reading university thesis binding

Finding theses: Home

• Finding Reading University theses & dissertations
• Finding theses produced in other institutions

This guide outlines ways of identifying theses and dissertations published in your discipline, and those that are currently in progress.

• Finding theses produced at the University of Reading
• Finding theses produced at other institutions

Why use PhD theses in your research?

This video from the British Library outlines how PhD theses obtained via its EThOS service can be used in your research.

Citing a thesis

• Name of author
• Year of submission (in round brackets)
• Title of thesis (in Italics)
• Degree statement (eg PhD thesis, MSc thesis, MA thesis)
• Name of the University or degree awarding body
• If accessed online: DOI or Available at: URL (Accessed: date)

Print thesis

Reference list: Lalani, B. (201 7)  Economics and adoption of conservation agriculture in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique.  PhD thesis. Reading University.

In-text citation: (Lalani, 2017)

Online thesis

Reference list:  Alarifi, S.N.M. (2017)  In vitro studies on gum acacia and its potential as a prebiotic in an elderly population.  PhD thesis. University of Reading. Available at: https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/76135/ (Accessed: 11 July 2022).

In-text citation:  (Alarifi, 2017)

Need further assistance?

• Contact your Academic Liaison Librarian

Related links

• Thesis submission and examination Rules and procedures around the submission and examination of your thesis.
• Training and development for research students from the Doctoral and Researcher College Find out about training and development opportunities offered by the Graduate School.
• Next: Finding Reading University theses & dissertations >>
• Last Updated: Apr 23, 2024 1:44 PM
• URL: https://libguides.reading.ac.uk/theses

• $ 0.00 0 items

Thesis and Dissertation Binding

Click the image of your binding choice for quote or to order, fabric hard cover.

Fabric Hard Cover Binding with Gold Embossed Lettering and Gold Seal

Printed Hard Cover

Printed Hard Cover Binding with full color design on wrap-around Hard Cover

Soft Cover, Perfect Binding

Softcover Perfect Binding with full color design on wrap-around Soft Cover

Gold Embossed School Seals

In addition to gold embossed lettering on the spine and cover of your book, you can add your College / University’s Seal or Emblem. Click here for a list of seals and emblems, or to request your school’s seal.

Quality Paper Selection

We offer archival-quality paper in 25% Cotton or 100% Cotton, as well as standard 20 lb & 60lb Bond paper. You will only pay color printing rates for your specified color pages. Lots of photos? Consider our 80lb Gloss paper. Your entire book will be printed in stunning full color at a low color printing rate. Click here to view a detailed list of available paper options.

Headbands & Archival Endsheets

Our Hard Cover books include top & bottom Headbands – chequered fabric that decorate and protect the edges of the spine of your book. Hard Cover books also use archival-quality Endsheets – the pages which attach your book’s body to its Hard Cover case, as well as heavy blank/fly pages on the front & back cover.

Mail-In your paper document for Binding Only

We can print your document from a PDF file (see sidebar), or you can mail your already printed document for Hard Cover Binding. Simply click your Hard Cover binding style above and follow the instructions. You will be prompted to print your order form. You’ll then pack it with your documents and ship us the package.

Check your Order Status

Shipping date is available on the day that you order. Tracking Number is available only if your order has shipped. For Printed Hardcover binding, shipping date will change based on the time you approve cover proof.

to Order or get a Quote:

That will take you to a page with the description of the binding style. For Fabric Hardcover binding, you can click on any swatch-rectangle to see a full-size book made with the fabric.

You can stop when you’re done, if a Quote is all you want

You now know the Exact Cost of your order with Shipping. You can stop here if Total Cost is all you want

If you’re Mailing a Paper Document, you will instead be prompted to print a form. Follow the instructions on the printed form for Shipping and Payment instructions

Yes, you will upload your file AFTER payment is made.

That’s it. Your order is now complete!

I’ve highly recommended you guys to the administrators, I’ll recommend you to all my MA and PhD colleagues.

– Bob

I received my theses last week and they look great! Cheers.

– Nic

Our first doctoral graduate has received her bound dissertation copies – our first with your company. They are excellent! Thank you for your quality product.

– Harold

Just got back three bound thesis volumes. Beautiful work. Thank you.

– Fred

Your company gained my trust very quickly. You did such a fast, efficient job.

– Natalia

I just received the two books I ordered — they are wonderful. I am very happy!

– Gianni

The thesis binding and the efforts of your company were excellent in all respects. I truly appreciate the promptness. Thank you for making my experience with your company and my finished project remarkable.

– Kimberly

I am completely satisfied with your service and speed. I would definitely recommend you to the grad students in my department. Thank you again for the wonderful job.

– Abdul

Thanks for taking such good care of my work. I will enjoy presenting them to my dissertation chair and the president of my organization next week.

– Barbara

I just received my dissertations in the mail. They’re perfect! They arrived quickly and in mint condition.

– Joe

I am thrilled with my thesis. You did an excellent job. Thank you. I have recommended you to some of my classmates.

– Tau

You put the finishing touches on a 30-month effort and exceeded my expectations…In terms of quality, speed, and overall "wow" factor. Thank you very much.

– David

I had my thesis bound with your company a few years ago and I have been recommending you to fellow grad students ever since. Thanks again!

– Alison

Everything has exceeded my expectation. Thank you so much for making my thesis so memorable.

– Subhendu

I would like for you to know that I was very pleased with the binding of my dissertation.

– Cora

I love it. Thank you so much for doing such an incredible job!

– Pam

I cannot thank you enough for the excellent work you have done to print my Thesis

– Jay

I can’t say enough about the experience of working with your company. I look forward to doing business again in the future.

– Doreen

You’re the best in the businesss! Keep up the great work.

– Leeanne

Just a quick note to thank everyone who worked on putting my book together. It looks beautiful, I could not be happier.

