table of contents dissertation template

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Table of Contents/Lists Pages Templates

Table of contents template (DOC)

This Microsoft Word document can be saved to your computer to use as a template. It was created using Microsoft Office 2013 version of Word. Please email [email protected] if you have problems with the download.

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Thesis / dissertation formatting manual (2024).

Filing Fees and Student Status
Submission Process Overview
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Formatting Overview
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Preliminary Pages Overview
Copyright Page
Dedication Page
Table of Contents
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The Table of Contents should follow these guidelines:

All sections of the manuscript are listed in the Table of Contents except the Title Page, the Copyright Page, the Dedication Page, and the Table of Contents.
You may list subsections within chapters
Creative works are not exempt from the requirement to include a Table of Contents

Table of contents example

Here is an example of a Table of Contents page from the templates . Please note that your table of contents may be longer than one page.

Screenshot of Table of Contents page from Dissertation template

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Next: List of Figures (etc.) >>
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How to Create the Best Table of Contents for a Dissertation

Published by Owen Ingram at August 12th, 2021 , Revised On September 20, 2023

“A table of contents is an essential part of any article, book, proceedings, essay , and paper with plenty of information. It requires providing the reader’s guidance about the position of the content.”

When preparing a dissertation , you may cram as much information into it as appropriate. The dissertation may be an extremely well-written one with a lot of valuable information to offer. Still, all that information could become perplexing if the reader cannot easily find the information.

The length of dissertations usually varies from a few pages to a few hundred pages, making it very difficult to find information that you may be after.

Instead of skimming through every page of the dissertation, there is a need for a guideline that directs the reader to the correct section of the dissertation and, more importantly, the correct page in the section.

Also read: The List of Figures and Tables in the Dissertation .

What is the Table of Contents in the Dissertation?

The table of contents is the section of a dissertation that guides each section of the dissertation paper’s contents.

Depending on the detail level in a table of contents, the most useful headings are listed to provide the reader concerning which page the said information may be found.

The table of contents is essentially a list found at the beginning of a dissertation , which contains names of the chapters, section titles and/or very brief descriptions, and page numbers indicated for each.

This allows the reader to look at the table of contents to locate the information needed from the dissertation. Having an effective table of contents is key to providing a seamless reading experience to the reader.

Here in this article, we will uncover every piece of information you need to know to write the dissertation’s abstract.

This article helps the readers on how to create the best table of contents for the dissertation. An important thing to note is that this guide discusses creating a table of contents in Microsoft Word.

Looking for dissertation help?

Researchprospect to the rescue then.

We have expert writers on our team who are skilled at helping students with dissertations across a variety of disciplines. Guaranteeing 100% satisfaction!

Styles for Dissertation Table of Contents

Making an effective table of contents starts with identifying headings and designating styles to those headings.

Using heading styles to format your headings can save a lot of time by automatically converting their formatting to the defined style and serves as a tool to identify the heading and its level, used later when creating a thesis table of contents .

Each heading style already has predefined sizes, fonts, colours, spacing, etc. but can be changed as per the user’s requirements. This also helps once all headings have been created and you intend to change the style of a certain type of heading.

All that is needed to change the style of a type of heading is automatically reflected on all headings that use the style.

Below is how the styles menu looks like;

To allocate a style to a heading, first select a heading and then click on one of the styles in the ‘Styles’ menu. Doing so converts the selected heading to the style that is selected in the Styles menu.

You can style a similar heading level in the same style by selecting each heading and then clicking on the style in the Style menu.

It is important to note that it greatly helps and saves time if you allocate styles systematically, i.e., you allocate the style as you write.

The styles are not limited to headings only but can be used for paragraphs and by selecting the whole paragraph and applying a style to it.

Changing Appearance of Pre-Defined Styles

To change the appearance of a style to one that suits you,

You would need to right-click on one of the styles to open a drop-down menu.

Select ‘Modify’ from the menu. This would display a window with various formatting and appearance options. You can select the most appropriate ones and click ‘OK.’ The change that you made to the style reflects on all headings or paragraphs that use this style.

Further changes can be made to headings, but using styles is an important step for creating the table of contents for the thesis. Once this step is completed, you can continue to create a thesis table of contents.

Also Read: What is Appendix in Dissertation?

Things to Consider when Making APA Style Table of Contents

The pages before the body of the dissertation, known as the ‘Prefatory Pages,’ should not have page numbers on them but should be numbered in the Roman Numerals instead as (i, ii, iii…).
Table of Contents and the Abstract pages are not to contain any numbers.
The remaining pages would carry the standard page numbers (1,2,3…).
The section titles and page numbers in the dissertation table of contents should have dotted lines between them.
All the Prefatory pages, Sections, Chapter Titles, Headings, Sub Headings, Reference Sections, and Appendices should be listed in the contents’ thesis table. If there are a limited number of Tables or Figures, they may be listed in the dissertation’s table contents.
If there are many figures, tables, symbols, or abbreviations, a List of Tables, List of Figures , List of Symbols, and List of Abbreviations should be made for easy navigation. These lists, however, should not be listed in the thesis table of contents.
The thesis/dissertation must be divided into sections even if it is not divided into chapters, with all sections being listed in the table of contents for the thesis.

Generating Dissertation Table of Contents

First, to generate the Table of Contents, start by entering a blank page after the pages you need the table of contents to follow.

To do so, click on the bottom of the page you want before the Table of Contents.
Open the ‘Insert’ tab and select ‘Page Break’.
This will create a page between the top and bottom sections of the Table of Contents area.

Generating-Table-of-Contents-for-Your-Dissertation

By the time you reach this section, you would have given each heading or sub-heading a dedicated style, distinguishing between different types of headings. Microsoft Word can automatically generate a Table of Contents, but the document, particularly the headings, needs to be formatted according to styles for this feature to work. You can assign different headings levels, different styles for Microsoft Word to recognize the level of heading.

How to Insert Table of Contents

Place the cursor where you want to place the Table of Contents on the page you added earlier.
On the ‘References’ tab, open the Table of Contents group. This would open a list of different Table of Contents designs and a table of contents sample.

You can select an option from the available Table of Contents or make a Custom Table of Contents. Although the available Table of Contents samples is appropriate, you may use a custom table of contents if it is more suitable to your needs. This allows you to modify different formatting options for the Table of Contents to satisfy your own

Updating the Table of Contents

As you proceed with editing your dissertation, the changes cause the page numbers and headings to vary. Often, people fail to incorporate those changes into the Table of Contents, which then effectively serves as an incorrect table and causes confusion.

It is thus important to update the changes into the table of contents as the final step once you have made all the necessary changes in the dissertation and are ready to print it.

These changes may alter the length of the thesis table of contents , which may also cause the dissertation’s formatting to be altered a little, so it is best to reformat it after updating the table of contents.

To update the table of contents,

Select ‘Update Table’ in the References tab.
This would open a dialogue box. Select ‘Update Entire Table’ to ensure that all changes are reflected in the contents table and not just the page numbers. This would display all changes and additions you have made to the document (Anon., 2017).

Using this guide, you should understand how to create the best table of contents for the dissertation. The use of a Table of Contents, while being important for most written work, is even more critical for dissertations, especially when the proper methodology of creating the table of contents is followed.

This includes the guidelines that must be considered to correctly format the table of contents so that it may be shaped so that it follows the norms and is effective at helping the reader navigate through the content of the dissertation.

The use of Microsoft Word’s Table of Contents generation feature has greatly helped people worldwide create, edit, and update the table of contents of their dissertations with ease.

Here in this article, we will uncover every piece of information you need to know how to write the dissertation’s abstract .

Are you in need of help with dissertation writing? At ResearchProspect, we have hundreds of Master’s and PhD qualified writers for all academic subjects, so you can get help with any aspect of your dissertation project. You can place your order for a proposal , full dissertation paper , or individual chapters .

Is it essential to add a table of content to the dissertation?

