Components of a Traditional Thesis

A traditional thesis/dissertation adopts a structured, singular narrative that thoroughly explores a specific research question or hypothesis. This format necessitates a detailed exposition of the research from conception to conclusion, providing a wholistic view of the work in a coherent and sequential manner.

Organization of Thesis/Dissertation Contents

The contents are organized into three major parts and several minor parts. The following is a list of these parts and their order of placement within the body of the thesis/dissertation.

Preliminary Pages

• Title Page: Clearly states the thesis title, author’s name, supervisor(s), and affiliation. This page should not be numbered.

• Copyright: The copyright notice consists of the year in which the copyright will be established and the words “All Rights Reserved.”

• Authorization Page: Granting KU a license to the work.

• Signatory Page: A statement confirming that the submitted thesis/dissertation has been approved by members of the Examination Committee.

• Abstract: Summarizes the thesis (1 page max written in third person), highlighting the research problem, methodology, main findings, and implications. Five keywords must be included at the end of the abstract.

• Table of Contents: Lists the thesis chapters, main headings, and sub-headings along with their beginning pages for easy navigation.

• List of Tables, Figures, Appendices and Symbols: Tables, figures and appendices are listed by number, title, and page number in the thesis/dissertation. When many symbols and/or abbreviations are used, a separate list of symbols and/or abbreviations with appropriate definitions can be included for the sake of clarity.

• Acknowledgments: A record of the writer’s professional indebtedness and includes acknowledgement of permission to use previously copyrighted material which appears extensively in the thesis. Only those who have directly aided or/and funded the research (including individuals and organizations) are mentioned.

• Dedication: (Optional) can be added in the case the author wishes to bestow a high honor on a person or a group of people

Main Body

The main text of the thesis/dissertation constitutes a detailed report on the study and its conclusion, typically beginning with an introductory chapter that outlines the scope and objectives of the study.

• Introduction (introductory chapters): Introduces the research topic, objectives, and significance of the study, setting the stage for the research article(s).

  • Sections: These chapters can include an Introduction, Literature Review and Related Works chapters.

  • Originality: The final section of the introduction chapter should indicate the elements of the thesis/dissertation that are considered original scholarship and distinct contributions to knowledge.

• Report on the Study (main chapters): While the specific organization may vary depending on the academic discipline and the approved style, the main chapters typically focus on the following key components of the study:

  • Methodology: Details the research design, including data collection and analysis methods. This chapter is foundational in establishing the study’s validity and reliability.

  • Results: Presents the findings of the study in an organized and clear manner, often utilizing tables, figures, and narrative descriptions to convey the data.

  • Discussion and Findings: This integrated chapter serves a dual purpose by interpreting the results and providing a comprehensive overview of the study’s findings. It must align with disciplinary expectations, placing the results within the context of the broader academic dialogue.

• Conclusion Chapter: This chapter should encapsulate a summary of the study, highlight its scientific significance, and offer recommendations for future work.

Closing Pages

• References: Any books, articles, or other sources that have been read and used, either in direct quotation or by paraphrasing a text or an idea from a reference. The references are typically listed in this part for the benefit of those who want to deepen their knowledge of the study or complete the analysis of the issue.

• Appendices: (Optional) Contains additional material relevant to the research, such as data sets, technical details, additional proofs, correspondence, and any ethics approval documents.

• Biography: A short (1 page max) professional biographical information on the  candidate that includes date and place of birth, educational institution attended, earned academic degrees, and teaching and professional experience.

• Arabic Abstract: A translated Abstract into Arabic

• Arabic Title Page: A translated Title page into Arabic.