– Elissa

Can definitely recommend the service! Good quality binding, 2-sided, color and at a very acceptable price.

– Scott

• Log In / Register

Subtotal: £ 0.00

No products in the basket.

Questions – find your answers here.

What stock paper do you print on?

We print on 100gsm white stock paper.

Why do you only allow PDF documents to be bound?

PDF is the industry standard for document sharing which means that we can more reliably print your document regardless of the original platform or format of the original source document.

How and where can I convert my document into a PDF?

You can convert your word document using a host of free websites. We have listed some websites below; please note we are not held responsible for the content on these sites:

• www.primopdf.com
• www.freepdfconvert.com
• www.pdfonline.com
• www.pdfmate.com
• www.dopdf.com

Do you accept multiple PDFs?

Unfortunately, we can only accept one PDF. However please see the below website where you can merge PDF documents into one. Please note we are not held responsible for the content on these sites.

• www.pdfmerge.com
• www.foxyutils.com
• www.ilovepdf.com

Can I print my thesis on double sided paper (duplex printing)?

Yes, the mythesis website does offer a duplex printing option. You can select this using the Duplex Printing checkbox.

If you choose the duplex option and you have had to merge a university scholarship form into the front of your thesis, make sure you add an extra blank page after it so that the title page of your thesis is not printed on the reverse side.

What is the minimum and maximum number of pages for a bound thesis?

We can bind documents with as few as 30 sheets of A4 paper, however any less than that and we may not be able to fit text onto your spine.

We can bind up to 500 pages, if you have more than 500 we would recommend splitting your document into multiple volumes, and binding each volume separately.

Is it advisable to put a gutter margin (to make the left margin slightly bigger than the right margin) to make space for the binding?

Binding your thesis usually takes about 5-6mm off the sewn edge. We would recommend that you accommodate this in your document layout.

Taken the gutter margin into consideration what would you consider being an overall suitable inside margin?

We recommend leaving an inside margin of 30mm (3cm).

Do you have my university templates?

We have templates for the following sites:

• Bath, University of
• Bradford College
• Bradford, The University of
• Brighton, University of
• Bristol, University of
• Cambridge, University of
• Central Lancashire, University of
• Chester Business School
• City University
• De Montfort University
• Durham, The University of
• East Anglia, University of
• Goldsmiths College
• Henley Management College
• Heythrop College
• Huddersfield, The University of
• Hull, The University of
• Imperial College London
• Institute of Education, University of London
• Keele University
• King’s College London
• Kingston University
• Leeds Beckett University
• Leeds Trinity University
• Leeds, University of
• Lincoln, University of
• Liverpool, The University of
• London Business School
• London Metropolitan University
• London School of Economics and Political Science
• London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
• London South Bank University
• London, University of the Arts
• Loughborough University
• Manchester Metropolitan University, The
• Manchester, The University of
• Maryvale Institute
• Middlesex University
• Napier University
• Nazarene College
• Nottingham, The University of
• Oxford University
• Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication
• Reading College and School of Arts & Design
• Reading, The University of
• Royal Academy of Music
• Royal Holloway
• Royal Veterinary College
• School of Oriental and African Studies
• School of Pharmacy, The
• St George’s Hospital Medical School
• Sussex, University of
• Trinity Laban
• University College London
• The University of London, The American
• The University of the West of England
• University of West London
• York, The University of

Select “Other” for a customisable template

Some of my pages are colour; can I have some colour and some black and white?

Yes, you can select within the order process which pages you wish to be printed in colour.

If I have special requirements is there any where I can specify these?

Yes, we do have a section called “Order notes” this is a text field for you to make any comments or notes in connection with your order.

My thesis contains some A3 pages. How will these get included in my binding?

When creating your order, in the “Order Notes” field, please advise us of the page numbers of A3 pages. We will then fold these into the binding so that the A3 page fits within the binding but opens out.

How is my binding assembled and does it meet the university requirements?

Hard bindings and soft bindings are bound for durability and flexibility and comply with university regulations.

What payment methods do you offer?

You can pay securely via debit or credit card. We also accept PayPal.

Do you offer a secure delivery service?

Yes, we use  UPS  as our standard courier service. This is a trackable service and orders will need to be signed for on delivery.

What are the Courier's delivery hours?

UPS delivery times are as follows:

• Residential addresses: 9.00 am – 7.00 pm
• Business addresses: 9.00 am – 5.30 pm

Can you deliver direct to the university?

We can deliver direct to the university, however; we would require a delivery contact, department and full delivery address.

Can you deliver to multiple addresses?

Unfortunately we do not have a facility to split an order and send to different addresses. If you have 2 bindings for example and you wish to have one copy of your own and one to be sent the university, you would need to create separate orders.

How do I track my order?

You will receive a text message and an email from us once your order has left. This will give you a link to our courier website along with a tracking number so you can see the status of your order.

How can I contact you about my order?

All queries should be emailed to  [email protected] . Alternatively, you can contact the team on: 

[email protected]

0113 2780353  /  0113 2438642

Ready to start your order?

For all enquiries please don't hesitate to get in touch using the contact page or you can phone on

0113 2780353 / 0113 2438642

You are also more than welcome to visit the bindery to discuss your job.

Email address *

A password will be sent to your email address.

Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy .

Community Blog

Keep up-to-date on postgraduate related issues with our quick reads written by students, postdocs, professors and industry leaders.

Thesis binding and printing options

• By DiscoverPhDs
• November 29, 2020

If you have recently completed your dissertation congratulations are in order! But the work is not finished – you now have to get your dissertation in front of examiners in a professional format. There are a number of factors to consider when producing a physical copy of your thesis :

• Type of binding (for example: helical or softback)
• Paper size (are some pages better suited for A3?)
• Print options (single or double-sided?)
• Paper quality (a range of gsm options are available)

What is Thesis/Dissertation Binding?