Yes, it is important to add a table of content in a dissertation .

How to make an effective table of contents for the dissertation?

How do I update the table of contents?

Dissertation/Thesis Template

The fastest (and smartest) way to craft a winning dissertation that showcases your study and earns you marks.

Available in Google Doc, Word & PDF format 4.9 star rating, 5000 + downloads

Step-by-step instructions

Tried & tested academic format

Fill-in-the-blanks simplicity

Pro tips, tricks and resources

What’s Covered In The Template?

This dissertation template is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for formal academic research projects. The template structure reflects the overall research process, ensuring your document has a smooth, logical flow. Here’s how it’s structured:

The title page/cover page
Abstract (sometimes also called the executive summary)
Table of contents
List of figures /list of tables
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Literature review
Chapter 3: Methodology
Chapter 4: Research findings /results
Chapter 5: Discussion /analysis of findings
Chapter 6: Conclusion
Reference list

Each section is explained in plain, straightforward language , followed by an overview of the key elements that you need to cover within each section. We’ve also included practical examples to help you understand exactly what’s required in each section.

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FAQs: Dissertation & Thesis Template

Faqs: dissertation template, what format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).

The dissertation template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

What types of dissertations/theses can this template be used for?

The template follows the standard best-practice structure for formal academic research projects such as dissertations or theses, so it is suitable for the vast majority of degrees, particularly those within the sciences.

Some universities may have some additional requirements, but these are typically minor, with the core structure remaining the same. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.

Will this work for a research paper?

A research paper follows a similar format, but there are a few differences. You can find our research paper template here .

Is this template for an undergrad, Masters or PhD-level thesis?

This template can be used for a dissertation, thesis or research project at any level of study. It may be slight overkill for an undergraduate-level study, but it certainly won’t be missing anything.

How long should my dissertation/thesis be?

This depends entirely on your university’s specific requirements, so it’s best to check with them. As a general ballpark, Masters-level projects are usually 15,000 – 20,000 words in length, while Doctoral-level projects are often in excess of 60,000 words.

What about the research proposal?

If you’re still working on your research proposal, we’ve got a template for that here .

We’ve also got loads of proposal-related guides and videos over on the Grad Coach blog .

How do I write a literature review?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack how to write a literature review from scratch. You can check out the literature review section of the blog here.

How do I create a research methodology?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack research methodology, both qualitative and quantitative. You can check out the methodology section of the blog here.

Can I share this dissertation template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template. If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, all we ask is that you reference this page as your source.

Can Grad Coach help me with my dissertation/thesis?

Within the template, you’ll find plain-language explanations of each section, which should give you a fair amount of guidance. However, you’re also welcome to consider our dissertation and thesis coaching services .

Additional Resources

If you’re working on a dissertation or thesis, be sure to also check these resources out…

1-On-1 Private Coaching

The Grad Coach Resource Center

The Grad Coach YouTube Channel

The Grad Coach Podcast

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Trapped in dissertation revisions?

How to create a table of contents for a dissertation (apa), published by steve tippins on june 20, 2022 june 20, 2022.

Last Updated on: 7th June 2024, 05:08 am

APA Dissertation Table of Contents Format Guidelines

The table of contents should be double spaced with one-inch margins on all sides.
It should be written in the same font and size as the rest of your dissertation.
At the top of the page, write Table of Contents , centered and in bold.
Although in the body of the paper you can use up to five levels of headings, up to three levels are usually provided in the Table of Contents. Including lower-level headings is optional.
Indent each subheading five spaces.
Write all text in title case. In title case, the first letter of major words is capitalized.
Provide the page number where the main headings and subheadings begin, and provide dotted lines between the heading and the page number.
Page numbers for the Dedication, Acknowledgements, and Preface should be in lower case Roman Numbers (i, v, x, l, c, d and m.). The page numbers for the rest of the text should be in Arabic numerals (1,2, 3, 4, etc.).

How to Write a Dissertation Table of Contents in APA Using Microsoft Word

Step 1. Instead of manually trying to write and format the table of contents, you can create a generated one using Microsoft Word. To do this, first go to the Home tab. This is where you will choose the styles for the table of contents.

Step 2. The top-level headings will be your chapter titles, so on the right side of the tab, apply the Heading 1 style.

Step 3. The second-level headings will be your subheadings, so apply the Heading 2 style. This will place your subheadings underneath your main headings.

screenshot of formatting a heading in Microsoft word

Step 4. You will now produce page links to your document. In the top ribbon, click on the References tab and select Table of Contents .

Step 5. If the style does not indicate APA, such as the one below, use the drop down arrow to select APA.

Step 6. Next, choose the number of levels that you want. In this case, you want to be able to have up to three levels, so choose Automatic Table 2 , which has the appropriate heading for a dissertation.

Step 7. Click ok , and you are all set. Microsoft word will automatically generate your dissertation’s table of contents as you write it.

screenshot of table of content formatting in microsoft word

List of Tables and Figures

Your list of tables and figures will be written at the end of the list of information in the body of your paper. You will create these lists the same way that you created the main table of contents.

However, the headings will be different.

Instead of the heading “Table of Contents,” the headings will be “List of Tables” and “List of Figures.” (An example is provided in the table of contents example below.)

Sample of a Dissertation Table of Contents

In the example below, there are three level headings. The list of tables and figures are provided at the bottom of the other contents. The sections in your table of contents may be different depending on your college’s requirements.

screenshot of APA Dissertation Table of Contents formatting

Updating the Dissertation Table of Contents

As you continue working on your dissertation, you will need to update the page numbers because they may change.

To update the page numbers, right-click on the table of contents in your document and select the Update field . Then, the Update Table of Contents box will appear.

You can choose to Update page numbers only or all the information in the table of contents by clicking on Update entire table .

screenshot of updating page numbers in microsoft word

Note: For more information, refer to the APA Manual 7 th edition , sections 2.2-2.27.

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

female phd student laughing at the laptop

Dissertation

Dissertation memes.

Sometimes you can’t dissertate anymore and you just need to meme. Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Here are some of my favorite dissertation memes that I’ve seen lately. My Favorite Dissertation Memes For when you Read more…

stressed out phd student in front of the computer

Surviving Post Dissertation Stress Disorder

The process of earning a doctorate can be long and stressful – and for some people, it can even be traumatic. This may be hard for those who haven’t been through a doctoral program to Read more…

asian phd student researching on laptop in the library

PhD by Publication

PhD by publication, also known as “PhD by portfolio” or “PhD by published works,” is a relatively new route to completing your dissertation requirements for your doctoral degree. In the traditional dissertation route, you have Read more…

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Research Guides

Microsoft Word for Dissertations

Table of Contents
Introduction, Template, & Resources
Formatting for All Readers
Applying a Style
Modifying a Style
Setting up a Heading 1 Example
Images, Charts, Other Objects
Footnotes, Endnotes, & Citations
Cross-References
Appendix Figures & Tables
List of Figures/Tables
Chapter and Section Numbering
Page Numbers
Landscape Pages
Combining Chapter Files
Commenting and Reviewing
Tips & Tricks
The Two-inch Top Margin
Troubleshooting
Finalizing Without Styles
Preparing Your Final Document
Take a break

Automatic Table of Contents

An automatic Table of Contents relies on Styles to keep track of page numbers and section titles for you automatically. Microsoft Word can scan your document and find everything in the Heading 1 style and put that on the first level of your table of contents, put any Heading 2’s on the second level of your table of contents, and so on.

If you want an automatic table of contents you need to apply the Heading 1 style to all of your chapter titles and front matter headings (like “Dedication” and “Acknowledgements”). All section headings within your chapters should use the Heading 2 style. All sub-section headings should use Heading 3 , etc....

If you have used Heading styles in your document, creating an automatic table of contents is easy.

