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How to Create a Dissertation Timeline (With Examples + Tempate)

When it’s time to start thinking about writing your dissertation, it is vital to put together a dissertation timeline. This will help you map out the months you will be spending on your dissertation, and ensure that you’re staying on track. A specific and detailed dissertation timeline will serve as an outline to guide you, step by step, through what can be a long and challenging process. 

While we often refer to a dissertation in a way that makes it sound like a monolith, in reality, a dissertation consists of many moving parts. A dissertation timeline includes a series of milestones that leads up to the dissertation defense , revisions, and final submission of your dissertation. Constructing an outline of every step in the dissertation process , including rough estimates of how long each will take, will give you a realistic picture of where you are in the process at any given time. 

Before embarking on your dissertation, it is a good idea to meet with your dissertation advisor and sketch out a dissertation timeline that is realistic for the size and scope of your project and includes deadlines. This will provide you with much-needed structure and a sense of what will happen next. To get an idea of what a completed dissertation looks like and the components your program requires, ask to see samples from recent graduates in your department. 

These are a few frequently asked questions about crafting a dissertation timeline: 

  • What does a dissertation timeline look like?
  • What goes in a dissertation timeline? 
  • How structured should a dissertation timeline be?
  • What do you do with a dissertation timeline? 

blonde woman writing dissertation prospectus in a cafe

What Does a Dissertation Timeline Look Like? 

One way to think about a dissertation timeline is as a kind of outline. While the outlining process is unique to each writer, there are commonalities shared by all of them. Likewise, when writing a dissertation timeline, you’ll want to include all of the basic elements of your dissertation as well as the amount of time you think you’ll need to execute them. 

The best dissertation timeline format is the one that works for you. Though I’ve reformed somewhat over the years, for a long time I wasn’t a fan of intensely detailed outlines. Many people don’t like outlines. And that’s okay! However, writing a dissertation is not the time to be flying by the seat of your pants. To get started, a simple, linear timeline that projects the amount of time you think you’ll need to write your dissertation will suffice. 

Example Dissertation Timeline

Below, you’ll find an example of a dissertation timeline, which you can view as an image in your browser or download as a spreadsheet. Feel free to use the spreadsheet as a template as you build your own dissertation timeline.

example of a dissertation timeline spreadsheet

Or download the spreadsheet below:

Inclusion in a Dissertation Timeline

When constructing your dissertation timeline, include every element of the dissertation from the abstract to the conclusion. Keep in mind that you may not be writing your chapters in chronological order. For instance, after completing their first round of research and writing their research question, most graduate students will tackle their literature review next, even though it comes after the abstract and introduction in the final document. 

Depending on the field being studied, most dissertations will also include sections for methodology, results, and discussion. Many programs also require a detailed conclusion that alludes to future research possibilities. Every dissertation also has an extensive list of references (pro tip: write this as you’re writing your dissertation), as well as appendices for charts, graphs, and other ephemera. And don’t forget your acknowledgments! 

Dissertation Timeline Structure

The structure of your dissertation timeline will take shape once you’re engaged in the research process. While a road map may seem like an apt metaphor for a dissertation, once you get started you may notice a lot of starts and stops and circling back. After you’ve begun researching, you may realize that you need to allot more time for digging through the databases, or you may discover that you need to reformulate your research question entirely. 

custom made calendar in a notebook with different color notes

I’ve seen many of my own graduate students use calendars to great effect, giving themselves hard and fast deadlines to meet. Many students also build out their dissertation timelines as they progress, attaching working drafts of their abstract, introduction, and literature review to their timeline within a giant spreadsheet that links to multiple documents and sources. All of these methods are valid. Devise one that works for you. 

Using a Dissertation Timeline

So once you have a thoughtful, soundly-constructed dissertation timeline, what do you do with it? First, and most importantly, try your best to adhere to it. Check in with your dissertation timeline regularly, and use it to keep yourself on track. Also, make adjustments to it as needed. If you find yourself breezing through your preliminary research but needing a bit more time for your literature review, consult your timeline and adjust accordingly. 

While meeting your deadlines is important, also construct your dissertation timeline with an understanding that many graduate students face delays once they start working on their dissertation. These can include hold-ups at the department or university level in the form of late IRB approval or limited lab space or grant funding that gets cut. Anything can happen, but having a dissertation timeline will help you get back on track as soon as the storm passes. 

In my own experience, I also found my dissertation timeline to be a great document to share and discuss with my dissertation chair and committee. Once I finished my comprehensive exams, I met with members of my dissertation committee and got feedback on my rough dissertation timeline to make sure my goals for submitting my dissertation and graduating were realistic. This also ensured that we were all on the same page. 

When writing a dissertation, timing is everything. Creating a dissertation timeline gives you definitive time limits for research and writing, and it also influences several other major decisions that you’ll need to make. These include preparation to go on the job market, which often coincides with writing your dissertation. There is no doubt that this will be a hectic time in your graduate school career, but having a well-organized dissertation timeline is a good way to keep everything in perspective. 

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Courtney Watson, Ph.D.

Courtney Watson, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of English at Radford University Carilion, in Roanoke, Virginia. Her areas of expertise include undergraduate and graduate curriculum development for writing courses in the health sciences and American literature with a focus on literary travel, tourism, and heritage economies. Her writing and academic scholarship has been widely published in places that include  Studies in American Culture ,  Dialogue , and  The Virginia Quarterly Review . Her research on the integration of humanities into STEM education will be published by Routledge in an upcoming collection. Dr. Watson has also been nominated by the State Council for Higher Education of Virginia’s Outstanding Faculty Rising Star Award, and she is a past winner of the National Society of Arts & Letters Regional Short Story Prize, as well as institutional awards for scholarly research and excellence in teaching. Throughout her career in higher education, Dr. Watson has served in faculty governance and administration as a frequent committee chair and program chair. As a higher education consultant, she has served as a subject matter expert, an evaluator, and a contributor to white papers exploring program development, enrollment research, and educational mergers and acquisitions.

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Top 10 Thesis Timeline Templates with Samples and Examples

Top 10 Thesis Timeline Templates with Samples and Examples

Madhusheel Arora

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Authority figures. We all look up to them for guidance or for solutions to our worldly woes, as we go about our daily lives. Apart from political leaders and our family doctors, there is only one kind of doctor, globally, that can propound a thesis.

Once a thesis proposal passes muster through a select panel of distinguished experts and gets their approval, we have PhD doctor being gifted to the society.

A huge achievement for the individual who has earned a doctorate.

It is not at all child’s play to write a thesis. It takes time, patience, and lots of revisions before a thesis proposal can be submitted. It is essential to get your timelines right, as well as the milestones that will mark this long journey.

Meanwhile, at this stage, if you want to have a better idea of how timelines operate in a business lifecycle and how to record business history, please click here .

This blog takes you through thesis timelines templates that offer the best-in-class expertise on taking the first step towards a thesis. From Pre-Proposal Planning to the time when you publish the PhD defense date, everything needs to be marked on a timeline. Each of these thesis presentation ppt  templates are content ready, 100% customizable, and editable.

Let’s take a tour of these templates where you just need to key in your information, and you have world-class resources at hand to ace your thesis work with a specified timeline, always in sync with the required scheduling.

Template 1: A Comprehensive Guide to Thesis Defense

This 13-slide complete deck is a treasure house for PhD students. Use this to create a five-year roadmap with the first year meant for preparation of PhD Proposal, selecting an advisor. The first three years require 40-hour weeks. Between the third and the fourth year, the scholar (you) will have their proposal preparation exam. In the 4th year, you start working on the PhD Thesis preparation. The defense is scheduled in the 5th year or could stretch beyond. The DOs and DON’Ts for thesis content are simple, but valuable techniques that one could forget in the heat of the moment. Use this template to also anticipate the questions that may be asked and the importance of a back-up plan. Download now!

