or a dissertation in the acknowledgements section.

Dissertation Preface Example

Here is an example of how to write a thesis or a dissertation preface. A preface is the only place in the dissertation where you can use the first person, so consider adopting a personalised yet formal style.

You are reading the Master’s dissertation on “The Impact of the Covid-19 Crisis on the Chinese Economic Development – A Case Study of the Chinese Imports Industry”. I completed this thesis to fulfil the requirements of the Masters in Business Administration Programme at Birmingham University. I worked on this project for six months, starting in August 2021 and ending in February 2022.

In the past, I was reluctant to work in research areas that forced me to step outside my comfort zone. However, while working on a Master’s thesis, I wanted to research a unique and different topic that challenged me. Collecting data about the Chinese import industry is a complex area to crack because China limits the availability of sensitive data that might be important to the government. However, I am delighted to have faced this challenge head-on, which improved my ability to research complex issues more efficiently. Indeed, this dissertation has helped me grow both professionally and personally.

Words cannot express my gratitude for my supervisor and Dr James Alexander, whose role was instrumental throughout the research and writing process. Dr James remained patient with me even when I was panicking. He provided excellent guidance and regular feedback, enabling me to enhance my knowledge and polish my research skills . I would also like to thank Ms Xao from the BGC Trade Group of Beijing for her contribution in arranging the means for the data collection.

Finally, I wish to acknowledge my friends, family members, parents, and my per for their emotional support. I couldn’t have made it this far without their help. I hope you enjoy reading this thesis.

Robert Bruce

Loughborough Town, August 3, 2021

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Frequently Asked Questions

When to write a thesis or dissertation preface.

The preface of a thesis or dissertation is usually written at the end as a final step of the process. Generally, the preface is written after the main body of the thesis or dissertation is completed but before the appendices and references. It is usually included in the table of contents and is often the first section of the thesis or dissertation that readers will encounter.

What is a preface in a dissertation?

A preface in a dissertation is an introductory section that appears before the main body of the dissertation. It is typically a brief statement that provides context and background information for the research presented in the dissertation.

A preface is a place where the author can acknowledge the contributions and support of others who helped in the research process, as well as explain the purpose and scope of the project. It may also include a statement of the author’s motivation for undertaking the research or a discussion of any challenges or limitations encountered during the research process. 

What to avoid in a dissertation or thesis preface?

You should avoid the following in the dissertation or thesis preface. 

• Either write the preface or the acknowledgements. 
• You should also acknowledge the professional and personal contacts. 

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The list of abbreviations in a thesis or a dissertation is an alphabetical list of abbreviations for the key terms used. You may or may not need to create a list of abbreviations depending on your academic institute.

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The Graduate School

University information technology (uit), main navigation, formatting requirements: preliminary pages.

• Submission Procedure
• Policies for Theses and Dissertations
• Coauthored Theses and Dissertations
• Approval Requirements
• Publication Requirements

Copyright Page

Statement of thesis/dissertation approval, dedication, frontispiece, and epigraph, table of contents and list of figures/tables, acknowledgements.

• General Formatting Requirements
• Parts Composed of Related Chapters
• Headings and Subheadings
• Tables and Figures
• Footnote and Reference Citations
• Appendix or Appendices
• References or Selected Bibliography
• Documentation Styles
• Writing Styles
• Print Quality
• Accessibility in the PDF
• Electronic Version Submitted for Thesis Release
• Distribution of Theses and Dissertations
• Alternate Text
• Color Contrast
• Accessibility Issues in Table Construction
• Heading Space
• Double Space
• Single Space
• Previously Published, Accepted, and Submitted Articles as Chapters of a Dissertation
• Alternate Figure/Table Placement

Preliminary pages are, in order, the title page; copyright page; statement of thesis/dissertation approval; abstract; dedication (optional); frontispiece (optional); epigraph (optional); table of contents; lists of tables, figures, symbols, and abbreviations (necessary only in certain situations); and acknowledgments (optional). Table 2.1 lists all the possible preliminary sections in order and if they are required or not. 

The preliminary pages are counted in sequence (except the copyright page, which is neither counted nor numbered). Any page with a main heading on it (title page, abstract, table of contents, etc.) is counted, but no page number is typed on the page. Second pages to the abstract, table of contents, lists, and acknowledgments are numbered with lower case Roman numerals centered within the thesis margins and .5” from the bottom of the page. See the preliminary pages in this handbook for an example. 

Order of preliminary pages, indicating which are mandatory and where page numbers should be included.

