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• Subject Guides

Referencing styles - a Practical Guide

Harvard referencing style.

Used by: Archaeology, Biochemistry (as well as Vancouver), Biology (as well as Vancouver), Economics, Environment, Health Sciences, HYMS (as well as Vancouver), International Pathway College, Management, Philosophy (as well as MLA), Politics, Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media (as well as MHRA)

Introduction to Harvard referencing style

The Harvard style originated at Harvard University. It's been adapted by individual institutions, and there is no set manual or formatting rules, so it is extremely important to check and follow your department's specific regulations.

In-text citations

Information from sources in the text is shown with in-text citations that include the author's surname and the publication year  (and a page number in some situations). These can appear after the information, or integrated into the sentence:

The in-text citation examples given throughout this guide use the (Neville, 2010) version.

Reference list

The reference list at the end of the document includes the full details of each source so the reader can find them themselves. The list is organised alphabetically by author surname. 

The information to include depends on the types of source - see the examples on this page.

Departmental variations

Some departments use their own variations on the Harvard style - if this is the case, details will usually be given on course materials.

Here are some departmental variations:

close all accordion sections

Archaeology

Archaeology prefer students to use page numbers for all in-text citations unless students are referring to a complete book in a very general sense. Anything more specific should have a page number. Archaeology also require the following in-text citation punctuation: (Lee 2012, 236) for in-text citation with page number and (Lee 2012) for in-text citation without page number.

Environment

Environment ask that for multi-authored sources, given in the reference list, that the first 10 named authors are listed before the use of 'et al.' to indicate additional named authors.

Useful resources

Guidance for all source types

Formatting for one, two or more authors.

This guidance applies to all source types.

In-text:  (Becker, 2007)

Bibliography/ Reference List:

List both authors in the order they appear in the publication. Use 'and' between names.

In-text:  (Peck and Coyle, 2005)

3 authors

In the reference list and the first citation, list all authors in the order they appear in the publication. Use 'and' between names. In subsequent citations, give the first author's name followed by  et al.  (the full stop is important!).

• first citation: (Fillit, Rockwood and Woodhouse, 2010)
• subsequent citations: (Fillit et al., 2010)

In all in-text citations, give the first author's name followed by  et al.  (the full stop is important!). In the reference list, you can either include all author names or include the first author name followed by et al. - be consistent in what you choose.

In-text:  (Moore et al., 2010)

In-text citations with multiple sources

If you are synthesising a number of sources to support your argument you may want to use a number of sources in one in-text citation. For example:

They should appear in date order , the most recent one first. 

Author(s) with 2+ sources in the same year

If an author (or a group of authors) have more than one publications in the same year, add lower-case letters (a, b, c, etc.) to the year to differentiate between them. Add a to the first source cited, b to the second course and so on.  For example:

In-text:  (Carroll, 2007a; Carroll 2007b)

Bibliography/ reference list:

No author name or publication date

No author name.

It is important to use quality sources to support your arguments and so you should carefully consider the value of using any source when you cannot identify its author.

For online sources, look carefully for named contributors, such as in the ‘about us’ sections. For printed material look carefully at the publication/ copyright information, which is often on the inside cover of a book or back page of a report. If you can't locate the information you could use the name of the organisation (eg, OECD) for the author. Don't include a URL in a citation.

If there is no individual or organisational author, it is acceptable to use 'Anon' in your Bibliography/ Reference List. You should also use 'Anon' for your in-text citation.

No publication date

Knowing when a source was created, published, or last updated is important as this helps you to determine the relevance and reliability of the source. 

For online sources look carefully for created and/ or last updated dates on the page(s) you are using and similarly look carefully for named contributors, such as in the ‘about us’ sections. For printed material, especially historical sources where the exact date is unclear you could use ‘circa’ or ‘c’ before the date to indicate the approximate date of publication. For example:

Direct quotes

Quotations are word-for-word text included in your work and must be clearly distinguished from your own words and ideas. Quotations are word-for-word text included in your work and must be clearly distinguished from your own words and ideas. You must also include the page number(s) in the in-text citation.

Short quotations (less than 40 words)

Use a brief phrase within your paragraph or sentence to introduce the quotation before including it inside double quotation marks “ “. For example:

Longer quotations (of 40 words or more)

Use block quotation, without quotation marks, but clearly indented to indicate these words are not your own. For example:

Citing a source you've read about in a different source (secondary referencing)

A secondary reference is given when you are referring to a source which you have not read yourself, but have read about in another source, for example referring to Jones’ work that you have read about in Smith. 

