Nanyang Technological University Thesis Formatting Guide

Nanyang Technological University Thesis Formatting Standards

Nanyang Technological University maintains comprehensive formatting guidelines for master’s theses and doctoral dissertations across all schools and research programs. These standards ensure professional presentation and consistency in scholarly work while accommodating diverse academic disciplines.

Essential Formatting Guidelines

Font and Typography

NTU requires clear, professional fonts suitable for both digital and print formats. Times New Roman at 12pt is the standard choice for body text. Arial or Calibri at 12pt are also acceptable. Select one font and maintain it consistently throughout your entire thesis.

Headings may be formatted in bold or larger font sizes for visual distinction, but the font family should remain consistent with body text. This creates a professional appearance while maintaining readability.

Margin Specifications

For unbound digital submission, use standard margins of 2.5cm on all sides (top, bottom, left, right). If your thesis will be bound, increase the left margin to 3.5cm to accommodate binding while maintaining the other margins at 2.5cm.

These precise measurements ensure proper archiving and allow for both digital and print formats.

Line Spacing

Double-spacing is required for the main body of your thesis. This applies to all chapters, quoted material within the text, and most supplementary content. Footnotes, endnotes, tables, and appendices may use single-spacing, though double-spacing is preferred for consistency.

Title Page and Front Matter

The title page must include:

• Thesis title (centered, bold, in title case)
• Your full name
• School and department
• Degree sought (Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, etc.)
• Year of submission

The front matter should follow this order:

• Title page
• Declaration of originality
• Acknowledgments (optional)
• Abstract (200-300 words)
• Table of contents
• List of figures (if applicable)
• List of tables (if applicable)
• List of symbols or abbreviations (if applicable)

Each section should begin on a new page.

Chapter Organization and Headings

Number chapters clearly using “Chapter 1,” “Chapter 2,” and so on. Main chapter headings should be formatted distinctly, typically using bold text or larger font sizes. Maintain a clear hierarchical structure for subheadings.

Subheading levels should be visually distinct from each other—for example, first-level subheadings could be bold, second-level subheadings italicized. Apply this hierarchy consistently throughout your thesis.

Citation and Reference Style

NTU recommends different citation styles depending on your school:

• IEEE style for engineering and technical fields
• Harvard style for social sciences, humanities, and business
• APA style for psychology and related disciplines

Confirm the required style with your school or supervisor. Whatever style you choose, apply it consistently throughout your entire document. Your reference list should appear at the end of your thesis and include complete publication information for every source you cite.

GenText can automatically format citations in any of these styles, ensuring consistency while you focus on developing your research and arguments.

Quotations and Block Quotations

Short quotations (fewer than three lines) should be incorporated into paragraph text with quotation marks and appropriate citations. Longer quotations should be formatted as block quotes, indented 1cm from the left margin and single-spaced, without quotation marks.

Always provide a source citation immediately following any quotation, whether it appears in paragraph text or as a block quote.

Tables and Figures

All tables and figures must be numbered consecutively and include descriptive titles or captions. Tables should have titles above them; figures should have captions below. Both should include a source attribution if applicable.

Reference all tables and figures in your text before they appear, explaining their significance and how they support your argument.

Page Numbering

Number all pages consecutively using Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.). Page numbers should appear in the bottom right corner of each page. The title page is numbered but the number does not appear on it.

Abstract and Keywords

Your abstract should be approximately 200-300 words and provide a concise summary of your entire thesis. Include your research question, methodology, key findings, and significance. Write in third person, past tense.

Include 5-8 keywords that represent your research topic. These keywords aid in database indexing and help other researchers locate your work.

Appendices

Appendices should contain material that supports your argument but would interrupt the flow if included in chapters. Examples include raw data, interview transcripts, detailed calculations, or large tables.

Label appendices as Appendix A, Appendix B, and so on, each on a separate page. Include titles for all appendices and list them in your table of contents.

Figures and Equations

For mathematical or technical theses, number equations consecutively. If there are many equations, create a list of symbols or abbreviations defining all variables and constants used.

Graphs, diagrams, and other figures should be clearly labeled with titles and captions. Ensure that all figures are legible when printed and displayed digitally.

Digital and Print Submission

NTU requires digital submission through their thesis management system. Your thesis should be submitted as a PDF with all formatting preserved. Test your PDF on multiple devices and readers to ensure proper display.

If print copies are required, they should be professionally bound according to NTU specifications. Confirm current submission requirements with your graduate office.

Using GenText for NTU Theses

GenText streamlines thesis preparation by automating consistent formatting throughout your document. The tool applies proper margins, line spacing, and heading hierarchy automatically.

Citation management features support IEEE, Harvard, and APA styles, automatically formatting your references and updating them as your thesis develops. GenText’s organizational tools help you structure chapters logically and maintain consistent numbering for pages, chapters, and cross-references.

Common Formatting Issues

• Inconsistent font sizes or styles
• Incorrect margins, particularly insufficient space for binding
• Improper spacing in block quotations
• Inconsistent citation formatting
• Missing or poorly formatted tables and figures
• Incorrect page numbering
• Front matter elements out of proper order

Final Checklist

Before submitting your thesis, verify:

• All margins are correct (2.5cm standard or 3.5cm left for binding)
• Font is consistently 12pt and professional
• Line spacing is double throughout main text
• Page numbers appear correctly on all pages
• Citations follow your chosen style consistently
• All tables and figures are numbered and captioned
• Abstract is 200-300 words with appropriate keywords
• Front matter is in correct order
• Your PDF displays properly on multiple devices

Adhering to Nanyang Technological University’s formatting standards ensures your thesis meets institutional requirements and is properly preserved within the university library system.