keele university code of practice on postgraduate research degrees

Annex D4: Preparation and presentation <strong>of</strong> a research thesis
This Annex sets out guidance for students about the nature <strong>of</strong> a thesis, its normal
structure and content, and the formalities <strong>of</strong> presenting the thesis in terms both <strong>of</strong>
format and process. There are clearly differences between disciplines in terms <strong>of</strong> the
emphasis placed on different aspects <strong>of</strong> a thesis, and you should seek additional
advice from your Research Institute, but there are some common points which you
should take into account. In particular you should note that the following sections
are requirements for all students:
• format for presentation <strong>of</strong> a thesis
• submitting your thesis for examination
• after examination
• lodging the thesis in the library and copyright issues.
WRITING THE THESIS SHOULD START VERY EARLY ON IN YOUR RESEARCH
DEGREE PROGRAMME. IT IS NOT SOMETHING TO BE LEFT UNTIL THE END.
Purpose <strong>of</strong> a thesis
1 First and foremost, the thesis is the document which forms your examination
submission. It is on this basis that examiners will determine whether you have
fulfilled the criteria for the award (see Annex A1). Therefore from the outset you
should ensure that you are familiar with the relevant award criteria, and when writing
your thesis aim to demonstrate that you have fulfilled them.
2 The thesis is also a description <strong>of</strong> your research project, its definition, purpose,
methods, results and conclusions. It needs to be a self-contained work which places
your project in context and then sets out in a coherent and logical way how and why
you pursued the project in the way you did, what new results or data were obtained,
or how you developed your arguments and theories, and what conclusions you draw
from them. Examiners will look carefully at the methods you have used and whether
they are appropriate to the project. If you have published work from your thesis prior
to submission <strong>of</strong> the thesis you can include some <strong>of</strong> the same text in the thesis
provided the thesis as a whole is a self-contained and coherent work. The publication
should be referenced.
3 The thesis (particularly for a doctoral award) should provide evidence <strong>of</strong> originality.
Originality may be in terms <strong>of</strong> a previously unexplored field or topic (or aspect), or
may consist in a re-analysis <strong>of</strong> previous findings or a new interpretation <strong>of</strong> events.
You will need to demonstrate independent critical thought. If you have collaborated
with anyone else on aspects <strong>of</strong> your research your own original contribution needs to
be clearly identified. For example, if you have separately published some findings in
a multi-authored publication prior to submission you will need to set out very clearly
your own contribution.
4 You should also place your findings in the context <strong>of</strong> current research and debates,
and suggest some implications, including identifying further research which may be
useful.
COP on PGR Degrees, November 2011 88