Students must adhere to strict formatting guidelines and a prescribed length range when preparing their dissertations for submission. Typically, a departure from these rules may result in dissertation rejection and subsequent degree delay.

How long is a dissertation? And what formatting guidelines should you follow for writing? These and more will be addressed in this article.

How long is a dissertation?

The length of a dissertation can differ due to institutional and departmental requirements and the research field. Although most universities have guidelines for dissertation length, academic departments have theirs, also. The lengths differ because universities provide departments with flexibility that makes them autonomous in their criteria.

Most departments usually set length instructions for all sections of a dissertation and the entirety of the dissertation – this usually varies. A social science dissertation, for instance, is more voluminous than one in science like chemistry. This is due to the wide range of literature reviews and research methods. Thus, this implies that the length of each section would also be longer compared to that of science dissertations.

Dissertations are mainly for doctoral programs; hence, it’s normal for people to ask, “how long is a PhD dissertation?”

The truth is, there is no one size fits all answer to how long a dissertation should be. Many websites provide answers that are simply incorrect. Dissertations are usually too different to pin down a specific number.

However, there are practical suggestions for PhD dissertation length, which is between 70,000 to 100,00 words for most departments and Universities. But, the actual word counts you eventually get to usually depends on how well you address the requirements of each section and the length of different sections based on research results.

How many pages is a dissertation?

As earlier mentioned, the length of a dissertation isn’t straightforward, and it varies by field of study. Several factors influence it, like the type of analysis and research background.

However, the average dissertation length is between 150 and 300 pages. But, longer dissertations may require more chapters, main divisions, and subdivisions to explain the research in detail and cite many examples and references. Therefore, such dissertations may contain more pages than the average dissertation.

Dissertation outline: what your dissertation outline should look like

A dissertation’s length is the sum of its chapters. Various dissertation chapters have length specifications. Let’s look at a dissertation outline to determine further how long a dissertation should be.

· Chapter 1 – Introduction

The introduction is the very first chapter of a dissertation. Here, you present your research topic and give background information to support your work. A dissertation introduction should be between 12 and 25 pages in length.

· Chapter 2 – Literature review

This chapter’s length varies with discipline. For instance, a dissertation in chemistry may present a relatively small amount of literature to review. On the other hand, a broader research field like psychology or sociology will produce a voluminous literature review. Therefore, your literature review should be around 12 to 19 pages.

· Chapter 3 – Methodology

Whether quantitative or qualitative, you must describe the research methodology in detail in this chapter. The aim is to explain what you did and why you did it. In addition, you should present how you intend to analyze the results. Depending on the level of detail, this chapter could be 20-25 pages long.

· Chapter 4 – Results

This chapter gives the results of your research. It may be lengthy, not because of the number of words, but of the use of charts and graphs to show your findings. The important thing to do is present all your results appropriately.

· Chapter 5 – Discussion

The length of a dissertation paper discussion depends on the volume of data to be analyzed. However, there should be a concise presentation and explanation of the results. The length of this chapter can range from 15 to 25 pages.

· Chapter 6 – Conclusion

Your conclusion should be the research question answers and future solutions to your research. This chapter is usually the smallest in volume.

Generally accepted dissertation formatting guidelines

Here are some pointers that’ll help your dissertation formatting:

• All text is double spaced
• Margins are one inch and above on each side.
• 10 to 12 sized fonts are used, and their color must be black, but figures, tables, and other diagrams may vary.
• Headings are always centered at the top of tables
• Every chapter and appendix starts on a new page.
• Tables, figures, and illustrations must have standard numbering
• Original illustrations and prints are centered on a page with no text above or below.
• Page numbers must be centered at the top or bottom of the page.

Conclusion

Dissertations are often of varying lengths depending on the research field and method of analysis used. However, they should explain all the necessary parameters for your research. Finding a balance is key, and you can do that by following these length and formatting guidelines.

But what exactly do we mean when we talk about a dissertation or a thesis? And does the term you adopt have any lasting effects on what you end up writing?

This article helps by examining the major differences between a thesis and a dissertation and everything in between. https://us.dissertationteam.com/thesis

Dissertation vs. thesis

Let’s start with the genesis of these words. The term dissertation was derived from the Latin words ‘dissertare’, which explains a discussion process, and ‘disserere’, which means to analyze and discuss. In comparison, the term thesis is from a Latin word that means “to place a proposition”.

Depending on where a degree is awarded, the terms thesis and dissertation can adopt different meanings. For instance, the definition of a thesis in the U.S is nearly the inverse of that in Europe.

Because a thesis is usually shorter than a dissertation, it came to be seen as a preliminary degree on the path to a Master’s degree. In comparison, a dissertation is an authentic research project done to obtain a doctorate. These are the adopted definitions in the U.S.