Thesis binding involves fastening the physical pages of your dissertation together to produce a single presentable document. As simple as it sounds, there is a lot to get right, and dissertation binding is important in giving a good impression of your work.

What are the different types of dissertation binding?

Spiral/helical/wired binding.

Spiral binding (also known as helical binding) and wired binding are very common for bachelors and masters dissertations. These options give a professional look and allow pages to be rotated 360 degrees, making for easy reading. Spiral binding uses a plastic coil, whilst wire binding uses a metal wire.

Fastback/softback binding

Fastback binding (also referred to as softback binding) uses glue to keep your dissertation pages together. This is not a very common choice for dissertation binding as it is rather formal for bachelors and masters, and perhaps not formal enough for PhD theses. Fastback binding also comes with a risk of glue losing fixity over time leading to pages falling out.

Thermal binding

Thermal binding is not very common but can be used for bachelors or masters dissertations. This type of binding is permanent (so pages cannot be easily added/removed) but is generally inexpensive. Another disadvantage of thermal bindings is that pages cannot be opened 360 degrees (as with fastback binding).

Plastic comb binding

Comb binding involves punching holes down the side of the page and binding with a plastic comb strip. This binding option is also suitable for bachelors and masters dissertations. It is a cheap option but can sometimes become difficult to navigate as pages become stuck on the plastic combing. One advantage of plastic comb binding is that it is easy to add and remove pages.

Paperback binding

Paperback binding will give your manuscript the appearance of a book and comes with personalisation options i.e. a titled cover page, spine and back. This gives a very professional appearance, too formal for a bachelors or masters dissertation, but ideal for a PhD thesis.

Hardback binding

Hardback binding again gives a book like appearance, but is expensive and typically reserved only for PhD theses. In addition to custom titling, spine and back, there is a range of material and colour options for hardback binding e.g. the gold lettering you may have seen on academic books.

What Paper Size Should I use?

Most universities will provide very clear instruction on paper sizes, most often A4. However, some pages such as technical drawings or maps may be best shown on A3. In these cases ‘fold out’ pages are an option but must be approved by your university guidelines.

Print Options:

Check your university guidelines when deciding whether to print single or double sided. If printing double sided, be careful as some pages should not be printed back to back. For example, new chapters should start on the right hand page (of a double spread) so blank pages may be required.

What Paper Quality is Suitable?

Paper thickness is measured in grams per square metre (gsm). Although there is no ideal paper thickness, too thin and you risk your dissertation feeling low quality. Too high and you risk your dissertation pages feeling like cardboard, and again pointing to low quality.

Popular UK Services:

Ryman is an affordable thesis binding service, with a range of options for dissertations and theses. Ryman often have stored on University campuses or nearby, so you can check the services provided by your local store (as an alternative to ordering online).

Doxdirect is an online service which offers a large amount of customisation when choosing a thesis binding option. The door to door service also offers a wide range of delivery and production options so you get your bound thesis in your hand as quick as possible.

Thesis Online has been around for a long time (established in 1920), and have a very good reputation. They offer an online thesis binding service and have a hand online calculator which allows you to modify your binding, printing, and deliver options and see the impact on cost in real-time.

Things to Note:

Whichever service you use to bind your thesis or dissertation, there are a few important things to remember:

When using an online service check the turnaround time. Most services take around a week to print, bind, and deliver, though faster services are available at a cost. Some universities have an onsite printing service that students can use. These services likely offer binding options which satisfy your department’s dissertation submission requirements.

An electronic copy and physical copy of your dissertation will be read differently. Whilst consecutive pages are easy to compare on a computer screen, a physical copy may have pages printed on opposite sides of a single page (if double page printed) which makes side by side comparisons difficult. This is something to consider if your text frequently refers to images or tables overleaf.

Most thesis printing services only accept PDF file formats. Ensure that when you convert your dissertation to PDF that you review the document to ensure no errors occur during conversion.

Check your university dissertation guidance on margin requirements. It is also important to factor in margins when considering binding options. Typically a minimum margin of 2.5cm is required on the side of the page to be bound.

Although it comes with an additional cost, it may be useful to purchase personal copies of your bound thesis. You can then bring your bound copy to your Viva , and ensure that what you and your examiners are looking at are identical.

The scope and delimitations of a thesis, dissertation or paper define the topic and boundaries of a research problem – learn how to form them.

This post gives you the best questions to ask at a PhD interview, to help you work out if your potential supervisor and lab is a good fit for you.

Find out the differences between a Literature Review and an Annotated Bibliography, whey they should be used and how to write them.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

Browse PhDs Now

Impostor Syndrome is a common phenomenon amongst PhD students, leading to self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a “fraud”. How can we overcome these feelings?

The purpose of research is to enhance society by advancing knowledge through developing scientific theories, concepts and ideas – find out more on what this involves.

Maria is a 1st year PhD student at the University of Birmingham, researching how to employ and exploit the biology of human gamma delta T cells for development of cancer immunotherapy.

Dr Karki gained his PhD in the field of Nuclear and Particle Physics from Ohio University in March 2020. He is currently working as a postdoctoral associate in Prof. Haiyan Gao’s research group in Duke University.

Join Thousands of Students

Thesis & Dissertation Binding Specialists UK

Thesis and dissertation, printing and binding specialists uk.

DB Bookbinders is the UK’s premier provider of thesis binding services.

With decades of experience in the industry, we specialise in crafting professional-grade thesis and dissertation bindings for universities and colleges across the UK.

Our expert binder team can create stunning and durable bindings that you can be proud to submit. Plus, our online thesis uploading platform is simple and straightforward, so you can get your order ready and shipped to you quickly.

We offer a wide range of binding styles to choose from, including buckram , vegan leather , and genuine leather , so you can find the perfect binding for your thesis or dissertation .

Thesis Binding UK: Your Premier Destination for Superior Thesis Presentation!

