latex thesis template uk

Thesis Template for University College London

UCL Thesis LaTeX Template © Ian Kirker, 2014

This is a template/skeleton for PhD/MPhil/MRes theses. It uses a rather split-up file structure because this tends to work well for large, complex documents. We suggest using one file per chapter, but you may wish to use more or fewer separate files than that. We've also separated out various bits of configuration into their own files, to keep everything neat.

Downloaded from https://github.com/UCL/ucl-latex-thesis-templates

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PhD/MPhil Thesis - a LaTeX Template

A new version of this, by Krishna Kumar, is available. Features include -

• Conforms to the Student Registry PhD dissertation guidelines and CUED PhD guidelines
• Supports LaTeX, XeLaTeX and LuaLaTeX
• Adaptive Title Page: Title page adapts to title length
• Title page with both College and University crests.
• Print / On-line version: Different layout and hyper-referencing styles
• Pre-defined and custom fonts (Times / Fourier / Latin Modern) with math support
• Supports system fonts (XeLaTeX)
• Pre-defined and custom bibliography style support (authoryear / numbered / custom)
• Custom page styles: 3 Different Header / Footer styles
• Pre-defined and custom margin size
• A separate abstract with thesis title and author name, along with the titlepage can be generated by passing the argument abstract to the document class.
• Option to generate only specific chapters and references without the frontmatter and title page. Useful for review and corrections.
• Draft mode: Draft water mark, timestamp, version numbering and line numbering

July 2018: On CUED's central Linux system, you'll need to change Preamble/preamble.tex , commenting out the \usepackage{siunitx} ... line by putting a % symbol at the start of it. (some of our packages are too out of date)

Downloading

• LaTeX Template - https://github.com/kks32/phd-thesis-template/releases/tag/phd-latex-template-latest-stable
• LaTeX Template - https://github.com/kks32/phd-thesis-template/releases/latest
• LyX Template - https://github.com/kks32/PhDThesisLyX/releases

Older versions are still available, but no longer supported.

• © Cambridge University, Engineering Department, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK ( map ) Tel: +44 1223 332600, Fax: +44 1223 332662 Privacy policy Contact: helpdesk

LaTeX Thesis Template

Quick intro.

LaTeX allows you to create beautifully typeset and consistent looking documents with only a little learning at the beginning. Using a template means using LaTeX is even easier as the formatting and layout is already set for you, so you just need to supply the content.

There is a LaTeX thesis template that you can use to write your own academic thesis with. The template provides a powerful framework for organising and writing your work and a lot of subtle formatting at the finest level of detail that will produce the most beautiful looking thesis.

Get the LaTeX Thesis Template

You can obtain the most up-to-date version of the LaTeX Thesis Template from LaTeX Templates:

https://www.latextemplates.com/template/masters-doctoral-thesis

Note: This links to an external web site, which will open in a new tab.

This template provides a full framework for writing a graduate level thesis. It is carefully structured and separated into multiple parts for easy editing. Included are the following pages/sections:

• A cover page
• Declaration of authorship
• Acknowledgements
• Table Contents (automatically generated)
• List of figures (automatically generated)
• List of tables (automatically generated)
• Abbreviations
• Physical constants
• Example chapter as help and showcase
• Example appendix
• Bibliography (automatically generated)

You can remove any sections you do not require.

Description

This template provides a full framework for writing a graduate level thesis. It is carefully structured and separated into multiple parts for easy editing. Included are all the sections listed above. An example chapter is also included, which explains the basics of LaTeX and this template. It contains everything you need to know to begin writing your academic thesis using this template.

Important Note: this template comes as a zip file with multiple files and folders within it. It is worth reading the “Chapter 1 Introduction to the Thesis Template” to get an idea of what they do.

The original LaTeX Thesis Template was created by Steve R. Gunn of Southampton University. It was built-on and expanded by Sunil Patel (yes, this site’s author) when he used Steve’s original template for writing his own PhD thesis.

The LaTeX Thesis Template was later given to LaTeX Templates and significantly reworked by Vel to introduce modern standards and best practices to the framework while maintaining its flexibility, power and ease of use.

The current LaTeX Thesis Template is the second major version of this template, made by Vel.

Get the LaTeX Thesis template here.