Place your cursor where you want your table of contents to be.
On the References Ribbon, in the Table of Contents Group , click on the arrow next to the Table of Contents icon, and select Custom Table of Contents .
We suggest that you set each level (Chapters, sections, sub-sections, aka TOC 1, TOC 2, TOC 3) to be single-spaced, with 12 points of space afterwards. This makes each item in your ToC clump together if they're long enough to wrap to a second line, with the equivalent of a double space between each item, and makes the ToC easier to read and understand than if every line were double-spaced. See the video below for details.
If you want to change which headings appear in your Table of Contents, you can do so by changing the number in the Show levels: field. Select "1" to just include the major sections (Acknowledgements, List of Figures, Chapters, etc...). Select "4" to include Chapters, sections, sub-sections, and sub-sub-sections.
Click OK to insert your table of contents.

The table of contents is a snapshot of the headings and page numbers in your document, and does not automatically update itself as you make changes. At any time, you can update it by right-clicking on it and selecting Update field . Notice that once the table of contents is in your document, it will turn gray if you click on it. This just reminds you that it is a special field managed by Word, and is getting information from somewhere else.

Modifying the format of your Table of Contents

The video below shows how to make your Table of Contents a little easier to read by formatting the spacing between items in your Table of Contents. You may recognize the "Modify Style" window that appears, which can serve as a reminder that you can use this window to modify more than just paragraph settings in the ToC. You can modify the indent distance, or font, or tab settings for your ToC, just the same as you may have modified it for Styles.

an image of the Modify Table of Contents window, where you can set Show Levels

By default, the Table of Contents tool creates the ToC by pulling in Headings 1 through 3. If you'd like to modify that -- to only show H1's, or to show Headings 1 through 4 -- then go to the References tab and select Custom Table of Contents . In the window that appears, set Show Levels to "1" to only show Heading 1's in the Table of Contents, or set it to "4" to show Headings 1 through 4.

Bonus tip for updating fields like the Table of Contents

You'll quickly realize that all of the automatic Lists and Tables need to be updated occasionally to reflect any changes you've made elsewhere in the document -- they do not dynamically update by themselves. Normally, this means going to each field, right-clicking on it and selecting "Update Field".

Alternatively, to update all fields throughout your document (Figure/Table numbers & Lists, cross-references, Table of Contents, etc...), just select "Print". This will usually cause Word to update everything in anticipation of printing. Once the print preview window appears, just cancel and double-check that it updated things.

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Subject Guides

Formatting Your Thesis or Dissertation with Microsoft Word

Table of Contents
Introduction
Copyright Page
Dedication, Acknowledgements, & Preface
Headings and Subheadings
Citations and Bibliography
Page Numbers
Tables and Figures
Rotated (Landscape) Pages
Lists of Tables and Figures
List of Abbreviations
Some Things to Watch For
PDF with Embedded Fonts

If you created your headings and subheadings with styles, and numbered your pages as demonstrated in the Page Numbers tutorial, Microsoft Word can be used to automatically generate a table of contents. Automatic generation of the table of contents has 2 advantages:

You don't have to manually type the table of contents. Since the entries in the Table of Content must match exactly the headings, subheadings, and page numbers in the thesis, manually creating a table of contents can lead to unintended errors.
You don't have to go back and edit the table of contents if something moves from one page to another. A couple of clicks and Word will automatically update the table of contents for you.

Below is a tutorial demonstrating how to create the table of contents.

Note: You should create the table of contents last to avoid needing to update the table of contents too often.

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Next: Lists of Tables and Figures >>
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Dissertation
Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Published on 8 June 2022 by Tegan George .

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process . It helps you to lay out and organise your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation, such as:

Your anticipated title
Your abstract
Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review, research methods, avenues for future research, etc.)

In the final product, you can also provide a chapter outline for your readers. This is a short paragraph at the end of your introduction to inform readers about the organisational structure of your thesis or dissertation . This chapter outline is also known as a reading guide or summary outline.

How to outline your thesis or dissertation, dissertation and thesis outline templates, chapter outline example, sample sentences for your chapter outline, sample verbs for variation in your chapter outline, frequently asked questions about outlines.

While there are some inter-institutional differences, many outlines proceed in a fairly similar fashion.

Working Title
‘Elevator pitch’ of your work (often written last).
Introduce your area of study, sharing details about your research question, problem statement , and hypotheses . Situate your research within an existing paradigm or conceptual or theoretical framework .
Subdivide as you see fit into main topics and sub-topics.
Describe your research methods (e.g., your scope, population , and data collection ).
Present your research findings and share about your data analysis methods.
Answer the research question in a concise way.
Interpret your findings, discuss potential limitations of your own research and speculate about future implications or related opportunities.

To help you get started, we’ve created a full thesis or dissertation template in Word or Google Docs format. It’s easy adapt it to your own requirements.

Download Word template Download Google Docs template

It can be easy to fall into a pattern of overusing the same words or sentence constructions, which can make your work monotonous and repetitive for your readers. Consider utilising some of the alternative constructions presented below.

Example 1: Passive construction

The passive voice is a common choice for outlines and overviews because the context makes it clear who is carrying out the action (e.g., you are conducting the research ). However, overuse of the passive voice can make your text vague and imprecise.

Example 2: IS-AV construction

You can also present your information using the ‘IS-AV’ (inanimate subject with an active verb) construction.

A chapter is an inanimate object, so it is not capable of taking an action itself (e.g., presenting or discussing). However, the meaning of the sentence is still easily understandable, so the IS-AV construction can be a good way to add variety to your text.

Example 3: The I construction

Another option is to use the ‘I’ construction, which is often recommended by style manuals (e.g., APA Style and Chicago style ). However, depending on your field of study, this construction is not always considered professional or academic. Ask your supervisor if you’re not sure.

Example 4: Mix-and-match

To truly make the most of these options, consider mixing and matching the passive voice , IS-AV construction , and ‘I’ construction .This can help the flow of your argument and improve the readability of your text.

As you draft the chapter outline, you may also find yourself frequently repeating the same words, such as ‘discuss’, ‘present’, ‘prove’, or ‘show’. Consider branching out to add richness and nuance to your writing. Here are some examples of synonyms you can use.

Address	Describe	Imply	Refute
Argue	Determine	Indicate	Report
Claim	Emphasise	Mention	Reveal
Clarify	Examine	Point out	Speculate
Compare	Explain	Posit	Summarise
Concern	Formulate	Present	Target
Counter	Focus on	Propose	Treat
Define	Give	Provide insight into	Underpin
Demonstrate	Highlight	Recommend	Use

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organise your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .

All level 1 and 2 headings should be included in your table of contents . That means the titles of your chapters and the main sections within them.

The contents should also include all appendices and the lists of tables and figures, if applicable, as well as your reference list .

Do not include the acknowledgements or abstract in the table of contents.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

George, T. (2022, June 08). Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved 23 September 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/outline-thesis-dissertation/

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WTO / Personal / Lists / Free Table of Contents Templates (for Microsoft Word)

Free Table of Contents Templates (for Microsoft Word)

Whether you are writing a book, large essay, dissertation, or other longer academic papers, you will have to include a table of contents. It will act as a roadmap for the reader to each portion of your writing. It helps the reader to locate specific information in a document or revisit their favorite parts easily within the text. A well-structured TOC should simplify the way the reader finds what they are looking for and should always be placed on a separate page, just after the first page of an academic paper and after the abstract.

Depending on the type of writing , you may find that different documents require different styles of a TOC. Some may require numbers, while others may require a non-numbered TOC. It is, therefore, the writer’s duty to check the type of TOC they are required to include in their writing.

Free Table of Contents Templates

Free Table of Content Template 01 for Illustrator and Word File

Simple templates

Free Simple Table of Contents Template 01 for Word File

What is a Table of Contents?

A Table of Contents (TOC) is an organized list of all the parts of a document or book organized in the order in which the parts appear.

The TOC usually contains the titles, chapters, figures, and major sections of a document clearly labeled by their page number. It should be added last or updated after completing the whole document or book to capture all the contents accurately.

