University of Sydney Thesis Formatting Guide

University of Sydney Thesis Formatting Standards

The University of Sydney maintains comprehensive guidelines for thesis and dissertation preparation across all research degree programs. These standards ensure consistency in scholarly presentation and facilitate the preservation of work within the university library system and digital repositories.

Essential Formatting Requirements

Font Selection and Size

University of Sydney requires legible fonts suitable for both digital archiving and print reproduction. Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri at 12-point size are standard choices. Select one font and maintain it consistently throughout your entire thesis.

Headings may use the same font size or be slightly larger for visual distinction, but consistency is essential. Font selection impacts how your thesis displays on different devices and in various digital formats, so choose carefully.

Margin Specifications

The university specifies precise margin requirements: 40mm on the left margin, and 20mm on the right, top, and bottom margins. The left margin is deliberately wider to accommodate binding and margin notes during thesis examination.

These measurements must be exact. Incorrect margins will result in your thesis being returned for revision before examination can proceed.

Line Spacing Requirements

Double-spacing is required for the main body of your thesis. This applies to all chapter text, quotations within the text, and most supplementary material. Footnotes, endnotes, and appendices may be single-spaced, but double-spacing is preferred for consistency.

Title Page and Front Matter Structure

Your thesis begins with a title page that includes your thesis title (in capital letters), your full name, the degree pursued, the department or school, and the submission date. All elements should be centered on the page.

Following the title page, include these elements in order:

• Declaration of authorship (confirming the work is your own)
• Acknowledgments (optional but common)
• Table of contents
• List of figures (if applicable)
• List of tables (if applicable)
• Abstract (maximum 300 words)

Each section begins on a new page. The declaration of authorship is mandatory and must appear before any other content.

Chapter Structure and Headings

Organize chapters with clear, descriptive titles. Chapter headings should be formatted distinctly from body text, either through capitalization, bolding, or increased spacing. Maintain a consistent heading hierarchy throughout your thesis.

Subheadings should be clearly subordinate to chapter headings but formatted consistently wherever they appear. This hierarchical structure helps readers navigate your argument and aids in digital accessibility.

Referencing and Citation Style

The University of Sydney recommends Harvard referencing as the standard style. This system uses in-text citations with author and year references, supported by an alphabetical bibliography at the end of your thesis.

Some faculties may permit APA or Chicago style, so confirm with your supervisor or department administrator before beginning your research. Whichever style you adopt, apply it consistently to every citation throughout your document.

GenText’s referencing tools can automatically format citations in your chosen style, ensuring consistency and accuracy while you focus on developing your arguments.

Quotations and Block Quotes

Quotations of fewer than three lines should be incorporated into your paragraph text with quotation marks. Longer quotations should be set as block quotes, indented 10mm from the left margin, single-spaced, without quotation marks.

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

Tables, Figures, and Captions

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. Reference all tables and figures in your text before they appear.

Appendices containing supplementary tables or figures should be clearly labeled and included in your table of contents.

Page Numbering System

Number all pages sequentially 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.

Some institutions use Roman numerals for front matter, so verify Sydney’s current preference with your department.

Abstract and Keywords

The abstract is a concise summary of your entire thesis, typically 250-300 words. It should summarize your research question, methodology, key findings, and significance. Write it in third person and past tense.

Include 3-5 keywords that represent your research focus. These keywords aid in database indexing and help other researchers locate your work.

Appendices and Supplementary Material

Appendices should contain material that supports your argument but would disrupt the flow if included in the main text. Examples include raw data, interview transcripts, detailed calculations, or extended tables.

Label appendices as Appendix A, Appendix B, and so on. Each should have a title and appear on a separate page. Include all appendices in your table of contents.

Digital and Print Submission

University of Sydney requires digital submission through their thesis portal. Your PDF must be formatted correctly with all formatting preserved. Test your PDF carefully to ensure fonts display properly, margins are correct, and all images and tables are visible.

Bound print copies may also be required for archival purposes. Confirm current submission requirements with your graduate office before finalizing your thesis.

Using GenText for Sydney Theses

GenText simplifies thesis preparation by automating formatting tasks. The tool ensures consistent margins, line spacing, and heading hierarchy throughout your document. Harvard and other referencing styles are applied automatically to your citations.

GenText’s outline features help you structure your chapters logically and maintain consistent numbering. As you revise sections, the tool updates all cross-references, page numbers, and formatting automatically.

Common Formatting Issues

• Inconsistent margins, particularly incorrect left margin width
• Mixing citation styles or applying them inconsistently
• Improper spacing in block quotations
• Missing page numbers or incorrect numbering
• Unformatted or poorly positioned tables and figures
• Incomplete or improperly ordered front matter

Pre-Submission Verification

Before submitting, verify:

• All margins meet Sydney’s specifications (40mm left, 20mm others)
• Font is consistently 12 points and legible
• Line spacing is double throughout main text
• Page numbers appear on every page
• References follow Harvard style consistently
• All tables and figures are numbered and captioned
• Abstract is approximately 300 words
• Front matter is in correct order
• Your PDF displays correctly on multiple devices

Following these guidelines ensures your thesis meets University of Sydney standards and is ready for examination.