This document outlines the basic structure and elements of a dissertation, including the front matter, main matter, and appendices. The front matter includes elements like the title page, declaration, dedication, acknowledgements, abstract, and table of contents. The main matter typically contains 5 chapters: an introduction, literature review, research design and methodology, presentation and discussion of findings, and conclusions. References are listed alphabetically at the end. Appendices contain supporting documents like ethics clearance, permission letters, the research instrument, and plagiarism reports. Tips are provided on formatting guidelines, chapter titles, organization, and getting assistance from a technical editor.

1. A Dissertation Road Map
THE WHAT AND THE
WHERE OF WRITING A
DISSERTATION
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2. Basic elements of a dissertation
• Cover page
• Front matter (Acknowledgements, dedication, table of contents, list of tables, etc.)
• Main matter (Chapter and references)
• Appendices

3. Front Page
TITLE OF DISSERTATION
By
AUTHOR’S NAME
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for
Name of Masters or Doctoral Degree
In the
Faculty of _________
At the
University of ____________
City / Town name
Supervisor: Name of Supervisor
Co-supervisor: Name of Co-supervisor
DATE

4. Front Matter
• DECLARATION
• DEDICATION
• ACKNOLWEDGEMENTS
• ABSTRACT
• TABLE OF CONTENTS (INCLUDING LIST OF APPENDICES)
• LIST OF TABLES
• LIST OF FIGURES
• LIST OF ACRONYMS
.

5. Basic Chapter Outline
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
CHAPTER 4: PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION OF
DATA, AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
CHAPTER 5: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMEN-
DATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH
.

6. Reference List
• Make sure what reference style is used
• Be consistent
• Alphabetical order
.

7. Appendices
• Logical order:
• Ethical Clearance from university
• Letter to Department (e.g. DoE) seeking permission to
conduct research
• Approval letter from Department granting permission to
conduct research
• Introduction letters to schools / research subjects – informed
consent
• Research instrument (e.g. questionnaire)
• Letter from language editor
• Plagiarism report (e.g. Turn-It-In)
.

8. Tips / suggestions
• Specifications of font, etc. (e.g. Departmental guidelines) - Maybe a standardized
format?
• Be consistent if no specific guidelines are available
• Do not use long drawn out titles for chapters
• Keep it clear / neat
• Refer student to a technical editor (for things such as Table of contents, captioning,
page numbers, etc.

9. 072 377 5585 /
051 401 2742
carmen@ufs.ac.za
Carmen Nel