Front matter is the prologue to your dissertation. It typically includes information such as the title page, table of contents, abstract, list of figures/tables, and acknowledgements/dedication section. It helps to give readers an idea of the research you’ve done, the structure of the argument, and the main points you’re trying to make.
The title page should include the title of your dissertation and the name(s) of the author(s). The table of contents should give readers a clear overview of each of your sections or chapters, page references should be included. The abstract is a brief summary of the dissertation and should discuss the purpose, terms, and method, findings and conclusion of the project. List of figures/tables is a list of every illustration, graph, or table that is included in the dissertation. Acknowledgements/Dedication are for acknowledging and thanking those who helped with the completion of the dissertation. This section can be named differently, depending on the university's guidelines.
Front matter should be written carefully, as it serves to introduce the main work of the dissertation. It must be clear, organized and provide the necessary information in order to maintain reader understanding. Your dissertation is an important document and adding front matter can help your readers appreciate and engage with your research and argument.