Note : Page numbers in the preliminary pages appear centered on the bottom of the page in lower case Roman numerals. This differs from page numbers in the text, which appear on the top right of the page and use Arabic numerals.

SEE Sample Preliminary Pages

The title page is page i (Roman numeral) of the manuscript (page number not shown). 

The title of the thesis or dissertation is typed in all capital letters. The title should be placed in the same size and style of font as that used for major headings throughout the manuscript. If longer than 4 1/2 inches, the title should be double spaced and arranged so that it appears balanced on the page. The title should be a concise yet comprehensive description of the contents for cataloging and data retrieval purposes. Initials, abbreviations, acronyms, numerals, formulas, super/subscripts, and symbols should be used in the title with careful consideration of clarity and maximizing search results for future readers. Consult the manuscript editors if in doubt. 

The word “by” follows the title. The full legal name of the author as it appears in CIS follows after a double space. The name is not typed in all capital letters. These two lines of text are centered between the title and the statement described in the following paragraph. 

The statement “A thesis submitted to the faculty of The University of Utah in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of” appears single spaced in the middle of the title page (see Figure 2.1). For doctoral candidates, the phrasing reads “A dissertation submitted. . . ” 

The appropriate degree follows the statement. The space between the statement and the degree should be the same size that is between the author’s name and the statement. In the event the name of the degree differs from the name of the department, e.g., Master of Science in Environmental Humanities, the words “Master of Science” are placed below the statement, followed by “in” and then the degree program; the lines of the degree name and program are double spaced (see Figure 2.2). Thus, a student receiving a doctorate in history need use only the words “Doctor of Philosophy.” A student receiving a doctorate in Geophysics must put “Doctor of Philosophy in Geophysics.” 

Below the degree field, the full name of the department is listed on the title page. “The University of Utah,” is listed a double space below the department name.

The date appears on the title page a double space below “The University of Utah.” Only the month and year appear, with no punctuation separating them. The month indicates the last month in the semester the degree is granted: fall semester, December; spring semester, May; summer semester, August. 

Again, the spaces below the title, the full legal name, the statement, and the degree should be of equal size. 

The second page is the copyright page, which is uncounted and unnumbered. A copyright notice appears in every copy of the thesis or dissertation. The notice, as illustrated in Figure 2.3, is centered within the side margins and the top and bottom margins of the page. 

Copyright © Student’s Full Legal Name 2022

All Rights Reserved 

There is a double space between the two lines. 

The statement of thesis/dissertation approval is page ii (Roman numeral) of the manuscript (page number not shown). This statement is prepared as shown in Figures 2.4 (for master’s students) and 2.5 (for doctoral students). 

The statement of thesis/dissertation approval signifies that the thesis or dissertation has been approved by the committee chair and a majority of the members of the committee and by the department chair and the dean of The Graduate School. The names of any committee members who did not approve or digitally sign the forms for the thesis or dissertation are not dated. The dates entered should match the date when you received notification that the committee member electronically signed the form. 

The full name of the student, as it appears on the title page and copyright page, must be used. 

As with the digital signature forms, full legal names of committee members must be listed. The full legal names of committee members and department chair or dean can be found on your CIS page under the Committee tab. Neither degrees nor titles should be listed with the names of faculty members. No signatures are required. 

Abstract Page

The abstract is page iii, unnumbered; if there is a second page, it is page iv, and a number appears on the page. The abstract is a concise, carefully composed summary of the contents of the thesis or dissertation. In the abstract, the author defines the problem, describes the research method or design, and reports the results and conclusions. No diagrams, illustrations, subheadings, or citations appear in the abstract. The abstract is limited to 350 words (approximately 1.5 double-spaced pages). A copy of the abstract of all doctoral candidates is published in Dissertation Abstracts International. The word ABSTRACT is placed 2 inches from the top of the page in all capital letters. Following a heading space, the abstract text begins, with the first line indented the same size space as for the paragraphs in the remainder of the manuscript. The text of the abstract must be double spaced. 

If a manuscript is written in a foreign language, the abstract is in the same language, but an English version (or translation) of the abstract must precede the foreign language abstract. The two abstracts are listed as one in the table of contents. The first page of each version is unnumbered but counted. If there is a second page to each version of the abstract, the page number (lower-case Roman numeral) is centered between the left and right margins and between the bottom of the page and the top of the bottom margin. 

The dedication is an optional entry; enumeration continues in sequence, but no page number appears on the page. It follows the abstract and precedes the table of contents. Often only one or two lines, it is centered within the top and bottom margins of the page and within the thesis margins. It is not labeled “Dedication” and is not listed in the table of contents. 

