How To Create Dissertation Table of Contents? MS Word, Sample, APA Format & Guide

It has been seen that many students face issues in creating a table of contents for their dissertations. The dissertation needs to have a proper structure and must be according to the given format. Now table of contents is the first thing that will be checked if someone wants to judge your dissertation structure. The table of contents includes all your headings and subheadings that you have included in your dissertation. 

There are many ways of adding a table of contents, which you will explore in this blog. Here you will have samples, templates, and other essential information. We are here to help you, which is the reason we have explained everything in detail, including the types of table of contents, word and font size required. A dissertation includes, Abstract, Dissertation Introduction, chapters, Conclusion, and bibliography.

A TOC is required to list all the chapters and main headings with the page numbers in an appropriate order. With the help of TOC, your tutor will understand the lineup of all the headings you have.

What is a Table of Contents?

A dissertation Table of Contents, TOC, is a list that is found on a page before the start of a writing work, which means it will be placed between the abstract & introduction.

A TOC typically includes main headings with descriptions, which are called first-level headings, second-level headings within the chapters, and third-level headings (sub-sections of b-headings).  Sometimes students fail to complete the dissertation and don't have time to create the Dissertation, so they can ask directly from Dissertation Writing Services. 

The main objective is to create the TOC; it helps to navigate the structure of the information. This includes Title, Sub-Chapter, and Sub-sections.  Students can create the table of contents in Microsoft Word in their document.

The Table of Contents is divided into three parts according to the document's length.

1. Single Level- This includes only first headings, which are also called Level 1 headings and chapters. 

2. Sub-Chapter:- In this, Level 2 Headings and sections are used. For Example, Methodology is the Level 1 heading, and the rest are important headings. Under these headings are sub-chapters.

3. Multi-Level:- This section includes all the sub-sections of level 2 headings.

If you need any help to complete the dissertation on time, you just need to say Do My Dissertation.

What to Include & Not To Include in the Dissertation or Thesis Table of Contents?

A Good table of contents includes all the information that contains all the dissertation chapter headings and subheadings. However, there are so many chapters that we don't need to add them to the table of contents. There are some rules to create TOC, listed below;

How To Create a Dissertation Table of Contents in Word?

If you want to create a table of contents automatically, you can make a table of contents in Microsoft Word for your dissertation. While writing a dissertation, you can follow all of these important steps in the Research Process.

You need to follow the steps we provided below.

Step 1: First, analyse your first heading and second heading, and apply the correct heading style in the Word file. 

Step 2: Select the font size and style for each heading according to the university guidelines. If it is not mentioned in the guideline, you can use the font of Times New Roman and 12 font size, and bold.

Step 3: Now, add a title that follows the correct citation style.

Step 4: Click where you want to create the TOC.

Step 5: In Word, you will see the references button to create a table of contents automatically.

Step 6: Click on the References section, and you see three types of options: automatic and manual. 

Step 7: Click on the automatic Table of Contents, and it will be generated automatically.

You can create a manual TOC after selecting the manual table of contents. In this, you need to change the numbers, the number of headings. The main sections, like Methodology, Literature Review, Abstract, and References, are the main headings of the dissertation. Or Check How To Write A Dissertation Methodology?

 

 

 

 

 

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Dissertation Table of Contents Font Size

1. The Font Size of the Dissertation Table of Contents should be 12 Points in Times New Roman. Also, the font size is the same as the rest text in the dissertation.
2. The Title of the TOC should be centred and bold.
3. Use the Harvard heading style and add all level 1 and heading 2 in the table of contents.
4. We need to use the same font size,  figures, tables, and footnotes.

If you want to create references in Harvard style, you should read How to Reference Harvard Style in a Dissertation.

Table of Contents Dissertation APA Guidelines

In the APA style table of contents, you should show all the headings, subheadings, and pages in your dissertation. Before creating the table of contents, you should read the guidelines first of the APA Dissertation Table of Contents guidelines first.

• The TOC should be double-spaced, one-inch margin on all sides.
• Use only the same font size and style that you used throughout the whole dissertation.
• The TOC should be placed on top.

Before creating the table, students should know How To Write a Dissertation Title Page in 2025.

So let's create a Dissertation Table of Contents APA:

1. Don't create the TOC manually. Use Microsoft Word to create it automatically.

2. Select all of your headings and subheadings and apply.

3. Select the table of contents and position, and apply.

4. In Microsoft Word, you can see the references section. After clicking on this, you will have three options.

5. Next, choose Automatic Table 2, which has appropriate headings.

6. Click on option 2, and you will see the table of contents.

After completing the Title page, abstract, and introduction with the table of contents, now check the comprehensive guide on How to Write a Literature Review.

Dissertation Table of Contents Word Count & Font Size

Typically, the word count of the Dissertation Table of Contents is not more than two pages. If you are writing a dissertation, the word count is specific for every section from the title page to the last references. 

Use all level 1 headings, second headings, and third headings as sub-sections for a better understanding. If you failed to understand how to create a TOC and you faced lots of challenges in completing the dissertation on time, you can seek help from the Dissertation Helper to complete the work before the deadline.

Dissertation Table of Contents Checklist 2024

1. If you want to create the best TOC, it has to be properly formatted.
2. The Table of contents shows all main headings of the dissertation, sub-headings, and all the chapters.
3. All the headings and titles that are part of the table should go exactly in the content.
4. Put the correct page numbers.
5. A Dissertation table of contents should include all the appendices, a list of tables, and figures.
6. The table of contents you want to write, so consider it will be double-spaced and a 1-inch margin is required from all sides.
7. Up to three levels of headings should be included in the TOC.

If you need more help with the dissertation while writing like an academic guide, it is the best time to use dissertation writing services.

Dissertation Table of Contents Sample & Example

In the sample section, you will see the title with headings & subheadings. Along with page numbers and all the chapters of the dissertation.

How To Update the Dissertation Table of Contents?

• After creating the table of contents, sometimes students make some edits and changes to the dissertation. Therefore, you should update the page numbers of headings automatically after all completed changes.
• If you want to update the page numbers, please click on the right button on the TOC and click on the update field. Now you will see an updated table of contents.
• You can also update the page numbers after clicking on Update the entire table.
• It's easy to update the table of contents with page numbers in Microsoft Word.

Do You Know What the Top Options For British Dissertation Help Services Online Are?

Table of Contents For A Dissertation - Instructions

You should follow the Dissertation Structure before creating the table of contents. Your TOC should be inserted before the beginning of the dissertation. When writing the dissertation, you should mark your headings s H1, H2, H2, etc.

H1- The heading is your primary heading or the title of your dissertation.

H2- This heading is used to create subheadings.

H3: H3 is the sub-section of H2 Headings.

Conclusion

The Dissertation TOC should be included in your file to get the desired results. It becomes easier to create a TOC when you read this blog. The Contents should include all the appendices, a list of tables, a list of figures, and a reference list.

We are not required to include acknowledgements, abstracts, or the TOC itself. If you need any kind of help regarding the dissertation and Assignment, you can take Assignment Writing Services for academic assistance.