The following layout rules must be observed by all students:
- The font should be Times New Roman 12-point.
- The cover page must follow this template. For Double Degree students the cover page template can be found HERE.
- The Abstract page must contain an English and Portuguese version, with the title, the author, keywords, and a summary of the objectives, findings/arguments, and conclusions of the dissertation.
- Spacing should be: for the main text 1.5 with margins of 25mm, and for the abstract 1.5 with margins of 25mm.
- Quotations of less than a sentence should be integrated into the text. Lengthier quotations should be indented and single-spaced.
Typically, a dissertation contains the following structure:
a) Titlepage / cover page must follow the template (above mentioned). You are allowed to change the font and color but must not include any additional images or logos.
b) Abstract page contains the title, the author, and a summary of the objectives, findings/arguments, and conclusions of the dissertation. Spacing is 1.5 and the maximum length is 250 words (each). You should have two versions of the Abstract, in English and Portuguese.
c) Contents Page the headings of all contents along with page numbers.
d) Preface (optional) acknowledges individuals and organizations that have contributed directly or indirectly to the dissertation.
e) Main (Body) Text of the Dissertation normally includes the following parts:
- Introduction/explanation of research or project objectives
- Explanation of the significance of topic or project
- Review of relevant literature
- Statement of research/project methodology, and
- limitations/constraints
- Full development of findings/arguments/reasoned analysis
- Conclusions and limitations of the dissertation (Note that a dissertation that develops a case study for teaching purposes would normally also include a teaching note, which might contain some of the literature review, arguments, and reasoning, etc.)
f) Appendices are used to provide additional and detailed information about data, methodology, or analysis that would break the flow of the presentation in the main text (max. 30 pages).
g) Bibliography or References or Works Cited section of the dissertation (depending on the references style used, see below) includes all works referenced within the text.