The structure of the PhD thesis
New document sections should start on a right-hand page / odd-number page. Often, a blank page will need to be added to ensure this. Use a page breaks when inserting a blank page, not "Enter". Print a copy to best review the layout.
All pages up to and including the reference list must be numbered. Articles and appendices do not need to be numbered.
The different parts of the thesis should appear in following order:
1. Title page must be unnumbered. Use INN's template (see at the bottom of the page) for the title page with the colophon page (copyright information, etc.). On the colophon page, only programme name is to be included. Note that this page should not be removed.
2. Summary English p. i (Should start on the right-hand page/odd-number page)
3. Summary Norwegian p. ii
- The summary should be written in both Norwegian and in English, and should be max one page each.
4. Introduction p. iii (starts on a right-hand page/odd-numbered page).
- The supervisor(s) must be mentioned cf. § 10-1 of the PhD Regulations
- If it is an article-based thesis, the introduction should be written in the same language as the cover chapter (“kappe”).
5. Table of contents p. v (starts on a right-hand page/odd-numbered page).
6. If needed any tables and charts on the following page (starts on a right-hand page/odd-numbered page).
7. Overview of the different parts/articles of the thesis (starts on a right-hand page/odd-numbered page).
- for an article-based thesis one should inform the reader which type of manuscript it is and when and where it was published.
The cover chapter ("kappe") and monograph begin after any table and figure list and/or overview of the thesis parts/articles.
8. For an article-based thesis: Each main chapter in the synthesis starts on a right-hand page/odd-numbered page.
9. References (starts on a right-hand page/odd-numbered page).
10. Appendices:
For an article-based thesis: Use numbered article divider sheets as shown in the template below. Numbered article divider sheets and the first page of the article begin on a right-hand page/odd-numbered page.
All new appendices begin on a right-hand page/odd-numbered page.
Guidance on text formatting
Font type and size
Aptos or another standard Word font.11 pt with one and a half line spacing. Quotation may have somewhat smaller font size, indentation and single line spacing. The theses are printed in 17x24 cm format, approx. 81% of A4. If you are unsure of the font size in print format, you can scale down the format.
Page numbering
Bottom of page and centred.
Table of Contents
Should not display more than three levels even if multiple levels are used in the text. It is strongly recommended to automatically generate the table of contents using header styles.
Text alignment
Left or block aligned.
Margins
2.5 cm for all pages, i.e. the standard in Word.
Paragraphs
Enter by using the Enter key once so that there is a small space between each paragraph.
Chart and table list
It is strongly recommended to generate these using styles. Create separate lists for charts (including pictures) and tables. Use the designations Chart List and / or Table List.
Illustrations:
- Only used if necessary for illustrating a point in the text, and they should also be commented on and used in the text.
- Examine whether permission must be obtained for the use of illustrations. See more about illustrations and copyrights in the APA manual (p. 57).
- Illustrations from the Colourbox image service can be used free of charge through INN's subscription.
- Create and edit the illustration using other programs before inserting them into the word processor.
- Insert the illustrations created in other programs at the end of the writing process.
File format for submission for evaluation
The thesis should as a general rule be submitted as one PDF file. If you have written and published articles, you may submit the articles in the original format (PDF) in your thesis.
Guidence for converting from a Word document to a PDF file before submisson:
- If you are using a different device than the one you normally use when converting from Word file to PDF file, it is important to look carefully at the layout of the Word file on your new PC. The layout of the file can change from one PC to another.
- If the resolution is poorer and the sheet size is different in PDF in comparison to Word, you can use "Ctrl + p" and print to PDF instead of using the PDF conversion button in the Word toolbar.
- Submit in A4 PDF file format. Use a meaningful name for the file, e.g. lastname_firstname_phd
Binding and submission
The thesis must be submitted in five bound hard copies. You may want to print a copy first and check that the layout is correct, cf. the previously mentioned guidelines. You can get you thesis bound at the following campuses:
- Lillehammer: Binding of thesis can be done at SINN bookstore.
- Hamar: Binding agreement can be made at the reception.
- Elverum: Binding agreement can be made at SINN bookstore.