Dissertation Title Page Format: A Complete Guide for Students

Description:
The title page of your dissertation is the first impression readers will have of your work. As such, it is essential to follow the correct format to ensure it adheres to university guidelines and presents your work professionally. This article provides a detailed guide on dissertation title page format, including step-by-step instructions on how to create a dissertation title page, and an example and template for reference.

Dissertation Title Page Format: Key Elements

The title page is a critical part of your dissertation as it contains important information about your work. The format may vary slightly depending on your university’s guidelines or the citation style you’re using (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, or Harvard). However, most dissertation title pages share common elements. Here’s a typical dissertation title page format:

1. Title of the Dissertation

The title should be clear, concise, and descriptive, summarizing the main focus of your research. It should:

Be centered at the top of the page.
Capitalized and written in bold (for emphasis).
Avoid using abbreviations unless they are widely recognized in your field.
Be informative and precise, giving readers a clear idea of your research topic.

Tip: Ensure your title is not too long or complex. It should be long enough to convey your research aim but short enough to avoid being overly detailed.

2. Full Name of the Author

Below the title, you should include your full name. Make sure it’s spelled correctly and presented clearly.

3. Degree or Qualification

State the specific degree for which the dissertation is being submitted. For example:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Master of Science (MSc)
Master of Arts (MA)

This is typically aligned with the degree program for which the dissertation is being written.

4. Name of the Institution

Include the full name of the university or academic institution where the dissertation is being submitted. This should be centered on the page and appear directly below your name.

5. Department or Faculty

Specify the department, faculty, or school under which your dissertation falls. For example:

Department of Computer Science
School of Business and Economics

6. Date of Submission

Include the month and year of submission. For example:

June 2025
The date should be centered and appear at the bottom of the page.

7. Supervisor’s Name (Optional)

Some institutions require you to list the supervisor’s name at the bottom of the title page. This will typically be:

Supervised by Dr. John Smith