Thesis Defense Roadmap Individual Researcher Strategy Presentation

DOWNLOAD NOW

Template 2: Five-Yearly Developing and Designing Guidelines for Thesis Roadmap

Use this pre-designed PPT Template to deliver the critical deliverable, steps involved, time frame and more into a five-year plan of action. You start with the problem statement and your motivation for the thesis. Then, you develop some guidelines, before researching what these mean in real-life and finally by giving closure to your problem statement. Use this presentation template as a beneficial communication tool that facilitates tasks and helps you achieve targets. Download now!

Five yearly developing and designing guidelines for thesis roadmap

Template 3: Thesis Presentation Audience Research Analysis Structure Timeline

Writing your Thesis Defense Presentation can be unnerving, despite your age or academic experience. This 12-slide PPT Template offers you key solutions/suggestions to get this right. Getting started, how to add a bit of structure and getting adequate support to your ideas from books, all will help. Focus on the introduction and do not succumb to the temptation to rush through your thesis presentation is the best advice. Download now!

Thesis Presentation Audience Research Analysis Structure Timeline Technical

Template 4: Quarterly Thesis Subjectively Enrollment Roadmap

This PPT Template divides the longish process of earning a PhD into quarterly milestones that will help you research your subject better. After two quarters of subjective research, you may finally realign your point of view, if needed. Then, this template offers the option of finalizing your claim with the action being either of research completion or submission of thesis. Download now and pave the way for further training and events.

Quarterly thesis subjectively enrollment roadmap

Template 5: Projected Research Proposal For Thesis Timeline Analysis

When working toward a PhD thesis, use this PPT Template to organize tasks like framing the thesis proposal; pre-proposal planning; proposal writing and revisions. Use this presentation template to map those tasks to a timeline in months with specific beginning and end dates as well. Download on and get on the highway to productivity in thesis timeline analysis.

Projected research proposal for thesis timeline analysis ppt powerpoint presentation professional

Template 6: Projected Research Proposal for Thesis Timeline Analysis Presentation Model

Here, the presentation template, on the lines of the previous slide, allows you to divide your thesis into phases with the defined timelines being weeks. After reading and research, you have the option to present and interpret the topic (separate spheres). Use this template to showcase how mindful you are about time management. Download now!

Projected research proposal for thesis timeline ppt powerpoint presentation model

Template 7: Projected Research Proposal for Thesis Timeline Analysis Elements PPT Portfolio

This PPT Template is meant to showcase how you can use a 30-60-90 Day plan to the thesis preparation stages. The categorization allows for each of these milestone periods to be divided into elements, comments, and actions. Major elements of the thesis like proposal review, preparing the research and progress report and scheduling and planning the thesis defense can get their timeline here. Get this presentation template now!

Projected research proposal for thesis timeline elements ppt powerpoint presentation portfolio

Template 8: Timeline for Thesis Research Paper Proposal

The five-year timeline thesis research proposal template is designed to offer you the freedom to punch in milestones. These are to give you an attractive backdrop. Please make sure you list these seven major components of work toward your theses in appropriate timelines. This will all come handy at the time of dissertation defense. The seven major chunks of milestones you need to place on this timeline are: Title Page; Introduction; Literature Review; Methodology; Results; Discussion and Conclusions. Make sure you get what you deserve. Download this template now.

Timeline for thesis research paper proposal ppt templates

Template 9: Quarterly Thesis Conclusion with Tutorial Workshop Roadmap

This PPT Template lists the thesis timeline into quarterly chunks, linking each with activities. From thesis initiation in a quarter, you move to submitting these to a research committee, where its composition and the members decide whether you can go ahead. Then, you get on with the PhD course work, ending with thesis submission. Attending training and events are also a major part of the research involved in this thesis timeline presentation template. Get it now!

Quarterly thesis conclusion with tutorial workshop roadmap

Template 10: Six-month subject drafting and thesis completion roadmap

This PPT Template helps you excel at productive management of the thesis with its emphasis on processes. From completing your first draft on the thesis to final submission, you can use this presentation template to accelerate your move toward earning a PhD. Download now!

Six months subject drafting and thesis completion roadmap

Knowledge meets action

It is imperative that there is some practical, everyday improvement in people’s lives with the applications of the knowledge outlined in a thesis. Even as this could take time, it is critical that you stay with your thesis timeline all the way for better long-term results. For instance, a number of theses on diversity and inclusion have proved its positive impact. If you want to conduct a comprehensive course on diversity and inclusion, SlideTeam has one for you. Click here to download our comprehensive guide to diversity and inclusion with training material included.

P.S. Another thing where time is of critical importance is your response to customer queries, experiences and service provided. Download our comprehensive training module on Customer Service, with hands-on activities and training material, with a click here .

FAQs on Thesis Timeline

What is thesis timeline.

A thesis allows you to put forward a subject or topic and back it up with a long piece of writing involving original study of the subject. A dissertation timeline is the map of how you will conduct this study over time. It is an original work, so there are a few milestones that contribute to its successful execution. Earning a thesis is, of course, an rigorous academic task, but it also requires people skills like regular meetings with your dissertation guide/advisor, preparing for dissertation defense. etc. Hence, time management is critical to earning a thesis.

Can you write a thesis in six months?

A tricky question this, especially if you are aware of the adage: ‘Work’ expands to fill the time you are given to complete it. Simply put, yes, a thesis can be written in six months, but for this to be done, the field research, accessing and reading good material, and the planning need to be there first. As you would expect, the above activities are all time-consuming. There can be no loose ends in the final dissertation thesis, hence, the writing can be done in six months. The key is to remember the saying, “It took me 20 years to become an overnight star.”

How many months does a thesis take?

For quality and originality, it is advisable that you draw up a thesis timeline and stick to it. Usually, the time to earn a thesis is more than a year. Yet, it pays to go back to first principles, when you want your thesis early or in months. The thesis is your highest academic achievement and universities around the world have varying expectations/rules on the time they grant it in. Ideally, getting that PhD degree in months is possible, but the key deliverables are the quality of research, its publication in a paper of international repute and real-life applications that the thesis spawns.

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How to Create a Research Timeline for Your Thesis

How to Create a Research Timeline for Your Thesis

5-minute read

  • 21st May 2023

Beginning a dissertation can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. One of the best things you can do to prepare for the exciting journey of doing a dissertation is to design a comprehensive timeline as your guide. Here we will take you step by step through creating your thesis timeline and provide some example templates, so you’ll be well-prepared to begin your dissertation work.

Reasons for Creating a Timeline

There are many benefits to crafting a detailed dissertation timeline. In addition to helping with time management and meeting crucial deadlines, your timeline will also help you stay motivated by reviewing the tasks you have completed as you progress. A thorough timeline will be valuable during your dissertation proposal and useful if you are applying for grants or other additional funding.

Ste0ps for Creating a Timeline for Your Thesis:

  • Research and record all requirements and deadlines.

Before you write out your timeline, ensure you know all of your program’s requirements and deadlines. Academic institutions often require you to complete your dissertation within a specified timeframe.

There are likely several recommended or mandatory deadlines for approval of certain items by your adviser (and possibly the rest of your committee members). Gather all these dates beforehand so you can allot an appropriate amount of time to meet your deadlines.

It will be beneficial to meet with your adviser to understand when you are expected to complete the major phases of your dissertation work and to confirm that there aren’t any other requirements or deadlines that you may not be aware of.

  • List all of your tasks and bundle them into phases.

Now that you’ve assembled your dates, working backward from your deadlines is a good rule of thumb. List all of the required tasks that must be completed to meet each milestone, from coming up with your research questions to writing each chapter of your dissertation .

Even though your list will be unique to your research project, it can help to refer to a thesis checklist . It’s also helpful to assemble tasks into different phases (e.g., dissertation proposal, research recruitment). Grouping tasks into phases gives anyone looking at your timeline a quick overview of your research plan.

  • Organize your tasks into a schedule and assign task deadlines.

Now it’s time to build your timeline. There are many different free templates available online, from straightforward lists of deliverables to colorful options with room for notes and customization.