Frontispiece and Epigraph

These are infrequently used entries. The frontispiece is an illustration that alerts the reader to the major theme of the thesis or dissertation. An epigraph is a quotation of unusual aptness and relevance. 

Contents or Table of Contents

The table of contents follows the abstract (or dedication if one is used). The word CONTENTS (or TABLE OF CONTENTS) is placed 2 inches from the top of the page in all capital letters. Following a heading space, the table of contents begins. The table of contents, essentially an outline of the manuscript, lists the preliminary pages beginning with the abstract (page iii). It does not list a frontispiece, dedication, or epigraph if these are used, nor is the table of contents listed in the table of contents; these pages are, however, counted. The list of figures and list of tables, if used, are included (see the Table of Contents in this handbook for a sample using numbered chapters; see Figures 2.6, 2.7, and 2.8 for additional options). 

All chapters or main sections and all first-level subheadings of the manuscript are listed in the table of contents. No lower subheadings levels are to appear in the table of contents. Beginning page numbers of each chapter or section listed are lined up with each listing by a row of evenly spaced, aligned period leaders. The numbers, titles, and subheadings of chapters or sections used in the table of contents must agree exactly in wording and capitalization with the way they appear on the actual page. 

The table of contents reflects the relationship of the chapters and subheadings. Chapter titles appear in all capital letters, as do titles of appendices. First-level subheadings can be headline style or sentence style in capitalization. Subheadings are neither underlined nor italicized in the table of contents. If the table of contents continues to a second page, it begins 1 inch from the top of the page, and it is not labeled “Table of Contents Continued.” Main headings are followed by a double space in the table of contents; all subheadings are single spaced. The words “Chapters” and “Appendices” are used as referents only, printed above the list of entries. The word “Chapter” or “Appendix” is not repeated with each entry. 

List of Figures / List of Tables

The enumeration continues in sequence; no number appears on pages with main headings (those in all caps). A list of tables, a list of figures, a list of symbols, a list of abbreviations, or a glossary may be used. All lists follow the table of contents. The title is placed 2 inches from the top edge of the page in all capital letters: LIST OF TABLES. Following a heading space, the list begins. A list of tables or a list of figures is required if there are 5 to 25 entries. Lists with fewer than 5 entries or more than 25 are not included. It is not permissible to combine a list of tables and figures. The word “Table” or “Figure” is not repeated with each entry. 

As noted for entries in the table of contents, the listing of tables and figures must agree exactly in wording, capitalization, and punctuation with the table title or figure caption. (An exception to this rule occurs if the table title appears in all capital letters on the table itself; table titles in the list of tables are not typed in all capital letters.) Capitalization styles may not be mixed. In the case of long titles or captions, the first sentence must convey the essential description of the item. The first sentence alone then is used in the list. Long captions may not be summarized. 

The table or figure number begins at the left margin and is followed by the title or caption. The page on which each table or figure appears is at the right margin. As in the table of contents, the page numbers are lined up with each entry by a row of evenly spaced, aligned periods (period leaders). If a table or figure occupies more than one page, only the initial page number is listed. If the title or caption of a table or figure appears on a part-title page preceding the table or figure, the page number in the list refers to the number of the part-title page. 

If a list continues to a second page, the second page of text begins 1 inch from the top of the page. The second page is not labeled “List of Tables Continued” or “List of Figures Continued.” Individual entries are single-spaced with a double space between each entry. 

A list of symbols and abbreviations or a glossary does not replace defining terms, symbols, or abbreviations upon their first occurrence in the text. When introducing terms, always introduce terms upon their first usage in the document. 

The enumeration continues in sequence; no number appears on the first page. Acknowledgments are optional. If a preface is used, the acknowledgments are added to the end of the preface without a separate heading. The word ACKNOWLEDGMENTS is placed 2 inches from the top of the page in all capital letters. Following a heading space, the acknowledgments begin. The text of the acknowledgments must be double spaced. In the acknowledgments, students may wish to recognize special assistance from committee members, friends, or family members who may have helped in the research, writing, or technical aspects of the thesis or dissertation. Research funding, grants, and/or permission to reprint copyrighted materials should be acknowledged. Individuals employed to prepare the manuscript are not acknowledged. 

The enumeration continues in sequence; no number appears on the first page. This is an optional entry. The word PREFACE is placed 2 inches from the top of the page in all capital letters. Following a heading space, the preface begins. The text of the preface must be double spaced. A preface includes the reasons for undertaking the study, the methods and design of the researcher, and acknowledgments. Background data and historical or other information essential to the reader’s understanding of the subject are placed in the text as an introduction, not in the preface. Theses and dissertations generally do not contain a foreword (i.e., a statement about the work by someone other than the author). 