Template Help & FAQ

Get help for the LaTeX Thesis Template if you're stuck.

Reviews and Feedback

Read what others think of the LaTeX Thesis Template and see if it is right for you.

My PhD Thesis

See the power of the LaTeX Thesis Template by reading my own PhD thesis, which was based on it.

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Overleaf for LaTeX Theses & Dissertations: Home

• Using Templates on Overleaf
• Reference Managers and Overleaf
• Adding Tables, Images, and Graphs

How to sign up

Sign up at: overleaf.com/edu/essex

If you already have an account you can link this with the subscription or you can create a new account.

Overleaf is a collaborative, online LaTeX editor and scientific writing and publishing tool. It's features include real-time track changes, unlimited collaborators, and full document history. It is designed to make the process of writing, editing and producing your research papers and project reports much quicker. Overleaf can also be linked to other services to best fit into your workflow.

Managing References

BibTeX is a file format used for lists of references for LaTeX documents. Many citation management tools support the ability to export and import lists of references in .bib format. Some reference management tools can generate BibTeX files of your library or folders for use in your LaTeX documents.

LaTeX on Wikibooks has a Bibliography Management page.

Find list of BibTeX styles available on Overleaf here

View a video tutorial on how to include a bibliography using BibTeX  here

Collaborate with Overleaf

Collaboration tools

• One version of your project accessible to collaborators via a shared link or email invitation
• Easily select the level of access for collaborators (view, edit, or owner access)
• Real-time commenting speeds up the review process
• Tracked changes and full history view help to see contributions from collaborators
• Labels help to organize and compare different versions
• Chat in real time with collaborators right within the project

Getting started with your thesis or dissertation

How to get started writing your thesis in LaTeX

Writing a thesis or dissertation in LaTeX can be challenging, but the end result is well worth it - nothing looks as good as a LaTeX-produced pdf, and for large documents it's a lot easier than fighting with formatting and cross-referencing in MS Word. Review this video from Overleaf to help you get started writing your thesis in LaTeX, using a standard thesis template from the Overleaf Gallery .

You can upload your own thesis template to the Overleaf Gallery if your university provides a set of LaTeX template files or you may find your university's thesis template already in the Overleaf Gallery.

This video assumes you've used LaTeX before and are familiar with the standard commands (see our other tutorial videos  if not), and focuses on how to work with a large project split over multiple files.

Contact Library and Cultural Services [email protected]

Contact Overleaf   or email [email protected]

5-part Guide on How to Write a Thesis in LaTeX

5-part LaTeX Thesis Writing Guide

Part 1: Basic Structure corresponding  video

Part 2: Page Layout corresponding  video

Part 3: Figures, Subfigures and Tables   corresponding video

Part 4: Bibliographies with Biblatex corresponding video

Part 5: Customizing Your Title Page and Abstract corresponding video

ShareLaTeX Joins Overleaf!

Read more about Overleaf and ShareLaTeX joining forces here

Link your ORCiD ID

Link your ORCiD account to your Overleaf account.

See Overleaf news   on  our blog.

• Next: Using Templates on Overleaf >>
• Last Updated: Feb 16, 2022 2:41 PM
• URL: https://library.essex.ac.uk/overleaf_theses

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Theses: Templates

• Finding theses @ Soton
• Deposit - Faculty Office
• Deposit - PGR Manager & Pure
• Thesis Data Deposit
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Useful Links

Library Research Services  home page

Guidance from Quality Handbook :

• Producing your thesis
• Submitting your thesis
• Permission to Deposit Thesis Form
• Permission to Deposit Thesis - Guidance
• Declaration of authorship form
• Submission of a Research Paper PhD Thesis: Guidance
• Intention to submit research thesis form

There are also examples of the thesis title and abstract pages in submission and completion section of the Quality Handbook . 

Data Management Plan for your PhD

Data Management Plans for Doctoral Students (Blackboard Course)

Data Management Plan guidance

For open access and institutional repository enquiries [email protected]

For research data management queries please email [email protected]

Need further help? Use our L ibrary Research Skills support service   

Thesis Templates

The University provides templates in Word and LateX which meet the requirements set out in the Regulations.  

Training : iSolutions also offer sessions on using Word to work with text, graphics and page layout in your thesis and turning your thesis into a PDF/A. The full course schedule and booking links can be found in the PGR Development Hub

Word or LaTeX?