The Purpose of table of contents

If a book, business proposal, business report , or publication is long enough to include chapters, then a TOC will likely be included at the beginning of the book, report, or publication.

The TOC provides a sequential list of the book’s organizational structure, most commonly denoting the title, chapter number, and the starting page location. The chapter, page number, and title will help guide the reader in finding specific sections.

Basically, it serves two main purposes; one is to provide the reader with a general overview of what is contained in the document and how the content is organized, and the other is to enable the reader to go directly to the specific section of an on-line document.

Key Elements of a Table of Contents

The TOC is where one lists the chapters and major sections of their document, together with their page numbers. A clear and well-out table is very important as it indicates a quality paper is structured.

The key elements that should be included in the TOC are:

The page titles
Clear headings and subheadings
The page numbers that show where in the document each section can be found

When creating your table, make sure to include all level one and two headings. You may also decide to include level three headings, although they are optional to include and should not be included in the TOC has reached its maximum length of two pages.

Level One: CHAPTER 2: Literature Review

Level Two: 2.1 Overview of Information

Level Three: 2.1.1 Discipline of Knowledge

Ensure that you use clear headings throughout your document to make your table easy to understand. Keep in mind that the reader will see the table first before reading through your document.

Other things to include in your table include the appendices and tables. Including these two, however, depend largely on how many there are in your document.

If there are more than three tables and figures, you might consider listing them on a separate page. Else, you can include them in your table.

Steps to Create a Table of Contents in MS Word

For you to create a TOC in Microsoft Word, you must first define what you’d like to include in this part. First, start off by applying the different heading styles throughout your document.

Once you’ve done that, follow these steps to insert a TOC in MS Word automatically:

Add a title on the TOC page. Ensure that you follow the standard format specific to your document or as per your department’s guidelines.

Put your cursor where you want the table to go. The table is usually included between the abstract and the introduction.

In the ribbon, find the reference section and locate the TOC section. Use the search tab on the ribbon to search for the table.

Click the arrow that is next to the TOC icon and select Custom Table of Contents. Here, select the level of heading that you would like to include in your table and also make the necessary adjustments to each level by clicking the modify button.

Click on Custom table of contents.

After you’ve made sure that everything is OK. Click OK, and your TOC will be automatically generated.

Tips on Preparing Table of Contents

It is recommended that you use your TOC template last after to make sure that it provides a clear overview of your document. You can still draw up a mock TOC in your early stages of writing to help you formulate a structure and think through your topics and how you are going to research.

Make sure that all the heading levels are properly defined in your document before inserting the template.

Remember that the reader will most likely go through your table first before diving into the document to get an overview of what to expect. Make sure that your TOC is clear and that it captures your entire document.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the TOC is basically a snapshot of the headings, tables, and page numbers in a document and does not automatically update itself as you make changes. Anytime you make changes to your document, you can update it by simply right-clicking on it and selecting the update field.

No, the TOC is usually included between the abstract and the introduction.

Yes, the maximum length of a TOC should be two pages, regardless of the type of document you are writing.

Regardless of your document’s type or size, using a TOC can help direct the readers to exactly where they want to be. Other than making your document more reader-friendly , the table also makes it easier for the author to go back and change or update contents throughout their document if necessary. By default, MS Word generates a TOC when you use the first three built-in heading styles, i.e., Heading 1, Heading 2, and Heading 3. To apply the different heading styles, simply select the style from the “Home” tab, or you can use a TOC template. Once you’ve properly defined the heading styles, follow the procedure given above to insert your table automatically.

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Office of Graduate Studies Thesis and Dissertation Formatting Guidelines

These rules are taken from the KU Office of Graduate Studies Thesis or Dissertation Formatting Guidelines. To see the full thesis or dissertation formatting requirements, visit https://graduate.ku.edu/submitting

Creating an Automated Table of Contents

Located in the Home tab, Word’s Style Gallery makes it easy to set consistent, one-click formatting for headings throughout your document. It is these style settings that Word uses to create an automatic table of contents. Using an automatic table of contents will save you the huge headache of dealing with dot leaders, spacing, and having to completely re-type your table of contents if the order of your pages changes even a little. Plus, styles are easy to use! Step-by-step how-to instructions are included below for setting heading styles and then inserting a table of contents in Word 2010, Word 2013 or Word 2011 for Mac.

Printed Instructions (TOC Word 2010)
Printed Instructions (TOC Word 2013)
Printed Instructions (TOC Word 2011 for Mac)
Printed Instructions (TOC Word 2016 Mac)
Printed Instructions (TOC Word 2016 PC)
Creating a Manual-Entry Table of Contents

Working with Outline Style (Numbered) Headings

Numbered headings can be very tricky and many citation styles do not require their use. If you are working with a style the does require it, however, Shauna Kelly's blog has some great help .

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Theses and dissertations are already intensive, long-term projects that require a lot of effort and time from their authors. Formatting for submission to the university is often the last thing that graduate students do, and may delay earning the relevant degree if done incorrectly.

Below are some strategies graduate students can use to deal with institutional formatting requirements to earn their degrees on time.

Disciplinary conventions are still paramount.

Scholars in your own discipline are the most common readers of your dissertation; your committee, too, will expect your work to match with their expectations as members of your field. The style guide your field uses most commonly is always the one you should follow, and if your field uses conventions such as including all figures and illustrations at the end of the document, you should do so. After these considerations are met, move on to university formatting. Almost always, university formatting only deals with things like margins, font, numbering of chapters and sections, and illustrations; disciplinary style conventions in content such as APA's directive to use only last names of authors in-text are not interfered with by university formatting at all.

Use your university's formatting guidelines and templates to your advantage.

If your institution has a template for formatting your thesis or dissertation that you can use, do so. Don't look at another student's document and try to replicate it yourself. These templates typically have the necessary section breaks and styles already in the document, and you can copy in your work from your existing draft using the style pane in MS Word to ensure you're using the correct formatting (similarly with software such as Overleaf when writing in LaTeX, templates do a lot of the work for you). It's also often easier for workers in the offices that deal with theses and dissertations to help you with your work if you're using their template — they are familiar with these templates and can often navigate them more proficiently.

These templates also include placeholders for all front matter you will need to include in your thesis or dissertation, and may include guidelines for how to write these. Front matter includes your table of contents, acknowledgements, abstract, abbreviation list, figure list, committee page, and (sometimes) academic history or CV; everything before your introduction is front matter. Since front matter pages such as the author's academic history and dissertation committee are usually for the graduate school and not for your department, your advisor might not remember to have you include them. Knowing about them well before your deposit date means you won't be scrambling to fill in placeholders at the last minute or getting your work returned for revision from the graduate school.

Consider institutional formatting early and often.

Many graduate students leave this aspect of submitting their projects until it's almost too late to work on it, causing delays in obtaining their degree. Simply being aware that this is a task you'll have to complete and making sure you know where templates are, who you can ask for help in your graduate office or your department, and what your institution's guidelines are can help alleviate this issue. Once you know what you'll be expected to do to convert to university formatting, you can set regular check-in times for yourself to do this work in pieces rather than all at once (for instance, when you've completed a chapter and had it approved by your chair).

Consider fair use for images and other third-party content.

Most theses and dissertations are published through ProQuest or another publisher (Harvard, for instance, uses their own open publishing service). For this reason, it may be the case that your institution requires all images or other content obtained from other sources to fall under fair use rules or, if an image is not considered under fair use, you'll have to obtain permission to print it in your dissertation. Your institution should have more guidance on their specific expectations for fair use content; knowing what these guidelines are well in advance of your deposit date means you won't have to make last-minute changes or removals to deposit your work.

Table of Contents for Dissertation in 2024

Table of contents, introduction.

A dissertation could never begin with an introduction right off the bat. A table of contents in a dissertation template is imperative to guide your reader through the structure of your research.