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A popular organizational approach for thesis timelines is a Gantt chart , which is a type of bar chart often used in project management in which the length of the bar corresponds to the time the task will take. The best choice for you will depend on the specifics of your research study and personal preferences. Whichever option you select, make sure you can easily edit and revise it as need be.

Sanity-Saving Tips:

●  Pay attention to your work style. Some people are more productive when writing in short bursts, while others write better after taking time to get into the zone. Some people choose to start writing parts of their thesis while still conducting research, while others prefer to focus on one phase at a time. Set yourself up for success by reflecting on what type of schedule will help you create the best quality work.

●  Schedule breaks. Almost everyone will work better after a well-deserved break. Make sure to schedule regular breaks into your timeline, as well as provide enough time to sleep, eat well, and do anything else you need to do to safeguard your well-being. 

●  Always have a plan B. Your dissertation is an extensive endeavor with many moving parts. It’s impossible to anticipate and plan for every conceivable event, but it’s helpful to expect something may occur that will cause a deviation from your original timeline. Perhaps study recruitment takes longer than you expected, or one of your committee members gets sick and you have to postpone your dissertation proposal. After you draft your timeline, check that it is not so strict that any disruption will cause a total derailment of your plan. Aim to strike a balance between goals that will inspire you to progress steadfastly and have some leeway in your timeline for the inevitable curveball that life will throw at you somewhere along the way.

Following these three steps will help you draft a timeline to steer the course of your dissertation work: research and record all requirements and deadlines; work backward from your dissertation deadline and assemble your task lists; and organize your tasks into a timeline.

Don’t forget to include ample time for editing and proofreading your dissertation . And if you are interested in any help from us, you can try a sample of our services for free . Best of luck in writing your dissertation!

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Sample MS Research and Thesis Timeline

A research project culminating in a Master of Science degree (MS) typically takes 18-24 months from time of enrollment and follows a similar trajectory regardless of the research topic. This document provides a Gantt chart illustrating a "typical" research timeline for a model-focused project. Note that thesis and graduation deadlines are approximate, and you are responsible for knowing and meeting deadlines specific to your degree.

Additional resources are available from the graduate school (https://grad.wisc.edu/current-students/masters-guide/#what-you-need-to-do).

Office of Undergraduate Education

University Honors Program

  • Honors Requirements
  • Major and Thesis Requirements
  • Courses & Experiences
  • Honors Courses
  • NEXUS Experiences
  • Non-Course Experiences
  • Faculty-Directed Research and Creative Projects
  • Community Engagement and Volunteering
  • Internships
  • Learning Abroad
  • Honors Thesis Guide
  • Sample Timeline
  • Important Dates and Deadlines
  • Requirements and Evaluation Criteria
  • Supervision and Approval
  • Credit and Honors Experiences
  • Style and Formatting
  • Submit Your Thesis
  • Submit to the Digital Conservancy
  • Honors Advising
  • Honors Reporting Center
  • Get Involved
  • University Honors Student Association
  • UHSA Executive Board
  • Honors Multicultural Network
  • Honors Mentor Program
  • Honors Recognition Ceremony
  • Honors Community & Housing
  • Freshman Invitation
  • Post-Freshman Admission
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Faculty Fellows
  • Faculty Resources
  • Honors Faculty Representatives
  • Internal Honors Scholarships
  • Office for National and International Scholarships
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Personal Statements
  • Scholarship Information
  • Honors Lecture Series
  • Make a Donation
  • UHP Land Acknowledgment
  • UHP Policies

Thesis Guide: Sample Timeline

Plan ahead! Developing a project, completing research or creative work, and writing your thesis will be a year-long effort at a minimum. Consult with your honors advisor and honors faculty representative to determine a timeline that is appropriate for you.

Freshman & Sophomore Years

  • Explore major options; meet with faculty teaching your courses
  • Ask faculty and advisors about research opportunities in your department
  • Get involved in research to develop topics of interest

Junior Year

  • Discuss thesis options with appropriate faculty
  • Select a faculty supervisor and additional readers (if required)
  • Review current literature
  • Define your thesis topic
  • Begin (or continue) thesis research

Senior Year, fall 

  • Submit your Thesis Proposal form  by the established deadline  using the Honors Reporting Center.
  • Finish thesis research
  • Establish a comprehensive outline to inform your preliminary draft
  • Submit a preliminary draft to your faculty supervisor

Senior Year, spring

  • Please consult your faculty supervisor for discipline-specific guidelines
  • Submit final draft to supervisor and readers  by the established deadline.
  • Submit revised draft to committee and arrange public presentation (if presentation is required by your department) by the established deadline.
  • Submit your Thesis Completion  by the established deadline  using the Honors Reporting Center.
  • Submit PDF copy of thesis according to  submission guidelines .
  • Summer Research Opportunities
  • Global Seminars and LAC Seminars
  • Honors Research in London - Summer 2024

Select your style for Master thesis planning

Asian Studies at UO Asian Studies at the University of Oregon

  • Undergraduate
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  • Before you Begin your Thesis
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  • Honors Thesis Requirements
  • Submitting your Thesis

Suggested Thesis Project Timeline

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Big Picture Timeline Considerations

Most students complete their research and writing during their senior year. However, the timeline is flexible if you are conducting research during the summer. Here is a typical schedule:

Fall Quarter

  • Consider which, if any, courses you should register for this term related to your thesis. See the “Credit Registration for Your Thesis” page for full details on course options.
  • Determine your topic or area of interest.
  • Identify, meet with, and confirm your faculty advisor.
  • Confirm faculty advisor approval of potential topic.
  • Complete and return the Honors Thesis Agreement form.
  • Work with advisor to develop overview/outline of thesis, preliminary bibliography.
  • Consider: reading or at least skimming a few undergraduate theses, to see what they look like and how they are done. You can find some here .

Winter Quarter

  • Submit prospectus to your faculty advisor, if required
  • Complete research
  • Start writing
  • Meet with advisor if/as necessary

Spring Quarter

  • Week 4: Rough draft, submit to advisor
  • Week 7: Second draft, incorporating advisor feedback
  • Week 10: Finalize and submit approved thesis and Approval Form to the GSL Undergraduate Support Team

Things to keep in mind

  • An abstract is a one-page summary of your paper, including a thesis statement, main points and conclusion.
  • Use the Writing Lab in the basement of PLC as a resource.
  • Let people know if you see issues or problems coming up with your timeline for graduation; advance notice can avert problems .
  • Make sure that your advisor will be on-campus the term you plan to graduate.
  • Faculty may not be available summer term.
  • Leave your advisor plenty of time and many chances to give you feedback. Consider this paper the pinnacle of your academic experiences as an Asian Studies major. You should plan to revise several drafts and leave your advisor ample time to provide you with feedback. The final product will be well worth it!

Additional Detailed Timeline Considerations

Below includes some more in-depth information, suggestions, and information for completing the different steps of the honors thesis.

Fall Term: Meet with your academic advisor, and secure a faculty thesis advisor

In late Spring or Early fall of each year, the Asian Studies Program will identify and notify all students eligible for honors (students who will graduate the following Spring). You may also inquire if you are unsure. Sign up for an advising appointment to meet with a potential faculty thesis advisor to discuss your topic and how you might use credits to fulfill major requirements. Be prepared to discuss timelines and other logistics. Your topic must be Asia-related. You will ask a faculty member who has expertise in your topic to serve as your advisor. Most students conduct their own independent research under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Some students complete honors theses linked to their study abroad programs or internship projects. With your advisor, complete and submit the Honors Thesis Agreement form. This must be completed and submitted at least two terms prior to graduation (i.e., during Fall term if graduating in the Spring). This form confirms that a faculty member has agreed to be your advisor, and that the advisor AND the Director of the Asian Studies Program approve your proposed topic. Consider registering for ASIA 611 or a similar course (discuss first with Program Director), or registering for a 400-level course on the subject of the thesis (most likely taught by the faculty advisor), or registering for ASIA 401, “Research” credits. We recommend that you look at past undergraduate theses to see what an undergraduate thesis looks like, and how other students have researched and written about their topics. See Scholar’s Bank . Students enrolled in Clark Honors College (CHC) may complete a single thesis for both CHC and Asian Studies as long as the content is Asia focused and as long as the minimum Asian Studies honors thesis requirements are met . The honors thesis may be combined with other departmental exit project requirements as long as the minimum Asian Studies honors thesis requirements are met .