Greetings, UK students and researchers! After devoting countless hours and boundless effort into your expertly written thesis or dissertation, the last aspect you’d want to fuss over is its binding. Say goodbye to those worries! At dbbookbinders.com, we’ve got you covered with our exceptional UK thesis binding service.

Your Thesis Deserves The Best

Your inventive ideas warrant a binding that’s as distinctive as your research. That’s why we are dedicated to offering first-rate thesis binding that reflects the quality of your work. Be it a UK thesis or a dissertation, we approach each document with the care it merits. Who knows, maybe someday it’ll find a place in the esteemed British Library!

We Understand Your Needs

We’ve experienced it all. The all-night study marathons, limitless cups of tea, and the race against the clock to meet that looming deadline. We absolutely get it, and we’re here to make your life a bit smoother. Our adept team alleviates the stress of binding, giving you one less thing to worry about as you prepare to display your intellectual prowess.

We’ve Got You Covered, Literally!

Our binding options cater to all needs and budgets. Whether you’re seeking a traditional hardcover for your UK thesis or a sleek, modern design for your dissertation, we’ve got a variety of options sure to make a profound impression on your professors and peers.

Easy Ordering and Fast Turnaround

With our easy-to-use online ordering system, getting your thesis or dissertation bound has never been more straightforward. And because we understand that time is paramount, we’re committed to delivering your order promptly, without compromising on quality.

DB Bookbinders a Proven Track Record

Don’t just take our word for it. Ask around! We’ve been in this industry for decades, and our reputation vouches for our credibility. We’ve assisted innumerable students like you in presenting their theses and dissertations with elegance, and we’re eager to do the same for you.

So, UK scholars, it’s time to give your hard work the presentation it deserves. With dbbookbinders.com by your side, you can stride into your future confidently, knowing that your thesis or dissertation is bound for greatness!

Remember, your UK thesis binding or dissertation binding journey starts here. Explore our options, place your order, and join the ranks of successful scholars who’ve entrusted us with their pivotal work.

Specialising in crafting professional-grade thesis and dissertation bindings for universities and colleges across the United Kingdom, we bring decades of experience to the table. Our expert binder team can create stunning and durable bindings that you can be proud to submit. Plus, our online thesis uploading platform is simple and user-friendly, enabling you to get your order ready and shipped to you swiftly.

We offer a wide range of binding styles, including buckram, vegan leather, and genuine leather, so you can find the ideal binding for your thesis or dissertation.

Don’t delay – get started now and create a binding that will leave a lasting impression. At DBBookbinders, we’re binding the future, one thesis at a time.

Thesis Order Form 2023

Buckram Thesis sh.1004

Buckram thesis sh.16.

Buckram Thesis sh.144

Buckram Thesis sh.70

Bible Restoration & Repairs (Quotation)

Buckram Thesis sh.68

Buckram Thesis sh.214

Excellent work and great service. Highly recommended!

Beautifully finished!

Amazing finished product. Great service along the way and very professional. Highly recommended!!

DB Bookbinders did a great job printing and binding my thesis. There was an issue with the ordering form's file upload but easily solved via email. Thank you!

Dissertation Printing and Binding

Thesis and dissertation faq's still have questions we have answers.

There’s a lot to weigh up! We’ve put together a couple of handy guides to help you know what to look for when you’re getting your thesis, dissertation or design folio bound.

Thankfully, we’ve written a handy guide to knowing what to know before you go to a bookbinder. Have a read of ‘Five Things You Need to Know’ by clicking the button below.

Get your bound Thesis delivered to the following UK Universities

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• University of Manchester
• Imperial College London
• University of Edinburgh
• University College London
• King’s College London
• University of Bristol
• University of Leeds
• University of Glasgow

DB Bookbinders delivers thesis binding and printing services across all major areas of the United Kingdom

• Oxfordshire
• Cambridgeshire
• Greater Manchester
• West Yorkshire

Join our newsletter

Stay up up to date with our latest products and exclusive member only discounts.

