Formatting · Checklist · 6 min read
Pre-submit thesis checklist
A final pass covering structure, integrity, formatting, and export quality before you upload.
Use this the night before submission — not as a substitute for handbook rules, but as a catch-all for issues that commonly block portals or annoy examiners.
Content and integrity
- Abstract matches the final findings
- All chapters required by the handbook present
- Claims supported; no placeholder text (TODO, xxx, lorem)
- Citations and quotations verified against sources
- AI use disclosed if required
Structure and formatting
- Margins, font, and spacing match the template
- TOC and lists of figures/tables updated
- Page numbering correct across sections
- Captions numbered and referenced in text
- Reference list balanced and styled
- Appendices labelled
Export
- PDF fonts embedded / text selectable
- Filename follows portal instructions
- File size under portal limit
- Printed or on-screen proof of first and last 10 pages
Then tick the remaining handbook-specific items from your faculty PDF.