LaTeX is extensively used by engineers and scientists because it handles maths and equations brilliantly, and by linguists because it can cope with multiple (and obscure) languages.  The University now offers Professional Accounts via Overleaf. Sign up for an account via the University of Southampton portal .

Word is the most widely used word processing software in the university. Unless you will be including lots of special character sets or equations, we would recommend using Word.

Whole thesis template

Use this to produce the whole thesis in one long Word document. It contains all of the required sections from title page to bibliography, with refreshable Tables of Contents, Table of Figures and Table of Tables.

• Word template help
• Always  use in conjunction with the Quality Handbook Producing your thesis guidance

Separate Chapter, Front Matter & End Matter templates for Word & Mac

If you don’t wish use the whole document template then use these to create each chapter of the thesis and the front matter. It comes ready made with usable styles that meet the University’s thesis Guidance requirements

• Chapter template for Word 2007 /2010 /2013 /2016 (PC) or 2008 /2011 /2016 (Mac)
• Front matter template for Word 2007 /2010 /2013 /2016 (PC) or 2008 /2011 /2016 (Mac)
• End Matter for Word 2007 /2010 /2013 /2016 (PC) or 2008 /2011 /2016 (Mac)

Copyright Statement coversheet

All e-theses require the University thesis copyright statement  is included in front of the main title page in the final e-version submitted.  The wording of the statement should not be altered in any way. 

The Word template (PC or Mac) above has the statement included but earlier versions did not. Should the statement be missing from your file it should be:

• added before creating the final pdf version 
• located in front of the main title page using the document below 
• should not be included in the numbering of the thesis.

LaTeX templates currently do not include instruction on how to add the statement so it will need it to be added individually as a single double-sided page. Alternatively, add the pdf version into your final pdf file using Adobe Acrobat Pro.

The statement is not required in the print copies submitted for examination or as a final copy.

• Thesis Copyright Statement Thesis copyright statement cover sheet
• Thesis Copyright Statement PDF version of the thesis copyright statement to be included in every thesis

The following guides outline how this can be done in Word documents. 

• Adding copyright statement in Word (PC) Guide to adding the statement in Word on a PC
• Adding copyright statement in Word (Mac) Guide to adding the statement in Word on a Mac

Visual guides are also available on YouTube:

Print & e-thesis equivalence

University Regulations do not state that e-theses must be directly equivalent to paper versions so your e-thesis could, if desired and your Faculty agrees, include 3-d models, audio or video files, or you could move commercially sensitive or third-party copyright material to a separate appendix which could be restricted.

The e-thesis should normally be submitted as a single PDF file or other format as agreed by the main supervisor. Where there are appendices containing restricted material these should be submitted a separate file.

The electronic copy must include all front material (title page, abstract, acknowledgements, table of contents etc) but should not include a scan of the signature under the declaration of authorship.

Please note: During the Covid-19 pandemic if you want to submit an enhanced ethesis PDF,  you must also provide must provide a PDF copy of your thesis which is exactly the same as the printed, examined version and is an accessible and archival PDF, PDF/A-3.. See our practical tips for deposit during Covid-19 for more information.

Using UoS Thesis Templates

iSolutions have created a training guide to introduce the Word template for theses and show you how to use a range of useful Word features to make creating and working with your thesis easier. These also direct you to relevant LinkedIn Learning.com videos on the use of features in Word.

• Thesis guidance 

iSolutions also offer sessions on using Word to work with text, graphics and page layout in your thesis. The full course schedule and booking links can be found in the PGR Development Hub

LaTeX Templates

Support for the use of LaTeX can be found on the Overleaf website . LaTeX is  also supported by a wide online community - see LaTeX Project .

How to make sure your thesis is an archival PDF/A

Your final University e-thesis must submitted in an accessible and archival format so that it will be readible in years to come, currently this format is PDF/A-3 .

