NTU Singapore Thesis Format Guide

Nanyang Technological University maintains comprehensive formatting standards for all graduate research theses and dissertations. This guide provides detailed information on NTU’s formatting requirements.

Page Setup and Margins

NTU’s margin specifications accommodate binding and ensure professional presentation.

Left Margin: 1.5 inches - Provides space for binding without obscuring text.

Right Margin: 1 inch - Standard margin providing adequate white space.

Top Margin: 1 inch - Applied consistently across all pages.

Bottom Margin: 1 inch - Ensures proper spacing for page numbers.

Paper Size: A4 (210mm x 297mm) or letter size (8.5” x 11”) is acceptable.

Page Orientation: Portrait (vertical) orientation is standard.

Setting Margins in Word: Page Layout > Margins > Custom Margins (left: 1.5”, right: 1”, top: 1”, bottom: 1”).

Font Requirements

NTU maintains clear font specifications for thesis preparation.

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

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

Footnotes and Endnotes: May be single-spaced 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, subsection headings in 12-point bold italic.

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

Title Page Format

Your title page should include the following elements centered:

Required Elements:

• Thesis title
• Author name
• Degree (e.g., Doctor of Philosophy)
• School/College
• Nanyang Technological University
• Date of submission

Layout: Center all elements with appropriate spacing for visual balance.

Page Numbering: Not numbered but counts as page i.

Line Spacing: Single-spacing for the title page.

Abstract Requirements

Length: 300-500 words for most NTU 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 “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, etc.).

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

Appendices: Continue Arabic numerals.

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

Implementation: Use Insert > Page Numbers with Section Breaks.

Citation Style Requirements

NTU permits different citation styles by discipline.

Engineering: IEEE style is standard.

Sciences: APA or IEEE is common.

Social Sciences: APA or Harvard is acceptable.

Verification: Check with your school for specific requirements.

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

Figure and Table Formatting

Table Titles: Above tables in 12-point font, numbered sequentially or by chapter.

Figure Captions: Below figures, numbered sequentially or by chapter.

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 “BIBLIOGRAPHY” or “REFERENCES” 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.

Formatting: Apply same formatting as main text.

Electronic Submission Requirements

File Format: Submit as PDF with embedded fonts.

File Naming: Follow NTU conventions, typically: LastName_FirstName_PhD_2026.pdf

Submission Deadline: Check the Graduate Studies office for deadlines.

Embargo Option: Request if necessary to protect unpublished research.

Tips for Formatting in Microsoft Word

Create Custom Styles: Define styles before writing.

Use Section Breaks: Separate front matter from body text.

Insert Page Breaks: Use Ctrl+Enter for new chapters.

Generate Table of Contents: Use References > Table of Contents.

Verify Margins: Check before finalizing.

Related Resources and Tools

GenText Citation Generator: Supports IEEE, APA, Chicago, Harvard, and other formats.

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

Common Formatting Issues and Solutions

Issue: Inconsistent Heading Styles Solution: Use Word’s Styles gallery exclusively for all headings. Never manually format headings.

Issue: Page Numbers Not Resetting Solution: Insert Section Breaks (not regular page breaks) between sections. Configure page numbering separately for each section.

Issue: Margins Applied Inconsistently Solution: Select all text (Ctrl+A) before applying margins. Use Section Breaks for sections needing different margins.

Issue: Wrong Page Numbers in Table of Contents Solution: Update table of contents after editing. Right-click and select “Update Field.”

Word Formatting Best Practices

Before writing: Set up margins, define styles, configure headers/footers, set paragraph formatting.

During writing: Apply styles consistently, use automatic page breaks (Ctrl+Enter), insert footnotes via References > Footnotes, save frequently.

Before submission: Update automatic fields, check formatting consistency, verify margins and fonts, review for errors, create PDF with embedded fonts, test on different computer.

Formatting Checklist

• Margins: 1.5” left, 1” others
• Body text: Times New Roman, 12-point, double-spaced
• All headings properly formatted
• Page numbering correct
• Abstract: 300-500 words
• All tables/figures properly titled with sources
• Bibliography complete and alphabetized
• Title page includes all elements
• Table of contents accurate
• PDF has embedded fonts and proper file name

Conclusion

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

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

For the most current information on NTU thesis requirements, consult the Graduate Studies office. School-specific requirements may vary, so always verify with your supervisor.

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