1. Purpose

1.1 These guidelines provide further guidance and support to HDR candidates on the University’s approach to Higher Degree by Research Thesis formatting.

1.2 These guidelines must be read in conjunction with the linked Higher Degrees by Research - Academic Policy.

2. Scope and application

2.1 These guidelines apply to HDR candidates when preparing and submitting a research thesis.

2.2 These guidelines stipulate requirements for thesis format; however, where applicable, thesis structure should be adjusted to ensure conformity with discipline expectations. Regardless of the discipline area, the thesis must be presented in scholarly English and be free from typographical and grammatical errors.

2.3 If there is a legitimate case for a thesis or exegesis to exceed the prescribed word limits, special representation should be made to the Dean, Graduate Research, for prior written approval to submit such a thesis or exegesis.

3. Definitions

3.1 Refer to the University’s Glossary of Terms for definitions as they specifically relate to policy documents.

Article: A paper that has been published. This usually refers to work published in professional publications, edited journals and peer-reviewed scholarly or scientific journals.

Manuscript: A written paper pre-publication. Examples of manuscripts include, but are not limited to: drafts, writing in progress, work submitted to a publisher that is under review or not yet published, elements of your thesis that you are crafting for submission to a journal.

4. Formatting

4.1 These Guidelines apply to theses prepared for Higher Degrees by Research (HDR). HDR candidates at the University of the Sunshine Coast may structure their thesis either in a:

• Traditional thesis; or
• Thesis with manuscripts(s); or
• Creative Artefact and Exegesis

4.1 Traditional format

4.1.1 Word length (includes appendices and footnotes; excludes reference list and bibliography)

• PhD: ~80,000
• Masters: ~40,000

4.1.2 Typically, the following type of approach should be adopted for the format of the PhD or Masters thesis:

• International Standard Paper Size A4 (297 x 210mm) should be used;
• The typing should be 1.5 spaced, presented in a clear and legible font and would normally be expected to be double-sided;
• Left and right margins should be no less than 30mm and page numbers should appear inside the margins;
• Pages should be numbered consecutively and clearly;
• Folding diagrams or charts should be arranged so as to open to the top and right;
• Before producing final copies of a thesis for submission, the candidate should ensure that all the spelling, grammar, punctuation and choice of language are of a higher degree standard and the bibliography is complete and exact. It is recommended that candidates have their theses proof-read before producing final copies.

4.1.3 Structure: refer to Template.

4.2 Manuscript format

4.2.1 Word length (includes appendices and footnotes; excludes reference list and bibliography)

• PhD: ~80,000
• Masters: ~40,000

4.2.2 Typically, the following type of approach should be adopted for the format of the PhD or Masters thesis:

• International Standard Paper Size A4 (297 x 210mm) should be used;
• The typing should be 1.5 spaced, presented in a clear and legible font and would normally be expected to be double-sided;
• Left and right margins should be no less than 30mm and page numbers should appear inside the margins;
• Pages should be numbered consecutively and clearly;
• Folding diagrams or charts should be arranged so as to open to the top and right;
• Before producing final copies of a thesis for submission, the candidate should ensure that all the spelling, grammar, punctuation and choice of language are of a higher degree standard and the bibliography is complete and exact. It is recommended that candidates have their theses proof-read before producing final copies.

4.2.3 Structure: refer to Template.

4.2.4 Research articles included in the thesis may be at any stage, either as unpublished manuscripts or accepted publications. The status of each piece must be clearly indicated. All research must have been conducted during candidature; work published prior to candidature cannot be included. In addition, candidates must observe the following requirements:

• Candidates may be either a sole author or a co-author.
• For co-authored works, the candidate must provide a general declaration confirming they contributed 50% or more.
• The minimum number of manuscripts required is determined by discipline expectations.
• For published works, the accepted author manuscript must be included in the thesis, not the journal-formatted version.
• The inclusion of peer-reviewed publications does not influence examiners’ assessment of thesis quality and does not preclude amendments based on examiners’ recommendations.

4.3 Creative Artefact and Exegesis format

4.3.1 The Creative Artefact is an original product designed, created, or constructed by the candidate during candidature. It is derived from one or more creative arts disciplines, which may include graphical and new media techniques.

4.3.2 The Creative Artefact must be accompanied by an exegesis. The exegesis is a scholarly, critical commentary that:

• engages in dialogue with the original creative work or collection of works
• informs and contextualises the creative work
• results from research undertaken and produced during candidature
• includes explicit reference to the research methodologies employed in creating the artefact(s).

4.3.3 The indicative length of the exegesis is:

• 30,000 to 40,000 words for a doctoral thesis
• 15,000 to 20,000 words for a master’s thesis

4.3.4 The Principal Supervisor is responsible for advising the candidate on the appropriate structure of the exegesis.

4.3.5 There is no recommended word length for the creative component.

END