List of abbreviations in the dissertation

If you have used a lot of abbreviations in your dissertation, it’s a good idea to provide an alphabetical list of their definitions. This improves the readability of the document, allowing readers to easily look up unfamiliar abbreviations.

Where do you put the list of abbreviations?

The list of abbreviations should appear at the beginning of the document, just after the table of contents. The list should also be included in your table of contents.

If you only use a few abbreviations, you don’t need to include a list—follow the guidance below on how to define abbreviations within the text.

Example list of abbreviations

Using abbreviations and acronyms

There are many rules about using abbreviations in a dissertation. When you use acronyms—formed using the first letter of each word in a phrase—you should write the first occurrence of phrase in full, and place the abbreviation in parentheses immediately after it. Then you can use the acronym throughout the rest of the text.

Example of acronyms in a dissertation

The exceptions to this rule are extremely common acronyms that replace the phrase in everyday use (such as USA, PC or NASA). If in doubt, however, write out the phrase in full.

Abbreviations in APA

If you are using APA style, there are additional specific requirements for the use of abbreviations in your dissertation.

Other lists in your dissertation

As well as the list of abbreviations, you can also use a list of tables and figures and a glossary. Include your lists in the following order:

• Table of contents
• List of figures and tables
• List of abbreviations
• Glossary