LSE Thesis Format Guide

The London School of Economics maintains comprehensive formatting standards for all graduate research theses and dissertations. This guide covers LSE’s specific formatting requirements.

Page Setup and Margins

LSE’s margin specifications ensure proper binding and archival preservation.

Left Margin: 40mm (approximately 1.57 inches) - Required for binding.

Right Margin: 20mm (approximately 0.79 inches) - Standard margin.

Top Margin: 20mm (approximately 0.79 inches) - Applied consistently across pages.

Bottom Margin: 20mm (approximately 0.79 inches) - Maintains spacing for page numbers.

Paper Size: A4 (210mm x 297mm) is the standard.

Page Orientation: Portrait (vertical) orientation throughout.

Setting Margins in Word: Page Layout > Margins > Custom Margins (left: 40mm, right: 20mm, top: 20mm, bottom: 20mm).

Font Requirements

LSE maintains specific font and spacing requirements.

Body Text Font: Times New Roman in 12-point size is standard. Other serif fonts are acceptable.

Line Spacing: Double-spacing (2.0) is required for all body text.

Footnotes and Endnotes: May be single-spaced (1.5) in 10-point font.

Font Consistency: Use the same font throughout body text.

Headings: Chapter headings in 14-point bold, section headings in 12-point bold.

Tables and Figures: May use fonts as small as 10-point if necessary.

Title Page Format

Your title page must include:

Required Elements:

• Thesis title
• Author name
• London School of Economics and Political Science
• Degree (e.g., Doctor of Philosophy)
• Department
• Date of submission

Layout: Center all elements with balanced spacing.

Page Numbering: Not numbered but counts as page i.

Line Spacing: Single-spacing for title page.

Abstract Requirements

Length: 300-500 words for most LSE theses.

Content: Summarize your research problem, methodology, findings, and significance.

Page Placement: On its own page following the title page.

Title: Center “ABSTRACT” in capitals.

Formatting: Double-spaced, same font as body text.

Table of Contents

Format: Include chapter titles and major sections with page numbers.

Title: Center “CONTENTS” or “TABLE OF CONTENTS” in capitals.

Formatting: Double-spaced with dot leaders.

Automatic Generation: Use Word’s References > Table of Contents.

Heading Styles and Hierarchy

Chapter Headings (Level 1): 14-point bold, centered, begin on new page.

Section Headings (Level 2): 12-point bold, left-aligned.

Subsection Headings (Level 3): 12-point bold italic, left-aligned.

Paragraph Headings (Level 4): 12-point bold, run-in style.

Consistency: Use Word’s Styles gallery for all headings.

Page Numbering

Front Matter: Use lowercase Roman numerals (i, ii, iii).

Body Text: Begin Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) with introduction.

Appendices: Continue Arabic numerals.

Page Number Location: Upper right corner or centered at bottom.

Implementation: Use Insert > Page Numbers with Section Breaks.

Citation Style Requirements

LSE varies by department, with Harvard being most common.

Social Sciences: Harvard referencing (author-date system) is typical.

Alternative: Some departments may accept footnote-based systems or APA.

Verification: Check with your department for specific requirements.

Using GenText: GenText supports Harvard, APA, Chicago, and other major formats.

Figure and Table Formatting

Table Titles: Above tables in 12-point font.

Figure Captions: Below figures.

Source Citations: Include sources for all data.

Integration: Embed in text near references.

Lists: Include if you have more than 5 figures or tables.

Bibliography and References

Organization: Alphabetical by author’s last name.

Title: Center “REFERENCES” or “BIBLIOGRAPHY” in capitals.

Formatting: Use hanging indentation, double-spaced.

Appendices

Labeling: Label as “Appendix A,” “Appendix B,” etc.

Page Numbering: Continue from main text.

Content: Include supplementary materials.

Electronic Submission Requirements

File Format: Submit as PDF with embedded fonts to LSE Theses Online.

File Naming: Follow LSE conventions.

Submission Deadline: Check your department for deadlines.

Tips for Formatting in Microsoft Word

Create Custom Styles: Define styles before writing for body text and all heading levels. Access via Home > Styles > Styles Pane.

Use Section Breaks: Separate front matter from body text. Go to Page Layout > Breaks > Section Break to enable different page numbering.

Generate Table of Contents: Use References > Table of Contents for automatic generation and updating.

Verify Margins: Check all margins via Page Layout > Margins > Custom Margins before submission.

Manage Footnotes: Use References > Footnotes for consistent footnote insertion and formatting.

Save Frequently: Save every 15-30 minutes and maintain backup copies on multiple locations.

Common Formatting Challenges

Inconsistent Headings: Use Styles gallery exclusively, define before writing, apply uniformly.

Page Number Issues: Insert Section Breaks between sections, configure numbering separately for each.

Margin Problems: Select all text (Ctrl+A) before applying margins to entire document.

Wrong Table of Contents: Update after editing via right-click > Update Field.

Formatting Checklist

• Margins: 40mm left, 20mm others
• Body text: Times New Roman, 12-point, double-spaced
• Headings: Proper hierarchy via Styles
• Page numbering: Roman for front matter, Arabic for body
• Abstract: 300-500 words
• Tables/figures: Titles, captions, sources
• Bibliography: Alphabetical, complete
• Title page: All elements, centered
• Table of contents: Complete, accurate
• PDF: Fonts embedded, proper naming
• No errors, consistent formatting

Related Resources and Tools

GenText Citation Generator: Supports Harvard, APA, Chicago, and other formats. Generate citations and manage bibliography automatically.

Word Formatting Tutorials:

• How to Format a Thesis in Word
• How to Create and Update a Table of Contents
• How to Use Section Breaks for Different Page Numbering
• How to Create Custom Heading Styles
• How to Manage Footnotes and Endnotes

Conclusion

Proper thesis formatting at LSE demonstrates professionalism and academic integrity. Use Word’s tools effectively and reference this guide throughout your thesis.

Creating custom styles before writing is the most important step for consistent formatting. This upfront investment saves significant time during final preparation.

For the most current information on LSE thesis requirements, consult your department or the LSE website. Department-specific requirements may vary, so verify with your advisor.

With careful attention to these requirements and this guide, your thesis will meet all LSE standards and present your research professionally.