Thesis structure - options

A thesis can be structured in a number of ways:

• conventional structure
• theses based on publishable works
• creative work plus exegesis
• folio format in Arts and Education

Not all of these structures are available in all faculties. The table below shows which structures are available in the various faculties at Deakin.

For further information, see page 39 of the Guide to Candidature: Higher Degrees by Research (2 MB).

Conventional thesis structure

The conventional thesis is a monolithic text rather like a book. It tends to be structured as follows:

• an abstract
• an introductory chapter
• a review of the literature in the field, possibly accompanied by an outline of the objectives of the research project
• a chapter discussing the methods used in the research
• a series of substantive chapters presenting the research findings
• possibly a general discussion drawing the findings together
• a conclusion that summarises your contribution to knowledge, and may also reflect on future research questions that follow from your project.

Published work may be incorporated in a conventional thesis. Higher degree by research candidates have always been encouraged to publish during candidature because the comments of reviewers can provide very useful feedback and thesis examiners will in general be impressed by material that has already been peer-reviewed. With a conventional thesis model, it makes sense to base chapters around these publications. The chapter tends to be a more detailed version of the publication. In some disciplines, it has been common practice to turn a thesis into one or more publications after the examination.

Thesis based on a series of publishable works

In recent years there has been increasing interest in an alternative model, sometimes called "thesis by publications", in which the thesis comprises a series of papers, some or all of which may have been published by the time of submission.

The thesis by publication model is perceived to have advantages for some candidates because it minimises the tension between preparing papers for publication and preparing the thesis for examination. It also has the significant advantage that examiners tend to be impressed by work that has already been peer-reviewed, as previously published papers would have been. It is important that you discuss the proposed structure of your thesis with your supervisor early in candidature. If you decide to structure your thesis as a series of publications rather than a more conventional document, there are a number of important considerations which are covered in the Guide to Candidature (2 MB) (see page 39).

Creative work plus exegesis

Theses in the creative arts (visual arts, media arts, performing arts and creative and professional writing) may be presented in one of two forms: a conventional written thesis, or a thesis comprising creative work and a supporting written exegesis. In the creative work plus exegesis model, both components are examined. Together they need to demonstrate a substantial original contribution to knowledge. The purpose of the exegesis is to elucidate the creative work's themes and/or place it in a disciplinary context and/or explore the creative processes involved. In the latter case, it may provide guidance to the examiner regarding the sequence of development in the creative work. Further information relating to each area of the creative arts is provided in the Advice to Examiners towards the end of the Guide to Candidature (2 MB) (see Appendix 12 - page 95 to 118).

Folio format in Arts and Education

Doctoral candidates in Arts and Education may produce a thesis which takes the form of a folio that includes a substantial dissertation, together with reports, papers and publications in media appropriate for the professional context. Candidates are required in their dissertation to present, develop and argue a position that they support by empirical study and locate in a clearly expressed understanding of the relevant literature and the relevant issues in applicable theory, policy and/or professional practice.

The folio should be a coherent selection of work carried out by the candidate, not simply a collection of unrelated pieces. It will normally include original evidence, a critical account of the methodology, a selective and critical review of relevant published research, and evidence of relevance to professional practice in the field. It may consist of one document or several, consisting of a selection of the products of research that establish the candidate's claim to have carried out research of doctoral standard.

In the field of education, for example, the folio will normally consist of two elements: a dissertation, and a selection of reports, papers and/or publications that constitute scholarly communication to educational professionals and/or workplaces. The different parts of the folio should be integrated through a commentary (either within the dissertation or as a separate document) that explains the relationship between the components. The reports, papers and publications may be papers delivered at conferences or published in academic or professional journals; they may be reports on discrete projects relevant to the thesis; they may be exemplars, evaluation reports or critical policy documents; they may be produced collaboratively with others, providing due acknowledgement of the contributions of others is made.

Further information about this model is provided in the Advice to Examiners in the Guide to Candidature (2 MB) (page 110).