GRASP
Structuring your thesis
October 15th, 2025, by
Is there a template we can use when it comes time to write up our thesis?
We get asked this question quite often.
The short answer is no. This is probably a good thing, as it would get very boring if every thesis was squeezed into the same shape and form.
In this post we will look at why a thesis template is not provided and then give you a few suggestions on how you can go about structuring your thesis.
Why a thesis template doesn’t exist
It’s not useful to provide a thesis template because the structure of a thesis varies widely across disciplines, topics and research approaches, making a one-size fits all template impractical, if not downright impossible.
Try comparing a humanities thesis that analyses a literary text with a science thesis examining a crop disease to see just how different they can be.
However, there are some general guidelines that can help when it comes to writing up your thesis.
Tips for structuring your thesis
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Look at your institution’s specific requirements.
A good place to start is the Curtin Graduate School’s Thesis and Examination page. Here you can find Guidelines for Thesis Preparation and Submission which outline the required components such as title page, declaration pages, abstract, acknowledgements and copyright statements. They also provide a template for the title page.
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Look at examples of published theses.
An excellent way to get to know the thesis conventions of your discipline is by examining some of the recently published theses in your field. These will show you how arguments are constructed, how the literature is positioned, and how the findings are presented in your discipline area. Curtin theses are located in eSpace. Use the search bar and key words to find topics or research approaches that are similar to yours.
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Use your research design as a guide to structure.
A traditional monograph style of thesis would typically follow the structure of: Introduction → Literature Review → Methodology → Findings/Analysis → Discussion → Conclusion.
A thesis by publication might be structured around: Introduction → Published Paper 1 → Published Paper 2 → Published Paper 3 - Synthesis/Discussion → Conclusion.
An exegesis that is part of a Creative Practice research project may look something like: Introduction → Contextual background → Methodology → Analysis and Interpretation → Reflections → Conclusion.
The way a thesis is structured can also differ depending on the methdological approach used. For example, ethnographic work often integrates theory and findings throughout the chapters, rather than separating them.
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Be guided by the flow of a logical argument.
Your thesis is building an argument, which is essentially the answer to your research question/s. Ask yourself: what does the reader need to understand first, and how can I progressively build my argument? In this way, you will be able to create a coherent chapter structure that supports your argument. The key is recognising that the structure should serve your argument, not the other way around.
It can be useful to create a ‘thesis argument map’ as a way of outlining the main arguments of each chapter and within that, each section. This will help ensure that each part of your thesis contributes to building a strong, cohesive argument and answers your research question/s. For more information on argument maps, see the resources provided by the ANU, which includes templates and examples.
Some useful resources from other Australian universities are:
Thesis Structure Options (Deakin University). Provides some explanation of the structures around traditional theses, theses by publication, as well as creative exegesis and folio formats.
Structuring your Thesis (University of Melbourne). Discusses structure in terms of macro and micro structures.
Bear in mind, however, that these resources main contain information specific to their institutions’ requirements. As always, it’s a good idea to discuss your intended structure with your supervisor to confirm you are on the right track!
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