Generally, a thesis is a scholarly piece of research that has been well-written. It is provided by students who have completed a master’s degree program.

In Europe, the definition of these terms takes a new turn. For instance, they refer to a dissertation as part of a broader research completed during an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. On the other hand, a thesis here is an original research project conducted to obtain a PhD.

What is the purpose of a thesis and dissertation?

For starters, it allows students to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the subject matter they have been learning. It is also to apply their study expertise to real-world applications fully.

On the other hand, a dissertation is a longer piece of scholarly work that accounts for your research process during a doctoral program. A PhD is awarded to a graduate after presenting and defending their dissertation. The purpose of dissertation is often to test the research capabilities students have developed in their study period.

It contains all information about the PhD candidate’s original or continued research on a recent or existing subject matter. Also, its assessment is used to determine a final grade. However, the length of dissertation compared to a thesis is a prevailing distinction between both terms.

Doctoral thesis vs. dissertation: exploring the differences

Looking back to our mention of the term disparities in Europe and America, we can explore a doctoral thesis vs a dissertation.

In the U.S, a thesis is usually for a doctoral or a master’s degree, while a dissertation is for a master’s or a bachelor’s degree with honors. In other parts of the world, like North America and some other countries, a thesis is used for a master’s degree and a dissertation for a doctoral degree.

What is a doctoral dissertation? It is simply a dissertation done at the doctorate level. Unlike a dissertation for master’s, it is an extensive level of research, presentation, and defense done by graduates in pursuit of a PhD.

On the other hand, if you’ve wondered “what is a doctoral thesis”, you should understand that it’s a thesis written at the doctorate level. These terms appear in different locations worldwide that either use a dissertation or a thesis for a PhD pursuit.

However, by a more considerable consensus, a thesis is at a Master’s level, and a dissertation is for a PhD study.

Difference between thesis and dissertation: how they differ

A significant difference between a thesis and a dissertation is completion time. As previously stated, a thesis is generally presented at the end of a master’s program. In comparison, a dissertation is submitted to acquire a PhD.

Another significant difference stems from their definitions. A thesis is a collection of research that reveals the researcher is up to date and knowledgeable about the research topic done during the study program. A dissertation, however, allows the researcher to add recent theories and information to the existing literature in the research field.

Also, a thesis is an official and detailed presentation of previously learned information. Meanwhile, a dissertation functions to create a peculiar concept and defend it using practical and theoretical results.

Lastly, a master’s degree dissertation is about a hundred pages in length, while a PhD dissertation is way longer with a background and research information section. Ideally, dissertations are up to thrice the length of theses.

Conclusion

In the end, it doesn’t matter which term you rely on because both refer to serious academic works that demonstrate what you have researched and understood. You’ll be fine as long as you refer to your institution and department for direction.

You can usually tell the style of a paper by looking at how it is formatted. This guide on dissertation citations and the different styles involved in formatting the research information will be beneficial to you. We’ll look at the various methods for referencing dissertations and provide brief examples of them.

How to cite a PhD dissertation

First, let’s start with definitions.

1. Formatting style

A formatting style is a method of developing an academic paper that is consistent and easily recognized. Research papers can be written in:

• APA (the American Psychological Association style),
• MLA (the Modern Language Association style)
• CS (the Chicago Style).

Formatting includes specifications like where the paper’s title and author’s name will appear, how sources will be cited in the text, and the appropriate spacing between the lines.

Styles of formatting are essential because they provide standardization and methods of displaying source information used in the document.

2. Citation

Next, we have citations. A citation is a method of crediting people for their intellectual and creative works employed in your research and writing. It can also be used to find specific data sources and avoid plagiarism. A citation generally includes the author’s name, date, journal title, publishing company location, and other information sources.

Choosing a citation style is vital in referencing dissertations. There are various citation methods based on different formatting styles. And the form of citation used often depends on the research field involved.

Now that we’re conversant with the definitions and formatting styles let’s explain how to cite a doctoral dissertation using different styles.

How to cite a dissertation APA style

The American Psychological Association style uses an author and date citation method. It was created mainly for use in psychology, but other disciplines have adopted it, like the sciences.

Every in-text citation is composed of a reference list entry, which applies to reference lists. Unless you’ve written a one- or two-page document, an APA formatted style begins with a title page, and an abstract follows closely.

The title, quotes, and sources on the references page are all double spaced and alphabetized. Also, in-text citations should be used for quotes and paraphrases. And if there is no date available when referencing using author-date, use the abbreviation n.d. for ‘no date,’ as in (Kate, n.d.).

If you directly quote the source, remember to add the page number in the citation. For example:

“There are twenty-five studies on educational psychology in elementary schools,” said Dr Thomas (2014) (p.29).