Avoid using secondary references wherever possible  and locate the original source and reference that. Only give a secondary reference where this is not possible and you deem it essential to use the material. It is important to think carefully about using secondary references as the explanation or interpretation of that source by the author you have read may not be accurate.

If it is essential to use a secondary reference follow:

In-text : Campell (1976) highlighted…(as cited in Becker, 2007, p.178)

Only the source you have actually read is referenced in the bibliography/ reference list

When to include page numbers in in-text citations

It is important to give a page number to an in-text citation in the following circumstances:

• when quoting directly
• when referring to a specific detail in a text (for example, a specific theory or idea, an illustration, a table, a set of statistics).

This might mean giving an individual page number or a small range of pages from which you have taken the information. Giving page numbers enables the reader to locate the specific item to which you refer.

When to use capital letters in titles

You should only capitalise the first letter of the first word of a book, journal article etc. The exception is the names of organisations.

Including citations or footnotes in word count

Usually in-text citations will be included in your word count as they are integral to your argument. This may vary depending on the assignment you are writing and you should confirm this with your module tutor. If in-text citations are included this does not mean you should leave out citations where they are appropriate.

Using abbreviations

You can use the following abbreviations in Harvard style citations and references:

• ch./chap. (chapter)
• ed. (edition)
• Ed./Eds. (editor/editors)
• et al. (and others)
• n.d. (no date)
• no. (issue number)
• p. (single page)
• pp. (page range)
• ser. (series)
• supp. (supplement)
• tab. (table)
• vol. (volume)

The difference between a reference list and a bibliography

References are the items you have read and specifically referred to (or cited) in your assignment. You are expected to list these references at the end of your assignment, this is called a reference list or bibliography.

These terms are sometimes used in slightly different ways:

• a reference list will include all the references that you have cited in the text.
• a bibliography is sometimes used to refer to a list of everything you consulted in preparation for writing your assignment, whether or not you referred specifically to it in the assignment.

You would normally only have one list, headed ‘references’ or ‘bibliography’, and you should check with your department which you are required to provide.

Questions about referencing?

Contact your Faculty Librarians if you have any questions about referencing.

Commonly used sources

Examples of in-text citations and reference list entries for key source types.

Use these examples alongside the information given in the 'Guidance for all source types' box. Pay particular attention to the guidance on formatting for one, two or more authors.

In-text citation: (Peck and Coyle, 2005)

Reference list:

Information to include Author(s) name, initials. (year).  Name of book . Place: Publisher name.

For a translated book or a book published in another language, see the examples below.

Edited book (& chapters)

Chapter in an edited book.

In-text citation:  (Dobel, 2005)

Information to include Chapter author(s) surname, initials. (year). Title of chapter. In editor(s) surname, initials (Ed/Eds.),  Title of edited book . Place: Publisher name, pp. page numbers

Edited book as a whole

In-text citation: first citation (Daniels, Lauder, & Porter, 2009), subsequent citation (Daniels et al., 2009)

Information to include Editor(s) surname, initials (Ed/Eds.). (year).  Title of edited book . Place: Publisher name.

Interview (conducted by another person)

If referring to an interview conducted by someone else that has been published in such as a newspaper or journal you can reference in the following way

In-text:  (Beard, 2012) 

Interview (conducted yourself)

If referring to an interview you have conducted as part of your research you should give a citation, perhaps also signposting the reader to a transcript attached as an appendix, and a full reference. Consideration also needs to be given to confidentiality and interviewee anonymity as appropriate.

In-text:  (Smith, 2012)

Journal article / paper

In-text:  (Selman, 2012)

Information to include Author(s) surname, initials. (year). Title of article / paper.  Name of journal , volume(issue), page numbers. Available at: DOI.

In the absence of a DOI add a URL instead.

If you are citing the print copy of a journal article / paper and not accessing it online, omit the DOI and end the reference after the page numbers.

Newspaper or magazine article

Newspaper or magazine article.

Include the most precise date of publication given - usually full date for newspaper articles, month and year for magazines.

In-text:  (Brady and Dutta, 2012; Clarkson, 2008)

Information to include Author surname and initial. (year). Title of article.  Name of newspaper/magazine . day month year, pp. page numbers.

