University of Barcelona Thesis Formatting Guide

University of Barcelona Thesis Formatting Standards

The University of Barcelona maintains comprehensive formatting guidelines for master’s theses and doctoral dissertations across all schools and disciplines. These standards ensure consistency, professionalism, and proper preservation of scholarly work within the university’s academic repository.

Core Formatting Standards

Font and Typography

University of Barcelona 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 consistency 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 3cm on all sides: top, bottom, left, and right. If your thesis will be bound, increase the left margin to 3.5cm to accommodate binding while keeping other margins at 3cm.

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 consistency is preferred.

Title Page and Front Matter Structure

Your title page must include:

• University name and school/faculty
• Thesis title (centered, bold, in title case)
• Your full name
• Degree sought
• Advisor and co-advisor names
• Date of submission

The front matter should follow this order:

• Title page
• Declaration of originality
• Acknowledgments (optional)
• Abstract (200-300 words)
• Resumen (Spanish summary, if thesis is in another language)
• Table of contents
• List of figures (if applicable)
• List of tables (if applicable)

Language Considerations

University of Barcelona accepts theses in Catalan, Spanish, or English, depending on your program. If your thesis is in English, provide a summary or abstract in Catalan or Spanish as well.

For theses in languages other than Catalan, the university may require a Catalan translation of the abstract and key information. Confirm language requirements with your program coordinator.

Chapter Organization and Headings

Number chapters clearly using “Chapter 1,” “Chapter 2,” and so on. Chapter titles should be descriptive and formatted distinctly from body text, typically using bold formatting.

Maintain a clear hierarchical structure for subheadings. Use consistent formatting for each heading level throughout your thesis. This helps readers navigate your argument and improves document organization.

Citation Methodology

University of Barcelona accepts multiple citation styles:

• APA (Author-Date) system
• Harvard style
• Chicago Manual of Style

Confirm the required citation style with your department or supervisor. Whichever style you choose, apply it consistently throughout your entire document. Your reference list or bibliography should appear at the end and include complete publication information for all sources cited.

GenText’s citation management tools support all major citation 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 1.5cm from the left margin and single-spaced, without quotation marks.

Provide source citations immediately following all quotations. If you are quoting from a work in a language different from your thesis, you may use a translation 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. Both should include source attribution if applicable.

Reference all tables and figures in your text before they appear, explaining their significance and how they support your argument. Ensure all visual elements are clearly formatted and easy to read.

Page Numbering

Number all pages consecutively using Arabic numerals. Page numbers should appear in the bottom right corner 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 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. If writing in English, provide these in English. If writing in Catalan or Spanish, provide keywords in your primary language.

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 for all appendices and list them in your table of contents.

Formatting for Multilingual Content

If your thesis includes text in multiple languages, establish clear formatting conventions. Use consistent fonts and formatting for each language section. Language transitions should be clearly marked, and all citations should include language information if applicable.

Digital and Print Submission

University of Barcelona requires digital submission through their thesis repository system. Your thesis should be submitted as a PDF 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 Barcelona 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 APA, Harvard, and Chicago 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 binding space
• 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
• Missing language-specific abstracts or summaries

Final Checklist

Before submitting your thesis, verify:

• All margins are correct (3cm 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
• Abstract appears in required languages
• Citations follow your chosen style consistently
• All tables and figures are numbered and captioned
• Keywords are provided in appropriate languages
• Front matter is in correct order
• Your PDF displays properly on multiple devices

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