Guide for Dissertation Table of Contents

Table of Contents (ToC) is super handy when wrangling big academic assignments such as dissertations. 

ToC is a simple list right at the beginning that shows all the important sections and chapters in your dissertation or thesis, along with the page numbers where they start. Imagine flipping through a thick book without any guide – pretty confusing, right? That's where the table of contents swoops in to save the day.

Now, why do you need one? Well, think about your readers; they want to quickly jump to the exact part they're interested in, whether it’s an analysis, conclusion, or even a specific example you mentioned. They might get lost in the pages without a dissertation table of contents.

But with a ToC, you're giving them a treasure map. A well-structured table of contents facilitates easy navigation and provides a glimpse of the depth and breadth of your content. In this article, we’ll share how you can conveniently add a table of contents. 

Table of contents in a dissertation: what needs to be included

You can opt for a single-level, subdivided, or multi-level table of contents based on your document's length.

• Single-level table of contents: This straightforward approach includes only the primary headings(“level 1") or chapters. Even though it clarifies the document, it might be overly generalized for extensive documents like dissertations.
• Subdivided ToC: This type incorporates both the main chapters and secondary headings, termed "level 2" or sections. Doing so provides readers with a snapshot of the topics covered within each chapter.
• Multi-level table of contents: Venturing deeper, this format further breaks down the content by adding "level 3" headings or subsections. Remember that your table of contents should ideally not extend beyond two pages. A multi-level table might be more fitting for shorter pieces like research papers.

Let's delve into the key components that should be included in a dissertation table of contents (ToC), providing readers with a roadmap to navigate through your content:

✅ All Chapters. Typically, these are further broken down into second- and third-level headings. Depending on your content's depth and complexity, selecting the most appropriate structure for your work is pivotal. It includes an introduction, literature review, research methodology, results section, and conclusion. 

✅ Reference List. Not only should you list your sources, but also specify the page number where the references commence.

✅ Appendices. Any supplemental material, such as data sets, tables, or figures, should be mentioned here. They should be incorporated into the appendix if they're vital to your research.

Table of contents: what needs to be left out?

In drafting a dissertation, it's common for students to want to include every section they've worked on in the table of contents. After all, they've put considerable effort into each part. Nevertheless, a table of contents (TOC) should only include the core contents of the dissertation without being cluttered by every single component.

Here are specific elements that you can leave out: 

❌ Thesis acknowledgements: This section pays tribute to those who've assisted the student during their dissertation journey. While it holds sentimental value, it doesn't offer content-related information. Thus, it's better placed outside the TOC formatting.

❌ Abstract: The abstract offers a concise summary of the research and its findings. Just like the acknowledgment, the abstract typically precedes the TOC and serves as a preliminary introduction, making it unnecessary to include it within the TOC itself.

❌ The table of contents itself: This might seem evident, but it's worth mentioning. The TOC should not reference itself, as it's the starting point for navigating the dissertation.

How to create a dissertation table of contents? Guide for Word Documents

Follow these steps to create a ToC in Word:

1. Before creating a ToC, ensure you've applied consistent heading styles (such as "Heading 1," "Heading 2," etc.) to the sections you want to include in the ToC. Highlight the text and select the appropriate heading style from the "Styles" dropdown on the Home tab.
2. Insert table of contents:

• Go to the "References" tab.
• Locate the "Table of Contents" button within the "Table of Contents" group.
• Choose one of the predefined table of contents formats or select "Custom Table of Contents" to customize the appearance.

1. Once the ToC is inserted, it's not dynamically linked to your document's headings. Right-click anywhere within the ToC to update it and select "Update Field." You can choose to update the page numbers or update the entire ToC.

Dissertation table of contents example

Final thoughts

Remember that clarity is your best friend here regarding the table of contents in a dissertation. Make each entry a clear signpost pointing to the information ahead. Think of it like giving your readers a friendly nudge in the right direction.

The table of contents is adaptable, just like your ideas, so you can use it from the very beginning of the work on your paper. It's a living guide, adapting as your work takes shape. You can also read other articles that guide you through various stages of the dissertation process, including abstract and acknowledgment writing. 

FAQ

What is a must-have for a dissertation table of contents?

It should include the main sections and chapters of the dissertation, along with their respective page numbers, to provide a clear roadmap for navigating the document. Subsections and any supplementary materials, like appendices, may also be listed.

Where should the table of contents be located?

Typically, it’s placed after the title page and abstract but before the document's main body, such as the introduction chapter.

Is a table of contents part of the general word count?

No, it’s not included in the word count of a dissertation.