swansea uni dissertation

Computer Science: Theses

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Theses Collection

This page gives information for search for thesis for your research.  For further information on submiting your thesis please visit our Theses guide.

• E-Thesis Deposit & Theses Collection by Caroline Rauter Last Updated Jun 4, 2024 1807 views this year

Finding Swansea University Theses

Access the Swansea University E-Theses collection from Cronfa, the repository.

• Cronfa E-Theses contains recent full-text electronic PhD, M.Phil. and Masters by Research level theses. A few e-theses are barred from public access for up to five years. From 2021 the Library no longer receives physical copies for addition to stock.
• Swansea University Library undertook a digitisation project to make 1000 items from the historic thesis collection of PhD and MPhil dissertations available online. This project provides universal access to some of our vibrant research collections and electronic full-text items are available via Cronfa, the repository. Some of our collection is also held in the British Library EThOS e-theses online service.

The Library holds physical copies of most Swansea University theses at doctorate level and some masters until 2019/20.

• We do not usually keep third year projects, dissertations etc.
• Older theses for most subjects are held in a closed store in the Singleton Park Library. Ask at the My Uni Library service desk.
• The South Wales Miners' Library also has a small collection of DACE theses as well as some dissertations.

Information about all theses received by the library can be found on iFind, the library catalogue.

In the iFind search box, enter your topic keyword search and the words: swansea   thesis.  You can then use the Refine bar to limit to a range of years or particular Colleges. If you are particularly interested in recent theses you can change the  Sort by  menu at the top of the results list to  Date descending  to bring the most recent to the top.

The physical theses collection is restricted to the Library building for reference purposes only.

• If you wish to consult a thesis, give the author, title and year of the thesis to staff at the MyUni Library Desk. Staff will collect the item for you from the closed store. The thesis will be issued to your library card as a restricted item. Return the item to the MyUni Library Desk (or self-return machine) when you have finished with it and it will be discharged from your library card.
• Respecting copyright: you may copy no more than one complete chapter or 10% of the total, whichever is greater.

Barred theses

• A few theses are barred from public access for up to five years - this is usually because the work has commercial potential and the student has obtained permission from the University not to make it public straight away. If this happens there will be a note on the record giving the date when the information will be released. No one will be allowed to read the thesis before that date.

Special theses

• DSc. and D.Litt theses for all subjects are kept in the Singleton Park Library. Please ask for them at the Library Desk.

UK E-Theses

• Proquest Dissertations & Theses Global This link opens in a new window ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global is the world's most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses from around the world, spanning from 1743 to the present day and offering 24-page full text previews for graduate works added since 1997, along with selected previews for works written prior to 1997. It contains a significant amount of new international dissertations and theses both in citations and in full text.

International E-Theses Resources

• ARGO National Documentation Centre (Greece)
• Cybertesis (South America)
• Dissertations.se (Sweden)
• EBSCO open dissertations project (Global)
• HKU Online (Hong-Kong)
• National ETD Portal (South Africa)
• NZ Research (New Zealand)
• OATD Open Access Theses and Dissertations (Global)
• SwePub (Sweden - universities)
• TDX (Spain)
• TEL (France)
• Theses Canada (Canada)
• Trove - National Library of Australia (Australia)
• Document Supply Service by Claire Vivian Last Updated Jul 9, 2024 2591 views this year
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Become an Inspirational Leader in District Nursing

Key course details.

Course Overview

If studying a PGDip, it may be possible to upgrade your PGDip to an MSc exit qualification during your studies however please note this will not be accredited by the NMC. 

The PGDip Community Health Studies, Specialist Practice Qualification in District Nursing aims to prepare district nurses to work independently and autonomously in a complex, rapidly changing environment; our aim is to help you become inspirational leaders of the future, transforming practice, contributing to the wider health care agenda.

As a result of this PGDip you will be able to:

• Work as part of a Primary Health Care Team to provide skilled nursing care to patients in a variety of community settings.
• Take responsibility for managing the caseload and the team.
• Act as the patient's advocate to facilitate the patient's own choices with regard to nursing care, promoting independence and self-care, as appropriate.
• Actively monitor, maintain and develop service/practice innovation through supervision, reflection, skilled professional leadership and integration with other allied health professionals.
• Follow a complex framework of legislation, policy and standards for safe effective medicine management and prescribing practice.
• Conduct a practice-based project in order to add to the evidence base for district nursing practice.
• Seek opportunity to apply for a band 7 Team Leader post.

Why study at Swansea University?

The School of Health and Social Care is a major contributor to the preparation and education of District Nurses for the workforce in South Wales and the UK.

We have an outstanding reputation for Nursing at Swansea and are proud to be ranked Top 10 in the UK for Nursing (The Times Good University Guide 2024).

Our academic staff are qualified nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals, many of whom are also practising clinicians, providing an exceptional combination of theoretical rigour, professional insight, and practical expertise.

Your District Nursing Experience

The course is made up of 50% practice and 50% theory, there is a strong emphasis on the relationship between practice and theory.  

During the course, you will be assigned a Personal Academic Mentor who will provide academic guidance and support for your personal development. 