Winter Term: Complete your prospectus

In order to become familiar with the literature and articulate your intended methods, students should write a 6-8 page prospectus (double-spaced except for bibliography section). The purpose of the prospectus is to ensure that students have done appropriate background work to be successful in the research phase. Depending on the nature of your research, you may wish to complete this step either just prior to taking ASIA 401 (e.g., if you are doing summer field work) or while you are taking ASIA 401 (e.g., as your first assignment), or while you are taking a 400-level course related to your topic. You will submit your prospectus to your faculty thesis advisor, so we recommend that you check in with them to determine the best approach. The prospectus is required during the term you take ASIA 401 if you will count those credits toward the major; otherwise, it is strongly recommended but up to the discretion of the thesis advisor. The first step is to conduct a literature search to 1) become familiar with what is known and not known about your topic, 2) write your prospectus introduction, 3) refine your methods, and 4) find literature that might be helpful as you write your thesis. We recommend a minimum of 15 high-quality, peer-reviewed sources. The UO Libraries webpage has advice on conducting a literature search and has links to free literature management software. Although the prospectus structure may vary by discipline and topic, we recommend the following outline. However, you may include different content as approved by your faculty advisor. Introduction – The introduction should summarize essential background so the reader can understand the context, purpose and methods for the thesis. The Introduction should synthesize and cite literature in the bibliography. Research questions or project goa l – Summarize what hypotheses you plan on testing, what questions you hope to answer or – for creative projects – what goals you hope to achieve. Methods – What specific methods will you use to answer those questions or achieve those goals? If you are conducting research that involves people, talk with your faculty advisor to determine if you need to submit your project for review from the UO Institutional Review Board. (Optional) Preliminary Outline – What will your thesis or project eventually look like? What sections will it have? Timeline – When will you conduct your research and complete your thesis? Include all benchmarks and check-in points (in other words, work with your faculty thesis advisor to create agreed-upon deadlines). Bibliography – Include a list of resources that you have consulted or that may be of use to you as you conduct your research.

Spring Term: Finish writing your thesis, obtain approval from your faculty thesis advisor

Once your faculty thesis advisor has approved your thesis, ask them to sign the Approval Page (available on the Asian Studies website link here ). Append this signed page to the beginning of your thesis. We do not have any formatting requirements for your completed thesis other than we require a cover (title) page and approval (abstract) page that is signed by your faculty advisor. The Honors Cover and Approval Pages templates are available on the Asian Studies website link here . Clark’s Honors College students will follow CHC cover page and formatting requirements.

Submit IRB closure form if applicable

Consider sharing your findings with a broader audience!

  • UO Asian Studies Undergraduate Research Colloquium – You can give a presentation at this annual event celebrating undergraduate research in Asian Studies (usually in May).
  • UO Undergraduate Symposium – You can give a presentation or show a poster at this annual event celebrating undergraduate research and creative work.
  • Oregon Undergraduate Research Journal – You can gain experience with the peer-review process and publish your findings through this undergraduate-led journal.

master thesis timeline example

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  • Master Thesis Project / Report

Preparation and topic selection

DISCLAIMER: Please note that the current content of the page applies only to HTI Master theses (graduation projects) starting before Q3 2021-2022. The HTI Master Thesis Project (MTP) system changes for students conducting their thesis from Q3 2021-2022 onwards. The new HTI MTP will have a limited duration corresponding to 30 ECTs, start in Q1 or Q3, and use allocation to pre-defined thesis topics according to student preferences and teacher capacity. You can find the study guide about the new HTI MTP  here . Information about the new MTP will be given through the Osiris courses 0MAPHTI-B (MTP start in semester B) and 0MAPHTI-B (MTP start in semester A) and students will be asked by the CSA to register there in Osiris the semester before their MTP.

  • Consult your mentor
  • Consult Uwe Matzat who coordinates the graduation projects.
  • Talk to staff/PhDs/fellow master students about their research.
  • Attend to final/intermediate presentations of fellow master students.
  • Look at websites of companies for vacancies.
  • Ask HTI staff about possibilities for master thesis projects.
  • To get an impression about possible Master Projects, students are advised to have a look at a site of the TU/e library containing all  IEIS Master  theses of the last years.

Start master thesis form (M0)

Before you can begin you need a topic, supervisors and you need to meet the requirements i.e. no more than 10 ects open and the HTI research project 70% complete. Please note that you need an approved  Form HTI Electives  for this. Then download  Form start Master thesis project and fill it out.

  • Submit the signed form start Master thesis project by uploading the document at EC IS sharepoin t , at least ten working days before the actual start date.
  • You always need two supervisors from the HTI staff, one of them can be a (qualified) PhD student, or a qualified teacher from another faculty or university (Assistant/Associate/Full professor).
  • The graduation committee also has a third assessor from the HTI staff, but this can be decided later.
  • Projects at a company typically involve an additional daily supervisor from the company.

[pdf] Master HTI - Form Electives

[pdf] master hti - start master thesis project, notify the secretary office.

of the start of your master thesis project by sending an email to hti@ remove-this. tue.nl 

Make a planning

with your supervisors about who needs to do what and when (the deliverables). For example, hand in dates of draft introduction, methods, results etc.; Deadlines for running experiment. Check out the Master thesis project timeline to see an example.

Submit research proposal to exam committee (M1-M2)

The exam committee independently judges whether the master thesis project meets the requirements of the HTI master programme. Here you can download the  Research Proposal - Format  and some good examples (Research Proposal - Good examples (1 MB) see downloads).

  • During the first month you plan and discuss the research question, method of approach and read relevant literature.
  • After that you can write and discuss your research proposal with your supervisors.
  • Hand in the research proposal about 6 weeks after start of the master thesis project.
  • Approval should be received by the end of M2.

[pdf] Research Proposal - Format

Interim presentation (m2).

Get feedback from fellow researchers, practice your presentation skills, and organise your thoughts.

  • When the design of the experiment is (almost) complete, is a good time for giving an intermediate presentation.
  • It should last about 20 min.
  • The main purpose is to get feedback from staff and fellow students  prior to  the actual experiment.
  • It also helps to organise your mind (by preparing) and to practice your presentation skills.

Running an experiment (M3-M4)

with human participants involves many forms and procedures. The detailed procedure and all the forms can be found at  https://htilabs.ieis.tue.nl/  (intranet only).

Get ethical approval

Experimental studies with human participants need to be approved by our ethical board.

  • Make an informed consent form and experiment proposal (see  https://htilabs.ieis.tue.nl/ ).
  • Submit the above documents via  http://archie.ieis.tue.nl   (needs to be done by your supervisor from HTI).

Analyse data (M4-M5)

Making good graphs and doing proper statistical analyses takes a lot of time!

Upload data

To ensure reproducibility, your supervisor needs to upload raw data, informed consent forms, participant money receipt forms, scripts, source code etc. to  http://archie.ieis.tue.nl . This needs to be done for external projects as well. You can read details at  http://htilabs.ieis.tue.nl/procedures.html  (intranet only).

End master thesis (M5-M6)

Before you can do your final presentation, you need to submit the  End master thesis project (MTP) and declaration Code of conduct  to the education administration   20 working days before an  exam meeting . This form will also fix the graduation committee and the exam session. Submit your final report and press release to the exam committee. Be aware that this needs to be done at least 5 working days before an exam meeting. You can check the graduation and examination dates  here .

