Dr. Christopher D. Clack, Department of Computer Science, University College London has a useful webpage that defines “A [perfect] PhD Thesis for London University / Computer Science UCL.” Clack is not describing the compilation-based structure here. Therefore this post is of particular relevance for those of you planning a computer science PhD thesis that is not based around three published papers. Clack’s ‘perfect thesis structure’ is as follows. My comments added.
Abstract
1. Introduction
Set the scene and problem statement.
Introduce structure of thesis, state contributions (3-5).
2. Background
Demonstrate wider appreciation (context).
Provide motivation. The problem statement and the motivation state how you want the PhD to be judged – as engineering, scientific method, theory, philosophy, etc.
Jane: Sections scientific method, theory are similar to the Literature Review
3. Related Work
Survey and critical assessment.
Relation to own work.
Jane: This is equivalent to the main Literature Review
4-6. Analysis, design, implementation and interpretation of results.
7. Critical assessment of own work
State hypothesis, and demonstrate precision, thoroughness, contribution, and comparison with closest rival.
Jane: you might also refer again to key works cited in 2 and 3 here, briefly.
8. Further Work
9. Summary Conclusions
Restate contribution
Appendix
Bibliography