Our excellent facilities in the School of Health and Social Care include a realistic clinical suite so you can put your theoretical knowledge into practice in an environment that reflects as closely as possible the actual conditions that you will experience when you go on placement in a hospital or community setting.

Your District Nursing Career

Successful completion part one of the programme will lead to a PGDip and professional award which can be recorded on the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register.

An application form for Part 2 (module code SHND09) of the MSc Specialist Community Public Health Nursing Qualification is available from [email protected]  

PGDip 1 Year Full-time - September

Year 1 (level 7t), fheq 7 taught masters / pgdip / pgcert, compulsory modules.

PGDip 2 Year Part-time - September

Year 2 (Level 7T)

PGDip 3 Year Part-time - September

Year 3 (Level 7T)

Entry Requirements

To apply for this course you must meet the following criteria:

• Be registered with the NMC on part 1 of the register
• Have graduated with a BSc/BA/BN Honours degree or equivalent
• Provide evidence of post-registration experience within the specialised area of practice
• Provide confirmation of any recent study (e.g. continuing professional development module preferably within the last 5 years).
• Present an up-to-date enhanced DBS disclosure
• Provide copies of academic qualifications and any other documents required by the admissions department, for verification during the selection process.
• If you are considering transferring any prior learning, a full transcript of the module outline is required at interview.

Applications should be made directly to Swansea University by contacting our Admissions Team:  [email protected] . 

Interviews take place in the summer months and the course starts in October each year.

Don't meet these requirements?

How you're taught.

We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Apart from a small number of online-only courses, most of our courses consist of in-person, on-campus teaching, enabling full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students.

Practical skills sessions, lab work seminars, and workshops predominantly take place in person, allowing for group working and demonstrations. We also operate virtual labs and Simulated Learning Environments which will facilitate greater access to training opportunities in the future. However, our approach also includes the use of some online learning to support and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching. 

Online learning may take place ‘live’ using software such as Zoom, allowing you to interact with the lecturer and other students and to ask questions. Lecture recordings also allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in Canvas, such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study.

A key aim of classroom-based learning is to support theory to practice. To help you develop theoretical knowledge that can be applied to practice you will be taught through a variety of methods including:

• Online learning
• Discussion forums
• Peer assessment
• Peer teaching
• Learning from service users

The course is also supported by the virtual learning environment (VLE) ‘Blackboard’. Blackboard provides access to a whole range of module materials including announcements, timetables, assignment briefs, useful information, student activity briefings, session presentations, hand-outs and links to evidence-based internet resources. 

Your learning will be assessed through lectures, seminar presentation, reflective groups, action learning, work-based learning, problem-based learning, self-directed learning and e-learning will be utilised in order to achieve the theoretical and clinical outcomes for the course.

Welsh Provision

Some provision.

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study some elements of this postgraduate course through the medium of Welsh but there is not yet enough provision to reach 40 credits in each year. The Programme Director can outline to you what is available in Welsh.

Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

• Access to generous Welsh-language study  scholarships or bursaries .
• Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the  App Store  and  Google Play .
• An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
• Personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
• The option to create and submit your coursework or sit exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be assessed in Welsh.
• A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
• One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
• An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
• Membership of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Visit the Welsh Language Rights webpage for further information about Students' Welsh Language Rights.

Continuing to study through the medium of Welsh will be:

• a natural step for you if you have studied through the medium of Welsh at undergraduate level.
• a way of maximizing your chances of getting the best education.
• a way of receiving a high level of support as the study groups are smaller.
• a valuable addition to your CV and career development.

Professional Body Accreditation

Accredited by The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

Meet Your Lecturers

• Alyson Bray, Programme Director District Nursing, District Nurse, BScHons, Ma Education for Health Care Professionals, PGCE HE, Nurse Prescriber – Senior Lecturer.
• Nia Griffin, District Nurse, MSc Community & Primary Care, Nurse Prescriber – Lecturer & Service User Champion within the team.
• Cathy Taylor, Programme Director SCPHN practice, Health Visitor, Senior Fellowship Higher Education Academy, MSc Nursing, PGCE, Nurse Prescriber – Senior Lecturer.
• Amanda Makin, Health Visitor, MA Child Welfare & Applied Childhood Studies, Nurse Prescriber – Lecturer.
• Elizabeth Churne, Lecturer Practitioner School Nursing, School Nurse - Lecturer.
• Janet Swanson, RGN, RM (lapsed), BSc (Hons), SCPHN (RHV), MA - Lecturer.

Tuition Fees

Pgdip 1 year full time.

PGDip 2 Year Part Time

Pgdip 3 year part time.

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page .

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up .

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

• Travel to and from campus
• Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
• Purchase of books or texts
• Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

• Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
• Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
• Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
• Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
• Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal tutor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

• Academic writing
• Maths and statistics
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Digital skills
• Presentation skills
• Note taking
• Revision, memory and exam techniques
• English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 28th June 2024. Interviews take place in the summer months and the course starts in October each year.

Specialist Community Public Health Nursing Application

Applications should be made directly to Swansea University by contacting our Admissions Team: [email protected] . 

