Dissertation Structure: Breakdown of Each Part

A dissertation is an in-depth research project that presents a clear argument or investigation on a specific topic. A dissertation structure should be neatly organized to guide readers through your discussion. With sections like introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and conclusion, each part has its job to help you make sense of the chaos and present your findings clearly.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to structure a dissertation, breaking down what each section should include and why it matters.

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Structuring a Dissertation
Before you get started, make sure to check if your university has a specific structure in mind. Some schools hand out strict guidelines, while others let you run wild. If there’s no set format, the dissertation layout below is a safe bet.

Don’t miss out on our detailed guide on how to write a dissertation.

Title Page
Your dissertation’s title page is the first impression you’ll make, so it should be sharp and to the point. A good title:

Avoids unnecessary words or complex phrasing.
Clearly defines your research focus.
Directly connects to your research questions and field of study.
A solid title usually covers:

The broader research area (e.g., sustainable fashion, digital privacy, neurobiology).
The specific angle (e.g., ethical sourcing in fast fashion, data breaches in social media, brain function in aging).
The research method (e.g., a longitudinal study, a case study, a meta-analysis).
For instance: A Case Study on Data Privacy Concerns in Healthcare: The Role of Patient Consent

Some universities may have their own title page rules, so be sure to check their guidelines before you hit “submit.”

Abstract
The abstract (or executive summary in some disciplines) gives readers a quick overview of your dissertation. It should summarize the key points so that someone can understand your research without reading the full document. The abstract should follow the flow of your dissertation, from the research question to the final takeaway. Since your findings might shift as you write, save the abstract for last to keep it accurate.

A strong abstract includes:

Research question(s) – What was your study trying to find out?
Methodology – How did you conduct your research? (e.g., surveys, case studies, experiments).
Key findings – What were the main discoveries from your study?
Conclusion – What do your findings mean, and how do they answer your research question(s)?
Acknowledgements
The acknowledgments section is where you give a nod to the people who helped you out. It’s not mandatory, but it’s always appreciated in academia.

Who to mention:

Your dissertation supervisor or committee for their guidance.
Professors or researchers who shared their insights or feedback.
Friends and family who offered moral support.
Mentors, advisors, or institutions that contributed to your research.
Keep it brief and genuine. Something like, “A huge thanks to my supervisor, Dr. Maria Thatcher, for her insightful feedback and guidance,” will do. Aim for one page, tops.

Table of Contents
The Table of Contents (TOC) is a list that outlines the structure of your dissertation. It provides a quick guide to the chapters, subheadings, and sections included in your work. The TOC helps readers easily navigate through your document and find specific parts they are interested in.

A typical Table of Contents includes:

Chapter Titles – These are the main sections like Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, etc.
Subheadings – These are the more specific sections within each chapter (e.g., Research Question, Theoretical Framework).
Page Numbers – Indicates where each section or chapter starts in the document.
It’s important to update your Table of Contents as you finalize the structure of a dissertation to ensure all titles and page numbers are correct. Most word processors can generate the TOC automatically, making it easier to manage.