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Postgraduate events
• Fees and funding
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Term dates and calendars
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement
• Give to Cambridge
• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges & departments
• Email & phone search
• Museums & collections
• Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught
• Postgraduate examinations
• After the examination
• Degree approval and conferment
• Cambridge students
• New students overview
• Pre-arrival courses
• Student registration overview
• Information for New Students
• Information for Continuing Students
• Frequently Asked Questions overview
• Who needs to register
• When to register
• Received registration in error/not received registration email
• Problems creating an account
• Problems logging in
• Problems with screen display
• Personal details changed/incorrectly displayed
• Course details changed/incorrectly displayed
• Accessing email and other services
• Miscellaneous questions
• Contact Form
• First few weeks
• Manage your student information overview
• Student record overview
• Camsis overview
• Extended Self-Service (ESS)
• Logging into CamSIS
• What CamSIS can do for you
• Personal information overview
• Changing your name
• Changing Colleges
• Residing outside the University's precincts
• Applying for person(s) to join you in Cambridge
• Postgraduate students overview
• Code of Practice for Master's students
• Code of Practice for Research Students
• Postgraduate student information
• Requirements for research degrees
• Terms of study
• Your progress
• Rules and legal compliance overview
• Freedom of speech
• Public gatherings
• Disclosure and barring service overview
• Cambridge life overview
• Student unions
• Extra-curricular activities overview
• Registering societies
• Military, air, and sea training
• Food and accommodation
• Transport overview
• Bicycles and boats
• Your course overview
• Undergraduate study
• Postgraduate study overview
• Changes to your student status (postgraduates only) overview
• Applying for a change in your student status (postgraduates only)
• Changing your mode of study
• Withdrawing from the University
• Allowance/exemption of research terms
• Withdrawal from Study
• Reinstatement
• Changing your course registration
• Changing your department/faculty
• Changing your supervisor
• Exemption from the University composition fee
• Confirmation of Study: Academic Verification Letters
• Extending your submission date
• Medical intermission (postgraduates)
• Non-medical intermission (postgraduates)
• Returning from medical intermission
• Working away
• Working while you study
• Postgraduate by Research Exam Information
• Research passports
• Engagement and feedback
• Student elections
• Graduation and what next? overview
• Degree Ceremonies overview
• The ceremony
• Academical dress
• Photography
• Degree ceremony dates
• Eligibility
• The Cambridge MA overview
• Degrees Under Statute B II 2
• Degree certificates and transcripts overview
• Academic Transcripts
• Degree Certificates
• After Graduation
• Verification of Cambridge degrees
• After your examination
• Exams overview
• Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught overview
• All students timetable
• Undergraduate exam information overview
• Postgraduate examinations overview
• Examination access arrangements overview
• Research programmes
• Taught programmes
• Writing, submitting and examination overview
• PhD, EdD, MSc, MLitt overview
• Research Best Practice
• Preparing to submit your thesis
• Submitting your thesis
• Word limits
• The oral examination (viva)
• After the viva (oral examination)
• After the examination overview
• Degree approval and conferment overview
• Final thesis submission
• Examination allowances for certain Postgraduate degrees (except PhD, MSc, MLitt and MPhil by thesis degrees)
• Requesting a review of the results of an examination (postgraduate qualifications)
• Higher degrees overview
• Higher doctorates
• Bachelor of divinity
• PhD under Special Regulations
• Faith-provision in University exams
• Publication of Results
• Exam Support
• Postgraduate by Research
• EAMC overview
• Annual Reports of the EAMC
• Dates of meetings
• Frequently asked questions
• Guidance notes and application forms
• Resources overview
• Build your skills
• Research students
• Fees and financial assistance overview
• Financial assistance overview
• General eligibility principles and guidance
• Cambridge Bursary Scheme funding overview
• What you could get
• Scottish students
• EU students
• Clinical medics and vets
• Independent students
• Extra scholarships and awards
• Undergraduate Financial Assistance Fund
• Postgraduate Financial Assistance Fund
• Realise Financial Assistance Fund
• The Crane Fund
• Loan Fund I
• External Support 
• Support from your Funding Sponsor
• Guidance for Academic Supervisors and College Tutors
• Fees overview
• Funding overview
• Mosley, Worts, and Frere Travel Funds
• Support for UKRI Studentship Holders overview
• Student loans overview
• US loans overview
• Application procedure
• Entrance and Exit Counselling
• Cost of attendance
• What type of loan and how much you can borrow
• Interest rates for federal student loans
• Proof of funding for visa purposes
• Disbursement
• Satisfactory academic progress policy
• In-School Deferment Forms
• Leave of absence
• Withdrawing and return to Title IV policy
• Rights and Responsibilities as a Borrower
• Managing Repayment
• Consumer information
• Submitting a thesis — information for PhD students
• Private loans
• Veteran affairs benefits
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Student support
• Complaints and appeals

Submitting your hardbound and electronic thesis (final thesis submission)

Please note the information on this page is for doctoral students. MSc and MLitt students are not required to submit a hardbound copy of their thesis or upload an electronic copy to Apollo

Please note also, this information is for submission of the final version of the thesis. Information about submitting your thesis for examination .

Submitting the hardbound and electronic (final) thesis (doctoral students)

Final approval for doctoral degrees is conditional on you submitting a hardbound copy of your thesis for deposit in the University Library and uploading an electronic copy to Symplectic Elements for deposit in the University repository Apollo. These should be the versions approved by your examiners and Degree Committee and should be identical with the exception of the 'Deposit & Copying of Hardbound Thesis Declaration' form which should not be included in the electronic version. The ‘Statement of Length and Declaration Form’ which you submitted with the thesis for examination should not be included in either the hardbound or the electronic copy of the thesis. If you received permission to submit additional materials alongside your thesis, they must be uploaded with the electronic copy of your thesis for deposit in the University repository. It is not possible to make any amendments to the hardbound or electronic thesis after they have been submitted.

We recommend that you submit the electronic copy of your thesis first, so any errors that are picked up can be rectified prior to getting the hardbound printed and bound.

Submission of the hardbound thesis, creation of a thesis record in Symplectic Elements and the uploading of a thesis access confirmation form to it are requirements for all access levels. A file representing the full thesis must also be uploaded for all access levels except Indefinitely restricted access (see below for further guidance).

If you plan to graduate as soon as possible, please note that both hardbound and electronic copies of your thesis should be submitted at least ten calendar days before the graduation ceremony you wish to attend. 

It is important to ensure your mailing address, email address(es) and telephone numbers are updated over the 12 months following the submission of your thesis. We will primarily contact you by email. You can update your details via  CamSIS Self Service

1. Hardbound thesis submission

What are the requirements for the hardbound submission.

The minimum requirements for the hardbound thesis are as follows:

be typescript on A4 paper; recommended 100gsm - check with the binders if you want to use a different weight, but should not be lower than 100gsm

be in A4 portrait format

use one-and-a-half spaced type

we recommend you use double-sided printing where possible; however, single-sided printing is acceptable

Cover and spine:

hard bound (hand stitched and not stuck)

cover colour is up to you

your thesis title, your initials and surname reading down the spine

letter colour must be gold

Bound inside the thesis:

Please ensure pages are in the correct order. 

1. the 'Deposit & Copying of Hardbound Thesis Declaration' form must be bound into your final hardbound thesis as the very first page . Do not include this form in the electronic version

2. title page, displaying:

• the full title of the thesis;
• your full legal name (as it appears on your passport, marriage certificate or deed poll);
• your college;
• the date of submission (month and year).  Please note - the date on the title page should be the same as on the thesis originally submitted for examination - this applies even if you were required to make corrections to your thesis. However, if your original viva outcome was to revise and resubmit you should put the month and year you submitted the revised thesis for examination. 
• a declaration stating "This thesis is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy/Doctor of Education etc... (as appropriate)."  

