australia research paper

You are required to format and style your thesis in a certain manner.

The following components need to appear in your thesis/ research:

1. Title page
2. Abstract/summary
3. Table of contents
4. Acknowledgements
5. Statement of candidate contribution
6. Main text
7. Bibliography or references
8. Appendices

Title page

You should include:

• title of your thesis in full
• your names and degrees
• statement of presentation in the form: "This thesis is presented for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy/Master of [insert name of degree] of The University of Western Australia"
• school
• discipline (where applicable)
• year of submission.

If you are enrolled in a degree which has examinable components other than a thesis, you should state: "This thesis is presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the [insert name of degree].

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Abstract/summary

The abstract or summary should summarise the appropriate headings, aims, scope and conclusion of the thesis in about 300 words, but no more than 700 word

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Statement of candidate contribution

If your thesis includes work by others, such as published work with multiple authors, you must include a clear statement of the relative contributions of the student and other parties.

In the case of published work with multiple authors, each author must give permission for you to include it in the thesis, and you and your coordinating supervisor must sign a statement that permission has been obtained.

6.1. Word limits

• PhD theses may not exceed 100,000 words, excluding appendices, tables and illustrative matter.
• Master's theses may not exceed 50,000 words, excluding appendices, tables and illustrative matter.

·         NOTE: Students preparing theses for the Doctor of Philosophy are encouraged to prepare theses of no more that 80,000 words, notwithstanding that they may submit theses of up to 100,000 words without the requirement to seek approval.

A  thesis that exceeds the word limit must be supported with reasons in writing by the Head of School. If these limits are not exceeded, the length of the thesis is at your discretion, taking into account the advice of your supervisor and Head of School. In some disciplines, PhD theses are shorter than 25,000 words.

6.2. Volumes

Theses are not restricted to one volume. Each volume should be no more than 6cm in spine width and 2.5kg in weight.

6.3. Layout: type and paper

• Theses should be double or one-and-a-half space typed on international A4 sized paper (weight at least 70gsm for original copy) with a left hand margin of 4cm.
• There should be a 2cm margin on all other edges.
• Typing on both sides is encouraged, and margins should be mirrored accordingly

·          

• For Master's Degree by Research refer to Rules 36 to 40.3 in the Rules for higher degree by research (Master's Degree by Research)
• For Doctor of Philosophy refer to Rules 31 to 35.3 in the Rules for higher degree by research (Doctor of Philosophy)

6.4. Tips

• Check that there are no incorrect references, misspellings or typographical errors and that all pages are present and in sequence before your thesis is submitted.
• A thesis may also be presented in the form of a typescript, as a published book or paper, or as a series of papers.

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Bibliography or references

• A consistent method of citing references should be used. Most disciplines have recommended standard referencing styles. Your school or supervisor can supply you with information on the style you should use.
• If you are jointly enrolled, you should discuss this with supervisors from both disciplines and come to some arrangement which is acceptable to both disciplines.
• The library has an excellent guide to citations, which lists the various standard types of citations including how to cite internet references.
• You should also ensure all references cited in the text are listed in the bibliography. Your contribution to the thesis must be fully explained-

·          

• For Master's Degree by Research refer to Rules 36 to 40.3 in the Rules for higher degree by research (Master's Degree by Research)
• For Doctor of Philosophy refer to Rules 31 to 35.3 in the Rules for higher degree by research (Doctor of Philosophy)

Appendices

• Copies of your publications may be attached to the thesis as appendices.
• Accompanying material must be securely mounted, with margins as above.
• There are no restrictions on the size of accompanying maps, drawings, musical scores or computer printouts but additional permanent binding charges may apply.