In addition, a running head is needed in APA style, and it should begin on the title page, with the title in all caps. These are the major steps showing how to cite a dissertation using the APA format.

How to cite a dissertation MLA style

In the humanities, such as philosophy, music, art, and literature, the Modern Language Association style is often used. On the first page, instead of a title page, the student’s name, professor’s name, course name, and date are written in a double-spaced text that is left-justified.

The title is centered two spaces beneath the date, and all quotes and paraphrases should receive credited in-text citations. However, the subsequent information about the information source is written under the alphabetized “Works Cited” page.

Instead of footnotes or endnotes, the MLA system employs in-text citations. The citations in the text are very concise, with the author’s family name and page number included. MLA in-text citations use the author-page number format, e.g. (Abraham 37). The page number is always included in an MLA-style citation unless it is unavailable.

How to cite a dissertation Chicago style

Footnotes, rather than endnotes, are frequently used in student assessment tasks in the Chicago formatting style. Footnotes have the merit of allowing interested readers to see source details as they read easily. To make footnotes, use superscript reference numbers to brand your sources of information, like quotations, paraphrases, and ideas.

These reference numbers start at one and go up in order. Always place reference numbers after the punctuation, and the reference numbers in superscript should identify with the numbered notes at the bottom of each page.

You should add the author or authors’ names, the title and subtitle, and the publication information the first time you cite a source. Use shortened notes that only show the author’s surname and a short title when citing the same source again. The Chicago style often discourages using abbreviations to refer readers to the previous citation. Include page numbers in the first and shortened notes for quotations and references to particular passages.

Conclusion

The dissertation citation style you use depends on some factors. First, you should practice the various types of formatting or read up dissertations written in different styles. Secondly, determine your institution and discipline’s preferred formatting style. Lastly, write with these guidelines to accurately prepare your dissertation in the instructed format.

However, writing a coursework involves rules that a student should follow to get results more effectively. This article contains all the requirements and standards that can make writing your coursework easier and more rewarding.

What is a coursework, and what is its importance?

A coursework is an academic writing that shows a student knows and understands what they’ve learned in the course. It is a significant part of studying that can be based on science or any other experimental project. Coursework contains data which varies according to the requirements and laid down instructions. The process of writing coursework is more straightforward when a student follows the pattern of writing, creating an outline before writing.

Coursework writing involves choosing a topic, thesis, and objectives, which vary from one course to another. Therefore, students must understand the requirements of a particular coursework and read similar papers before writing.

What are 10 coursework writing rules for students?

Before you begin writing your coursework, you want to ensure you understand what your teacher expects from you. You can discuss your ideas with your teacher if you’re unsure or have no idea what to do. Below are rules to follow to do my coursework:

1. No plagiarism

There is no rule against consulting other literature and borrowing ideas or sentences from them. However, ensure you cite them correctly; incorrect citation amounts to plagiarism, which is a serious offense in academia.

2. Revise and edit

Use terms, including words and phrases, commonly used for scientific work. If you’re unsure of their grammatical correctness, there are resources you can use to check.

3. Your sections should tally with your topic and thesis

You’ve chosen your topic and stated your thesis; now, avoid digressing. Ensure the main sections of the paper present data that support your topic and thesis.

4. Use coursework terms

There are specific terms used in writing coursework; coursework writing help will be familiar with them, so you may consider hiring one. However, if you’ll be writing it yourself, then give enough time to proper planning to know the terms and write a suitable coursework.

5. Use different sources

Your coursework should present as much information as possible, which will require you to use different types of sources. For example, you can go from books to physical and digital libraries; remember to cite every source correctly.

6. Structure correctly

Coursework involves a standard structure that students must follow. If you’re unfamiliar with a typical coursework structure, you may want to research and learn. Coursework generally includes an introduction section, the main body with several paragraphs, the conclusion, and references.

7. Research diligently

Don’t be wary of research; whatever topic you choose needs thorough research to help you do justice to it. Plus, when you conduct your study on a topic, you have private rights to it, making the paper distinction worthy.

8. Start early

Start writing as soon as you finish your research; write when the inspiration is still fresh. Take it one stage at a time, and you don’t have to write everything at once; however, ensure you supply precise information.

9. Summarize your coursework

Write a summary of your coursework when you finish the significant bulk of the writing. The summary is typically located at the end of the whole coursework text.

10. Choose a familiar theme

Choosing a thesis you don’t have an interest in or have poor knowledge of will result in shallow analysis. To avoid that, you want to select a simple but interesting topic you can talk about confidently.

Conclusion

There are different ways of doing coursework assignment writing, including getting help and typing it online. Online coursework writing is a modern and convenient way of getting assignments done. Coursework doesn’t have to be complicated; you only need to choose a topic you’re interested in, read widely, and then write.