Further information can be obtained from the Programme Director, Alyson Bray or via the Admissions Team (Tel: 01792 (98)7661)

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.

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1. What is a Thesis?

DRAFTING, SUBMITTING AND EXAMINING A THESIS

A thesis presents a student’s research results, describing the research with reference to relevant work in the field. It will include a description of the methods of research considered, and those actually employed, and present the student’s conclusions. It is essential that any use of another author’s work is properly acknowledged. The thesis is the student’s own work and must be written by the student.

It is essential that the research student discusses general layout and referencing conventions with their supervisors to ensure that subject or discipline-specific requirements or rules are followed right from the start. Supervisors are expected to provide constructive criticism and feedback on the thesis during candidature; however, supervisors should not be requested to provide English language training or undertake proof-reading.

In assessing a thesis, the examiners will bear in mind the standard and scope of work which it is reasonable to expect a capable and diligent research student to present after a period of time equivalent to the minimum candidature period for the degree being examined.

The University’s academic regulations for research master’s level degrees state:

The qualification shall be awarded to research students who:

• Have demonstrated knowledge and understanding that is founded upon and extends and/or enhances abilities typically associated with Bachelor’s level, and that provides a basis or opportunity for originality in developing and/or applying ideas, often within a research context;
• Can apply their knowledge, understanding, and problem-solving abilities in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study;
• Have the ability to integrate knowledge and handle complexity, and formulate judgements on a body of information, and to reflect on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgements;
• Can communicate their conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously;
• Have the learning skills to allow them to continue to study in a manner that may be largely self-directed or autonomous.

The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy shall be awarded to a research student who has:

1. Presented a thesis containing the research student’s advanced study and research which satisfies the Board of Examiners as:

• Making an original and significant contribution to knowledge;
• Giving evidence of originality of mind and critical judgement in the conception and implementation of a research project in a particular subject;
• Containing material worthy of peer-reviewed publication;
• Being satisfactory in its literary and/or technical presentation and structure, with a full bibliography and references;
• Demonstrating an understanding of the context of the research and mastery of the skills and methods of research associated with the field.

2. Passed a viva voce examination conducted by the examiners on the broader aspects of the field of research in addition to the subject of the thesis.

1.5    Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) research students

In the event any changes are made to research student research proposals, the University has a requirement to notify UKVI within 28 days of the changes, for those that require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. Information regarding which courses require an ATAS certificate can be found here . Please note that this applies to non-European Economic Area (EEA) students only. It is the responsibility of Swansea University supervisors to notify the University’s International Student Compliance Team (Education Services), of changes to the research student’s original research proposal or the use of any new research technique. For more information, please read the ATAS and Change of Research Topic Policy and Procedure .

2. Maximum Word Limits for Doctor of Philosophy (External) Degree

PhD (External)

The word limit is 100,000 for the main text. The word limit does not include appendices (if any), essential footnotes, introductory parts and statements or the bibliography and index.

3. Minimum Word Limits3. Minimum Word Limits

There are no set minimum word limits for the Doctor of Philosophy (External) Degree, however, the maximum word limit of the preceding traditional MPhil Degree may be taken as a guide.

Note: Ultimately, whether the thesis is too long or too short is a decision for the examiners. The word limit is therefore guidance rather than requirement. A supervisor may record reservations regarding the length of a research student’s thesis on the Research Management System. If a thesis is clearly above the indicated word limit, then the research student should discuss editorial action with their supervisors before submission.

Research students should be aware that examiners can decide that an overly-long thesis does not meet the degree’s standards, and research students will not be awarded the degree or lower award without proceeding to the viva stage. A research student can also be required to resubmit a thesis if there are serious grammatical or spelling errors, use of a spellchecker is very strongly recommended.

4. Practice-Based Research Degree Thesis

The practice-based research degree (either doctoral level or research master's level) is distinguished from the standard research degree in that a major element of the submission is an original creative work, which has been created by the research student specifically for the submission of the award. Apart from the inclusion of such materials, the practice-based thesis must conform to the same standards expected for a standard research degree thesis.

A request to submit a practice-based research degree thesis must be submitted to the Student Cases Board for approval prior to confirmation of candidature. The research student and the supervisor should produce a written request, counter-signed by the Executive Dean or nominee, explaining why the practice-based format is more appropriate for the research project and demonstrating how the project will take full advantage of the creative and/or practical element. The request should also clearly indicate the proposed balance of written and practical components to be submitted. The request must identify any issues about specific needs for supporting the research student due to the nature of the research etc., impact on skills training requirements, supervisory requirements etc. The supervisors should provide detailed information about how the practical component will be supervised.

The major element of the submission is an original creative work which has been created by the research student specifically for the submission. The practical element should be accompanied by a written commentary. The length of the written element should be determined by the nature of the research but should be no more than 40,000 words for doctoral level and 20,000 words for research master's level.

5. Bar on Access

Sometimes the results of research are commercially valuable or sensitive in other ways, for example in the use of material that is restricted by agreements or other contracts. To protect this confidentiality the University permits a bar on access to be placed on the thesis and this will mean that it will not be available to the general reader for up to five years (the period can be extended in special circumstances).