How to Write a Preface and a Foreword

#scribendiinc

Tips for writing an attention grabbing preface or foreword

Last Updated: November 7, 2016

Are you thinking about writing a preface for your book or have you been asked to write a foreword? A preface is a brief introduction written by the author, as opposed to a foreword, which is an introduction written by another person that usually comes before the preface.

If you're writing a foreword, congratulations! Generally, it's because you've accomplished something, you are already published , and your name is well known. Your purpose is to introduce an author/work to the world, which can be accomplished in a variety of ways.

You could, for example, write about a chapter in the book, the book as a whole (assuming you've read it!), or the author's work in general. If you know the author personally, talk about this relationship; if you don't, you could discuss how the author's work has affected your life or the importance of the work you're introducing.

If you are writing a foreword for a new edition of a book, it's common to talk about what's different in the current edition. If you're lucky enough to be writing a foreword for a re-released classic, you could discuss the historical impact of the book. Overall, there are no hard-and-fast rules about forewords, so there's room to be creative and have fun!

If you're writing a preface, it's for your own book. A preface, which is included in the front matter of a book, is your chance to speak directly to your readers about why you wrote the book, what it's about, and why it's important. Many books don't require one, especially works of fiction, but if you're wondering how to write a preface, here's an overview.

As it is an introduction to a book, a preface should include information about the book. Consider including a few or all of the following ideas:

• Discuss how the book came about. Why did you write it? Why did you choose the particular subject? What was your motivation? You could also discuss what your inspiration was (especially if it is a work of fiction).
• Give a brief description of the book, the main characters , or the book's themes. Give just enough to get the reader interested in reading more; don't give anything away.
• State the purpose of the book, especially if the work is non-fiction. For example, if your book is intended to educate the reader about famous African scientists in the 20 th century, you may want to state this in the preface. You could also describe what the reader can hope to learn by reading the book.
• Describe the journey of writing the book—what you learned, how you felt, and any insights into real life situations gained through the writing. You may also want to include how you've changed as an author or as a person during the process.
• Talk about any problems that came up during the writing and how you dealt with these trials and tribulations.
• If it is a non-fiction book, discuss your research process. Talk about your sources. Why are they unique? Why is this particular biography of Nixon, for example, special compared to others?
• Include acknowledgements. Thank the people who were instrumental in the writing of your book. Depending on the level of formality of the writing, these could range from colleagues to editors to family members.
• Talk about how long it took you to write the book, if it's relevant. For example, if you've been researching Nixon and writing the book for 10 years, you may want to mention this fact to give the reader an idea of the thought and effort you put into the project.
• Include any suggestions about how to read the book if there is a special structure.
• Don't forget to send it for an English grammar check .

Remember to keep it short! You don't want the preface to drag on and on. A good rule is to try to keep it to one page, two at maximum, and be sure it is free of spelling and grammatical errors. If you want someone to have a look at your preface, our book editors would be more than willing to help.

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Writing Lab

Parts of the paper.

• Introduction Paragraph

What is a Thesis Statement?

Thesis examples.

• Body Paragraphs
• Conclusion Paragraph

A thesis statement clearly identifies the topic being discussed, includes the points discussed in the paper, and is written for a specific audience. Your thesis statement belongs at the end of your first paragraph, also known as your introduction. Use it to generate interest in your topic and encourage your audience to continue reading.

You can read chapter four of  Schaum's Quick Guide to Writing Great Research Papers  an eBook in our online collection, click the title to open:  "How Do I Write a Thesis Statement?" .

Another option is to think of a thesis statement as  one complete sentence that expresses your position .

• Narrows the topic down to a specific focus of an investigation.
• Establishes a direction for the entire paper.
• Points forward to the conclusion.
• Always stated in your introduction. (Usually at the end of the first paragraph).
• Always take a stand and justify further discussion.

Things to rememeber

A thesis statement is not a statement of fact.

Your readers, especially instructors, prefer engaging writing. Therefore, craft debatable thesis statements, not factual ones. While facts are easy to prove, they make for dull papers. Engaging writing showcases critical thinking and analytical skills. Avoid restating widely known facts in your papers.

Thesis Statements always take a stand and justify further discussion.

To make your writing enjoyable, you should develop an arguable thesis statement. Sometimes, you will be writing to persuade others to see things your way, and other times, you will simply be giving your strong opinion and laying out your case.