The table of contents in a dissertation is a well-organized list of chapters, sections, and figures within your document, each heading corresponding to a page number. A good table of contents page should be accurate, simple to read, and well-formatted. The formatting of the table of contents is important to ensure a clean index that helps readers navigate your high-quality paper. It should generally be of two pages only.

Where should the Table of Contents be Placed?

Typically, within the template of a thesis or a dissertation, the table of contents is positioned prior to the introduction or the main body of chapters and right after the section devoted to acknowledgments.

How should a Table of Contents be Written?

A table of contents is written by listing out the titles or chapter names of sections within your research paper, in perfect chronological order. Subsequently, the subheadings or subtitles must also be included. Finally, the page numbers corresponding to each heading have to be placed in alignment with the headings.

Check with your university or other educational institution to determine if there are any formatting guidelines you must follow.

Generally speaking, three types of headings are included within the table of contents of a dissertation . Level one headings include the Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, and Bibliography. The subsections of these are considered level two headings while further subsections are level three headings.

What are the Components of the Table of Contents?

The title of the paper appears at the top of a table of contents, followed by the chapter names and subtitles, all listed in chronological order. The page number of the corresponding headings is positioned at the end of each line.

Appendices and Tables

All appendices should be included in your table of contents. The number of tables and figures in your dissertation will determine their inclusion within the table of contents.

In case your dissertation has more than three figures and tables, consider placing them on a different page to list them out. Otherwise, you may include them all in the table of contents.

Why is a Table of Contents Important at all?

A table of contents is extremely important for two reasons:

First, it allows the reader to quickly locate information on specific subjects that have been organized as chapters or subtitles.
Secondly, the table of contents assists the writer in organizing their work and arguments to ensure that significant portions of their dissertation or thesis are not overlooked.

Tips to Write a Table of Contents:

Among scholars and researchers who author dissertations or theses, it is a general practice to work on the table of contents after completing the main body of the study. Regardless, a mock table of contents may be added to the dissertation template early on in the writing process to develop a basic framework that will guide how you will carry out your research study.
Note that a confusing or sloppy table of contents may result in a low score or lack of academic integrity due to the lowered readability of the dissertation.
The structure of your table of contents will be determined by your academic field and the length of your thesis. Regardless of the discipline, you must develop an organized list of all chapters in their order of appearance, with chapter subheadings properly labeled.
Subheadings should not be listed for one chapter and then forgotten for the next. While subheadings are not always necessary, they may be considered useful when dealing with a complex subject.
The titles of chapters and subheadings must correspond to the titles of the relevant pages. For example, if your first chapter is titled “Chapter 1: An Introduction,” it must appear on both the table of contents and as a heading for the first chapter.

Where should a Table of Contents Page be Created?

You may create a manually generated table of contents page in Microsoft Word, but the automatic function will make your life much simpler.

What not to Include in a Table of Contents?

The table of contents generally does not include the sections devoted to acknowledgments, the abstract, or the index page itself. As the first two of these are positioned before the index page, the reader will have already viewed these pages before arriving at the table of contents.

Creating an Automatic Table of Contents on MS Word –

To draft an automatic table of contents on Microsoft Word, certain heading styles must be used consistently throughout the text.

After this has been carried out, proceed as follows:

Include a title on your contents page. Ensure that you use the standard structure for your citation style or the instructions provided by your university/department.
Place your cursor where you want your table of contents to appear.
Locate the Table of Contents option in the Reference tab of the ribbon.
Select Custom Table of Contents by clicking the arrow next to the Table of Contents icon. You can choose which levels of headers to include in the table of contents and make manual modifications to each level by clicking the Modify button.
When you are ready to input the table of contents, click OK, and it will be generated automatically.

How does One Set Headings?

To set heading styles, follow these steps:

Determine the type of formatting required for each heading level. For example, if all level one headings should be Times New Roman, 12 pt, and boldfaced, this style may be applied to the level one headings.
Find the Styles option on the home tab to automate this formatting for all level one headings.
Highlight the level one heading and then right-click the Heading 1 style.
To match the selection, choose Update Heading 1.

Highlight the headings in question and click the styles you wish to format. Then, apply the formatting to each heading in the main body of the dissertation.

The Table of Contents is Automatically Updated

We recommend students to format and update their table of contents at the very end, before submitting or printing out their dissertation , as the alignment and arrangement of text may alter throughout the final revision process. Table of contents formatting in a dissertation must ensure preciseness and accuracy of page numbers.

You may click on the Update option on the menu that appears when you right-click the table of contents, which will update the page numbers or all information within it. We hope that this brief guide of a table of contents within the template of a dissertation provides you with further guidance on how to draft and format your dissertation’s table of contents.

-Isabell S.

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A dissertation table of contents is an essential part of any dissertation. It provides the reader with a clear overview of the structure and scope of your paper. As such, it should be carefully constructed to ensure all necessary information is included.

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Following are some of the important dissertation examples that may help you guide through writing table of contents in dissertation. Have a look!

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Example: 2 Impact of Online Banking Intervention on Tradtional Banking

In this article, we will enlight you with a detailed guide on creating a table of contents to keep your dissertation organized and well-structured. You will also come across the dissertation table of contents template to understand how to construct a dissertation content page manually. So, make sure to skim through the whole article.

Creating a Table of Content in Microsoft Word Automatically

Creating a table of contents in Microsoft Word is a great way to organize and navigate through a lengthy document. Here's how you can create a table of contents in Microsoft Word:

Step 1: Apply Heading Styles

The first step is to ensure that you've applied the appropriate heading styles to the headings in your document. Heading styles are used to identify the different sections of your document that will be listed in the table of contents. To apply a heading style to your text, highlight the text and then select the appropriate heading style from the " Styles " section of the Home tab in the ribbon.

Note: Word provides several heading styles, such as Heading 1, Heading 2, and so on. It's important to apply heading styles in the correct order (i.e., Heading 1 for main headings, heading 2 for subheadings, etc.) to ensure that the table of contents is properly structured.

Step 2: Insert a Table of Contents

Once you've applied heading styles to your document, you can insert a table of contents. Here's how to do it:

Move your cursor where you want to insert the table of contents.
Click on the " References " option in the ribbon.
Click " Table of Contents " in the relevant section.
Choose one of the automatic table of contents options or click on " Custom Table of Contents " to customize the table of contents.

Step 3: Customize the Table of Contents

If you choose the "Custom Table of Contents" option, you can customize the table of contents to meet your specific needs. Here are multiple things you can do:

Change the formatting of the table of contents. Click on the " Options " button in the " Table of Contents " dialogue box to change the font, size, and other formatting options.
Change the number of heading levels. By default, Word includes up to three levels of headings in the table of contents. You can alter this by selecting a different number in the " Show levels " field.
Exclude headings from the table of contents. If you don't want a particular heading to appear in the table of contents, you can select it and then click on the " Exclude " button in the " Table of Contents " dialogue box.

Step 4: Update the Table of Contents

After you've inserted and customized the table of contents, you can update it to reflect any changes you've made to the document. Here's how:

Click on the table of contents to select it.
Click on the " Update Table " button in the "Table of Contents" section of the "References" tab.
Choose whether to update the entire table of contents or just the page numbers.
Click " OK " to update the table of contents.

That's it! You now have a table of contents in your document that can help you and your readers navigate it easily.

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Steps to manually construct your content page.

If you want to create a table of contents in Microsoft Word manually, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a List of Headings

The initial step is to create a list of headings you want to include in the table of contents. This list should include the heading text and the page number where the heading appears in the document.

Step 2: Insert a Table

After creating a list of headings, you can insert a table into your document. The table will serve as the structure for your table of contents. To insert a table, follow these steps:

Click on " Insert " in the ribbon.
Click on the " Table " button.
Select the number of rows and columns that you need for your table. For example, if you have six headings, you can create a table with two columns and six rows.
Click " OK " to insert the table.

Step 3: Add Headings to the Table

Once you have inserted the table, you can add the headings. Here's how:

Choose the first cell in the first row of the table.
Type the first heading into the cell.
Select the second cell in the same row and type the page number where the heading appears in the document.
Repeat this process for each heading in the list, adding each heading to a new row in the table.