The University offers a tiered system for access to a thesis: Open Access, Embargoed (to later become Open Access), Redacted Content Open Access and Permanently Restricted. Authors should ensure that the selected access level of the thesis is appropriate and lawful. The bar on access application should be submitted to the Faculty/School for approval by the Executive Dean or nominee. Applications for a bar on access must state the title of the work, and the reasons for a bar on access. Applicants may request a formal restriction for the duration of a temporary embargo period (maximum duration five years), indicate the intention to release a redacted electronic version of the thesis, or request a permanent formal restriction of the electronic version.

Authors are required to provide the Library with a completed deposit agreement upon successful completion of the degree. The Library will respect any permanent bar on access or temporary embargo request specified in the deposit agreement.

Research students funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI - formerly Research Councils UK) only. It is expected that a full text version of the thesis should be available no longer than twelve months following award of the doctorate. UKRI recognise that commercial, collaborative or publication arrangements may necessitate a slight delay but expect the thesis to be deposited as soon as possible thereafter, unless a bar is in place.

6 - 6.3.15 Binding Conventions

6.1 E-thesis

As of 1 October 2021, the University requires all final version (completed) PGR theses to be submitted in electronic (e-thesis) format. Physical hardback copies are no longer required for Swansea University Library or the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth, however temporary binding for examination purposes may still be needed (see below).

6.2 Temporary Binding

Temporary binding may be required for examination purposes, in addition to the e-thesis copy. It is recommended students check with their Faculty/School which thesis format is appropriate for the examination.

6.3 Permanent Hard-back Binding

The University no longer requires permanent hard-back copies of final theses to be submitted, rather all Postgraduate Research theses are to be submitted in electronic (e-thesis) format. However, sections 6.3.1 – 6.7 below have been retained as a guide for students wishing to produce their own hardback copies in the style historically used at Swansea University.

The colour of the cover is not specified by the University but is usually black, dark green or red.

The spine of the thesis (permanent binding only) must show:

• The research student’s surname and initials;
• Swansea University;
• The full or abbreviated title of the work;
• The year of submission;
• The degree for which the work is submitted.

Note:  If two volumes are needed Vol.1 and Vol.2 should be added, as appropriate, to the spine text.

Example: Spine Tugandlow, G. Swansea University 2018 Self-Criticism and Self-Determination [Vol. 1] PhD

Internal Layout of a Thesis

The layout of the thesis (whether temporary binding format, or e-thesis), will generally align to the pattern illustrated below. However, the research student must check with their supervisors to see whether there are any particular conventions applicable to the specific subject area:

Title page Summary (Abstract) Declarations and Statements Contents page Acknowledgements List of tables, illustrations, etc. Definitions or Abbreviations

TEXT: Appropriately divided and with chapters and sections continuously paginated. (The layout of the text is an important aspect of the thesis design. The division of material can be by Parts, Chapters, Sections, etc., the supervisor’s advice is essential)

Appendices (Where these are substantial, a separate volume should be considered) (not relevant for e-thesis versions)

Bibliography

Theses may deviate from the above structure, subject to permission being sought from the Regulations, Quality and Standards Committee, no later than submission of the Notice of Intention to Submit  form.

The title page must contain the following information:

• The approved title and any subtitle;
• The total number of volumes if more than one, and the number of the particular volume (not relevant for e-thesis versions);
• The full name of the research student followed, if desired, by any qualifications and distinctions;
• The text “Submitted to Swansea University in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of” followed by the name of the research degree programme e.g. Doctor of Philosophy (External) etc.);
• The text “Swansea University”;
• The year of submission.

Summary (Abstract)

A brief description of the work: its aims, methods and conclusions. Not more than three hundred words, using single line spacing.

Research students should bear in mind, when writing the summary, that this may be the only part of the thesis that is read by other research workers. It should be written in such a way as to help researchers in the same field decide whether to read the thesis. The summary should consist of a piece of connected prose and should not be more than 300 words in length. It may be much shorter. Abbreviations should be avoided.

Declarations and Statements

Information about the standard declarations and statements, which must be made when a research student submits their thesis, is provided with the Submission Pack issued to students who have notified of their intention to submit. In summary these comprise of:

• A declaration that the work has not previously been accepted in substance for any degree and is not being concurrently submitted in candidature for any degree.
• A statement that the thesis is the result of the research student’s own investigations, except where otherwise stated and that other sources are acknowledged by footnotes giving explicit references and that a bibliography is appended.
• A statement regarding metadata and an abstract. The metadata and abstract are automatically made available in the University repository to outside organisations. An e-thesis deposit agreement is required by the Library if accepted. Access levels to the full-text are managed according to the completed agreement.
• A statement that indicates that the University’s ethical procedures have been followed and, where appropriate, that ethical approval has been granted.

Contents Page

Details of the division of the thesis, with page numbers.

Acknowledgements

If the research student wishes to include a dedication or acknowledgement in the thesis this should be inserted on a page following the Contents Page.

List of Tables, Illustrations, etc.

Titles of all tables and illustrations in the thesis, with page numbers.

