Mandatory writing and format guidelines for the PhD works

The following guidelines are common to the works of the PhD’s II and IV phases, in other words, RW-I, RW-II, PTP and PT. Generally, the APA or Vancouver style (last edition) is followed from the very first moment the student starts the PhD program. Compliance with the styles is required, in relation to in-text citations, end-text references, tables and figures.

The document will be assessed with the following aspects:

  • Text:
    • In Word and pdf format.
    • The text will have to be justified and the automatic division of the document activated (hyphens).
    • Indent (1.25) at the beginning of each paragraph.
  • Paper: letter size or A4.
  • Letter:
    • Size: 12
    • Font: Arial or Times New Roman
    • Color: Automatic
  • Margins:
    • Left and right: 3
    • Top and bottom: 2.5
  • Paragraph, headings and subheadings line spacing:
    • Line spacing: 1.5
    • There is no line spacing between paragraphs, so you need to enter 0 between the previous and next spacing.
    • Before every heading or subheading and at the end of the previous paragraph, press enter twice and start writing. After writing the heading or subheading, press enter and start writing.
  • Page numbers:
    • Pages will be numbered at the bottom, at the center.
    • The cover and acknowledgments are not listed.
  • Chapters: ever chapter starts in a new page. This heading has to be centered. The rest of the sections need to be at the left margin, no intend.
  • Numbering of the sections and subsections:
    • “HEADING IS 13 POINTS IN CAPITAL LETTERS AND BOLD”
    • “Subheading is 13 points and bold”
    • “Subheading is 12 points in lowercase and italics”
    • “Subheading is 12 points, in lowercase and italics”

Example:

CHAPTER 1. EDUCATIONAL ORIENTATION

  • 1. Historical analysis
  • 1.1. Starting point:
  • 1.1.1. Law until 1970 >>>>No further subsections allowed

 

  • Headers:
    • For headers use Calibri font, size 10, italics and centered text.

Odd pages: Author’s First and last name. Example:

Juan García García

Even pages: Work’s heading: Example:

The tutorial work in intercultural interventions in unfavored contexts

  • Tables and figures:

Tables and figures will be numbered progressively, centered, and with the characteristics detailed in the corresponding citation style (APA or Vancouver). Both have to contain explanatory text with any clarifications needed, including their source. In the case of the figures: A figure can be a graphic, diagram, a map, a drawing or a picture. The text has to be size 10 (Times New Roman or Arial). Regarding the tables, letter will have to be size 10 and the notes size 9 (Times New Roman or Arial). The tables have three kinds of notes, that are placed below them.

  • General notes: “A general note describes, explains or gives information related to the complete table and ends with an explanation of the abbreviations, symbols or so. Within the general notes, credit for any table from other sources will be included” (APA, 2010, pp. 140-141).
  • Specific note: it refers to a particular column, row, or cell and it is indicated by superscripts lowercase letters (a, b, c).
  • Probability note: it indicates the p value and the results of the hypothesis testing verification, and they are indicated with an asterisk (*)

 

  • Equations:

Equations tat are written in their own line will have to be written down with an equations editor. Simple equations that are not going to show in an in-text citation are inserted in the line that is being wirrten on, for example: a = (b + c)0.5. If the equation is complex or is going to be cited or mentioned somewhere in the text, then it should be written in a new line (leaving a blank line before and after the equation), placing a sequential number between parentheses located at the right margin of the page, for example:

  (1)

The chapter number will have to be written together with the equation numbers if the work has that strcuture. For example, for chapter 1:

  (1.1)

To insert an in-text citation in which an equation is referenced, it will be necessary to use the word “Equation” followed by the corresponding number, for example: Using Equation 1 … The equations’ variables will have to be defined immediately after the equation the first time it is used and will have the same format as in the equation, for example:

  (1.2)

where:

A=Area F(xk,yk) = Function at k point. Sn = Sum a = Toal number of points.
  • Bibliography

Besides what is established at the APA and Vancouver styles, it is essential to keep in mind that an even number of electronic and paper references need to coexist in a scientific work. Works in which the vast majority of references follow the scheme: “Retrieved from http://…” will not be accepted.   Finally, it is reminded that works not complying with the guidelines stated in the present Handbook will not be accepted, hence, it is recommended that you read this handbook carefully.