Thesis Preparation: Doctoral and MPhil Examination

This section presents a brief guide only to preparing your thesis for submission. You are also advised to read Handbook Chapter 7: Thesis & Examination Matters for more detailed information. The sub-section 7.3 Preparation, Presentation & Submission of Doctoral Theses tells you about presentation, printing and binding.

Modes of Submission

There are two standard modes of submission for doctoral and MPhil theses:

• standard thesis
• thesis by publication

Any thesis that contains co- or multi-authored papers requires signed declarations from all other authors acknowledging their contribution to such work, submitted as part of your doctoral or MPhil degree. If it contains any sole-authored published papers or papers submitted for publication, you also need to complete a declaration attesting to the papers' publication status. The thesis by publication page contains the template declarations and more detailed information. Papers must have been written during candidature, while for staff candidates, at least 75% of the research in these papers must have been conducted during the period of employment at Monash or during tenure. See section 7.3.3 for information on thesis by publication and regular candidature, or 7.5 PhD Staff Candidates if you are a Monash University academic staff member.

General Declaration

Every thesis must contain a declaration with an original signature. Section  7.3.5 of the Handbook provides a sample of the text to include.

Printing

In addition to the instructions outlined in the Handbook, please also consider leaving several blank pages at the front or rear of the thesis to accommodate any errata you may need to insert once your examiners' reports are in.

Binding

We require 4 thesis copies when you submit. We DO NOT  accept theses with a loose-leaf, spiral-bound, spring-type or wire-type binder. You will need to go to a professional book bindery to have your theses bound. While MRGS cannot recommend individual businesses, we can advise you to check the Book Bindery section of the Yellow Pages. The Monash Postgraduate Association also produces a flyer listing binderies around Melbourne. Read 7.3.8 Binding for instructions on permitted formats.