Definitions or Abbreviations

All abbreviations used in the thesis should be clearly defined.

The Main Text – appropriately divided into parts, chapters and sections.

The research student should seek the advice of their supervisors about the appropriate form of division to be used in the main text. The main text should be a self-supporting document in its own right, and not require the reader to refer to the appendices.

The appendices are not included in the word count of the thesis. The appendices allow the research student to further illuminate the main text and can act as a repository of raw data. It should be noted that examiners are not obliged to read the appendices when examining a thesis.

The glossary should comprise a list of specialised terms used in the thesis with which a reader is not expected to be familiar, each with its definition as understood in the text.

The bibliography should list all works referred to in the thesis and should also include works that have informed the thesis even if not directly referred to.

6.4 - 6.7 Thesis Conventions

6.4  Physical Appearance of the Thesis

(If physical copies are required).

White, A4-size, with sufficient opacity to prevent any show-through.

The main text must be printed in black ink and may be printed on both sides of the page.

Font Character or Print Height

Print or character size should not be less than 8 pt (2.50 mm) but, normally, the text-size would be equivalent to 12 pt Times New Roman.

Margins should be 4 cm (1½ inches) wide on the left-hand side and at least 2 cm (¾ inch) on the right-hand side, although 1 inch (2.5 cm) on the right-hand side is preferable.

Line Spacing

One-and-a-half line spacing should be used in the main text. However, single spacing should be used in the Summary and in any indented quotations and footnotes.

Page Numbering

Pages in the thesis should be numbered sequentially.

6.5   Referencing and the Bibliography

The first requirement of a thesis submitted in candidature for a degree is that it presents the results of the research student's own work. Clearly, this demand does not exclude quotations or the representation of the views or results of other scholars in the field. Indeed, another expectation in any thesis is that the research student will relate their own work to that of other researchers.

It is important that in writing the thesis the research student must clearly and unambiguously distinguish between their own thoughts, conclusions and results and those of other scholars. The standard mechanism for ensuring that a plain distinction is made is by means of quotation marks, for direct quotations from the work of other scholars, and references to acknowledge direct and indirect use of the work of other scholars. References must be sufficiently precise to enable the reader to obtain and consider the original work. Paraphrasing without attribution is considered to be academic misconduct.

The aim of a reference is to enable the reader to locate and consult the work the research student has cited in the thesis.

References are used to indicate the works mentioned in the text but the bibliography, placed at the end of the thesis, will not only provide the necessary details of cited work but also other works that have been useful in the research student’s study, even if they are not explicitly cited in the text.

Building a thesis begins with surveying the relevant literature in the field of study and it is important to adopt, at the beginning, a useful method for recording the research student’s reading. Endnote software for managing bibliographic references is available on all open access PCs across campus, and training is offered by the Library . 

It is very important that in the earliest stages of study the research student talks to their supervisors about which referencing system is most appropriate for the thesis. Incorrect referencing is often viewed by examiners as a failure to fully meet the necessary standards for a research degree. If the Faculty/ School does not recommend a particular convention, basic guidance on referencing styles is available on the  Referencing Library Guide or from your Subject Librarian.

Any reference to a web-based source must include the web address (full path) and the date of last access. The thesis may not include extensive unchanged material that has previously been submitted and approved for the award of a degree by this or any other university.

Inclusion of Publications

A thesis may include papers authored by the research student that have been published in externally refereed contexts such as journals and conference proceedings.

Papers should relate directly to the research student’s study and must have been written during the candidature period. Any publications must constitute an essential part of a coherent and integral body of work rather than a separate component.

To demonstrate their contribution, research students would normally be the first author on such papers. Where the research student has included publications in journals that specify the listing of authors in alphabetical order, this should be clearly stated. Research students must acknowledge co-authors and their specific contribution to the paper, by means of an authorship statement for each paper, to be included in the thesis. See example statement 6.7.6.

The number of papers which may be included is not prescribed, but they and the other contents of the thesis should reflect the amount, originality and level of work expected of a research student towards a conventional thesis.

That a thesis includes a paper that has been published is no guarantee that the examiners will recommend the award for which the research student is being examined. The examiners are required to assess the quality of the whole thesis against the criteria set out in section 1.0.

Research students are reminded of the need to adhere to the terms of their publishing agreement, with respect to copyright ownership. Research students should inform the editor of their intention to include the article as part of their thesis and obtain written consent. Research students should be aware, it may be necessary to redact publisher-owned material from the Open Access version of their thesis.

Where published papers are to be included as a thesis chapter, these must include an introduction and conclusion and be bound into the thesis at the appropriate point.

Authorship Statement

The following declaration must be included in the thesis to document the contributions of the authors to a publication. The research student must for each paper, list all authors and provide details of their role in the published work. Where possible, also provide a percentage estimate of the contribution made by each author.