Articles without named author

Give the name of the newspaper or magazine in place of the author name.

In-text:  (The Guardian, 2012)

Information to include Name of newspaper/magazine (year).  Editorial: Title of article,  day month year, pp. page numbers.

Online articles

In-text:  (Laurance, 2013)

Information to include Author surname and initial. (year). Title of article.  Name of newspaper/magazine . [Online] day month year. Available at: URL  [Accessed day month year].

Include Last updated: if the page is likely to be updated (eg, news sites)

Website with author

In-text:  (Peston, 2012)

Information needed: Author(s) name, initial. (year). Name of specific webpage.  [Online]. Name of full website. Last updated: day month year. Available at: URL [Accessed day month year].

Website without named author

In-text:  (St John Ambulance, 2011)

Information needed: Organisation. (year). Name of specific webpage.  [Online]. Name of full website. Last updated: day month year. Available at: URL [Accessed day month year].

Further sources

Examples of in-text citations and reference list entries for other source types.

Use these examples alongside the information given in the 'Guidance for all source types' box. Pay particular attention to the guidance on formatting for one, two or more authors.

Act of Parliament

In-text : (Education Act, 2011)

The (c.21) refers to the chapter, the number of the Act according to those passed during the parliamentary session.

In-text:  ( Master Atlas of Greater London , 2007)

Bibliography/ Reference List: 

In-text:  (Carswell, 2012)

Book illustration

In-text:  (Schwortz, 1978)

Book (translated to English)

If you are reading an English language version of a book originally published in another language follow this example.

In-text:  (Larsson, 2009)

Book (read in another language)

Follow this example if you need to reference a book that you read in another language.

In-text:  (Hoops, 1932)

To reference an example of case law you will need to know the abbreviation for the law report in which the case was published. This is usually provided in the citation for the case.

In-text:  ('Gray v Thames Trains Ltd', 2009)

Case study within a textbook or website

If the case study is within another publication, such as a textbook or website, you can either cite it as a chapter or a range of pages within that publication.

In-text:  (Burns, 2018)

Standalone case study

In-text:  (Graf and Wentland, 2017)

Computer application/program/software

In-text:  (Autodesk, 2011)

Conference papers & proceedings

Conference proceedings (full).

In-text:  (ALT-C, 2011)

Conference paper (unpublished)

In-text:  (Pettitt, 2008)

CD, CD-Rom or DVD

In-text:  (Gavin and Stacey, 2007)

Either cite the name of the film or the director

In-text:  (Lloyd, 2008) OR ( Mamma Mia , 2008)

In-text:  ( Beauty and the Beast , 2012)

Database (online, DVD or CD) with author

Change [Online] to [CD] or [DVD] if necessary.

In-text:  (Ralchenko, Kramida and Reader, 2011)

Database (online, DVD or CD) without named author

In-text:  ( Oxford language dictionaries online,  2007)

In-text:  (Larkham, 2011)

Dictionary or reference book

Dictionary/reference book with editor.

In-text:  (Marcovitch, 2005)

Dictionary/reference book without editor

In-text:  ( Paperback Oxford English dictionary , 2006)

E-book (online)

If page markers are not available on the e-book version you are using cite the chapter for specific references to the source (eg “…” (Schlick, 2010, ch.1)).

In-text: (Schlick, 2010)

E-book (using e-reader)

If viewing an e-book using an e-book reader it is important to reference the specific version of the publication for this reader. If page markers are not available on the e-book version you are using cite the chapter for specific references to the source (eg “quote” (Collins, 2011, ch.3)).

In-text:  (Collins, 2011)

In-text:  (Johnson, 2009)

Encyclopedia (full book or individual entry)

Encyclopedia (full book).

In-text:  ( Encyclopedia of consciousness,  2009)

Encyclopedia (single entry)

In-text:  (Brooks, 2004)

European Court of Justice case

In-text:  According to 'Karl Heinz Bablok and Others v. Freistaat Bayern' (2011)

European Union regulation

In-text:  This issue is covered in 'Council directive 1999/2/EC' (1999)

Film (movie)

Government publication (command paper, eg white paper, green paper).

