Research Support

A summary of the study, including objectives, methods, main findings, and conclusions. The abstract is typically 200-300 words, but this may change based on your degree requirements.

A typical abstract would contain 1-2 sentences about the background to the project, 1 sentence describing the aims, a few sentences describing the methods, a few sentences describing the results and 1-2 sentences containing the conclusion(s). Although the abstract comes immediately after the title, it is best to write it after you have completed all the other sections.

• Table of Contents (Appendix IV): Include all headings and subheadings with page numbers.
• List of Figures (Appendix V): Provide separate list including the titles and page numbers of all included figures. List of figures should follow the table of contents (numbered in simple Roman numerals). Ensure that each figure has a caption.
• List of Tables (Appendix VI): Provide separate list including the titles and page numbers of all included tables. List of tables should follow the table of contents (numbered in simple Roman numerals). Ensure that each table has a caption.
• List of Abbreviations (Appendix VII): All abbreviations used in the thesis must be listed in alphabetical order with their full meanings. First use must be explained in text.

• Introduction: Describes the background. Answer why your area is important. Give an overview of research and identify gaps. Clearly define research questions/hypotheses.
• Objectives: Include the general and specific objectives.
• Literature Review: Overview of existing research. Discuss key theories, summarize major studies, highlight gaps, and link to your research question.
• Methodology: Clear and detailed account of how research was carried out and approach taken to analyze results. Must enable replication.
• Results: Present a logical sequence of tables/figures to summarize findings. Avoid raw data unless advised. Focus on a cohesive "results story".
• Discussion and Conclusions: Analyze findings in relation to rationale and literature. Acknowledge limitations. Discuss implications for theory and practice. Provide genuine conclusions based on findings.