Declaration

The following people and institutions contributed to the publication of work undertaken as part of this thesis:

Author Details and their Roles:

Paper 1 (title) Located in Chapter <insert chapter number>

Research student contributed <insert type and proportion of contribution>

Author < insert author number> contributed <insert type and proportion of contribution>

<Add additional paper numbers where required>

We the undersigned agree with the above stated “proportion of work undertaken” for each of the above published peer-reviewed manuscripts contributing to this thesis:

Signed Research student ________________________________ Author 1_____________________________________________ Author 2_____________________________________________ Author 3_____________________________________________ Author 4_____________________________________________ Author 5_____________________________________________ Author 6_____________________________________________

7. Binding Conventions

7.      Notice of Intention to Submit

At least three months before the research student expects to submit their thesis, they should indicate intended submission by forwarding a Notice of Intention to Submit form to your Faculty/School. This is to allow the research student’s Faculty/School to make the necessary arrangements for their examination in good time. The research students do not need to be over-exact in calculating their submission date (as long as this is before the absolute deadline). Before submitting their thesis, the research student should check carefully that it is the version that they wish to be examined, and that it contains no accidental errors or omissions. The research student should note that they may not retract their thesis once it has been submitted.

After the research student has notified their intention to submit the student will normally no longer be able to apply for an extension of candidature.

7.2    Procedures

• The research student notifies of their intention to submit a thesis three months prior to the expected submission date;
• The supervisor records whether approval has been granted if the thesis is to be submitted prior to the research student’s minimum candidature date (see Guide to External Research Degree Candidature for details on early submission);
• The supervisor records whether a request for a bar on access will be or has been requested;
• The supervisor indicates whether the thesis will be submitted in Welsh and whether the oral examination will be in Welsh;
• The supervisor indicates whether the thesis will be submitted in a language other than English/Welsh (permission to do so should be obtained at the time of confirmation of candidature, see Guide to Progress Monitoring of External Research Students ) and whether the oral examination will be in a language other than English/Welsh;
• If the supervisor has any comments/concerns about the research student’s intention to submit, these should be noted on the Notice of Intention to Submit form. If the research student is submitting prior to the minimum candidature date, the supervisor should include a specific comment on this;
• The Faculty/School alerts Education Services of the pending submission;
• The Faculty/School begins the process of nominating the Examining Board (see Guide to Examination of External Research Students  for guidance on nominating examiners).

7.3    Submission of the Thesis for Examination

After notifying of their intention to submit via the Notice of Intention to Submit form, the research student will be issued with a “Submission Pack”. The pack consists of:

• A cover letter; 
• A checklist for the research student;
• Notes and guidance for research students;
• Suggested layouts for declarations and statements;
• A thesis summary sheet.

Once the research student has written their thesis, the supervisors should see the final draft copy for comment. The research student will then make the final revisions to the thesis.

All research students are required to incorporate into the thesis a summary of the thesis and the relevant declarations and statements (see Internal layout of a thesis above).

When a research student is ready to submit their thesis the required statements and declarations should be completed, and an electronic copy prepared for examination. It may also be necessary to provide a temporary bound physical copy of the thesis on the advice of the Faculty/School. The electronic copy will be stored securely by the research student’s home Faculty/School until such time it is no longer required.

Each Faculty/School has a designated member of staff who is responsible for formally accepting submission of theses. The research student should submit the electronic copy of the thesis together with a temporary bound hard copy (if required). The submission is recorded on the Research Management System which will generate an email to the student noting confirmation of submission of the thesis.

The following procedures then occur:

a) The research student’s matriculation status and financial status will be checked. If the research student is in debt to the University, the examination of the thesis will not take place. b) The research student will be asked to confirm the address to which they require the formal notification to be sent, this will normally be the student’s “Home Address”.

Once the Examining Board's appointment has been confirmed by Education Services, examination of the thesis can commence.

Note:  Examination/Viva dates should not be arranged until the Examining Board has been approved. Submission of the thesis is final, and once made cannot be retracted.

7.4    Continued Access to Facilities After Submission

All research students will be granted access to the Library, and to IT facilities until the end of the examination process (as indicated in the formal notification from Education Services).

7.5    Resubmission Arrangements

If a research student is required to resubmit their thesis (rather than make corrections and amendments), the re-submission arrangements are exactly as outlined above for the first submission. The Examining Board should be re-nominated, and examination of the resubmitted thesis cannot commence until the re-appointment of both examiners has been confirmed by Education Services.

After the oral examination the research student will be formally informed by the University of the recommendation of the Examining Board. The research student will be provided with detailed feedback on the points which must be addressed in the resubmission through the Chair of the Examining Board. Normally, the same examiners will examine the resubmitted thesis to see whether the points raised in the reports from the first examination have been addressed. As a rule, the resubmitted thesis must be examined by a second oral examination. In very exceptional cases, the requirement for a second oral examination may be waived at the examiners’ discretion if a pass is agreed by them on resubmission. In this scenario, the Chair of the Examining Board will inform the research student that the requirement for a second oral examination has been waived (see the Guide to Examination of External Research Students ).

The Chair of the Progression and Awards Board will be asked to ratify the Result and Report form once they have been received by Education Services. Once the viva outcome has been ratified the student will be sent an email confirming the viva outcome and the date by which they are required to re-submit. After the research student’s record card has been updated, they will be able to access the University electronic facilities and the Library services until the new end of candidature date.