• Mac users If you are using Word for Mac then start by using the Save As PDF facility. This produces a really good baseline file to continue working on in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. If for any reason you are not happy with the output as this process, then try converting the file by using Adobe Acrobat Pro's own 'Create a PDF from'. If you are still not happy with the result then contact serviceline to discuss other options.
• PC users For PC users the Adobe Acrobat Pro DC facility will produce the best output. You'll find the steps below under the heading  Create the PDF for PC  below.
• LaTeX to PDF/A-3 If you are using Overleaf, the automatic pdf conversion will be create a PDF/A file. Overleaf have created instructions on how to make sure your LaTeX PDF conforms to the archival standards . Please note we would prefer that you chose a-3b (propritising display) or a-3u (prioritising searchability) rather than a-1b. You may find the following paper helpful: Moore, R. (2014). PDF/A-3u as an Archival Format for Accessible Mathematics . In: Watt, S.M., Davenport, J.H., Sexton, A.P., Sojka, P., Urban, J. (eds) Intelligent Computer Mathematics. CICM 2014. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 8543. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-08434-3_14 , also available as an ArXiv pre-print .

Checking you PDF/A accessibility: You can check how well your PDF meets the PDF/A accessibility standards using the Abode Acrobat Pro preflight checker and the accessibility checker .

How to download Abode Acrobat Pro: Details of how to access or download Adobe Acrobat Pro DC can be found at iSolutions' Adobe Acrobat Pro - Licensing Advice page .

• << Previous: Finding theses @ Soton
• Next: Copyright >>
• Last Updated: Oct 31, 2023 10:24 AM
• URL: https://library.soton.ac.uk/thesis

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• Using lablst

The ociamthesis.cls was written by Keith A. Gillow. The latest version (2.2) was released on 22/11/2010. The class is based upon the standard report class around which most people design their thesis. Key features are

• It defines the page size allowing for an offset for binding.
• It defines the layout of the title page including title, logo / crest, name, college, submittedtext, degree name, degree date.
• It uses the current university branding square logo by default (but can also use the older shield crest or belt crest).
• Dedication page environment (layout as a verse).
• Acknowledgements page environment (layout as a quote).
• Alternative acknowledgementslong environment form which isn't set out as a quote.
• Statement of Originality environment (originality) and long version (originalitylong). Formatting similar to acknowledgements enviroments.
• Abstract page environment (layout as a quote).
• Alternative abstractlong environment form which isn't set out as a quote.
• Alternative abstractseparate environment form which isn't set out as a quote and has all the title page info on as well (useful for the separate copy required when you submit the final copy to the Bodleian Library).
• Romanpages environment to number frontmatter pages in lower case roman.
• Support for twoside and openright document class options

Here is an example of how to use this class in a master latex document .

The structure of the dedications file (called dedications.tex in the example) is

\begin{dedication} This thesis is dedicated to\\ someone\\ for some special reason\\ \end{dedication}

The structure of the abstract (abstract.tex) file is of the form

\begin{abstract} plenty of waffle, plenty of waffle, plenty of waffle, plenty of waffle, plenty of waffle, plenty of waffle, plenty of waffle, plenty of waffle. \end{abstract}

and the structure of the acknowledgements (acknowledgements.tex) file is of the form

\begin{acknowledgements} plenty of waffle, plenty of waffle, plenty of waffle, plenty of waffle, plenty of waffle, plenty of waffle, plenty of waffle, plenty of waffle. \end{acknowledgements}

This example PDF file shows some of the sort of output this class generates . This example output uses the gillow bibliography style file which is a very minor modification to the plain bibliography style.

Cover Page Logo / Crest

Current university logo / branding.

As of version 2.2 the default is to use a graphical logo with file name oxlogo.eps (for LaTeX) or oxlogo.pdf (for PDFLaTeX).

The Mathematical Institute Linux systems have the class and logo files installed by default. If you are using this document class on another system you will need to obtain a suitable logo file to go with the class file available from this page. You can obtain this from the university's official branding page or by taking a copy of the files on the Linux system (just use the command locate oxlogo to find the file).

Previous Logos / Branding

It is still possible to use the older metafont logo of either the belt crest or shield crest by using the new (as of version 2.2) options beltcrest or shieldcrest in the documentclass line, i.e.

documentclass line for old belt crest logo using the beltcrest metafont

\documentclass[12pt,beltcrest]{ociamthesis}

documentclass line for older shield crest logo using the crest metafont

\documentclass[12pt,shieldcrest]{ociamthesis}

In these cases then either the metafont file oxcrest40 or oxbeltcrest installed (for legacy use) on the Maths Institute system are used.