As a PhD candidate, there comes a point in your research when it’s time to bring all your material together. You’re working towards a complete document, ready for layout and design. It’s an exciting phase—and a fun one too: your defense is getting closer! In this blog, we’ll explain how a PhD thesis is typically structured.
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Request a quote from Ipskamp Printing.
What is a PhD thesis?
A PhD thesis—also called a dissertation—is an original academic manuscript written by a PhD candidate as a requirement for obtaining a doctoral degree. In some cases, a thesis may also be a collection of previously published scientific articles by the PhD candidate.
What does the structure of a thesis look like?
A typical PhD thesis consists of the following components:
Preface
Here, you briefly introduce your research topic, but without diving into the content just yet. You explain what your research is about, why you chose this subject, and you can reflect on your personal journey. The goal of the preface is to spark curiosity and draw the reader in.
Introduction
While the preface may be more personal, the introduction focuses purely on the content. What is your research about? You guide the reader into your study. This section outlines the research problem and the sub-questions you aim to answer. You also indicate which chapter addresses which sub-question. Important: don’t include any results in the introduction.
Summary
Not every reader will read your entire thesis from start to finish. That’s why including a summary is essential—both in English and in Dutch.
Chapters
The main chapters explain every aspect of your research. Here you answer your sub-questions and ultimately the main research question. There’s no strict rule about the number of chapters. The most important thing is that they form a coherent whole, while also being understandable on their own.
References
This section lists all the sources you’ve consulted. Your reference list must be complete and formatted consistently in a specific citation style.
Acknowledgements
This is where you thank everyone who played a vital role in your research process. Be aware that this is often one of the most-read sections of a thesis. Aim for sincere, factual gratitude, and avoid being overly personal.
Biography of the PhD Candidate
A brief overview of your background and professional experience.
Some candidates wonder if they’ve included enough tables, images, and figures in their thesis. There’s no set standard for this. Every PhD project is unique, so the presentation of your results will be too. Want to get a sense of what others have done? Browse through previously published theses for inspiration.
What language should your thesis be written in?
Over the years, English has become the standard language for PhD theses, as it facilitates international communication and visibility. However, in some cases—especially for linguistics or history-related research—the language may align with the subject. For example, if your research is about Italian literature, you may choose to write the thesis in Italian.
Looking for a designer and/or printer for your thesis?
Request a quote from Ipskamp Printing.