In-text:  (Great Britain. Defra, 2007)

You can omit ‘Great Britain’ if you are only referring to UK central government publications and this will be clear to your reader. If you are referring to publications by devolved government bodies or to international government publications you should state the jurisdictions. The 'Cm. 7086' refers to the reference number given to this particular document. If you can locate the Cm. number you should include it.

Graph, chart, figure or table

Graph/chart/table/figure (print copy).

Give the title for the table/ figure etc and include a full in-text citation

In-text:  [INSERT IMAGE] The ‘Soloman four-group’ design (Field and Hole, 2010, p. 79, fig. 3.7)

Graph/Chart/Table/Figure (online)

In-text:  [INSERT IMAGE] Youths 16-24 claiming, March 2012 rate ( The Guardian,  2012).

In-text:  (HL Deb 23 July 2019)

In-text:  (Jones, 2011).

Lecture notes

In-text:  (Jones, 2011)

In-text:  (Johnson, 2011)

Each one will have titles and references within it or you can refer to the actual microfiche record number, where it is stored and when accessed. This is an example of conference proceedings.

In-text:  In-text: (AFIPS, 1968)

Musical performance (live)

In-text:  (Copland ,  2012)

Musical score

In-text:  (Puccini, 1980)

Online video (eg YouTube) & other online digital media

In-text:  (Cambridgeshire County Council/BBC, 2010)

Painting or visual work

In-text:  (Monet, 1889)

Pamphlet or booklet

In-text (first mention) : (Graduate Students' Association, 2011)

Parliamentary bill

In-text:  (Finance (No. 4) Bill, 2010-2012)

The HC stands for House of Commons, with HL being used for Bills originating in the House of Lords. The date represents the parliamentary session and the number in [ ] the number of the bill.

In-text:  (Berberet and Bates, 2008)

In-text:  (Jarche, 1931)

Play (live performance)

In-text:  (Lynn & Jay ,  2012)

Play (published script)

In-text:  (Webster, 1998)

Poem (in an anthology)

In-text:  (Bairstow, 1980)

In-text:   Waters admits in his interview on the WTF podcast (Maron, 2016) that his trip to Lebanon had a significant impact on him...

Works cited/ bibliography:

Radio programme

In-text:  (BBC Radio 4, 2008).

Religious & sacred texts

Neville (2010, p.161) suggests the following process for using religious or sacred works in your writing:

These include the Bible, Talmud, Koran, Upanishads, and major classical works, such as the ancient Greek and Roman works. If you are simply quoting a verse or extract, you do not need to give full reference entries. Instead, you should include the detail in the text of your assignment, for example:

The film script at this point echoes the Bible: ‘And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth’.

(Gen. 6:12) [the in-text citation is for the book of Genesis, chapter 6, verse 12]

However, if you were referring to a particular edition for a significant reason, it could be listed in full in the main references, eg:

Report (online)

In-text:  (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2008)

Report (hard copy)

In-text:  (Higher Education Academy, 2008)

Republished source

This format is for when you read a more recent version of an older work. In-text, the date of the original publication is given first, with the later version in [ ], with any page reference to this newer version following. In the bibliography/ reference list you give the date and details of the version you read, with the original publisher and date at the end of the reference.

In-text:  (Dickens, 1846 [2005], p.29)

In-text:  (Warner, 2008)

Sound recording (CD, vinyl, cassette)

In-text:  (Belle & Sebastian, 2003, track 8)

Source material where confidentiality is maintained

This should be used where it is important the institution from which the source originates should not be named, in to order protect corporate or individual confidentiality. For example, where a policy, procedure or care plan is being used.

In-text: (NHS Trust, 1999) or, for example: “This was in accordance with the NHS Trust's (Name withheld, 1999) disciplinary policy”.

Bibliography/ Reference List :

In-text:  (British Standards Institute, 2006)

Statutory instrument

In-text:  (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988)

Telephone conversation

In-text:  (Johnson, 2012)

Television programme

In-text:  ( Panorama : Britain's Crimes of Honour, 2012)

Text message

In-text:  (Johnson, 2007)

In-text:  (Chen, 2011)

In-text:  (ELDT, 2012)

In-text:  (Appropedia, 2011)

Use either the proper name of the author or X pseudonym. In the following example either (Trump, 2012) or (@realDonaldTrump, 2012) can be used in-text and in the Bibliography/ Reference List reference.

In-text: Trump (2012) went as far as to claim that the Chinese invented climate change in a post in 2012.

