How to format a dissertation proposal in a good way


Formatting a dissertation proposal is done based on guidelines given by your instructor or dissertation committee. There really is no set format for the project, but you need to make sure you include all parts as required. Your school may provide a generic outline to help you get started. If you are expected to format proposal on your own it helps to have general tips to follow to help you plan accordingly.

Elements to Consider When Formatting Your Dissertation Proposal


Proper formatting is important to help reading audiences follow your material from start to finish. Doing this prior to research and writing can help you understand components necessary for a good proposal. The following points offer insight students should keep in mind when formatting their projects.

  • Formatting a dissertation proposal may vary depending on guidelines. Be sure to stick to directions you have been given and seek samples to help you visualize goal outcome.
  • There are variations depending on what your proposal is required to include. For instance, your proposal may include a title page, abstract, introduction, problem or question (hypothesis), background details, methods and procedures and references. Each section may follow a specific layout.
  • Your proposal may include 4 or 5 chapters. To format your dissertation proposal think about creating an outline for your project. This ensures you include required sections and chapters.

Tips to Help You Format Sections of Your Dissertation


There are different ways to format your content and many schools will be different from each other. Just keep in mind you want to present your findings in an organized matter that will make sense to readers. The following points provide basic ideas on how to format your proposal with ease.

  • Title page should include basic details including title and subtitle if necessary. Be sure to label your content as a dissertation proposal.
  • The abstract is roughly 300 words and it acts as a summary for the project. This information appears on its own page.
  • The introduction introduces subject matter to readers including circumstances around the issue in general. This can vary in length and include several paragraphs.
  • When you state your problem this is defining the purpose of your study. You provide insight on why your work is contributing to the field. This may be different from your hypothesis but show some consistency between each.
  • Methods and procedures will include several paragraphs. This defines how you went about your research and what materials you used.