Step 4: Format the Table of Contents

After adding the headings to the table, you can format the table of contents to make it look more professional. Here are some formatting options that you may want to consider:

Adjust the column widths so that the text and page numbers are aligned.
Add shading or borders to the table to make it stand out.
Format the heading in bold or larger font to make it easier to read.
Align the text in the cells to the left or right to make the table easier to read.

Step 5: Update the Table of Contents

If you make any changes to the document, you will need to update the table of contents manually. To update the table, follow these steps:

Click anywhere in the table of contents.
Press " Ctrl+A " to select the entire table.
Press " F9 " to update the table.

That's it! By following these steps, you can manually create a table of contents in Microsoft Word.

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Dissertation content page template.

Here's a dissertation table of contents example to better understand what your content table should look like.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

List of Tables

List of Figures

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background and Context

1.2 Problem Statement and Research Questions

1.3 Research Objectives and Significance

1.4 Overview of Methodology

1.5 Dissertation Structure

Chapter 2: Literature Review

2.1 Introduction to Literature Review

2.2 Key Concepts and Definitions

2.3 Historical Context

2.4 Current State of the Field

2.5 Critical Analysis of Literature

Chapter 3: Methodology

3.1 Introduction to Methodology

3.2 Research Design and Strategy

3.3 Data Collection and Sampling

3.4 Data Analysis and Interpretation

3.5 Ethical Considerations

Chapter 4: Results

4.1 Introduction to Results

4.2 Descriptive Statistics

4.3 Inferential Statistics

4.4 Thematic Analysis

Chapter 5: Discussion

5.1 Introduction to Discussion

5.2 Interpretation of Results

5.3 Comparison with Literature

5.4 Implications for Practice and Future Research

Chapter 6: Conclusion

6.1 Summary of Findings

6.2 Conclusions

6.3 Limitations and Recommendations for Future Research

Note that this is just a dissertation contents page example, and the specific structure and headings for a dissertation may vary depending on the requirements of your institution or discipline. Be sure to follow any guidelines your advisor or department provided when formatting your table of contents.

Things to Include and Avoid

When creating a table of contents in a document, it is important to include the main sections or chapters of the document. The contents page should provide a clear and concise overview of the document's structure and help readers quickly locate specific information.

Here are some guidelines on what to include and not to include in a table of contents:

What to include:

Major sections and headings of the document, including chapter titles, section headings, and subheadings.
The corresponding page numbers for each heading or section.
Any front section included in the document, such as the table of contents, preface, acknowledgements, and introduction.
Any back data that is included in the document, such as the bibliography, references, or appendices.
Any other important features or elements of the document, such as figures, tables, or charts.

What not to include:

Minor headings or subheadings are optional to the document's structure.
Repetitive or redundant information that does not add value to the table of contents.
Page numbers for elements that are not part of the main body of the document, such as the title page or copyright page.
Elements that are not relevant to the purpose of the document or its audience.

It is crucial to note that the specific contents of a table of contents will vary depending on the purpose and type of the document. For example, a technical report may have more detailed headings and subheadings than a novel. The table of contents should be designed to provide the document's intended audience with the most relevant and useful information.

In conclusion, the table of contents is an essential component of any dissertation, as it provides a roadmap for readers to navigate the document's content. A well-organized and clearly structured table of contents can help readers quickly locate specific information and understand the overall scope of the dissertation.

It is important to carefully consider the structure and headings of your dissertation when creating a table of contents, as it can help you to clarify your research questions, objectives, and methodology and to organize your findings and Analysis logically and coherently.

When creating a table of contents for your dissertation, it is important to follow any guidelines provided by your institution or department, as the specific requirements may vary depending on the discipline.

Be sure to proofread your table of contents carefully to ensure that it accurately reflects the structure and content of your dissertation. With a well-constructed and comprehensive table of contents, you can help to ensure that your dissertation is accessible and user-friendly and that your research is communicated effectively to your readers.

Check out the following academic articles to get more assistance in writing a dissertation.

How to Structure your Dissertation for Optimum Impact?
How to Reference a Thesis in Harvard Style?
Conclude your Report with Confidence: A Guide on How to Write a Conclusion for a Report
A Comprehensive Guide on How to Write an Introduction Paragraph. Five plus Examples

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Thesis & Dissertation Title Page | Free Templates & Examples

Thesis & Dissertation Title Page | Free Templates & Examples

Published on May 19, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on July 18, 2023.

The title page (or cover page) of your thesis , dissertation , or research paper should contain all the key information about your document. It usually includes:

Dissertation or thesis title
The type of document (e.g., dissertation, research paper)
The department and institution
The degree program (e.g., Master of Arts)
The date of submission

It sometimes also includes your dissertation topic or field of study, your student number, your supervisor’s name, and your university’s logo.

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Title page format, title page templates, title page example, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions.

Your department will usually tell you exactly what should be included on your title page and how it should be formatted. Be sure to check whether there are specific guidelines for margins, spacing, and font size.

Title pages for APA and MLA style

The format of your title page can also depend on the citation style you’re using. There may be guidelines in regards to alignment, page numbering, and mandatory elements.

MLA guidelines for formatting the title page
APA guidelines for formatting the title page

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We’ve created a few templates to help you design the title page for your thesis, dissertation, or research paper. You can download them in the format of your choice by clicking on the corresponding button.

Research paper Google Doc

Dissertation Google Doc

Thesis Google Doc

A typical example of a thesis title page looks like this:

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The title page of your thesis or dissertation should include your name, department, institution, degree program, and submission date.

Usually, no title page is needed in an MLA paper . A header is generally included at the top of the first page instead. The exceptions are when:

Your instructor requires one, or
Your paper is a group project

In those cases, you should use a title page instead of a header, listing the same information but on a separate page.

The title page of your thesis or dissertation goes first, before all other content or lists that you may choose to include.

In most styles, the title page is used purely to provide information and doesn’t include any images. Ask your supervisor if you are allowed to include an image on the title page before doing so. If you do decide to include one, make sure to check whether you need permission from the creator of the image.

Include a note directly beneath the image acknowledging where it comes from, beginning with the word “ Note .” (italicized and followed by a period). Include a citation and copyright attribution . Don’t title, number, or label the image as a figure , since it doesn’t appear in your main text.

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Thesis and Dissertation Information

Thesis and Dissertation Template

The Graduate College offers a thesis/dissertation template that contains all required content and formatting. You can either write your document from within the template or apply the template’s formatting to your previously created work.

Need help working in the template? Schedule an appointment today.

Before You Begin

The first time you download the template, save the template file to your computer before you begin work on your document. This is important if you are composing your thesis/dissertation within the template or if you are copying and pasting your content into the template. You may need the original template file in the future.

Please note: We offer the Google Doc template for initial drafts of your thesis/dissertation to share easily with your committee chair. We do not accept Google Documents as the final document of your thesis/dissertation. Google Docs does not have the functionality we require for our final theses/dissertations. Please use the Google Doc template while keeping in mind that you will need to convert your document to Microsoft Word later.

Download Thesis and Dissertation Template (Word Doc) Download Thesis and Dissertation Template (LATEX) Download Thesis and Dissertation Template (Google Doc)

Word Template Last Updated: February 2021

Word Document Template Information

Download instructions.

Download the Boise State Template from the orange callout ribbon above.
Show the downloaded file in the Downloads folder.
Right click and select Open
Enable Content
Click File > Save As and name the file, for instance, Boise_State_Template.dotm (note the extension is “.dotm”) and Save as type: Word Macro-Enabled Template (*.dotm) . It is recommended locating this file on your desktop – it may come in handy if you need to reattach the template to your document in the future (see below).
Close this file.

