anu thesis template word

Submitting a thesis

ANU resources to support your final steps and career planning.

CBE PhD Thesis by Compilation Guideline

Information on the CBE's requirements and application process for a PhD thesis by compilation.

Submitting your thesis

Everything you need to know about the process for submission.

Thesis editing

Information/links you need to know about your thesis submission.

Thesis printing

ANU Press can bind and print your thesis, and many scholarships cover this cost.

Planning your career

Answers to questions you might have about what to do& next or what your career options are.

What’s Included: The Dissertation Template

If you’re preparing to write your dissertation, thesis or research project, our free dissertation template is the perfect starting point. In the template, we cover every section step by step, with clear, straightforward explanations and examples .

The template’s structure is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for formal academic research projects such as dissertations and theses. The template structure reflects the overall research process, ensuring your dissertation or thesis will have a smooth, logical flow from chapter to chapter.

The dissertation template covers the following core sections:

• The title page/cover page
• Abstract (sometimes also called the executive summary)
• Table of contents
• List of figures /list of tables
• Chapter 1: Introduction  (also available: in-depth introduction template )
• Chapter 2: Literature review  (also available: in-depth LR template )
• Chapter 3: Methodology (also available: in-depth methodology template )
• Chapter 4: Research findings /results (also available: results template )
• Chapter 5: Discussion /analysis of findings (also available: discussion template )
• Chapter 6: Conclusion (also available: in-depth conclusion template )
• Reference list

Each section is explained in plain, straightforward language , followed by an overview of the key elements that you need to cover within each section. We’ve also included practical examples to help you understand exactly what’s required in each section.

The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX.

FAQs: Dissertation Template

What format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).

The dissertation template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

What types of dissertations/theses can this template be used for?

The template follows the standard best-practice structure for formal academic research projects such as dissertations or theses, so it is suitable for the vast majority of degrees, particularly those within the sciences.

Some universities may have some additional requirements, but these are typically minor, with the core structure remaining the same. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.

Will this work for a research paper?

A research paper follows a similar format, but there are a few differences. You can find our research paper template here .

Is this template for an undergrad, Masters or PhD-level thesis?

This template can be used for a dissertation, thesis or research project at any level of study. It may be slight overkill for an undergraduate-level study, but it certainly won’t be missing anything.

How long should my dissertation/thesis be?

This depends entirely on your university’s specific requirements, so it’s best to check with them. As a general ballpark, Masters-level projects are usually 15,000 – 20,000 words in length, while Doctoral-level projects are often in excess of 60,000 words.

What about the research proposal?

If you’re still working on your research proposal, we’ve got a template for that here .

We’ve also got loads of proposal-related guides and videos over on the Grad Coach blog .

How do I write a literature review?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack how to write a literature review from scratch. You can check out the literature review section of the blog here.

How do I create a research methodology?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack research methodology, both qualitative and quantitative. You can check out the methodology section of the blog here.

Can I share this dissertation template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template. If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, all we ask is that you reference this page as your source.

Can Grad Coach help me with my dissertation/thesis?

Within the template, you’ll find plain-language explanations of each section, which should give you a fair amount of guidance. However, you’re also welcome to consider our dissertation and thesis coaching services .

All Australian National University theses are in digital form. You can search for them online through the  theses collection in ANU Open Research , and are also searchable via the  Library Catalogue .

The majority of ANU theses are openly accessible but a small number are restricted due to cultural sensitivities, copyright controls or other restrictions.

Digital theses

Digital theses can be searched online through the  theses collection in ANU Open Research .

The Australian National University Library’s theses collection holds the research output of the University’s academic community over the last 60 years. The first ANU thesis was awarded in 1953.

By digitising its print theses collection, ANU Library delivers the University’s unique and original research in a freely available, open access online collection. Digital delivery expands engagement with the Library’s collections, provides visibility to the university’s scholarship, and supports the careers of its academic community.

Restrictions

The majority of theses are openly accessible; however, some may not be available under open access conditions due to author or copyright restrictions.

If an author wishes to restrict access to their thesis (or part of it), they can elect to do so as part of the online submission process. If after 12 months an extension to that restriction is required, a new application must be completed.

In the case of a Higher Degree by Research thesis, approval is required from the Dean, Higher Degree Research and can be sought by filling out an  Extension of Thesis Restriction of Access Request Form  or emailing  [email protected] . If approved, the Open Research team will be notified and restrict access to the online version of your thesis in line with the decision made.