  • Around the time of your final draft report you initiate the formal end of your master thesis project.
  • Download the end master thesis form and look up the formal deadlines for submitting this form/final presentation/handing in a pdf copy of the master thesis/diploma session.
  • Arrange your final presentation date with the secretary office and your supervisors.
  • Register for the exam session via Osiris/Canvas. The deadline is typically 25 days before the exam committee meeting!
  • Submit the End MTP and declaration CoC including a signed declaration Code of Conduct, press release, and vertical picture/photo of yourself in high resolution.
  • Your supervisor will receive  Assessment MTP.
  • Submit an electronic copy (pdf-format) of your master thesis to the education administration at least 5 working days before the exam committee meets.
  • Final defense (see below) should take place at least 5 working days before the exam committee meets.
  • Your supervisor submits  Assessment MTP  with your final grade.

[pdf] Declaration Concerning the TUe Code of Scientific Conduct.pdf

[pdf] master hti - end master thesis project, [pdf] master hti - assessment master thesis project, master thesis.

The  Title page format (28 KB)  is fixed, and the remainder should be formatted using the  American Psychological Association (APA) style  formatting guidelines. You can find a  tutorial  and  an example report  at their website.

Final defense

The final defense starts with a 30 min. final presentation, followed by 15 min. public discussion. Then the graduation committee continues with a private interrogation of the candidate (30-45 min.), followed by a private deliberation on the mark (15-30 min.) using the  Assessment MTP  form. Finally, the final grade is announced publicly or privately, as desired (15 min.).

Press release

Writing a press release is also part of the master thesis project. Here you can download  How to write a press release (24 KB)  and the  Format press release (131 KB) .

Confidentiality

Since 1 January 2007, all final reports of the Master Projects must be public. This is very important for external projects! You are strongly recommended to discuss this issue with the organization where the Master Project is carried out.  Most commercial companies will require that, before you start your work there, you sign a non-disclosure agreement and to relinquish your patent rights. You should only do so after consultation with your HTI supervisor. Details on the policy of IEIS can be found in Appendix 2 of the  Manual Master Thesis HTI (38 KB) . It is important that you may not make any promises concerning the confidentiality of your research by yourself. Only put your signature after approval by your main supervisor!

It sometimes happens that, in the course of the project, the company asks you not to include certain aspects of your work in the final report. If this is done in consultation with your supervisor, this is okay. In the few cases, that this significantly reduced the scope of the final report, the students involved agreed to do some additional experiments that could be included in the final report. If this is done in good consultation with the supervisors, this is okay.

The problem is that it remains possible that the company where the student carries out the Master Project decides that the project is so sensitive that they do not want to make your final report public.  As the situation is now, this may mean that the Master Project cannot be graded and the student cannot graduate!  Please be aware of this, especially, in case you cannot afford to study longer than a certain period or when you have a limited residence permit.

Directly to

Report cover templates, [pdf] master hti - master thesis project study guide, [docx] master thesis checklist, [xlsx] gantt chart_master_thesis.xlsx, [pdf] master hti - request extension master thesis project, [zip] research proposals - good examples, [pdf] format press release, [doc] how to write a press release, [pdf] declaration concerning the tu/e code of scientific conduct, more information.

Want to know more? Contact dr. Uwe Matzat at +31 40 - 247 8392 or via the contact form below.

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Theology Master's Thesis: Timeline

  • Getting Started
  • Style & Format
  • Thesis Defense

Thesis (TH700/701) Timeline

In the Beginning ….

Near the end of the first year (or second year if part time), students should schedule a meeting with the Graduate Program Director. Prior to this meeting, students should have begun narrowing and focusing a thesis topic area. During this meeting, the student and Director will agree upon a topic area, and, in consultation with the student, the Chair of the Department, and specific faculty members, the Director will assign a faculty advisor for the student’s thesis. Following this meeting, the student should schedule a meeting promptly with her or his new faculty advisor to begin discussing the terms of the project. This meeting should occur before the onset of the summer break in order to ensure maximal research opportunities for the summer break.

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Dissertation Checklist and Timeline

Completing all of the crucial steps to the dissertation process can be complicated. Time and task management will be key to your success. Review the suggested tasks and print out this checklist to assist you in your dissertation journey.

The Thesis Process

The thesis is an opportunity to work independently on a research project of your own design and contribute to the scholarly literature in your field. You emerge from the thesis process with a solid understanding of how original research is executed and how to best communicate research results. Many students have gone on to publish their research in academic or professional journals.

To ensure affordability, the per-credit tuition rate for the 8-credit thesis is the same as our regular course tuition. There are no additional fees (regular per-credit graduate tuition x 8 credits).

Below are the steps that you need to follow to fulfill the thesis requirement. Please know that through each step, you will receive guidance and mentorship.

1. Determine Your Thesis Topic and Tentative Question

When you have completed between 24 and 32 credits, you work with your assigned research advisor to narrow down your academic interests to a relevant and manageable thesis topic. Log in to MyDCE , then ALB/ALM Community to schedule an appointment with your assigned research advisor via the Degree Candidate Portal.

Thesis Topic Selection

We’ve put together this guide  to help frame your thinking about thesis topic selection.

Every effort is made to support your research interests that are grounded in your ALM course work, but faculty guidance is not available for all possible projects. Therefore, revision or a change of thesis topic may be necessary.

  • The point about topic selection is particularly pertinent to scientific research that is dependent upon laboratory space, project funding, and access to private databases. It is also critical for our candidates in ALM, liberal arts fields (English, government, history, international relations, psychology, etc.) who are required to have Harvard faculty direct their thesis projects. Review Harvard’s course catalog online ( my.harvard.edu ) to be sure that there are faculty teaching courses related to your thesis topic. If not, you’ll need to choose an alternative topic.
  • Your topic choice must be a new area of research for you. Thesis work represents thoughtful engagement in new academic scholarship. You cannot re-purpose prior research. If you want to draw or expand upon your own previous scholarship for a small portion of your thesis, you need to obtain the explicit permission of your research advisor and cite the work in both the proposal and thesis. Violations of this policy will be referred to the Administrative Board.

2. Prepare Prework for the Crafting the Thesis Proposal (CTP) Course or Tutorial

The next step in the process is to prepare and submit Prework in order to gain registration approval for the Crafting the Thesis Proposal (CTP) tutorial or course. The Prework process ensures that you have done enough prior reading and thinking about your thesis topic to benefit from the CTP.

The CTP provides an essential onramp to the thesis, mapping critical issues of research design, such as scope, relevance to the field, prior scholarly debate, methodology, and perhaps, metrics for evaluating impact as well as bench-marking. The CTP identifies and works through potential hurdles to successful thesis completion, allowing the thesis project to get off to a good start.

In addition to preparing, submitting, and having your Prework approved, to be eligible for the CTP, you need to be in good standing, have completed a minimum of 32 degree-applicable credits, including the statistics/research methods requirement (if pertinent to your field). You also need to have completed Engaging in Scholarly Conversation (if pertinent to your field). If you were admitted after 9/1/2023 Engaging in Scholarly Conversation (A and B) is required, if admitted before 9/1/2023 this series is encouraged.

Advising Note for Biology, Biotechnology, and Bioengineering and Nanotechnology Candidates : Thesis projects in these fields are designed to support ongoing scientific research happening in Harvard University, other academic institutions, or life science industry labs and usually these are done under the direction of a principal investigator (PI). Hence, you need to have a thesis director approved by your research advisor  prior  to submitting CTP prework. Your CTP prework is then framed by the lab’s research. Schedule an appointment with your research advisor a few months in advance of the CTP prework deadlines in order to discuss potential research projects and thesis director assignment.

CTP Prework is sent to our central email box:  [email protected]  between the following firm deadlines:

  • April 1 and June 1 for fall CTP
  • September 1 and November 1 for spring CTP.  
  • August 1 and October 1 for the three-week January session (ALM sustainability candidates only)
  • International students who need a student visa to attend Harvard Summer School should submit their prework on January 1, so they can register for the CTP on March 1 and submit timely I-20 paperwork. See international students guidelines for more information.