Statement of fact:

Small cars get better fuel mileage than 4x4 pickup trucks.

Arguable thesis statement:

The government should ban 4x4 pickup trucks except for work-related use.

Foul language is common in movies.

The amount of foul language in movies is disproportionate to the amount of foul language in real life.

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Can a thesis contain preface?

Usually preface is written in books and myself personally have not seen it in a thesis.

But, can a master's or doctoral thesis contain a preface?

• 1 There are no universal rules for what can or can't go in a thesis. Your institution might have rules, however. –  Nate Eldredge Commented Feb 21, 2018 at 6:33
• my institute has no prescribed thesis format –  pkj Commented Feb 21, 2018 at 6:36
• 1 Is there anything you want to put into the preface, but you don't want to write in the introduction chapter? –  Nobody Commented Feb 21, 2018 at 6:43
• yes, there are a few things, which in my opinion are not suitable for introduction or abstract –  pkj Commented Feb 21, 2018 at 7:03
• As long as your advisor okay with it, I think you can, in my opinion. –  Nobody Commented Feb 21, 2018 at 7:07

2 Answers 2

Note: This was going to be a comment, but then I realized it actually answers the question that was asked.

The following 2004 Ph.D. dissertation at Utrecht University has a preface on pp. xi-xviii, so the answer is YES.

Ideas and Explorations : Brouwer's Road to Intuitionism

However, the question you possibly want answered is whether a Ph.D. dissertation at YOUR university can have a preface. To find the answer, you can ask someone knowledgeable about the specific dissertation format rules at your university, or you could visit the library shelves where recent Ph.D. dissertations are shelved and spend 20-30 minutes quickly flipping through the first few pages of the 100-200 most recent dissertations, keeping in mind that for some universities the answer might be department-specific.

It's your work, so unless there are rules to the opposite, I would say go ahead. Many theses contain acknowledgments in a preface, for example -- most of the time thanking real people, but sometimes also their dog, a brewery, or imagined events. Read through enough theses and you will get the idea.

So, see whether there are rules, and if there are none talk to your adviser what is appropriate. Beyond that, you're the author and decide how best you want to say what you want to say.

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Can an essay have a preface?

I'm writing a multi-faceted essay that will fill multiple pages (I suppose that it could be considered a collage of essays that build on each other to support one larger theme). This is something I've undertaken for pleasure, with the intent of eventual circulation if peer review is positive. I placed acknowledgements, dedications, and a preface in front as I feel they complement the theme and help introduce the relatively lengthy piece. Generally, would academic standards permit such in an essay, or do I need to call this something else?

As far as I can tell, the structure of an essay is fairly vague, but is typically small enough not to warrant such paraphernalia; would it seem out of place on an essay?

Edit: I should have mentioned that I did some Google Searches about forewords/prefaces on essays, but what I kept seeing was, '...a foreword is an essay...' or the like. Note: I originally asked about putting a foreword on this essay, but should have realized that it was really a preface .

• academic-writing

4 Answers 4

If you're not submitting this as part of any assignment or for publication in a standardized format, where there are rules about content and structure, I say go for it. Foreword, dedication, acknowledgments, preface, interstitial matter, footnotes, afterword, index, glossary, colophon, reader survey — whatever you want to add.

If you are submitting it for publication or review, then you have to follow whatever the rules are about such submissions.

• 1 Love your nom de guerre. –  Feralthinker Commented Mar 2, 2016 at 17:36
• @Feralthinker thank you. :) I get about one comment per year on it as people get the joke. –  Lauren-Clear-Monica-Ipsum Commented Mar 2, 2016 at 18:23

It sounds like you may be getting bogged down with semantics. After all, what is a foreword besides an introduction, really? There is a a sizeable portion of the academic community that is exploring academic-as-creative writing. For example, using poetry as part of an essay or find a different way of presenting an idea than the standard MLA-cited article. In other words: go for it.

Call it a (short?) book because many of the elements you've listed are commonplace in books. You also hint that this project is growing, so it might in the end, fill the space between boards, but either way, many masterpieces have also been notable for their brevity. Good luck.

An essay is an essay is an essay. What I mean by that is, so long as you do not have specified requirements given to you by a professor or a publisher, your essay can reflect anything and everything you want to have included.

If you do choose to put it into circulation- which I will almost always encourage people to try- depending on how you release it, you may have to bend to make certain specifications. However, while some publishers do have these requirements, you can most always find many who only want the work to be the best that it can be. And if your foreword improves the quality of the piece, then you're golden. If you still worry, consider finding a publisher and asking about their requirements for such a piece.

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