Master's Dissertation Final Submission Checklist
Edit & Proofread
Last updated: 2026-08-10

Use this checklist when the dissertation argument, chapters, data, supervisor comments, and references are close to final.

1. Confirm the required structure: title page, abstract, acknowledgements if needed, contents, chapters, references, appendices, and declarations.
2. Check that the title, programme name, student details, supervisor details, date, and word count follow your department's rules.
3. Read the introduction against the final research question, aims, and conclusion.
4. Check chapter transitions so the reader can follow the argument from question to method, findings, discussion, and conclusion.
5. Search for inconsistent spelling, capitalization, terminology, abbreviation use, and tense.
6. Check tables, figures, captions, numbering, notes, units, and in-text callouts.
7. Confirm that all cited works appear in the reference list and that every reference-list entry is cited in the text.
8. Review reference style consistency, DOI/URL treatment, punctuation, italics, capitalization, and missing details.
9. Check margins, spacing, heading hierarchy, page numbers, contents pages, and appendix labels.
10. Proofread for grammar, punctuation, spelling, word choice, and sentence clarity after final content changes.
11. Check quotations, paraphrases, and source acknowledgements against academic integrity requirements.
12. Export the final PDF and inspect every page for layout errors, cropped visuals, missing symbols, and broken hyperlinks.
13. Allow time to review tracked changes or comments before creating the final submission file.
14. Upload the correct file to the correct portal and keep a copy of the submission confirmation.
15. Archive the final editable file, final PDF, and any required supplementary files.

Important: This checklist supports final quality control. It does not replace university rules, supervisor guidance, factual verification, source checking, ethics review, or examiner judgement.