Practical guide for structuring your thesis

What is the correct structure of a thesis?

Whether you are working on a bachelor’s or master’s thesis, both typically consist of the following components:

• Title page: Your title page should include essential information such as the title, your name, education, and student number.
• Information page (optional): The information page is often optional, where you can include additional information such as the names of your supervisors and education. Check your course manual to confirm if an information page is required.
• Foreword: In the foreword, you share your experiences during the thesis process and express gratitude to the people who assisted you.
• Abstract (summary): The abstract provides a concise summary of the most important points of your research. Please note that an abstract is not the same as a summary or management summary.
• Table of Contents: The table of contents provides an overview of all chapters and sections.
• List of figures and tables (optional): This list is optional and can be used to list your figures and tables. If you have many figures or tables, it is helpful to include them in this list.
• List of abbreviations (optional): In this list, you provide all the used abbreviations and technical terms, along with brief explanations. If you use many abbreviations, it is useful to include them in this list.
• Introduction: The introduction introduces the topic, problem analysis, and research questions.
• Theoretical framework: The theoretical framework includes the description of relevant theories and models.
• Methodology: In the methodology section, you describe your research methods.
• Results: The results chapter presents the research findings.
• Discussion: The discussion section interprets the results and compares them with the literature used.
• Conclusion: The conclusion formulates your conclusions based on the research.
• Recommendations: The recommendations provide suggestions for further research and practical recommendations.
• Reflection: The reflection section allows you to reflect on the thesis process. In some courses, this is included as a chapter in the thesis, while in others, a separate reflection report is required.
• Appendices: The appendices list any additional materials such as surveys or interview transcripts.
• Reference list: The reference list provides a list of sources used, following a specific reference style such as APA style or the Guidelines for Legal Authors.

Dos when structuring your thesis.

When structuring your thesis, there are a number of important ”dos” to follow:

• Maintain the common (red) thread: Always keep the main question and sub-questions in mind and critically evaluate any irrelevant information.
• Choose a clear principle for structure: Organize your text based on a clear principle such as chronology, theory to practice, cause to effect, etc.
• Be consistent: Use one consistent classification principle per level and refrain from combining different principles.
• Avoid repetitions: Address each topic at one level only and avoid repeating information at different levels.
• Avoid a mixed bag: Establish a clear structure and avoid long paragraphs or excessive use of subheadings.
• By following these guidelines, you will make your thesis easier to read and understand for both yourself and your assessors.

How do you get structure in your thesis?

• Follow the guidelines of your program and refer to your graduation manual.
• View examples of other theses, but avoid plagiarism.
• Make a detailed plan and take moments of rest.
• Formulate a clear main question and divide it into sub-questions.
• Create a preliminary table of contents based on your sub-questions.
• Organize chapters into paragraphs and choose a logical layout.
• Consider using sub-paragraphs if necessary.
• Place information and results in the correct (sub)paragraph.
• Write the chapters according to the table of contents.
• Work on the introduction, conclusion, discussion, recommendations, reflection, summary and foreword.
• Number chapters, sections and sub-sections for clarity.
• Tip! Consider using mind maps to structure your thoughts.
• Discover how to develop a strong thesis structure with Jouw Scriptiecoach!

A clear structure improves the overview and readability of your thesis, making it easier to separate main and secondary issues even when there is an abundance of information. Request a free consultation now for personalized support!