Working Within the Template

To work within the template, styles are applied throughout the document. These styles can be found by clicking the arrow in the lower right hand corner of the Styles section in the Home tab. To apply a style, simply highlight the text that you wish to format and click the appropriate name from the styles list.

When entering your own work into the template, be sure to apply the following styles to the appropriate parts of your document. Failure to do so will mean that your Table of Contents, List of Figures, and List of Tables will be incorrect.

Format a Heading 1 in all caps, and centered
Format a Heading 2 in title-caps, bold, and centered
Format a Heading 3 in title-caps, underlined, and aligned left
Format a Heading 4 in title-caps, underlined, and indented once
Format a Heading 5 in title-caps, underlined and indented twice
Figure Captions are bolded and centered in the template. They may also be justified.
Table Captions are bolded and aligned left in the template. They may also be justified.
Appendix Heading 2
Appendix Heading 3

Formatting Landscape Pages

When setting pages of your document to landscape orientation to accommodate large figures or tables, you must reformat their page numbers so that they will still be visible after binding.

Open the landscape page’s header by double-clicking within the header.
Deselect Link to Previous, located in the Navigation section of the Design tab. Repeat this step for the page following the landscape page.
Delete the landscape page’s current page number.
Click Insert → Page Number (in the Header & Footer section)→Page Margins.
Select Landscape Page Numbers.

Note: If your other pages’ pagination disappears after inserting landscape page numbers, you likely did not turn off Link to Previous. Undo your changes to the page numbers and restart the instructions.

Replacing Table of Contents, List of Figures, and List of Tables

After your writing and editing is complete, you will need to replace the Table of Contents, List of Figures, and List of Tables.

Right click the existing TOC, LOF, or LOT.
Click Update Field.
Select Update entire table and click Ok.

Note: All other lists (such as a List of Abbreviations or List of Graphs) are not updated automatically. Instead, the template includes examples of manually-created lists that can be altered to fit your needs.

Attaching the Template to a Preexisting Document. If your document is at or near completion, it may be easier for you to attach the template to your existing file than to paste your document into a new template.

Formatting Styles and Applying Styles

Before attaching the Thesis/Dissertation template to your document, you must first apply the following styles to the appropriate sections of your work. It does not matter how these styles look – when you first apply them they will not look right – only that the names of the styles match those in the following list exactly. After you have applied all the styles and attach the template the document will be formatted correctly.

These styles can be found by clicking the arrow in the lower right hand corner of the Styles section in the Home tab. Leave this menu open while you work through the document. To apply a style, simply highlight the text that you wish to format and click the appropriate name from the styles list.

Attaching Styles

Access the Styles menu by clicking the lower-right corner of the Styles box on the Home tab in Windows. Keep this menu open on the side of your screen and apply the styles to your document as you work.
Highlight the text you wish to format (it is often only necessary to “click in” the section you wish to format)
Click the appropriate style from the Styles menu

Note: If the style you are looking for is not included in the list you may need to create the style (see next).

Creating Styles

Some required styles will not be listed in the premade styles, thus you will need to create them yourself.

Highlight the text that you wish to format
Right click the text and select Styles → Save Selection as a New Quick Style.
Enter the appropriate style name and click OK.

Note: Remember, it does not matter how these styles look at this time, only that the style names match the names listed in the table above.

Attaching the Template

After applying styles to your document, you can attach the template, which will fix most of your document’s formatting issues.

Download the Boise State Thesis and Dissertation Template and save it to your computer. See instructions above under “Before you Begin.”
Open the Word document containing your thesis/dissertation, click file, click options, click add-ins, and select templates from the Manage drop down menu at the bottom of the page. Click go.
In the Document Template section, click Attach.
Navigate to the folder in which you saved the template and select it.
Important: Check the box labeled “Automatically update document styles.”

Adjusting Margins

Click Ctrl+A to select the entire document.
In the Home ribbon, click layout, click margins and select the mirror margin option that contains inside margin 1.5″, top and bottom margins 1.”

Setting Page Numbers

Be careful that you set section breaks between front matter and body text and also between portrait and landscape-oriented pages (see Manually Formatting Your Document for instructions on setting page breaks). Each has a different way of formatting their pagination.

Front Matter

Set a continuous section break immediately before the Heading 1 on the first page that follows your approval pages.
Set a continuous section break immediately before the title of Chapter 1.
Open the footer on the first page following your approval page by clicking the Footer button in the Header & Footer section of the Insert tab and selecting Edit Footer.
Deselect Link to Previous, located in the Navigation section of the Design tab. This step is only necessary for the first numbered page in the front matter.
Insert page numbers. Front matter page numbers should be in lowercase Roman numerals and should be centered at the bottom of each page.
Double-click inside the footer of the first page in Chapter 1.
Deselect Link to Previous, located in the Navigation section of the Design tab. This step is only necessary for the first page in the body text.
Delete the page numbers from the footer.
Open the header on the same page by double-clicking inside the header.
Deselect Link to Previous, located in the Navigation section of the Design tab.
Insert alpha-numeric page numbers, starting with 1, into the upper right-hand corner of the pages.

Landscape Pages

Repeat step 3 on the page following the landscape page.
Click Insert → Page Number (in the Header & Footer section) → Page Margins.

Inserting Table of Contents and Lists of Figures or Tables

Finally, after your document’s content is complete, you will need to create the Table of Contents, List of Figures, and List of Tables.

In the Home ribbon, select References , then select Table of Contents and choose the first option.
To build your list of tables or figures do the following: on the Home ribbon, select references, select Insert List of Table of Figures, on the options drop down select either table captions or figure captions depending on which you are creating. You will then have to manually insert the heading.

Note: The template does not include macros for automatically generating other lists such as a List of Abbreviations or List of Graphs. However, it does include example lists that can be copied, pasted, and altered to meet your needs.

Helpful Tips

Access the Styles menu by clicking the lower-right corner of the styles box on the Home tab in Windows. Keep this menu open on the side of your screen, or on a second screen, and apply the styles to your document as you work. To make the document styles behave, use the styles in the template. For example, for all Heading 1s, use the Heading 1 style, which will automatically insert a break and a 2 inch margin, etc. As long as the styles are used, the document should behave appropriately, and the table of contents will include the headings once updated. To modify the Table of Contents, click once to highlight the table in gray, right-click and select “Update Entire Field.”
Show formatting marks as you work in your document. Click on the File tab, then Options, Display, and click on the box “Show all formatting marks” and OK.

Dissertation Table of Contents Template

Download this Dissertation Table of Contents Template Design in Word Format. Easily Editable, Printable, Downloadable.

Template.net's Dissertation Table of Contents Template is an academic ally, precisely structured to navigate the depths of your dissertation with ease. This editable and customizable template offers a scholarly framework that aligns your research sections cohesively, making it an essential element for postgraduate students embarking on their thesis journey. Get the template now!

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You are here, word template instructions.

