General Structure of the PhD Dissertation

Front Matter

Title Page

The title page sets the tone for your dissertation. It should include:

• The complete title of the dissertation in uppercase letters.
• The full legal name of the candidate preceded by the word “by.”
• The statement: “Submitted to the Graduate School of [University Name] in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.”
• The name of the university and the expected degree conferral date (month and year).
• Page numbering usually begins after the title page, with it counted as page i.

Approval Page

Including an approval page is essential. This page typically contains:

• Signatures of the dissertation committee members, confirming their approval of the submitted work.

Abstract and Summary

Most universities in Turkiye require an abstract in both Turkish and English. Key points include:

• The abstract for theses written in Turkish must be 300 words minimum, spanning 1-3 pages, with an extended English summary between 3-5 pages.
• For theses written in English, the English summary must also have at least 300 words, with a Turkish summary of similar length.

Main Text Body

Introduction

The introduction is the first substantial chapter of your dissertation and should articulate:

• The research problem, objectives, and significance of your work.

Literature Review / Theoretical Framework

In this section, you are expected to:

• Discuss relevant scholarship and contextualize your research within existing literature.

Materials and Methods / Methodology

This chapter details:

• The research design, data collection methods, and tools used in your analysis.

Results and Discussion

The findings of your research should be presented here, reflecting on:

• How they answer your research questions and tie back to the literature reviewed.

Conclusion

Summarizes your findings and offers suggestions for:

• Future research or practical implications of your work.

References

Each university will specify detailed citation and referencing rules, including:

• Requirements for listing catalogs, periodicals, and electronic reference materials strictly within the designated references section.

Appendices

Optional appendices can include:

• Supplementary materials like datasets, questionnaires, or detailed analyses that support your research.

Formatting Guidelines

• Margins: Typically set at 2 cm on all sides.
• Font Style: Times New Roman is commonly used, usually size 12 for the main text.
• Title Page: Centered text format is standard.

Procedural Aspects

The PhD process in Turkiye usually encompasses:

• Coursework, passing preliminary examinations, and the subsequent stages of dissertation writing, with nuances varying by university.
• Close communication between candidates, academic advisors, and committee members throughout the preparation and submission phases.

Examples from Specific Universities

Sabancı University

Formatting Requirements: Title must be in all caps; the approval page is mandatory; abstracts must be provided in both Turkish and English.

Body Structure: Comprises an introduction, materials and methods, results, and conclusions, with appendices for indices or dictionaries. Detailed formatting guidelines can be accessed through their thesis handbook.

Aydin University

Cover Page Guidelines: Requires specific formats regarding the title, departmental alignment, and candidate’s details that ensure consistency and professionalism.

Summary and Next Steps

Writing and structuring a PhD dissertation in Turkiye necessitates adherence to specific formatting and procedural guidelines that, while unique to each university, share common structures. Candidates must be diligent in reviewing and following their university’s requirements to ensure that their dissertation meets the necessary academic standards.

If you are considering pursuing a PhD in Turkiye, or would like assistance with navigating the academic landscape, please contact Study in Turkiye. Our platform is equipped to provide guidance on university choices, admission processes, and integration into the academic environment here.

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