Stellenbosch University Thesis Formatting Guide

Stellenbosch University Thesis Formatting Standards

Stellenbosch University maintains comprehensive formatting guidelines for master’s theses and doctoral dissertations across all faculties. These standards ensure professional presentation and consistency in scholarly work while accommodating both English and Afrikaans-language research.

Core Formatting Standards

Font and Typography

Stellenbosch University requires professional, readable fonts suitable for academic work. 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 maintain the same font family as body text. This creates a professional appearance while ensuring readability in both digital and print formats.

Margin Specifications

Standard margins are 2.5cm on all sides: top, bottom, left, and right. If your thesis will be bound, increase the left margin to 3cm while keeping other margins at 2.5cm.

These precise measurements ensure proper archiving and allow for both digital and print publication of your work.

Line Spacing

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

Title Page and Front Matter

Your title page must include:

• University name and faculty
• Thesis title (centered, bold, in title case)
• Your full name
• Degree sought (Master’s, Doctor’s, etc.)
• Department name
• Name of supervisor(s)
• Date of submission

The front matter should follow this order:

• Title page
• Declaration of originality
• Acknowledgments (optional)
• Abstract in English (if thesis is in Afrikaans)
• Abstract in Afrikaans (if thesis is in English)
• Keywords in both languages
• Table of contents
• List of figures (if applicable)
• List of tables (if applicable)

Language Considerations

Stellenbosch University accepts theses in English or Afrikaans, depending on your program. Many programs and departments prefer English, particularly for doctoral work, while others require Afrikaans.

If your thesis is in English, provide an Afrikaans abstract and keywords. If your thesis is in Afrikaans, provide an English abstract and keywords. This bilingual approach ensures your research is accessible to the broader Stellenbosch community.

Chapter Organization and Headings

Number chapters clearly and descriptively. Chapter headings should be formatted distinctly from body text, typically using bold formatting. Maintain a clear hierarchical structure for subheadings, using consistent formatting for each level.

This hierarchical organization helps readers follow your argument and improves overall document structure.

Citation Methodology

Stellenbosch University typically requires Harvard referencing style. This system uses in-text citations with author and year references, supported by an alphabetical reference list at the end of your thesis.

Some faculties may accept APA or Chicago styles, so confirm the required citation method with your supervisor or department coordinator. Whichever style you adopt, apply it consistently throughout your entire document.

GenText’s citation management tools support Harvard, APA, and Chicago styles, automatically formatting your references according to your chosen system.

Quotations and Block Quotes

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

Provide source citations immediately following all quotations. If quoting from works in languages other than your thesis language, you may use translations but must cite the original publication.

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. Include source attributions for visual elements derived from published sources.

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. Page numbers should appear in the bottom right corner or bottom center of each page. The title page is typically counted but the number does not appear on it.

Abstract and Keywords

Your abstract should be approximately 200-300 words and summarize your entire thesis concisely. Provide abstracts in both English and Afrikaans if applicable.

Include 5-8 keywords representing your research topic in both languages if your thesis is bilingual.

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 extended tables.

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

Formatting for Bilingual Content

If your thesis includes significant content in both English and Afrikaans, establish clear formatting conventions. Language transitions should be clearly marked, and citations should include language information when appropriate.

Digital and Print Submission

Stellenbosch University requires digital submission through their thesis repository system. Your thesis should be submitted in PDF format with all formatting preserved. Test your PDF on multiple devices to ensure proper display.

Print copies may also be required for archival purposes. Confirm current submission requirements with your graduate office. Bound copies should meet university specifications for binding materials and quality.

Using GenText for Stellenbosch 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 Harvard, APA, and Chicago styles, automatically formatting your references according to your chosen system. GenText’s organizational tools help you structure chapters logically and maintain consistent numbering.

Common Formatting Issues

• Inconsistent font sizes or styles
• Incorrect margins or insufficient binding space
• Improper spacing in block quotations
• Inconsistent citation formatting
• Missing or poorly formatted tables and figures
• Missing English or Afrikaans abstracts
• Front matter elements out of proper order

Final Checklist

Before submitting your thesis, verify:

• All margins are correct (2.5cm standard or 3cm left for binding)
• Font is consistently 12pt and professional
• Line spacing is double throughout main text
• Page numbers appear correctly on all pages
• Abstracts appear in both required languages
• Keywords are provided in both languages
• Citations follow your chosen style consistently
• All tables and figures are numbered and captioned
• Front matter is in correct order
• Your PDF displays properly on multiple devices

Adhering to Stellenbosch University’s comprehensive formatting standards ensures your thesis meets institutional requirements and is properly preserved in the university’s academic repository.