Submitting your Dissertation

Submitting your Dissertation

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Now you are inching closer to submission, you might like the process spelling out for you. The following is taken from the Instructions to Candidates for the M.Sc. and Instructions to Candidates for the M.Phil. You need to:

Submit two typewritten copies of the dissertation (three, from 2011), separately and securely bound in soft or hard covers
This bundle needs to be accompanied by a completed Certificate for Dissertations
You should enclose the copies in an envelope bearing your candidate number on the outside.
Address your package to the Chair of Examiners for the M.Sc. in Economic and Social History, c/o The Clerk of the Schools, Examination Schools, High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BG
Due date for M.Sc.: by noon, last Monday of September
Due date for M.Phil.: by noon, first Monday of Trinity Term

Remember that the examination process is anonymous, so don't go emblazoning your name across the whole thing. The dissertation should comprise:

Title page with:

your candidate number on the top right-hand corner (Where can I find my candidate number?)

title of your dissertation

the degree and term for which the work is submitted (i.e. 'Master of Philosophy in Economic and Social History, Trinity Term 2011')

Abstract (300 words approx.) DO NOT include your name or college (ignore the instruction to do otherwise in the Conventions document at section 13: this is aimed at D.Phil. and M.Lit. candidates, who are not examined anonymously)
Optional: Preface, Acknowledgements (largely to be avoided if you are to maintain your anonymity, or word carefully)
Table of Contents
Optional: List of abbreviations
Chapters
Optional: Appendices
Bibliography (remember to divide into different categories, especially primary and secondary)

Page numbers can start from the title page, or more typically from the Table of Contents, and run to the end of the thesis.
Format: basically, you are looking at a wide left margin, and double-spacing (except for indented quotations, which should be single space; footnotes are normally single)]

ALL details can be confirmed by referring to Instructions to Candidates.
Information on presentation of your thesis is also contained in:

Conventions for the presentation of essays, dissertations, and theses
Regulations of the University's Education Committee for the Preparation and Submission of Theses for the degrees of M.Litt., M.Sc. by Research, and D.Phil.
Note, both of these documents are written for research degrees, but they remain largely applicable to the M.Sc. and M.Phil. in ESH

Your dissertation does not have to be submitted in person, providing you have filled in the paperwork.

I have a specific request. I would very much like to build up a collection of MSc theses that future students may read to gain guidance on what is required. If you are willing to participate in this, there is a form to sign that would give your permission. Even better, in addition to the form, you might let me have a copy of your thesis, when the process is all over, if you have one spare, or an electronic copy. Please consider this. If you agree, I think you would be making a valuable contribution to the scholars who come after you (and you will also get an audience for your work!).

You know how to find me if you have questions in these last few weeks. Email is best. Good luck everyone!