General Guidelines for Writing a Dissertation
These guidelines are designed to help you structure and present your dissertation professionally and effectively. Following them will ensure that your work is clear, polished, and meets international academic standards. Good luck with your research and enjoy the process of contributing new knowledge to your field at the American University of Madaba (AUM)!
To ensure that dissertations meet high academic standards and maintain clarity and consistency, the following structure and guidelines should be followed. These recommendations align with widely accepted international practices for academic writing.
1. Title Page:
The title page is the first impression of your dissertation and must include:
- The full title of the dissertation (clear, concise, and descriptive)
- Your full name
- Your program name and the name of the institution (American University of Madaba).
- Your supervisor’s name and title
- The submission date
- A statement indicating that the dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of degree requirements
Note: The title page should not include page numbering.
2. Declaration of Authenticity:
To affirm that the work is original, include the following declaration on a separate page:
“I declare that this dissertation is my own work and that it has not been submitted in any form to another institution. All sources used have been properly acknowledged.”
Beneath this statement, include your full name, signature, and the submission date.
3. Abstract and Keywords:
The abstract is a brief yet comprehensive summary of your dissertation. It should:
- Be no more than 300 words
- Clearly state the research aim, key questions, methodology, main findings, and contributions
- Use concise and professional English language (Use English – United States).
Include 5–7 keywords that accurately reflect your topic to help with indexing and searches.
4. Acknowledgements:
This is an opportunity to express gratitude to those who supported you during your research journey. Keep this section brief and sincere, mentioning supervisors, mentors, institutions, or family members who provided help or encouragement.
5. Dedication:
This section is optional and at the student’s discretion.
6. Table of Contents:
Your table of contents must:
- List all chapters, sections, and subsections, along with page numbers
- Include separate lists for figures, tables, and appendices, immediately after this page
Formatting Tips:
- Use Roman numerals (i, ii, iii) for pages leading up to the main text (e.g., acknowledgements, lists).
- Use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) starting with the introduction.
- Chapter titles should be in uppercase, with subheadings numbered hierarchically (e.g., 2.1, 2.1.1).
7. Lists of Figures, Tables, and Other Materials:
If your dissertation includes figures, tables, charts, or similar materials, provide separate lists for each.
- Number items sequentially by chapter (e.g., Table 3.2 for Chapter 3, Figure 4.1 for Chapter 4).
- Include exact titles and corresponding page numbers for quick reference.
8. Structure of the Dissertation:
The body of the dissertation should begin on the first page of Chapter 1. Guidelines include:
- A logical chapter sequence aligned with program requirements.
- Clear paragraphing and use of subheadings for readability.
- Each chapter must start on a new page and include a clear title.
The main body of the dissertation should follow this logical structure:
8.1. Introduction:
- Introduce the research problem and its significance.
- Clearly state your research objectives or questions.
- Briefly outline the structure of the dissertation.
8.2. Literature Review:
- Discuss key theories, concepts, and existing research related to your topic.
- Identify gaps in the literature that your research addresses.
- Build a theoretical framework if relevant.
8.3. Research Methodology:
- Justify your chosen research design (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods).
- Describe data collection methods, tools, and procedures.
- Explain data analysis techniques and address any ethical considerations.
8.4. Results:
- Present your findings clearly, using tables, figures, or graphs as needed.
- Focus on data presentation without interpretation.
8.5. Discussion:
- Analyze and interpret the results in relation to your research questions and the literature.
- Highlight the significance of your findings and address any limitations.
8.6. Conclusion and Recommendations:
- Summarize the key findings and contributions of your research.
- Provide recommendations for practice, policy, or further research.
9. References:
Your reference list should include only sources that you have cited in your dissertation. Follow the reference style recommended by American University of Madaba (e.g., APA, Harvard, or MLA) and ensure consistency throughout.
10. Appendices:
Appendices contain supplementary material that supports your research but does not belong in the main body. Examples include:
- Interview transcripts
- Questionnaires or surveys
- Extended tables or raw data
Guidelines:
- Label appendices alphabetically (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B).
- Continue page numbering from the main text.
11. Formatting and Presentation:
To maintain a professional appearance, adhere to the following formatting standards:
- Margins:
- Left: 4.0 cm
- Right, Top, and Bottom: 2.5 cm
- Font: Times New Roman, 12-point size throughout.
- Line Spacing:
- Main text: 1.5 spacing
- Quotations and footnotes: Single spacing
- Page Numbers: Centered at the bottom of each page.
- Text Alignment: Fully justified to ensure clean margins.
12. Word Count:
The dissertation must be between 15,000 and 20,000 words, excluding:
- Title page
- Abstract
- References
- Tables, figures, and appendices
If you anticipate exceeding the word count, please consult your supervisor for approval.
13. Binding and Submission:
For final submission, you are required to:
- Submit two hard-bound copies printed single-sided on high-quality A4 paper.
- Provide a and distribution. The dissertation must also be submitted in soft copy PDF version format for electronic archiving and for national and international data-based distribution and exchange.
- Ensure the hard-bound copies include your name, dissertation title, and year on the spine and front cover.
14. Final Checks Before Submission:
Before submitting your dissertation, confirm the following:
- The title page is correct and formatted properly.
- The declaration of authenticity is signed.
- The abstract and keywords meet requirements.
- All chapters, references, and appendices are included.
- Page numbers are correct and consistent.
- Formatting aligns with AUM guidelines.