3. a typewritten declaration (this is different to the declaration form mentioned above),  following the title page , stating (you can copy and paste the following text): 'This thesis is the result of my own work and includes nothing which is the outcome of work done in collaboration except as declared in the preface and specified in the text. It is not substantially the same as any work that has already been submitted, or, is being concurrently submitted, for any degree, diploma or other qualification at the University of Cambridge or any other University or similar institution except as declared in the preface and specified in the text. It does not exceed the prescribed word limit for the relevant Degree Committee'. 

The declaration does not need to be signed.

For more information about word limits see the word limits for the respective Degree Committee .

4. a copy of your Summary/Abstract. This must be bound inside the thesis following the typewritten declaration.

5. [if applicable] the list of additional materials that were approved for submission alongside the thesis. This must be bound inside the thesis  following the Summary/Abstract.

Where can I have my thesis bound with hard covers?

There are a number of bookbinders available, including:

• J S Wilson & Son  Bookbinders Ltd  Est 1830. You can place your order with the Cambridge SU who act as a collection and drop-off point for J S Wilson. 
• Brignell Bookbinders
• Blissetts/Thesis Online

Cambridge SU Print Shop offer self-service printing.

Where do I submit my thesis?

Student Registry Student Services Centre New Museums Site Cambridge CB2 3PT

What if I am not in Cambridge?

The two Cambridge Bookbinders listed above accept an electronic copy of the thesis and will arrange for printing, binding and delivery to the Student Registry. Please note that this is only a service offered by the two bookbinders directly - the Cambridge SU do not offer this service.

How many copies of the hardbound thesis must I submit?

One copy is required for the University Library. However, the following Departments require a second copy, usually for their own library.  Submit both copies to the Student Registry:

• Earth Sciences
• History and Philosophy of Science
• Judge Business School

2. Electronic thesis submission

NB: MD under Special Regulations candidates should contact the Thesis Team ( [email protected] ) for advice on uploading the electronic copy of their thesis once the Student Registry has informed them that they are eligible to do so.

In addition to submission of a hardbound thesis (please see above), you are required to upload an electronic version of your thesis to Symplectic Elements for deposit in the University repository, Apollo. Information can be found on the Open Access webpages. However, please see below if you choose indefinitely restricted access for your thesis.

Details of a training session can be found here .

A module on deposting your electronic thesis can be found here.

What are the requirements for the electronic submission?

Complete the thesis access form which can be found on the Open Access webpage (see below for information about managing access).

The electronic submission must be identical to the hardbound copy with the exception of the ' Deposit & Copying of Hardbound Thesis Declaration' form - do not include this form in the electronic version.

Upload your thesis and thesis access form to Symplectic Elements for deposit in the University repository, Apollo. If you were granted permission to submit additional materials alongside your thesis for examination, these must also be uploaded alongside the electronic version of your thesis. If you are unsure how to do this, please contact the Office of Scholarly Communication for further advice at [email protected] . 

Please note that it is not possible to make any amendments to the thesis once it has been submitted.

Managing access to your thesis (hardbound and electronic)

Before you upload the electronic copy of your thesis to the University’s repository, you will need to confirm the appropriate level of access to your thesis.  University Library staff will apply the access level to the hardbound and electronic version of your thesis. If your Degree Committee requires a second copy of the thesis to be retained in the department library, you need to ensure that the librarian knows which access level to apply.

Guidance on the different access levels is available on the Open Access webpage.  

• You should agree the appropriate level of access with your supervisor, taking account of any terms and conditions of your funding or other contractual arrangements, use of copyrighted or sensitive material or patent applications. You are advised to start this discussion as early as possible following your viva. This will help to prevent delays when you submit your electronic thesis.
• A common cause for delays to students graduating is missing thesis access forms or forms which do not have the appropriate signatures.  Supervisors and Degree Committees should provide handwritten signatures or exact digital equivalents. If this is not possible, contact the thesis team ( [email protected] ) to ask about approval via email.
• Complete the thesis access form (which can be found on the Open Access webpage) and upload the completed form ( signed by your supervisor and also the Degree Committee where appropriate ) when you upload your thesis. 

Students who submitted the final version of their thesis before 1st October 2017

If you submitted the final version of your thesis before 1 st October 2017 and wish to extend a period of restricted access that was previously agreed, you can apply for this using the Restricted Access Extension form . You can apply to extend the period of restricted access to your thesis by a maximum of two years with each application.

Your Supervisor and Degree Committee will need to sign the form to confirm their approval of the extension of the period of restricted access. Once the form is complete and signed by all parties, it should be submitted to the Student Registry by email to [email protected] for final approval.

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• Terms and conditions
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...

Dissertation Support: Formatting, printing and binding

• Formatting, printing and binding

Dreading the Word formatting part of your dissertation?  See our FAQ which includes help, training and a template document to drop your text into.

Printing and binding

Get advice on printing your dissertation and make an appointment to get it bound.

• << Previous: Home
• Last Updated: Mar 28, 2024 12:32 PM
• URL: https://libguides.stir.ac.uk/dissertations

No sweat! A radically easy new way to diagnose stress — and do something about it.

Anxiety can be overwhelming, especially in the kind of turbulent times we’ve all been enduring these past few years. But, thanks to new technology from scientist Chuanzhen Zhao M.S. ’17, Ph.D. ’20, we may soon be able to measure in any precise moment exactly how stressed we are — and take the proportional steps to deal with it. 

“I got an email from a single mom with two kids,” Zhao recalls. “She was quite stressed out, and she said, ‘I think the technology you guys are developing can help a lot, and even save people’s lives.’” 

Such cries for help motivated Zhao to keep the focus of his UCLA Ph.D. thesis on wrist patches, known as biosensors, that measure stress hormones in perspiration. His first version was like a watch; the latest iteration is more like a nicotine patch worn on the wrist. 