Read our  Restriction Infosheet  for more information about applying for restrictions on theses.

Hard copy theses

Hard copy theses can be requested  for reading within the Library, but cannot be borrowed.

The majority of theses are available for research or study, however some may not be available due to author or copyright restrictions.

To check whether access restrictions apply to a particular thesis, ask at the  Menzies Library  Information Desk or email the  ANU Library .

Non-ANU readers are advised to check in advance whether they will be granted access to a particular thesis.

Location of hard copy theses

• ANU Doctoral and Masters’ theses (1953-2018) –  Menzies Library
• Master of Law and International Law theses (pre-October 1987) –  Law Library
• ANU Honours theses – held by the  ANU Colleges
• ANU Law Honours theses (selected) – Law Library or online through  ANU Open Research
• Non-ANU theses (without access restrictions) are on the open shelves.
• Hard copy theses requests

Related links

• Finding theses
• Ask a librarian
•   Theses   +61 2 6125 2005   Send email

• Directories

Research proposals

If you are applying to undertake a research degree or a degree with a research component at ANU, or are in the first year of your research degree, you may be expected to produce a research proposal that demonstrates that you understand the process of scholarly inquiry. In particular, that 'good' research starts with you identifying an important problem or 'gap' in knowledge in your field and/or discipline that you can address or fill.

These pages provide strategies to help you to establish your credibility as a scholar by developing a persuasive research proposal. A persuasive research proposal sets out what you intend to conduct research on, why and how you plan to go about operationalising it, and how you make a contribution to knowledge. More specifically, these pages detail the various stages involved in designing a research project from understanding the purpose of a research proposal to what to consider in writing one. 

Purpose>>

Useful resources

• Agee, J. (2009). Developing qualitative research questions: A reflective process. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education,   22 (4), 431-447. doi:10.1080/09518390902736512
• Paltridge, B., & Starfield, S. (2007).  Thesis and dissertation writing in a second language: A handbook for supervisors . London: Routledge.
• Punch, K.F. (2006). Developing effective research proposals (2nd ed.). London: Sage.

Structuring

• ANU Library Academic Skills
• +61 2 6125 2972

Word for academic writing: maintaining consistency in your thesis Online

This webinar focuses on how to use Word within an academic setting, in particular the features that support the creation of long documents and theses. The workshop covers setting up a Word template to use for chapters of a thesis. It can be overlayed on current text if you have already begun writing or used to start each chapter. It is recommended to take Putting your thesis all together following this workshop.

You will be provided with instructions on how to join the webinar via Zoom prior to the webinar. A recording of the session will be provided to participants.

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Word for academic writing: maintaining consistency in your thesis

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You are here

This workshop focuses on how to use Word efficiently within an academic setting to:

• create and use templates for chapters of a thesis
• understand and use styles
• understand outlines
• utilise headers and footers
• use these features to maintain consistency in your thesis or other long document.

Word templates can be overlayed on current text if you have already begun writing, or used to start each chapter.

Register here!

Two additional Word for academic writing webinars are also offered:   

• Formatting your document
• Putting your thesis all together

Additional training materials

Sample of Thesis Chapter Template with Chapter-Numbering    

Sample of Thesis Chapter Template without Chapter-Numbering  (used for thesis to allow for Chapter Headings with a stylish format)

Training material

• Word Maintaining Consistency Windows Version (PDF, 2.43 MB)
• Use of Sample Chapter Template Windows Version (PDF, 1.05 MB)
• Word Maintaining Consistency Mac Version (PDF, 2.92 MB)
• Use of Sample Chapter Template Mac Version (PDF, 1.02 MB)

Use contact details to request an alternative file format.

Related links

• Procedure: HDR - submission and examination of theses
• Formatting your thesis

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Thesis / dissertation formatting manual (2024).