The research student must resubmit their thesis on or before the deadline as advised by the University and pay the resubmission fee on or prior to re-submission. This can be by card payment via MyUniHub . MyUniHub can be contacted to discuss other payment methods.

8. Submission of Final Thesis

After the research student has had the corrections and amendments required by the Examining Board approved by one or both of the examiners (as indicated on the Result Form), they are required to submit one electronic copy in Portable Document Format (PDF) to the Faculty/School before the degree can be awarded. As of 1st October 2021, there is no longer a requirement to submit a hardback copy of the final thesis to Swansea University Library or the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth.

The Swansea University Research on the Incel Community (SURIC) is a research group who conduct empirical research to better understand the dynamics of the incel (involuntary celibate) community, and individuals who identify as incel.

• Base psychological findings around direct engagement with the incel community and individuals rather than linguistic analyses of internet posts
• Investigate incel beliefs and behaviour without sensationalising or demonising them.
• Not judge the entire community, or all incels, by the actions, behaviors, or views of the most extreme minority of incels
• Base our findings on the biggest sample of incel participants of any study
• Base our findings on a broader representation of the incel community including multiple definitions of incel identity (e.g., forum users and non-forum users, or people who only identify with the life circumstance).
• Use a data driven approach to investigate potential avenues for understanding incel beliefs and behaviour and to help address the problems associated with such beliefs and behaviour.
• Ensure data we gather is fully anonymised and not shared with third parties.

Most of our research is either unfunded or funded/supported directly by Swansea University and via Swansea University's Legal Innovation Lab Wales (which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government).

Our latest study on unhelping thinking styles was jointly funded by Swansea University and the University of Texas at Austin

We recently ran a large research study about incel mental health, ideology and social networking. This independent research was funded by the Commission for Countering Extremism (CCE) and a report containing the main findings will appear on the UK Government website. However, we stress the importance of academic freedom and the CCE neither designed the study, nor did they have control over the data.

Research summaries and reports contain broad descriptive information and associations about the sample as a whole - things like the % of incels who have poor mental health, and whether mental health is positively/negatively related to social networking, for example. They don't contain information about specific individuals.

As made clear in our mission statement above, the data we gather is 100% anonymised and not shared with third parties. This means that funders like the CCE do not have access to the data. We make this clear to potential funders from the outset, because we know the community is sceptical of government bodies (and researchers in general). It's very important to us that our research is conducted ethically, impartially, and treats incels as real people.

As part of our recent CCE-funded study on incel mental health, ideology, and social networking, we give participants the option of donating their participant compensation to the Movember charity. In total, 125 participants selected this option and we donated £2,500 to Movember Europe on 01/11/2023 (REF: R-54189201-68033982).

Research can sometimes take a while to publish because the peer review process can be slow. For example, data we gathered in 2020-2021 is only now being published. However, our aim is to also write-up our papers as freely accessible pre-prints as soon as we can, so that people can access the findings sooner rather than later and without a paywall - though these may be slight different from the finished article. You can see some examples here and here . The best way to be notified that we have added a pre-print or report is to follow us on Twitter or check back on the website regularly.

Interviews with William Costello

• Are Incels a Threat to Society with Chris Williamson
• The Truth About Incels with Triggernometry
• Inside the Minds of Incels with Justin Lehmiller
• Everything you Need to Know About Incels with Mikhaila Peterson
• William Costello Talks The Lives Of Incels, Modern Mating Challenges, Understanding Female Nature
• Good Hard Science with Naama Kates

Interviews with Dr Andrew G. Thomas

• Evolution's Secrets To Understanding Relationships with Chris Williamson

Interviews with Dr Joe Whittaker

• Prevent. Pursue. Protect. Prepare. with Naama Kates
• Tech Against Terrorism – The Deplatforming Debate
• Just Checking in Podcast – Dr. Joe Whittaker