Your research advisor will provide feedback on your prework submission to gain CTP registration approval.  If your prework is not approved after 3 submissions, your research advisor cannot approve your CTP registration.  If not approved, you’ll need to take additional time for further revisions, and submit new prework during the next CTP prework submission time period for the following term (if your five-year degree completion deadline allows).

3. Register and Successfully Complete the Crafting the Thesis Proposal Tutorial or Course

Once CTP prework is approved, you register for the Crafting the Thesis Proposal (CTP) course or tutorial as you would any other course. The goal of the CTP is to produce a complete, well-written draft of a proposal containing all of the sections required by your research advisor. Creating an academically strong thesis proposal sets the foundation for a high-quality thesis and helps garner the attention of a well-respected thesis director. The proposal is normally between 15 to 25 pages in length.

The CTP  tutorial  is not a course in the traditional sense. You work independently on your proposal with your research advisor by submitting multiple proposal drafts and scheduling individual appointments. You need to make self-directed progress on the proposal without special prompting from the research advisor. You receive a final grade of SAT or UNSAT (failing grade).

The CTP for sustainability is a three-week course in the traditional sense and you receive a letter grade, and it must be B- or higher to receive degree credit for the course.

You are expected to incorporate all of your research advisor’s feedback and be fully committed to producing an academically strong proposal leading to a thesis worthy of a Harvard degree. If you are unable to take advice from your research advisor, follow directions, or produce an acceptable proposal, you will not pass the CTP.

Successful CTP completion also includes a check on the proper use of sources according to our academic integrity guidelines. Violations of our academic integrity policy will be referred to the Administrative Board.

Maximum of two attempts . If you don’t pass that CTP, you’ll have — if your five-year, degree-completion date allows — just one more attempt to complete the CTP before being required to withdraw from the program. If you fail the CTP just once and have no more time to complete the degree, your candidacy will automatically expire. Please note that a WD grade counts as an attempt.

If by not passing the CTP you fall into poor academic standing, you will need to take additional degree-applicable courses to return to good standing before enrolling in the CTP for your second and final time, only if your five-year, degree-completion date allows. If you have no more time on your five-year clock, you will be required to withdraw.

Human Subjects

If your thesis, regardless of field, will involve the use of human subjects (e.g., interviews, surveys, observations), you will need to have your research vetted by the  Committee on the Use of Human Subjects  (CUHS) of Harvard University. Please review the IRB LIFECYCLE GUIDE located on the CUHS website. Your research advisor will help you prepare a draft copy of the project protocol form that you will need to send to CUHS. The vetting process needs to be started during the CTP tutorial, before a thesis director has been assigned.

4. Thesis Director Assignment and Thesis Registration

We expect you to be registered in thesis soon after CTP completion or within 3 months — no later. You cannot delay. It is critical that once a research project has been approved through the CTP process, the project must commence in a timely fashion to ensure the academic integrity of the thesis process.

Once you (1) successfully complete the CTP and (2) have your proposal officially approved by your research advisor (RA), you move to the thesis director assignment phase. Successful completion of the CTP is not the same as having an officially approved proposal. These are two distinct steps.

If you are a life science student (e.g., biology), your thesis director was identified prior to the CTP, and now you need the thesis director to approve the proposal.

The research advisor places you with a thesis director. Do not approach faculty to ask about directing your thesis.  You may suggest names of any potential thesis directors to your research advisor, who will contact them, if they are eligible/available to direct your thesis, after you have an approved thesis proposal.

When a thesis director has been identified or the thesis proposal has been fully vetted by the preassigned life science thesis director, you will receive a letter of authorization from the Assistant Dean of Academic Programs officially approving your thesis work and providing you with instructions on how to register for the eight-credit Master’s Thesis. The letter will also have a tentative graduation date as well as four mandatory thesis submission dates (see Thesis Timetable below).

Continuous Registration Tip: If you want to maintain continued registration from CTP to thesis, you should meet with your RA prior to prework to settle on a workable topic, submit well-documented prework, work diligently throughout the CTP to produce a high-quality proposal that is ready to be matched with a thesis director as soon as the CTP is complete.

Good academic standing. You must be good academic standing to register for the thesis. If not, you’ll need to complete additional courses to bring your GPA up to the 3.0 minimum prior to registration.

Thesis Timetable

The thesis is a 9 to 12 month project that begins after the Crafting the Thesis Proposal (CTP); when your research advisor has approved your proposal and identified a Thesis Director.

The date for the appointment of your Thesis Director determines the graduation cycle that will be automatically assigned to you:

Once registered in the thesis, we will do a 3-month check-in with you and your thesis director to ensure progress is being made. If your thesis director reports little to no progress, the Dean of Academic Programs reserves the right to issue a thesis not complete (TNC) grade (see Thesis Grading below).

As you can see above, you do not submit your thesis all at once at the end, but in four phases: (1) complete draft to TA, (2) final draft to RA for format review and academic integrity check, (3) format approved draft submitted to TA for grading, and (4) upload your 100% complete graded thesis to ETDs.

Due dates for all phases for your assigned graduation cycle cannot be missed.  You must submit materials by the date indicated by 5 PM EST (even if the date falls on a weekend). If you are late, you will not be able to graduate during your assigned cycle.

If you need additional time to complete your thesis after the date it is due to the Thesis Director (phase 1), you need to formally request an extension (which needs to be approved by your Director) by emailing that petition to:  [email protected] .  The maximum allotted time to write your thesis, including any granted extensions of time is 12 months.

Timing Tip: If you want to graduate in May, you should complete the CTP in the fall term two years prior or, if a sustainability student, in the January session one year prior. For example, to graduate in May 2025:

  • Complete the CTP in fall 2023 (or in January 2024, if a sustainability student)
  • Be assigned a thesis director (TD) in March/April 2024
  • Begin the 9-12 month thesis project with TD
  • Submit a complete draft of your thesis to your TD by February 1, 2025
  • Follow through with all other submission deadlines (April 1, April 15 and May 1 — see table above)
  • Graduate in May 2025

5. Conduct Thesis Research

When registered in the thesis, you work diligently and independently, following the advice of your thesis director, in a consistent, regular manner equivalent to full-time academic work to complete the research by your required timeline.

You are required to produce at least 50 pages of text (not including front matter and appendices). Chapter topics (e.g., introduction, background, methods, findings, conclusion) vary by field.

6. Format Review — Required of all Harvard Graduate Students and Part of Your Graduation Requirements

All ALM thesis projects must written in Microsoft Word and follow a specific Harvard University format. A properly formatted thesis is an explicit degree requirement; you cannot graduate without it.

Your research advisor will complete the format review prior to submitting your thesis to your director for final grading according to the Thesis Timetable (see above).

You must use our Microsoft Word ALM Thesis Template or Microsoft ALM Thesis Template Creative Writing (just for creative writing degree candidates). It has all the mandatory thesis formatting built in. Besides saving you a considerable amount of time as you write your thesis, the preprogrammed form ensures that your submitted thesis meets the mandatory style guidelines for margins, font, title page, table of contents, and chapter headings. If you use the template, format review should go smoothly, if not, a delayed graduation is highly likely.

Format review also includes a check on the proper use of sources according to our academic integrity guidelines. Violations of our academic integrity policy will be referred directly to the Administrative Board.

7. Mandatory Thesis Archiving — Required of all Harvard Graduate Students and Part of Your Graduation Requirements

Once your thesis is finalized, meaning that the required grade has been earned and all edits have been completed, you must upload your thesis to Harvard University’s electronic thesis and dissertation submission system (ETDs). Uploading your thesis ETDs is an explicit degree requirement; you cannot graduate without completing this step.

The thesis project will be sent to several downstream systems:

  • Your work will be preserved using Harvard’s digital repository DASH (Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard).
  • Metadata about your work will be sent to HOLLIS (the Harvard Library catalog).
  • Your work will be preserved in Harvard Library’s DRS2 (digital preservation repository).

By submitting work through ETDs @ Harvard you will be signing the Harvard Author Agreement. This license does not constrain your rights to publish your work subsequently. You retain all intellectual property rights.

