Dissertation Guide

In brief: Guide to writing a dissertation at the Islamic Institute of Advanced Research: choosing a topic, methods, literature review, referencing, transliteration, originality and submission.

The dissertation is where you show that you can read sources, think carefully and write clearly.

Typical structure

1. Title page, abstract and table of contents
2. Introduction: question, aims, scope and significance
3. Literature review: what scholars have already said
4. Methodology: textual, historical, comparative, legal, sociological or applied
5. Main chapters: argument and evidence
6. Conclusion: findings and suggestions for further study
7. Bibliography and appendices

Standards

• Referencing: use one consistent style (Chicago notes-bibliography is recommended).
• Transliteration: use a recognised system, such as IJMES or ALA-LC, consistently.
• Qur’an and Hadith: give the surah and verse, and the book, chapter and number of each hadith, with a note of its grading where relevant.
• Originality: all work must be your own; sources must be credited. Plagiarism and is not acceptable.
• Respect: treat other schools and faiths accurately and courteously.

Indicative length

Lengths are indicative; your supervisor confirms the requirement. Next: accelerated pathway · apply.