Blog posts/articles

• When Searching for a Mate Breeds Misogyny or Misandry - Psychology Today
• The Pain of "Dysphoric Singlehood" - Psychology Today
• What do we Know About Incels? - Psychology Today
• Incels exhibit reduced psychological well-being and a greater tendency for interpersonal victimhood, study finds - Psypost
• Analysis of 1.8 million online daters shows resource-acquisition ability boosts romantic interest - Psypost
• The Mating Psychology of Incels (involuntary Celibates): Misfortunes, Misperceptions and Misrepresentations A paper by William Costello, Andrew G. Thomas and others subsequently published in the Journal of Sex Research.
• Levels of Wellbeing Among Men who are Incel (incoluntary celibate) A 2022 paper by William Costello, Andrew G. Thomas and others subsequently published in the journal Evolutionary Psychological Science.
• Being More Educated and Earning More Increases Romantic Interest: Data from 1.8 M Online Daters from 24 Nations A paper by Andrew Thomas and Peter Jonason.
• Rethinking Online Radicalization A paper by Joe Whitaker.
• Mating Performance: Assessing Flirting Skills, Mate Signal-Detection Ability, and Shyness Effects A paper by Menelaos Apostolou et al. (2019) in the journal Evolutionary Psychology.
• Reasons of Singles for Being Single: Evidence from Brazil, China, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, India, Japan and the UK A paper by Menelaos Apostolou et al. (2021) in the journal Cross Cultural Research Cross Cultural.
• Are People Single by Choice? Involuntary Singlehood in an Evolutionary Perspective A paper by Menalaos Apostolou et al., (2019) in the journal Evolutionary Psychological Science.
• Why Men Stay Single: Evidence from Reddit A paper by Menalos Apostolou et al. (2020) in the journal Evolutionary Psychological Science.
• Involuntary singlehood and its causes: The effects of flirting capacity, mating effort, choosiness and capacity to perceive signals of interest A paper by Menelaos Apostolou (2021) in the journal Personality and Individual Differences.
• Why people are single: The big five as predictors of involuntary singlehood A paper by Menelaos Apostolou and Stavri Tsangari (2021) in the journal Personality and Individual Differences.
• Involuntary Celibates’ Experiences of and Grievance over Sexual Exclusion and the Potential Threat of Violence Among Those Active in an Online Incel Forum A paper from Speckhard et al (2021) in the Journal of Strategic Security.
• Self-reported psychiatric disorder and perceived psychological symptom rates among involuntary celibates (incels) and their perceptions of mental health treatment A paper by Speckhard et al. (2022) in the journal Behavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression.
• Predictors of Radical Intentions among Incels: A Survey of 54 Self-identified Incels A paper by Moskalenko et al. (2022) in the Journal of Online Trust and Safety.
• Incel Ideology, Radicalization and Mental Health: A Survey Study A paper by Moskalenko et al. (2022) in The Journal of Intelligence, Conflict and Warfare.
• Psychosocial Characteristics of Involuntary Celibates (Incels): A Review of Empirical Research and Assessment of the Potential Implications of Research on Adult Virginity and Late Sexual Onset A paper by Stijelja and Mishara (2022) in the journal Sexuality and Culture.
• Incel (E)motives: Resentment, Shame and Revenge A paper by Cottee (2020) in the journal Studies in Conflict and Terrorism.
• Incel Activity on Social Media Linked to Local Mating Ecology A paper by Brooks et al. (2022) in the journal Psychological Science.
• “I Think Most of Society Hates Us”: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis of Interviews with Incels A paper by Daly and Reed (2021) in the journal Sex Roles.
• "Goodbye, My Friendcels": An Analysis of Incel Suicide Posts A paper by Daly and Laskovtsov (2021) in the journal Qualitative Criminology.

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As a graduate student, you may need to complete a thesis or dissertation as part of your program's graduation requirements. While theses are common among master’s students and dissertations among doctoral students, this may not apply universally across all programs. We encourage you to reach out to your program adviser to determine the specific requirements for your culminating project.

Office of Theses and Dissertations

The Office of Theses and Dissertations is the unit of the Graduate School responsible for certifying that theses and dissertations have been prepared in accordance with formatting requirements established by the Graduate School, the University Libraries, and the graduate faculty of Penn State. We are here to help you navigate the review and approval process to ensure you are able to graduate on time.

The Thesis and Dissertation Handbook explains Penn State formatting requirements for all master’s theses and doctoral dissertations. It covers the submission process and approval deadlines, the responsibilities of each student, and provides page examples. We highly recommend all students doing theses or dissertations to carefully review the handbook.

Deadlines Calendar

Submission procedure.

Thesis and Dissertation Templates

Tips & Support

Theses and dissertations faqs, thesis and dissertation payment portal.

Questions about theses, dissertations, or Graduate School commencement should be directed to the Graduate School Office of Theses and Dissertations (OTD) .

115 Kern Graduate Building University Park, PA 16802

[email protected]

814-865-1795

Among these resources, you can get help from the Graduate Writing Center and the Statistical Counseling Center, notify the University of your intent to graduate, and prepare for Commencement.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations for Graduate School (eTD)

Submit your own work or explore published submissions.

Graduate School Commencement

Learn how to register for commencement, when to order regalia, how to prepare, and more.

Graduate Writing Center

The Graduate Writing Center provides consultation to graduate students in all disciplines and locations.

LaTeX Document Preparation Software

A guide to using LaTeX document preparation software, from the University Libraries.

Multimedia & Printing Center Copying & Binding

Multimedia & Print Center will help you re-create and preserve your important work with professional copying and binding services.

Notifying the University of Your Intent to Graduate

To graduate, you must satisfy all the University, college, and major requirements that were in effect at the time of your most recent admission, or re-enrollment, as a degree candidate to the University.

Statistical Consulting Center

Gives advice on statistics to graduate students working on dissertation or thesis research.

Thesis and Dissertation Fees

Pay thesis fee ($10) or dissertation fee ($50).

Thesis and Dissertation Handbook

Requirements and guidelines for the preparation of Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations.

Thesis and Dissertation Submission Requirements and Deadlines

Find required thesis and dissertation submissions dates for all Penn State graduate students.

Download a template to make sure your thesis or dissertation meets required formatting requirements for all Penn State theses and dissertations.

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