For more information on Harvard’s open access initiatives, we recommend you view the Director of the Office of Scholarly Communication (OSC), Peter Suber’s brief introduction .

Thesis Grading

You need to earn a grade of B- or higher in the thesis. All standard course letter grades are available to your thesis director. If you fail to complete substantial work on the thesis, you will earn a grade of TNC (thesis not complete). If you have already earned two withdrawal grades, the TNC grade will count as a zero in your cumulative GPA.

If you earn a grade below B-, you will need to petition the Administrative Board for permission to attempt the thesis for a second and final time. The petition process is only available if you are in good academic standing and your five-year, degree-completion deadline allows for more time. Your candidacy will automatically expire if you do not successfully complete the thesis by your required deadline.

If approved for a second attempt, you may be required to develop a new proposal on a different topic by re-enrolling in the CTP and being assigned a different thesis director. Tuition for the second attempt is calculated at the current year’s rate.

If by not passing the thesis you fall into poor academic standing, you’ll need to take additional degree-applicable courses to return to good standing before re-engaging with the thesis process for the second and final time. This is only an option if your five-year, degree-completion deadline allows for more time.

The Board only reviews cases in which extenuating circumstances prevented the successful completion of the thesis.

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

Harvard Division of Continuing Education Logo

CDI building on the north campus, a white building

Points to take into account while writing your master's thesis

The topics you can choose for a master's thesis should be highly relevant for practice and policy and the thesis should to be empirically grounded.

Process of a master's thesis

  • Discuss a possible topic with Prof. Liudvika Leišytė.
  • Write a 2-page proposal (incl. title, table of contents and timeline of the thesis).
  • Get approval for this by Prof. Leišytė.
  • Prof. Leišytė will write a letter to the Central Examinations Office to declare that she will be your supervisor.
  • Write the thesis: in the process, make sure to send the questionnaire for surveys or interview schedules to Prof. Leišytė to get approval before you start your empirical work.
  • Submit your thesis to the Section Central Examinations Office, Dez. 4.3.

Type and time frame of the master’s thesis

  • Generally, all theses at the Professorship are empirical (i.e. the self-organized collection and analysis of data is part of every thesis). This type of thesis has a time frame of 26 weeks (for details see the Prüfungsordnung ).
  • In exceptional cases, theoretical theses are accepted. The specific topic must then be discussed and agreed on with Prof. Liudvika Leišytė. The time frame for this type of thesis is only 17 weeks.

The time frame (count of weeks) starts with the registration of your topic (letter from Prof. Leišytė to the Central Examinations Office).

Topic of the thesis

The topic you choose should relate to the main research fields of the Professorship of Higher Education. Possible Topics:

  • Innovation through organizational learning
  • Stakeholder representation and characteristics in the boards of universities
  • Promotion of collaboration at German universities: policies and practices
  • Changing governance of universities and implications of this for their performance
  • The implementation of gender policies in German universities
  • Characteristics and challenges of an inclusive professional organization

Academic entrepreneurship

  • Policies of German universities to promote spin off creation in Germany
  • The characteristics of founders of new high tech ventures in Germany
  • Motivations of academic entrepreneurs to patent
  • Gender and entrepreneurship: evidence from patenting activities

Academic profession and managerialism

  • The role of new public management on publication behaviour of academics
  • The role of performance based systems on grant acquisition of academics
  • Gender in academia: what are the gender differences in academic productivity?
  • Challenges of integration of foreign knowledge workers in Germany

Preconditions

Master's theses at the Professorship of Higher Education are accepted according to certain preconditions and according to capacities of scientific staff:

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Successful completion of two seminars of the Professorship of Higher Education
  • Parallel to master’s thesis: Participation in the Research Colloquium of the Professorship

For theses in the Master WiWi as well as the exam regulations (Prüfungsordnung) see: WiWi: Master of Science

master thesis timeline example

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Zeitplan Masterarbeit erstellen - Excel Vorlage und Tipps

Veröffentlicht am 11. Januar 2019 von Mandy Theel . Aktualisiert am 25. Juli 2022.

Ein Zeitplan für deine Masterarbeit hilft dir, einen Überblick über deine Aufgaben sowie deinen Fortschritt zu behalten. Eine Masterarbeit wird im Durchschnitt in 5,5 Monaten (22 Wochen) fertiggestellt.

Um deinen eigenen Zeitplan zu erstellen, kannst du unsere Vorlage in Excel oder Google Spreadsheet nutzen. Hier findest du eine Übersicht sowie Erklärungen aller wichtigen Schritte beim Erstellen deiner Masterarbeit .

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Inhaltsverzeichnis

Zeitplan vorlage für deine masterarbeit, überblick der phasen deines masterarbeit zeitplans, tipps zum masterarbeit zeitplan erstellen, häufig gestellte fragen.

Mit dieser Zeitplan Vorlage erhältst du eine Übersicht über die einzelnen Phasen deiner Masterarbeit . Du kannst hier sehen, welche Aufgaben in den jeweiligen Phasen wichtig sind.

Der zeitliche Rahmen der Planung orientiert sich an dem Umfang deiner Masterarbeit sowie deiner Bearbeitungszeit. Im Durchschnitt ist eine Masterarbeit 66 Seiten (16.500 Wörter lang) und hat eine Bearbeitungszeit von 22 Wochen.

Du kannst den Zeitrahmen in der Vorlage an deine Vorgaben anpassen und so selbst bestimmen, wie viel Zeit du für welche Aufgabe einplanen möchtest.

masterarbeit-zeitplan

Zeitplan Google Spreadsheet | Zeitplan Masterarbeit Excel

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Der Zeitplan der Masterarbeit unterteilt sich in 6 Phasen:

  • Orientierungs- und Planungsphase
  • Recherchephase
  • Datenerhebungs- und Auswertungsphase
  • Schreibphase
  • Abschlussphase
  • nach Abgabe der Masterarbeit

Beim Erstellen eines Zeitplans für deine Masterarbeit solltest du einige Dinge berücksichtigen.

  • Sei in deiner Zeitplanung realistisch und ehrlich. Es ist hilfreicher früher fertig zu sein, als am Schluss zu wenig Zeit zu haben.
  • Plane den Zeitplan deiner Masterarbeit vom Abgabedatum rückwärts. So behältst du einen guten Überblick und kannst Puffer einplanen.
  • Vergiss nicht, andere Termine (z. B. Nebenjob, Urlaube oder Vorlesungen) mit einzuplanen.

Um eine Masterarbeit zu schreiben , kannst du 8 Schritten befolgen.

Schritte Masterarbeit schreiben:

  • Thema und Gliederung
  • Literaturrecherche
  • Richtiges Zitieren
  • Eigene Forschung
  • Ergebnisse und Diskussion
  • Abgabe der Masterarbeit
  • Masterarbeit verteidigen

Es gibt keine allgemeingültige Zahl dafür, wie viele Quellen du für eine Masterarbeit brauchst. Manche Unis geben an, dass eine Masterarbeit ca. doppelt so viele Quellen wie Seitenzahlen enthalten soll.

Andere Unis betonen hingegen: Nicht die Anzahl der Quellen ist entscheidend, sondern dass alle Quellen enthalten sind, die für das Thema der Masterarbeit relevant sind (vgl. LMU ). Es gilt Qualität vor Quantität.

Führe eine systematische Literaturrecherche durch, um alle Quellen zu finden, die für deine Fragestellung relevant sind. Die Literaturrecherche bildet die Grundlage für das Schreiben einer Masterarbeit und sollte am Anfang stehen.

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Theel, M. (2022, 25. Juli). Zeitplan Masterarbeit erstellen - Excel Vorlage und Tipps. Scribbr. Abgerufen am 6. Mai 2024, von https://www.scribbr.de/masterarbeit/zeitplan-masterarbeit/

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Das hat anderen studierenden noch gefallen, aufbau und gliederung deiner masterarbeit, umfang masterarbeit: sind 50 seiten genug, so findest du dein perfektes masterarbeit thema, aus versehen plagiiert finde kostenlos heraus.