Download the template , open it, and look at the first few pages.
Press Alt+Ctrl+Shift+S to open the Styles Manager
Once you can see the list of styles, you can start applying them to the appropriate parts of your paper. For instance, typing the title of the second chapter, highlighting it and clicking Heading 1.
To learn more about the various Styles used in the template please refer to our Styles guide .
Replace the placeholder text in the preliminary pages with your own information. There are several drop-down menus for you to select information about your ETD.
Look at the Table of Contents page, click on a sample entry. Note the gray highlighting behind the example text. That shows you that it is created via the table of contents function in Word. You will not manually type any information in this page. It will all be automatically populated by detecting styles applied in the body section of your paper. The List of Figures and List of Tables work the same way. To update the Table of Contents, right-click (Ctrl-click on a Mac) and select Update Table -- Update Entire Table.
The ‘Heading 1’ style, for example, is applied to main chapter titles. When text is entered, selected and Heading 1 is clicked from the styles menu, it automatically is formatted as a main chapter heading (bold, centered, and automatically numbered). Subchapter titles are formatted by applying ‘Heading 2.’ Subchapters within those, ‘Heading 3’ and so on.
An additional function of these Heading styles is that they are detected by the Table of Contents, which displays any text marked with them. Paste or type the title of your first chapter in place of the word 'Introduction' in the template. Make sure that the style is still Heading 1 in the styles menu. The styles menu can be expanded for easy use with the small, diagonal arrow button in the lower right corner of the styles box on the home ribbon.
Scroll up to the table of contents, right click on one of the grey areas and choose ‘update field.’ You should be prompted to ‘update entire table,' which you should do. Now you’ll see that the text marked with Heading 1 was imported. This works the same way for Headings 1-4 and similarly with the captions for the tables and figures.
Tables and figures. Paste or insert the images or tables you wish to include. Either by right-clicking on the inserted item or by using the References menu on the ribbon, choose ‘Insert Caption.' You can see that they are given a number automatically. Just choose whether it should be labeled a table or a figure and then type or paste your caption text after the number. When the List of Figures or List of Tables are updated using the ‘update field’ function you’ll see the captions for each appear up there.
The paragraphs of text in your document will have styling applied to them as well. The default sytle for paragraphs in each section are marked as ‘normal.’ These particular styles merely determine the visual styling of the text and if there are other styles applied, it would be useful to make sure 'normal' is applied so as not to interrupt the section breaks or subsequent styles you might want to use.
Other sections you may have in your paper like Appendices should be arranged and marked with styles corresponding to the examples provided in the template.
Any unused examples in the template document can be deleted.

For more information, please use our tutorials , come to a workshop , or contact us at our office hours or via our email support form.

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Dissertation Table of Contents in Word
Place your cursor where you would like your table of contents to go. In the "References" section at the top, locate the Table of Contents group. Click the arrow next to the Table of Contents icon and select "Custom Table of Contents.". Here, you can select which levels of headings you would like to include.
Dissertation Table of Contents in Word
In the 'References' section at the top, locate the Table of Contents group. Click the arrow next to the Table of Contents icon and select 'Custom Table of Contents'. Here, you can select which levels of headings you would like to include. You can also make manual adjustments to each level by clicking the Modify button.
Table of Contents/Lists Pages Templates
Thesis and Dissertation Office; Table of Contents/Lists Pages Templates; ... Table of contents template (DOC) This Microsoft Word document can be saved to your computer to use as a template. It was created using Microsoft Office 2013 version of Word.
How to Create an APA Table of Contents
Now you can generate your table of contents. First write the title "Contents" (in the style of a level 1 heading). Then place your cursor two lines below this and go to the References tab. Click on Table of Contents and select Custom Table of Contents…. In the popup window, select how many levels of heading you wish to include (at least ...
Table of Contents
Here is an example of a Table of Contents page from the templates.Please note that your table of contents may be longer than one page. << Previous: Dedication Page
How to Create the Best Table of Contents for a Dissertation
First, to generate the Table of Contents, start by entering a blank page after the pages you need the table of contents to follow. To do so, click on the bottom of the page you want before the Table of Contents. Open the 'Insert' tab and select 'Page Break'.
Free Dissertation & Thesis Template (Word Doc & PDF)
This dissertation template is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for formal academic research projects. The template structure reflects the overall research process, ensuring your document has a smooth, logical flow. Here's how it's structured: The title page/cover page. Abstract (sometimes also called the executive summary)
How to Create a Table of Contents for a Dissertation (APA)
To do this, first go to the Home tab. This is where you will choose the styles for the table of contents. Step 2. The top-level headings will be your chapter titles, so on the right side of the tab, apply the Heading 1 style. Step 3. The second-level headings will be your subheadings, so apply the Heading 2 style.
Research Guides: Microsoft Word for Dissertations: Table of Contents
An automatic Table of Contents relies on Styles to keep track of page numbers and section titles for you automatically. Microsoft Word can scan your document and find everything in the Heading 1 style and put that on the first level of your table of contents, put any Heading 2's on the second level of your table of contents, and so on.. If you want an automatic table of contents you need to ...
Table of Contents
Automatic generation of the table of contents has 2 advantages: You don't have to manually type the table of contents. Since the entries in the Table of Content must match exactly the headings, subheadings, and page numbers in the thesis, manually creating a table of contents can lead to unintended errors. You don't have to go back and edit the ...
Dissertation & Thesis Outline
To help you get started, we've created a full thesis or dissertation template in Word or Google Docs format. It's easy adapt it to your own requirements. ... Dissertation Table of Contents in Word | Instructions & Examples The table of contents is where you list the chapters and major sections of your thesis or dissertation alongside their ...
PDF APA Style Dissertation Guidelines: Formatting Your Dissertation
Automate Your Table of Contents & Lists of Tables and Figures . For information on how to insert an automatic table of contents, list of tables, and list of figures, please visit the "Doctoral Students" webpage . on The Graduate School website for video tutorials under the "Resources for Writing Your Dissertation" tab. APA Style, 7 th
Free Table of Contents Templates (for Microsoft Word)
Step 4: Click the arrow that is next to the TOC icon and select Custom Table of Contents. Here, select the level of heading that you would like to include in your table and also make the necessary adjustments to each level by clicking the modify button. Click on Custom table of contents.
Dissertation & Thesis Outline
Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates. Published on June 7, 2022 by Tegan George.Revised on November 21, 2023. A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process.It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding the specifics of your dissertation topic and showcasing its relevance to ...
KU Thesis and Dissertation Formatting: Table of Contents
Creating an Automated Table of Contents. Located in the Home tab, Word's Style Gallery makes it easy to set consistent, one-click formatting for headings throughout your document.It is these style settings that Word uses to create an automatic table of contents. Using an automatic table of contents will save you the huge headache of dealing with dot leaders, spacing, and having to completely ...
University Thesis and Dissertation Templates
These templates also include placeholders for all front matter you will need to include in your thesis or dissertation, and may include guidelines for how to write these. Front matter includes your table of contents, acknowledgements, abstract, abbreviation list, figure list, committee page, and (sometimes) academic history or CV; everything ...
Table of Contents for Dissertation in 2024
A table of contents in a dissertation template is imperative to guide your reader through the structure of your research. The table of contents in a dissertation is a well-organized list of chapters, sections, and figures within your document, each heading corresponding to a page number. A good table of contents page should be accurate, simple ...
PDF How to Prepare your Dissertation in APA Style
Generating the table of contents . Now you can generate your table of contents. First write the title (in the style of a level 1 heading). Then place your cursor two lines below this and go to the References tab. Click on Table of Contents and select Custom Table of Contents… In the popup window,
Dissertation Table of Contents Template
Step 2: Insert a Table of Contents. Once you've applied heading styles to your document, you can insert a table of contents. Here's how to do it: Move your cursor where you want to insert the table of contents. Click on the " References " option in the ribbon. Click " Table of Contents " in the relevant section.
Thesis & Dissertation Title Page
Revised on July 18, 2023. The title page (or cover page) of your thesis, dissertation, or research paper should contain all the key information about your document. It usually includes: Dissertation or thesis title. Your name. The type of document (e.g., dissertation, research paper) The department and institution.
Thesis and Dissertation Template
The Graduate College offers a thesis/dissertation template that contains all required content and formatting. You can either write your document from within the template or apply the template's formatting to your previously created work. ... Failure to do so will mean that your Table of Contents, List of Figures, and List of Tables will be ...
Dissertation Table of Contents Template
Template.net's Dissertation Table of Contents Template is an academic ally, precisely structured to navigate the depths of your dissertation with ease. This editable and customizable template offers a scholarly framework that aligns your research sections cohesively, making it an essential element for postgraduate students embarking on their ...
Word Template Instructions
It will all be automatically populated by detecting styles applied in the body section of your paper. The List of Figures and List of Tables work the same way. To update the Table of Contents, right-click (Ctrl-click on a Mac) and select Update Table -- Update Entire Table. Look at the example chapter titles starting with "1.0 Heading 1."

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Table of Contents/Lists Pages Templates

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