A key biomarker for mental health monitoring is cortisol, a known stress hormone. But measuring cortisol levels so that people can, in real time, read the danger signs and then take contrary action — a cup of tea, a moment of meditation, a call to a friend — has always been a challenge.

Until now. Unlike traditional tests, which require invasive methods such as fingerstick blood tests, Zhao’s sensors measure biochemical markers by “tasting” everyday sweat. The secret lies in the chemistry: Zhao  collaborated with a team of eminent professors  and graduate student researchers from UCLA and Columbia University to develop an artificial DNA strand capable of binding with cortisol. Zhao’s groundbreaking work not only earned him a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 science list in 2022, it also won him the Nanotechnology Council’s Best PhD Thesis Award.

But for Zhao, such accolades pale in comparison to the real ways in which his sensors aid people dealing with stress. Now a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University, Zhao is continuing his development of wearable sensors; his team is currently working on “skin-inspired electronics” that work as a polymer film that can be stretched and placed on the skin to monitor mental health and other diseases. The more we learn about the role of biochemical markers in anxiety and depression, the more we can imagine what kinds of stories our skin can tell us.

“We wanted to develop something,” Zhao says, “to really benefit the whole community.”

The sensor isn’t invasive like a fingerstick blood test; it’s more akin to a nicotine patch.

Keep reading

Boosting health equity with lab-grown tissues

UC Irvine engineer named one of Popular Science’s Brilliant 10 for using lab-grown blood vessels to benefit marginalized groups.

New CRISPR center brings hope for rare and deadly genetic…

CRISPR collaboration combines expertise from three UC schools to scale treatment for diseases that industry has largely passed by — until now.

• Our story /
• Teaching & learning /
• The city of Liverpool /
• International university /
• Widening participation
• Campus & facilities
• Our organisation

University Library

• University of Liverpool Library
• Library Help

Q. Does the library offer binding?

• 25 About the Library
• 9 Accessibility
• 19 Borrow, renew, return
• 1 Collection Management
• 29 Computers and IT
• 28 Copyright
• 36 Databases
• 11 Disability Support
• 7 Dissertations & Theses
• 13 Electronic resources
• 48 Find Things
• 24 General services
• 35 Help & Support
• 2 Inter-Library Loans
• 13 Journals
• 5 Library facilities
• 7 Library Membership
• 9 Management School
• 3 Newspapers
• 26 Off-Campus
• 78 Online Resources
• 4 Open Access
• 28 Reading Lists
• 40 Referencing
• 5 Registration
• 11 Repository
• 17 Research Support
• 2 Reservations
• 2 Science Fiction
• 11 Search Tools
• 5 Special Collections & Archives
• 3 Standards & Patents
• 16 Student Support
• 7 Study Rooms
• 47 Using the Library
• 11 Visitors

Answered By: Gwen Jones Last Updated: Oct 13, 2023     Views: 11517

DISCOVER and the Library Catalogue have been replaced by Library Search . We're busy updating all of our links, but in the meantime, please use Library Search when searching for resources or managing your Library Account.

The information provided here is only a guide. It is your responsibility to check with your academic department about the type of binding they require and to check your work thoroughly. Mistakes can be costly and time consuming.

There are two types of binding available at each Library:

Self-Service - Spiral/Comb binding

Spirals and covers for binding are available to buy from the Library Help Desks during staffed hours . The Spiral Binding Machines are located on the ground floor in both the Sydney Jones and the Harold Cohen Libraries. Please note that spiral binding will accommodate a maximum number of 340 sheets of paper. See instructions for spiral binding.

Channel/Soft/Temporary Binding Service

Typically used for draft submission of a PhD thesis (or for corrections) or a degree/masters dissertation. This type of binding is  not suitable  for final submission of a PhD thesis; final, accepted versions are deposited electronically via Liverpool Elements .

This staffed service is available 9:00am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday from the Library Help Desks at both the Sydney Jones Library and the Harold Cohen Library. It is offered on a 'first come, first served' basis. Binding cannot always be done immediately. We do however aim to get all soft binding done on the same day that it's brought to us.

Please note that the maximum number of pages that the channel binding machines can bind is 300. Any larger volumes would need to be bound as two separate documents, or use spiral binding.

Links & Files

• Spiral binding instructions
• Share on Facebook

Was this helpful? Submit a comment below to provide feedback. Yes 22 No 0

Comments (0)

Related questions, browse topics.

• About the Library
• Accessibility
• Borrow, renew, return
• Collection Management
• Computers and IT
• Disability Support
• Dissertations & Theses
• Electronic resources
• Find Things
• General services
• Help & Support
• Inter-Library Loans
• Library facilities
• Library Membership
• Management School
• Online Resources
• Open Access
• Reading Lists
• Referencing
• Registration
• Research Support
• Reservations
• Science Fiction
• Search Tools
• Special Collections & Archives
• Standards & Patents
• Student Support
• Study Rooms
• Using the Library
• Library Website Accessibility Statement
• Customer Charter
• Library Regulations
• Acceptable use of e-Resources
• Service Standards
• Re-use of Public Sector Information
• Victoria Gallery & Museum
• Garstang Museum
• Libraries, Museums and Galleries - Intranet

Thesis binding according to your institutions' guidelines and requirements

Our online communication channels are available 24/7/365, so you're guaranteed a fast and urgent response!

Your thesis printed in full colour.

We service all South African institutions, with door-to-door delivery!

PDF conversions & CD's, laminating and ring binding are just some of the extra services we provide

We are specialists in thesis and dissertation compilation. Our online service removes the fear and stress surrounding the presentation aspect of your thesis or dissertation. All our work is done in accordance with every South African academic institutions’ specifications and requirements. Our mission is to provide the academic society with a fast and efficient portal to compile and submit a thesis or dissertation.