IMAGES

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  4. How to Create a Dissertation Timeline (With Examples + Tempate)

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  6. Stages of the Master's thesis project

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COMMENTS

  1. How to Create a Dissertation Timeline (With Examples + Tempate)

    A dissertation timeline includes a series of milestones that leads up to the dissertation defense, revisions, and final submission of your dissertation. Constructing an outline of every step in the dissertation process, including rough estimates of how long each will take, will give you a realistic picture of where you are in the process at any ...

  2. Top 10 Thesis Timeline Templates with Samples and Examples

    Template 2: Five-Yearly Developing and Designing Guidelines for Thesis Roadmap. Use this pre-designed PPT Template to deliver the critical deliverable, steps involved, time frame and more into a five-year plan of action. You start with the problem statement and your motivation for the thesis.

  3. How to Create a Research Timeline for Your Thesis

    A thorough timeline will be valuable during your dissertation proposal and useful if you are applying for grants or other additional funding. Ste0ps for Creating a Timeline for Your Thesis: Research and record all requirements and deadlines. Before you write out your timeline, ensure you know all of your program's requirements and deadlines.

  4. PDF Master's Thesis Timeline

    Master's Thesis Timeline Creating a timeline to complete your master's thesis will help to keep you on track. The following are some steps to creating your timeline. Working in reverse: 1. Choose the semester in which you wish to graduate and identify the deadline to upload your Thesis and deliver your paperwork to the Registrar's Office. 2.

  5. PDF SAMPLE FORMATTING TIMELINE FOR YOUR THESIS

    average word-processing user to research and perform the above-listed tasks for a thesis or dissertation with 150 pages, 10 block quotes, 10 tables, 5 figures, 2 landscaped pages, 3 appendices, 50 footnotes, and 100 references. Keep these numbers in mind as you alter this timeline for your personal needs. For

  6. PDF Dissertation Planner: step-by-step

    This planner is designed to help you through all the stages of your dissertation, from starting to think about your question through to final submission. At each stage there are useful prompts to help you plan your work and manage your time. Throughout the planner there are also blank spaces that you can use to plan your dissertation.

  7. Sample MS Research and Thesis Timeline

    Sample MS Research and Thesis Timeline. Download project-timeline-template-ms. A research project culminating in a Master of Science degree (MS) typically takes 18-24 months from time of enrollment and follows a similar trajectory regardless of the research topic. This document provides a Gantt chart illustrating a "typical" research timeline ...

  8. Master's Program and Thesis Timeline

    10 18. Begin extensive literature search through Independent study to develop your thesis research question. Construct initial Intro and Methods Section. Submit draft to advisor for review. Select thesis committee. Incorporate advisor suggestions and initial input from committee members. During summer following first year, construct a second ...

  9. PDF MASTERS THESIS TRACK TIMELINE

    Send it to rest of committee. Six weeks prior to Defense date [e.g. March 21st] Revise thesis to incorporate all of the committee's comments. Find a tentative Defense date and time that works for everyone on committee. Four weeks prior to Defense date [e.g. April 4th.] Send revised (near final) draft of Masters Thesis to all committee members.

  10. PDF Sample Thesis Timeline

    Sample Thesis Timeline First Semester (Fall) - Speak with Faculty Advisor/Thesis Committee Chair about thesis topic ... Enroll in thesis hours, complete research study, apply for graduation, complete thesis defense, complete the Report on Completion of Degree Form and submit it to Graduate Program Committee, submit electronic version of thesis ...

  11. PDF Thesis Timeline Final

    Thesis Timeline Final. Thesis Timeline for MA Liberal Arts: American Studies, Film Studies, and Humanities Concentrations. Click hereto download a PDF of the Thesis Timeline. Step 1 Discuss your anticipated thesis topicwith a faculty member who would be an appropriate major professor for the project. This should be someone with whom you have ...

  12. Thesis Guide: Sample Timeline

    Submit your Thesis Completion by the established deadline using the Honors Reporting Center. Submit PDF copy of thesis according to submission guidelines. Plan ahead! Developing a project, completing research or creative work, and writing your thesis will be a year-long effort at a minimum. Consult with your honors advisor and honors faculty ...

  13. Dissertation & Thesis Outline

    Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates. Published on June 7, 2022 by Tegan George.Revised on November 21, 2023. A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process.It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding the specifics of your dissertation topic and showcasing its relevance to ...

  14. Master thesis planning Gantt template

    Select your style for. Master thesis planning. You are a student about to become a postgraduate because you are currently focusing on your master thesis? You might need a little support when it comes to organizing your time and planning the various things you have to do? In this case, this template is made for you!

  15. Suggested Thesis Project Timeline

    See the "Credit Registration for Your Thesis" page for full details on course options. Week 4: Rough draft, submit to advisor. Week 7: Second draft, incorporating advisor feedback. Week 10: Finalize and submit approved thesis and Approval Form to the GSL Undergraduate Support Team. Things to keep in mind.

  16. Timeline Master Thesis

    The HTI Master Thesis Project (MTP) system changes for students conducting their thesis from Q3 2021-2022 onwards. The new HTI MTP will have a limited duration corresponding to 30 ECTs, start in Q1 or Q3, and use allocation to pre-defined thesis topics according to student preferences and teacher capacity. You can find the study guide about the ...

  17. Research Guides: Theology Master's Thesis: Timeline

    Timeline: Sequence & Deadlines. Spring/Summer before the second year (before the third year if part-time): • Students will be assigned faculty advisors. • Begin to read with the aim of formulating an acceptable thesis topic. • Submit topic in writing to the Graduate Program Director. • Register for TH 700.

  18. Dissertation Checklist and Timeline

    Download Dissertation Checklist and Timeline Adobe PDF Document Download pdf (98 KB) Dissertation Checklist and Timeline. Student's Name: Dissertation Process. # of Days. Due Date. Choose Dissertation Advisor. Choose Dissertation Committee with advisor approval on the Application to Candidacy Form.

  19. The Thesis Process

    The thesis is an opportunity to work independently on a research project of your own design and contribute to the scholarly literature. ... years prior or, if a sustainability student, in the January session one year prior. For example, to graduate in May 2025: Complete the CTP in fall 2023 (or in January 2024, if a sustainability student ...

  20. PDF Research Project Timeline Example 1

    Research Project Timeline Example 1 Stage Activity Estimated duration Start date End date Deliverable Comments Research design and planning Develop research design Finalise research problem/questions Confirmed research problem/questions Draft research design section for final report Prepare research proposal Research proposal/ethical approval

  21. PDF Guidelines for 6 month Master's thesis project

    examples of style. Read the articles on 'The Science of Scientific Writing' and the 'Short Guide to Scientific Writing' - ask your supervisor for copies. 2. Clearly define your thesis question and objectives, and then make sure that everything in your thesis is related to your question/problem - including the introduction and ...

  22. Guidelines for writing a master's thesis

    Process of a master's thesis. Discuss a possible topic with Prof. Liudvika Leišytė. Write a 2-page proposal (incl. title, table of contents and timeline of the thesis). Get approval for this by Prof. Leišytė. Prof. Leišytė will write a letter to the Central Examinations Office to declare that she will be your supervisor.

  23. Submission and Formatting 101: Master the Dissertation, Thesis, and

    Students who are completing a dissertation, thesis, or report are invited to join the Graduate School to learn about the resources available to them to assist in scheduling their defense, formatting their documents, and submitting their documents. In one afternoon, you can learn everything you need to be successful and complete your degree in a . . .

  24. Zeitplan Masterarbeit erstellen

    Um deinen eigenen Zeitplan zu erstellen, kannst du unsere Vorlage in Excel oder Google Spreadsheet nutzen. Hier findest du eine Übersicht sowie Erklärungen aller wichtigen Schritte beim Erstellen deiner Masterarbeit. Zusätzlich geben wir dir nützliche Tipps zu jeder Phase und zeigen dir hilfreiche Artikel in unserer Wissensdatenbank.