Bibliography/ Reference list:

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Thesis and Dissertation

Forms for Research Ethics approval and for Thesis and Dissertations are available on the FGS Forms page .

Connect with FGS

How to write an undergraduate university dissertation

Writing a dissertation is a daunting task, but these tips will help you prepare for all the common challenges students face before deadline day.

Grace McCabe

Writing a dissertation is one of the most challenging aspects of university. However, it is the chance for students to demonstrate what they have learned during their degree and to explore a topic in depth.

In this article, we look at 10 top tips for writing a successful dissertation and break down how to write each section of a dissertation in detail.

10 tips for writing an undergraduate dissertation

1. Select an engaging topic Choose a subject that aligns with your interests and allows you to showcase the skills and knowledge you have acquired through your degree.

2. Research your supervisor Undergraduate students will often be assigned a supervisor based on their research specialisms. Do some research on your supervisor and make sure that they align with your dissertation goals.

3. Understand the dissertation structure Familiarise yourself with the structure (introduction, review of existing research, methodology, findings, results and conclusion). This will vary based on your subject.

4. Write a schedule As soon as you have finalised your topic and looked over the deadline, create a rough plan of how much work you have to do and create mini-deadlines along the way to make sure don’t find yourself having to write your entire dissertation in the final few weeks.

5. Determine requirements Ensure that you know which format your dissertation should be presented in. Check the word count and the referencing style.

6. Organise references from the beginning Maintain an alphabetically arranged reference list or bibliography in the designated style as you do your reading. This will make it a lot easier to finalise your references at the end.

7. Create a detailed plan Once you have done your initial research and have an idea of the shape your dissertation will take, write a detailed essay plan outlining your research questions, SMART objectives and dissertation structure.

8. Keep a dissertation journal Track your progress, record your research and your reading, and document challenges. This will be helpful as you discuss your work with your supervisor and organise your notes.

9. Schedule regular check-ins with your supervisor Make sure you stay in touch with your supervisor throughout the process, scheduling regular meetings and keeping good notes so you can update them on your progress.

10. Employ effective proofreading techniques Ask friends and family to help you proofread your work or use different fonts to help make the text look different. This will help you check for missing sections, grammatical mistakes and typos.

What is a dissertation?

A dissertation is a long piece of academic writing or a research project that you have to write as part of your undergraduate university degree.

It’s usually a long essay in which you explore your chosen topic, present your ideas and show that you understand and can apply what you’ve learned during your studies. Informally, the terms “dissertation” and “thesis” are often used interchangeably.

How do I select a dissertation topic?

First, choose a topic that you find interesting. You will be working on your dissertation for several months, so finding a research topic that you are passionate about and that demonstrates your strength in your subject is best. You want your topic to show all the skills you have developed during your degree. It would be a bonus if you can link your work to your chosen career path, but it’s not necessary.

Second, begin by exploring relevant literature in your field, including academic journals, books and articles. This will help you identify gaps in existing knowledge and areas that may need further exploration. You may not be able to think of a truly original piece of research, but it’s always good to know what has already been written about your chosen topic.

Consider the practical aspects of your chosen topic, ensuring that it is possible within the time frame and available resources. Assess the availability of data, research materials and the overall practicality of conducting the research.

When picking a dissertation topic, you also want to try to choose something that adds new ideas or perspectives to what’s already known in your field. As you narrow your focus, remember that a more targeted approach usually leads to a dissertation that’s easier to manage and has a bigger impact. Be ready to change your plans based on feedback and new information you discover during your research.

How to work with your dissertation supervisor?

Your supervisor is there to provide guidance on your chosen topic, direct your research efforts, and offer assistance and suggestions when you have queries. It’s crucial to establish a comfortable and open line of communication with them throughout the process. Their knowledge can greatly benefit your work. Keep them informed about your progress, seek their advice, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

1. Keep them updated Regularly tell your supervisor how your work is going and if you’re having any problems. You can do this through emails, meetings or progress reports.

2. Plan meetings Schedule regular meetings with your supervisor. These can be in person or online. These are your time to discuss your progress and ask for help.

3. Share your writing Give your supervisor parts of your writing or an outline. This helps them see what you’re thinking so they can advise you on how to develop it.

5. Ask specific questions When you need help, ask specific questions instead of general ones. This makes it easier for your supervisor to help you.