Our core services, thesis binding.

Binding of postgraduate theses and dissertations according to your academic institutions’ guidelines, in high quality binding cloth, or cost-effective soft covers for examiner’s copies.

Thesis Printing

Black & white and full colour thesis printing services in single and double-sided (duplex) print.

Library Journals & Law Reports

Batch or single binding of library journals, periodicals or law reports. Journals and law reports can be bound according to the frequency of use.

PDF CD’s and Conversion

PDF conversion, bookmarking and optimisation of your document to a higher PDF standard that is prepared for library digitisation, cataloguing and archiving.

Book Restorations & Mending

Repairs and restoration of old and damaged books, to prolong their use, rebinding and strengthening of old textbooks and paperbacks.

Additional Services

Our other services include specialised projects and requests, file and folder creation, binding of CV’s, and custom blocking (lettering). School projects and lecture notes can also be bound into volumes.

ON A DEADLINE?

Our fast and efficient online processes assure you receive a quote within hours, this is how it works, it’s as easy as 1 2 3 4…and you don’t even have to leave your seat.

Once your final draft is complete, simply send us your work file/s via email or online file transfer (eg.Dropbox/Google Drive) in an MS Word, PDF (preferred) or other default format (Windows or Mac).​

We will print and bind copies of your final thesis/dissertation according to your personal, or your institutions’ requirements. We have worked with all of the major SA tertiary institutions​

Should you require a PDF version of your work/s for electronic submission, we will convert, bookmark, optimise the PDF document to library standards, and compile the CD in the correct format​​

Completed work is returned by door-to-door courier. A drop-off service is available at a minimal cost in the greater DURBAN area. We deliver throughout South Africa, and outlying areas.​

Honours, Masters, Doctoral candidate?

Our thesis packages have proved a phenomenal success, as we are also able to provide a one-stop-online portal for students who may not be in the vicinities of their academic institutions, locally or abroad. We reduce the stress associated with the compilation and submission of your thesis/dissertation.

We are the preferred service provider to, many of the top South African academic institutions. As a result we are are able to offer students and faculties/departments a convenient nationwide service, which recognises the importance and time sensitive nature of this academic piece of work.

Through the multitude of online and social communication channels we offer, completing your thesis or dissertation is easier than ever!

“Honours, Masters, Doctoral candidate?”

Thesis binding and printing. Quick, easy, and delivered straight to your door! Our thesis packages have proved a phenomenal success, as we are also able to provide a one-stop-online portal for students who may not be in the vicinities of their academic institutions, locally or abroad. We reduce the stress associated with the compilation and submission of your thesis/dissertation.

Customer Reviews

Finished Papers

We select our writers from various domains of academics and constantly focus on enhancing their skills for our writing essay services. All of them have had expertise in this academic world for more than 5 years now and hold significantly higher degrees of education. Once the writers get your topic in hand, only after thorough research on the topic, they move towards the direction to write it. They take up information from credible sources and assure you that no plagiarism could be found in your writing from our writing service website.

Finished Papers

Finished Papers

offers three types of essay writers: the best available writer aka. standard, a top-level writer, and a premium essay expert. Every class, or type, of an essay writer has its own pros and cons. Depending on the difficulty of your assignment and the deadline, you can choose the desired type of writer to fit in your schedule and budget. We guarantee that every writer will be a subject-matter expert with proper writing skills and background knowledge across all high school, college, and university subjects. Also, we don’t work with undergraduates or dropouts, focusing more on Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral level writers (yes, we offer writers with Ph.D. degrees!)

Customer Reviews

Standard essay helper

Well-planned online essay writing assistance by PenMyPaper

Writing my essays has long been a part and parcel of our lives but as we grow older, we enter the stage of drawing critical analysis of the subjects in the writings. This requires a lot of hard work, which includes extensive research to be done before you start drafting. But most of the students, nowadays, are already overburdened with academics and some of them also work part-time jobs. In such a scenario, it becomes impossible to write all the drafts on your own. The writing service by the experts of PenMyPaper can be your rescuer amidst such a situation. We will write my essay for me with ease. You need not face the trouble to write alone, rather leave it to the experts and they will do all that is required to write your essays. You will just have to sit back and relax. We are offering you unmatched service for drafting various kinds for my essays, everything on an online basis to write with. You will not even have to visit anywhere to order. Just a click and you can get the best writing service from us.

Margurite J. Perez

• Article Sample
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Can I speak with my essay writer directly?

Don’t drown in assignments — hire an essay writer to help.

Does a pile of essay writing prevent you from sleeping at night? We know the feeling. But we also know how to help it. Whenever you have an assignment coming your way, shoot our 24/7 support a message or fill in the quick 10-minute request form on our site. Our essay help exists to make your life stress-free, while still having a 4.0 GPA. When you pay for an essay, you pay not only for high-quality work but for a smooth experience. Our bonuses are what keep our clients coming back for more. Receive a free originality report, have direct contact with your writer, have our 24/7 support team by your side, and have the privilege to receive as many revisions as required.

We have the ultimate collection of writers in our portfolio, so once you ask us to write my essay, we can find you the most fitting one according to your topic. The perks of having highly qualified writers don't end there. We are able to help each and every client coming our way as we have specialists to take on the easiest and the hardest tasks. Whatever essay writing you need help with, let it be astronomy or geography, we got you covered! If you have a hard time selecting your writer, contact our friendly 24/7 support team and they will find you the most suitable one. Once your writer begins the work, we strongly suggest you stay in touch with them through a personal encrypted chat to make any clarifications or edits on the go. Even if miscommunications do happen and you aren't satisfied with the initial work, we can make endless revisions and present you with more drafts ASAP. Payment-free of course. Another reason why working with us will benefit your academic growth is our extensive set of bonuses. We offer a free originality report, title, and reference page, along with the previously mentioned limitless revisions.