Guide · Updated 12 October 2026

Thesis pre-submission checklist: 20 things to check before you submit

The last week before submission is when small, avoidable mistakes slip through. Work through this list with a fresh printout or a fresh PDF, not the file you have been editing for months.

Structure and argument

• The abstract states your question, method, main finding and contribution, in that order.
• Each research question or objective in chapter 1 is answered somewhere, and you can point to where.
• The conclusion doesn't introduce new results or claims.
• Chapter introductions and summaries match what the chapters actually contain after your last revisions.

References

• Every in-text citation is in the reference list, and every list entry is cited.
• Every reference exists and its details are correct (how to check).
• One citation style, used consistently, including et al., page ranges and capitalisation.

Figures, tables and equations

• Every figure and table is referred to in the text, in order, and numbered correctly.
• Axis labels, units and legends are readable when printed.
• Figures from other sources are credited and, where needed, you have permission.
• Equations are numbered, and every symbol is defined the first time it appears.

Language and consistency

• One spelling convention (British or American) throughout.
• Every abbreviation is spelled out at first use, and the list of abbreviations matches.
• No leftover comments, highlighted text, "TODO" notes or track changes.
• Very long sentences broken up; filler phrases cut.

Integrity and declarations

• Passages that read as generic or machine-like are revised in your own voice (why they get flagged).
• Your plagiarism and AI-use declarations follow your university's current template.
• If you used any AI tools, your disclosure says which, and for what.
• Ethics approval numbers and funding acknowledgements are included.

Formatting and files

• Margins, fonts, spacing and page numbering follow your university's thesis regulations.
• The table of contents, list of figures and list of tables are regenerated and correct.
• The final PDF opens correctly, fonts are embedded, and the file is under the upload size limit.