1. GENERAL
1.1 Applications of these Rules
These rules apply to dissertations in master programs and in Bachelor (Honours) courses. They do not apply to Master and Bachelor (Honours) courses in which the project undertaken is presented for examination in a predominantly non-written form. Candidates in these courses should consult their supervisor or course or honours coordinator regarding the presentation of their work.
1.2 Non-print Materials
Non-print materials (a three dimensional artefact, sound or video recording, computer software, photographs or paintings, etc) which relate to a dissertation should not normally account for more than ten percent of the content of material submitted for examination.
Where a candidate wishes to submit substantially non-print materials for examination in a course where a dissertation is the norm, the candidate must obtain Faculty approval to do so.
Non-print materials must be submitted in accordance with clause 4.4 below.
1.3 Multiple Copies
Three unbound copies of the dissertation, secured to avoid disarrangement, within hard covers (eg commercially available plastic folders) are to be submitted to the Faculty Board (for Master) or the Honours Co-ordinator (for Bachelor [Honours]) for examination.
The two duplicate copies of the original are to be produced using a method which gives a clear and permanent copy (offset print, dry photocopy or laser copy). The use of spirit duplication, wet photocopy, thermal copy or carbon copy is not acceptable.
2. FORMAT
2.1 Paper Size
Dissertations are to be typed on International Standard Organisation (ISO) A4 size white bond paper. If diagrams, maps, tables and similar presentations do not fit readily on this sheet size, ISO B4 size may be used.
B4 size pages are to be folded and bound so as to open out at the top and the right.
2.2 Typing
Typing is to be on one side of each sheet only, with the pages numbered consecutively throughout the dissertation. The following minimal margins are to be observed:
Typing is to be spaced either double or space-and-a-half with the exception of quotations, footnotes and bibliographies which are to be single spaced.
3. CONTENT AND STYLE
3.1 Certificate of Authorship
The three unbound copies of a dissertation are to be accompanied by a statement by the candidate certifying the original authorship of the dissertation.
3.2 Certificate from the Supervisors
A certificate by the Supervisor confirming that the candidate has completed all requirements of the investigation and that the dissertation is ready for examination must also accompany the copies.
3.3 Title Page
The first page of the dissertation is to identify it as a dissertation submitted to Charles Sturt University for the [name of degree]. The candidate's name, qualifications held, the full title of the dissertation, and the month and year of submission are to be recorded on the title page.
3.4 Acknowledgments
Where appropriate, a brief acknowledgment of assistance and advice received should be included on a separate page inserted in sequence.
3.5 Abstract
Next in sequence, there is to be an abstract of the dissertation not exceeding 350 words in length.
3.6 Table of Contents
The dissertation is to include a table of contents at the beginning of the work.
3.7 Bibliography
The dissertation is to include a bibliography at the end which is a complete acknowledgment of sources to which reference has been made, regardless of whether or not such reference has been acknowledged in the text.
Advice regarding bibliographic standards is to be obtained from the Supervisor of the School responsible for the dissertation.
3.8 Style
The Faculty Board seeks simplicity and directness of writing style, and expects a high standard of editing of work submitted to it for examination.
4. BINDING
4.1 One Bound Copy Required
The candidate must lodge a bound copy of the accepted dissertation in the University Library.
4.2 Cost of Binding
The candidate is responsible for the cost of binding.
4.3 Binding Specifications
Bound copies of dissertations are to be prepared in accordance with the following specifications:
Dissertations are to be full bound in dark green cloth or buckram. The dark green is to be similar to Pantone colour 3435c.
Lettering is to be gold block 3-4 mm in height, 10 letters per 2 cm in a sans-serif type face. Where the thickness of the thesis is sufficient, lettering should be horizontal, across the spine with the top line of the title lettering 22 cm above the base of the spine, the author's name 10 cm, and the award and year 10 cm. The award name should be abbreviated to CSU requirements. Lettering on the front cover is not required. Part number lettering 14 cm above base of spine should be added if the dissertation is in more than one part.
Where the width of the spine does not permit horizontal lettering, lettering should be applied in the direction top to bottom, starting 2 cm from the top, in the same type size as horizontal lettering. A space of 2 cm, should be placed between title and award, and 1 cm between author and title.
Where items other than a volume are submitted, these should be enclosed in a green cloth or buckram box uniform to main volume, including uniform height and lettering. Small items (eg a computer disk) should be housed in a matching cloth or buckram pocket, attached to the back inside cover board of the main work.
Advice on presentation of other items can be provided by the Supervisor or the CSU Librarian.
4.4 Non-print Materials
Where a dissertation is accompanied by supplementary non-print material, such material shall be reproduced in a format suitable for storage and retrieval and must be appropriately packaged. Photographic representation, photo reduction, microforms etc should be used. Candidates are to seek the advice of their Supervisor in all such cases.