6. Listen to feedback Be open to what your supervisor says. If they suggest changes, try to make them. It makes your dissertation better and shows you can work together.

7. Talk about problems If something is hard or you’re worried, talk to your supervisor about it. They can give you advice or tell you where to find help.

8. Take charge Be responsible for your work. Let your supervisor know if your plans change, and don’t wait if you need help urgently.

Remember, talking openly with your supervisor helps you both understand each other better, improves your dissertation and ensures that you get the support you need.

How to write a successful research piece at university How to choose a topic for your dissertation Tips for writing a convincing thesis

How do I plan my dissertation?

It’s important to start with a detailed plan that will serve as your road map throughout the entire process of writing your dissertation. As Jumana Labib, a master’s student at the University of Manchester  studying digital media, culture and society, suggests: “Pace yourself – definitely don’t leave the entire thing for the last few days or weeks.”

Decide what your research question or questions will be for your chosen topic.

Break that down into smaller SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) objectives.

Speak to your supervisor about any overlooked areas.

Create a breakdown of chapters using the structure listed below (for example, a methodology chapter).

Define objectives, key points and evidence for each chapter.

Define your research approach (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods).

Outline your research methods and analysis techniques.

Develop a timeline with regular moments for review and feedback.

Allocate time for revision, editing and breaks.

Consider any ethical considerations related to your research.

Stay organised and add to your references and bibliography throughout the process.

Remain flexible to possible reviews or changes as you go along.

A well thought-out plan not only makes the writing process more manageable but also increases the likelihood of producing a high-quality piece of research.

How to structure a dissertation?

The structure can depend on your field of study, but this is a rough outline for science and social science dissertations:

Introduce your topic.

Complete a source or literature review.

Describe your research methodology (including the methods for gathering and filtering information, analysis techniques, materials, tools or resources used, limitations of your method, and any considerations of reliability).

Summarise your findings.

Discuss the results and what they mean.

Conclude your point and explain how your work contributes to your field.

On the other hand, humanities and arts dissertations often take the form of an extended essay. This involves constructing an argument or exploring a particular theory or analysis through the analysis of primary and secondary sources. Your essay will be structured through chapters arranged around themes or case studies.

All dissertations include a title page, an abstract and a reference list. Some may also need a table of contents at the beginning. Always check with your university department for its dissertation guidelines, and check with your supervisor as you begin to plan your structure to ensure that you have the right layout.

How long is an undergraduate dissertation?

The length of an undergraduate dissertation can vary depending on the specific guidelines provided by your university and your subject department. However, in many cases, undergraduate dissertations are typically about 8,000 to 12,000 words in length.

“Eat away at it; try to write for at least 30 minutes every day, even if it feels relatively unproductive to you in the moment,” Jumana advises.

How do I add references to my dissertation?

References are the section of your dissertation where you acknowledge the sources you have quoted or referred to in your writing. It’s a way of supporting your ideas, evidencing what research you have used and avoiding plagiarism (claiming someone else’s work as your own), and giving credit to the original authors.

Referencing typically includes in-text citations and a reference list or bibliography with full source details. Different referencing styles exist, such as Harvard, APA and MLA, each favoured in specific fields. Your university will tell you the preferred style.

Using tools and guides provided by universities can make the referencing process more manageable, but be sure they are approved by your university before using any.

How do I write a bibliography or list my references for my dissertation?

The requirement of a bibliography depends on the style of referencing you need to use. Styles such as OSCOLA or Chicago may not require a separate bibliography. In these styles, full source information is often incorporated into footnotes throughout the piece, doing away with the need for a separate bibliography section.

Typically, reference lists or bibliographies are organised alphabetically based on the author’s last name. They usually include essential details about each source, providing a quick overview for readers who want more information. Some styles ask that you include references that you didn’t use in your final piece as they were still a part of the overall research.

It is important to maintain this list as soon as you start your research. As you complete your research, you can add more sources to your bibliography to ensure that you have a comprehensive list throughout the dissertation process.

How to proofread an undergraduate dissertation?

Throughout your dissertation writing, attention to detail will be your greatest asset. The best way to avoid making mistakes is to continuously proofread and edit your work.

Proofreading is a great way to catch any missing sections, grammatical errors or typos. There are many tips to help you proofread:

Ask someone to read your piece and highlight any mistakes they find.

