PhD Assistance Academy: Dissertation Guidelines Awareness 

Introduction

PhD Assistance Academy provides guidance to students navigating the complexities of dissertation submission. This overview outlines key requirements for thesis presentation, arrangement, and submission, with a focus on compliance with institutional regulations to ensure a smooth submission process.

Language of Thesis

Submission in English

• The default requirement for dissertation submission is in English.

Submission in Another Language

• Exceptional Cases: Students may submit their thesis in the language of study if it enhances the intellectual quality of the research.
• Approval Process:
  • Permission must be obtained from the Dean of College and the Dean of Faculty prior to registration.
  • The Postgraduate Administration Office must be informed.
• Requirements:
  • A thesis abstract and title must be provided in both English and the language of submission.

Presentation and Arrangement of Theses/Dissertations

Paper Format

1. Standard Size: International A4 (210mm x 297mm) or US Letter (216mm x 279mm).
2. Weight: Between 70 g/m² and 100 g/m².
3. Illustrative Materials: Large items like maps or drawings should be bound with the thesis or attached in a wallet inside the back cover.

Margins

• Left & Right: 30mm
• Top & Bottom: 20mm

Typing and Font

• Spacing: Double or one-and-a-half spacing, except for indented quotations and footnotes, which may use single spacing.
• Font: Arial, size 12.

Printing

• Double-Sided: Required for all submissions.

Page Numbering

• All pages, starting from the title page, must be numbered consecutively.

Arrangement of Content

• The content must be presented in the prescribed order.

Submission Format

1.Binding for Examination:

• Temporary binding options include perfect binding with paper or transparent covers, or comb binding.

2. Multiple Volumes:

• Theses exceeding 350 double-sided pages must be divided into volumes, each containing a signed title page indicating the total and current volume numbers, and spine labels showing the candidate's name, degree, submission month/year, and volume number.

3. Additional Copies:

• Students should retain an additional copy for personal use, particularly for viva voce examinations.

Illustrations and Copyright Material

1. Attribution:

• Illustrations like maps or photographs must include captions acknowledging their sources.

2. Third-Party Copyright:

• Written permission is required for including copyrighted material.
• If permission is not obtained.
• submit two versions: one with and one without the copyrighted content, replacing it with a placeholder note.

Word Limits for Theses/Dissertations

The word count does not include the abstract, preliminaries, footnotes, appendices, or bibliography, but it does include all other content.

Additional Guidelines

• Temporary binding must be compliant with examiners' accessibility needs (e.g., large-print copies).
• A signed declaration affirming the originality of the student's work must be included.
• All submitted theses must follow the university-approved formatting and sequence.

Conclusion

By adhering to these dissertation guidelines, students can ensure that their work meets the necessary standards for submission and evaluation.