• Filing Fees and Student Status
• Submission Process Overview
• Electronic Thesis Submission
• Paper Thesis Submission
• Formatting Overview
• Fonts/Typeface
• Pagination, Margins, Spacing
• Paper Thesis Formatting
• Preliminary Pages Overview
• Copyright Page
• Dedication Page
• Table of Contents
• List of Figures (etc.)
• Acknowledgements
• Text and References Overview
• Figures and Illustrations
• Using Your Own Previously Published Materials
• Using Copyrighted Materials by Another Author
• Open Access and Embargoes
• Copyright and Creative Commons
• Ordering Print (Bound) Copies
• Tutorials and Assistance
• FAQ This link opens in a new window

UCI Libraries maintains the following  templates to assist in formatting your graduate manuscript. If you are formatting your manuscript in Microsoft Word, feel free to download and use the template. If you would like to see what your manuscript should look like, PDFs have been provided. If you are formatting your manuscript using LaTex, UCI maintains a template on OverLeaf.

• Annotated Template (Dissertation) 2024 PDF of a template with annotations of what to look out for
• Word: Thesis Template 2024 Editable template of the Master's thesis formatting.
• PDF Thesis Template 2024
• Word: Dissertation Template 2024 Editable template of the PhD Dissertation formatting.
• PDF: Dissertation Template 2024
• Overleaf (LaTex) Template
• << Previous: Tutorials and Assistance
• Next: FAQ >>
• Last Updated: Feb 20, 2024 2:09 PM
• URL: https://guides.lib.uci.edu/gradmanual

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Australian National University on Overleaf

Quick start.

ANU is providing Overleaf Professional features for all students, faculty and staff who would like to use a collaborative, online LaTeX editor for their projects. Overleaf Professional features include real-time track changes, unlimited collaborators, and full document history.

Overleaf is designed to make the process of writing, editing and producing your research papers and project reports much quicker for both you and your collaborators. Overleaf can also be linked to other services to best fit into your workflow.

Claim your Overleaf Professional upgrade by signing up (or signing in) below. You’ll need to link your account to your ANU single sign-on.

If you are migrating from a paid subscription, contact [email protected] to arrange a pro-rata refund.

Please note, Overleaf should not be used for the sharing or storing of highly sensitive data and should only contain information that is suitable for the public domain. If you are unsure, or require guidance, see the ANU policy for Information and Data Classification . For further support visit anu.edu.au/privacy .

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Welcome to the quick start guide to Overleaf. We've put together some useful resources and links in the sections below, and if you have any questions about how to get started please let us know and we'll be happy to help!

For Students

Try out the overleaf editor with built in tutorial.

If you'd like to dive straight into the editor, simply click the button to create a new paper using our quick-start template. A short tutorial will walk you through the main features to quickly get you started.

Browse the Overleaf template gallery

You can find a selection of featured templates , or check out our full template gallery for more ideas and inspiration.

Take our free course to quickly master the LaTeX essentials

If you're new to LaTeX, we've put together a free online course to help you learn the basics. If you have never used LaTeX before, or if it has been a while and you would like a refresher, this is the place to start.

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Find a journal template.

Through our partnerships within the publishing community, we provide a selection of academic journal templates for articles and papers. These templates automatically format your manuscripts in the style required for submission to that journal.

Edit in Rich Text mode or directly in LaTeX

Overleaf provides an intuitive and easy-to-use manuscript editor (our rich text mode), which is especially useful if you or your co-authors aren't familiar with writing in LaTeX.

If you prefer to edit directly in LaTeX, you can! Overleaf provides a full collaborative online LaTeX editor you can switch to at any time.

Submitting your articles to journals, repositories and more

You can also submit your paper directly to a number of journals and other editorial and review services via the publish menu in the editor. Simply open the publish menu from any document and follow the appropriate 'Submit to ...' link.

For Teachers

Introducing students to latex.

Overleaf has several on-demand webinars available that address a variety of beginner, intermediate, and advanced topics.

Help students understand LaTeX errors

Addressing errors as they happen helps ensure that your LaTeX project continues to compile and look the way it should.

Show your class how to turn on track changes for review

Overleaf offers an impressive collection of collaboration features, and your institutional subscription provides all users with access to the powerful track changes feature.

Featured LaTeX Templates

FAQ & Help

Who should i contact if i have questions about overleaf or the anu license.

If you need technical support while working on any Overleaf projects, please use our contact form and we'll make sure your question gets to the right person in our team. You can direct ANU-specific questions to ANU's Digital Literacy team at [email protected] .

I'm new to Overleaf, how should I get started?

We've put together a short How do I use Overleaf help page to give you pointers on exactly that :)

You can also watch upcoming and on-demand webinars .

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Here's how to import existing LaTeX documents into Overleaf .

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Overleaf supports the packages listed here .

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