GUIDELINES FOR THE WRITING OF AN M.PHIL/PH.D.

THESIS

Maximum word limit 100,000 words. This limit includes footnotes, but excludes bibliography,
appendices, and abstract. [Cfr. University of Malta PhD Regulations 2008, Reg. 38.] Extensions
to the word limit are not allowed and there is no option to apply for one.

General Text:

The font style should be clear and easy to read, in both digital and print format.
Font size 12.
Font colour should be black throughout.
It is suggested that text is aligned to the left. This will avoid extra spacing between
words.
Page numbers should be centred at the bottom of the page. Roman numbers should be
used on the first few pages until just before first chapter (usually the Introduction), where
Arabic numbers should be used.

Titles:

Use style Heading 1 for the main titles, Heading 2 for sub-titles, and Heading 3 in case
you have any other title level that you wish to include in the table of contents.
Heading 1 is usually bold and size 16 or 14.
Heading 2 can be set to size 14.
Sub-titles should be numbered.

Tables & Figures:

If you intend to include an automatic table of figures, it is important to add captions to

your tables / figures.

Presentation The following order should be followed in the Prelims.

i. Half-title
ii. Title-page, naming the full title of the thesis, the candidates name, and year of
submission
iii. Abstract, generally of c. 500 words
iv. Preface This is the introductory address of the author to the reader, in which he
explains the purpose and scope of the thesis. It may also include
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acknowledgments where appropriate.

Page
 v. Table of Contents, listing with page numbers the titles of all chapters and their
sub-divisions
vi. Table of Statutes
vii. Table of International Instruments
viii. Table of Cases
ix. List of illustrations/figures/maps/tables/graphs/etc.
x. List of Abbreviations (if necessary)

This is followed by the Introduction and Thesis Chapters.

A general Conclusion including the general results and indicating future implications of
the research.

Bibliography

Footnotes Their purpose in doctoral theses is to provide essential supporting evidence to the
text and to pursue further discussions. Their format should be clear and consistent. Titles of
books and names of journal are normally italicized. Full citations should comply with OSCOLA
and the University of Malta Digitalisation Guidelines

Spelling & Punctuation These should be accurate and consistent. In the use of foreign words,
appropriate use of diacritics should be observed.

It is the candidates sole responsibility to ensure that the thesis meets the standards of proper
English.

Illustrations & Tables These should each have clear captions and source.

Appendix Appendices should contain all the relevant data which clarify the text but which
cannot conformably be incorporated within it.

Preparation & Binding of Theses The thesis is normally printed single-sided. To allow for
binding, it must be printed with a margin of 4 to 4.5 cm on the left-hand edge of each page. The
main text should be presented in one and a half or double spacing, with quotations and footnotes
in single spacing. Copies of a doctoral thesis submitted for examination may be bound in soft
covers. One such copy is required for each member of the Examining Board (normally six),
together with one copy in digital form. Three copies of a successful thesis must be handed in to
the Faculty in hard binding, and one in digital form. The result will not be published before the
submission of all four copies.

Approved by the Faculty Board of Laws meeting held on March 2013.

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