Change the font so you notice any mistakes.

Format your piece as you go, headings and sections will make it easier to spot any problems.

Separate editing and proofreading. Editing is your chance to rewrite sections, add more detail or change any points. Proofreading should be where you get into the final touches, really polish what you have and make sure it’s ready to be submitted.

Stick to your citation style and make sure every resource listed in your dissertation is cited in the reference list or bibliography.

How to write a conclusion for my dissertation?

Writing a dissertation conclusion is your chance to leave the reader impressed by your work.

Start by summarising your findings, highlighting your key points and the outcome of your research. Refer back to the original research question or hypotheses to provide context to your conclusion.

You can then delve into whether you achieved the goals you set at the beginning and reflect on whether your research addressed the topic as expected. Make sure you link your findings to existing literature or sources you have included throughout your work and how your own research could contribute to your field.

Be honest about any limitations or issues you faced during your research and consider any questions that went unanswered that you would consider in the future. Make sure that your conclusion is clear and concise, and sum up the overall impact and importance of your work.

Remember, keep the tone confident and authoritative, avoiding the introduction of new information. This should simply be a summary of everything you have already said throughout the dissertation.

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University of York Thesis/Dissertation — Template for authors

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Theses & dissertations.

Theses and dissertations are extended scholarly essays that incorporate original research on a specific topic. They are usually written as part of the requirements for a graduate degree (e.g. MA or PhD).

Finding a York University thesis or dissertation Most doctoral dissertations and Master's theses completed at York University are available through the Libraries. Law dissertations are held in the Law Library; most others are held in Scott Library. Please note that the library does not normally hold copies of Major Research Papers (MRPs); for these, please check with the appropriate York University department or faculty.

For York dissertations and theses written from 1967 to 2012: Start by searching the Dissertations and Theses @ York University database. You can search by keyword, title, adviser or school. The full-text of most York theses and dissertations submitted between 1967 and 2012 can be downloaded for free.

This service is only available to registered York students and faculty. For York dissertations and theses written between 1967 and the present that were never microfilmed or have some form of embargo restricting access:

• Search the library catalogue . You can search by title, author, or keyword. When you find the entry, note the call number and location. A quick location guide is provided below.

For dissertations and theses written from 2013 to the present, search the library catalogue (NOT the classic catalogue) by title, author, or keyword.

Finding theses from other universities

• Proquest Digital Dissertations and Theses This database contains citations and abstracts of doctoral dissertations and some masters theses from colleges and universities in North America and Europe. Citations are available from 1861 to the present. Abstracts are available for dissertations from 1980 to the present and for masters theses from 1988 to the present. From 1997, sometimes earlier, the full-text of some dissertations and theses may be downloaded for free in PDF format. Please note that this service is only available to registered York students and faculty.
• Theses Canada Portal The Theses Canada Portal provides free access to the full text electronic versions of Canadian theses and dissertations that were published from the beginning of 1998 to the present.
• Index to theses (Great Britain and Ireland) An index to theses accepted in the Universities of Great Britain and Ireland. Covers 1716 – present.
• EThOS (Great Britain) Launched in 2008, the Electronic Theses Online System (EThOS) offers free access to full text versions of British theses. New theses are digitized and added to the database in response to requests from researchers.

Many other periodical indexes and databases include references to dissertations.

Note : Theses and dissertations not available in the Libraries or online can be requested through the Resource Sharing Department.

• University Libraries
• Research Guides
• Dissertations & Theses: Guide to Research

Finding UB Dissertations and Theses

Dissertations & theses: guide to research: finding ub dissertations and theses.

• Identifying Dissertations and Theses
• Obtaining Dissertations and Theses
• Information for UB Theses Authors

To borrow a UB dissertation or thesis from our collection, do an author or title search in the UB Libraries Catalog to get a library location and call number.

By Department To find or browse dissertations or theses by department conduct a keyword search in the Library Catalog , search by department name You may also choose to include the year to limit your search.

Example Search:

Dissertation  (in any field)

American Studies (in any field)

Thesis (in any field)

Media Study (in any field)

Dissertations & Theses @ SUNY Buffalo - this database provides title, author, and subject access to University at Buffalo dissertations submitted to ProQuest's Dissertations & Theses database. You can search by department as well.

• << Previous: Identifying Dissertations and Theses
• Next: Obtaining Dissertations and Theses >>