Writing the master thesis

The current formal requirements can be found in the corresponding regulations of the University of Vienna (Link). 

• Format: DIN A4 (210 x 297 mm) only, portrait format.
• The pages are to be printed on both sides.
• Margins are to be chosen in such a way that they allow binding and stitching.
• The title page will be created automatically in u:space.
• An English and also a German abstract (min. 500 characters incl. space characters) must be included.
• The relevant citation rules must be respected (details below).

Please note that illustrations (pictures, graphics, etc.) are also subject to the citation law and the citation rules. This means that even when using images, the sources must be indicated, and copyrights must be respected. In the case of scientific work found on the Internet, referring to the free use of the work may not be sufficient.

Please discuss the specific contents and structure with your supervisor.

The thesis needs to include the following:

• a state of the art mostly based on peer-reviewed literature (as opposed to grey literature)
• data preparation/harmonisation
• aggregated data/descriptive data
• quantitative methods (statistical analysis, regression analysis, …)

• Abstract:
  An abstract in English and German (min. 500 characters incl. space characters) must be included in the appendix.

• Language:
  The thesis must be written in English (UK and US spelling both possible).
  
  
• Length:
  The main body of the text of the Master Thesis should be at least 20.000, but no more than 30.000 words long. The table of contents, the reference list and appendices are not to be included in the word count. Please provide the word count to your supervisor.

• Format:
  The paper format is DIN A4 (210 x 297 mm) portrait and double sided. The thesis must be printed double-sided and bound in hardcover.
  
  
• Page Margins:
  Page margins must be chosen to allow printing and binding.

• Plagiarism Check:
  To ensure the protection of your personal data, the plagiarism check will be performed on the basis of pseudonymized documents. Therefore please
  • do not include any personal data (like your name or student ID)
  • do not include your CV
  • do not include your name in the header or footer
  
  Please also remove your personal data from the document properties before uploading your thesis.

• Page Margins:
  Page margins must be chosen to allow printing and binding. (As a recommendation e.g., 25 mm left/right, top/bottom).

• Page Numbers:
  Page numbers should be indicated on every page on the bottom/outside.
  
  
• Font Style and Spacing:
  Possible font styles include, but are not limited to Times New Roman, Helvetica, Arial. The font provided by LaTeX is acceptable. Do not use fonts that are difficult to read. The main body of the text should be formatted in justified type, appropriate font size, 1.5 line spacing; footnotes in 10pt, with single line spacing; chapter headings in 14pt bold and subchapters in 12pt bold.

• Structure of Thesis:
  The thesis must have table of content with page numbers. Tables and figures should be numbered and have a heading. The content is structured in consecutively numbered chapters. Chapter sections and subsections should also be assigned a numerical index. The chapter structure should not have more than four hierarchical levels.
  
  
• Citation:
  The relevant rules of citation must be respected. References should be in a common style (e.g. APA). Please be aware that illustrations (pictures, graphics, etc.) need to be referenced. In particular, please pay attention to copyright issues and the often-required permission to reprint figures. Details on copyright and use of images can be found on the website of the Büro Studienpräses.