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How to Create a Dissertation Timeline (With Examples + Tempate)

When it’s time to start thinking about writing your dissertation, it is vital to put together a dissertation timeline. This will help you map out the months you will be spending on your dissertation, and ensure that you’re staying on track. A specific and detailed dissertation timeline will serve as an outline to guide you, step by step, through what can be a long and challenging process. 

While we often refer to a dissertation in a way that makes it sound like a monolith, in reality, a dissertation consists of many moving parts. A dissertation timeline includes a series of milestones that leads up to the dissertation defense , revisions, and final submission of your dissertation. Constructing an outline of every step in the dissertation process , including rough estimates of how long each will take, will give you a realistic picture of where you are in the process at any given time. 

Before embarking on your dissertation, it is a good idea to meet with your dissertation advisor and sketch out a dissertation timeline that is realistic for the size and scope of your project and includes deadlines. This will provide you with much-needed structure and a sense of what will happen next. To get an idea of what a completed dissertation looks like and the components your program requires, ask to see samples from recent graduates in your department. 

These are a few frequently asked questions about crafting a dissertation timeline: 

  • What does a dissertation timeline look like?
  • What goes in a dissertation timeline? 
  • How structured should a dissertation timeline be?
  • What do you do with a dissertation timeline? 

blonde woman writing dissertation prospectus in a cafe

What Does a Dissertation Timeline Look Like? 

One way to think about a dissertation timeline is as a kind of outline. While the outlining process is unique to each writer, there are commonalities shared by all of them. Likewise, when writing a dissertation timeline, you’ll want to include all of the basic elements of your dissertation as well as the amount of time you think you’ll need to execute them. 

The best dissertation timeline format is the one that works for you. Though I’ve reformed somewhat over the years, for a long time I wasn’t a fan of intensely detailed outlines. Many people don’t like outlines. And that’s okay! However, writing a dissertation is not the time to be flying by the seat of your pants. To get started, a simple, linear timeline that projects the amount of time you think you’ll need to write your dissertation will suffice. 

Example Dissertation Timeline

Below, you’ll find an example of a dissertation timeline, which you can view as an image in your browser or download as a spreadsheet. Feel free to use the spreadsheet as a template as you build your own dissertation timeline.

example of a dissertation timeline spreadsheet

Or download the spreadsheet below:

Inclusion in a Dissertation Timeline

When constructing your dissertation timeline, include every element of the dissertation from the abstract to the conclusion. Keep in mind that you may not be writing your chapters in chronological order. For instance, after completing their first round of research and writing their research question, most graduate students will tackle their literature review next, even though it comes after the abstract and introduction in the final document. 

Depending on the field being studied, most dissertations will also include sections for methodology, results, and discussion. Many programs also require a detailed conclusion that alludes to future research possibilities. Every dissertation also has an extensive list of references (pro tip: write this as you’re writing your dissertation), as well as appendices for charts, graphs, and other ephemera. And don’t forget your acknowledgments! 

Dissertation Timeline Structure

The structure of your dissertation timeline will take shape once you’re engaged in the research process. While a road map may seem like an apt metaphor for a dissertation, once you get started you may notice a lot of starts and stops and circling back. After you’ve begun researching, you may realize that you need to allot more time for digging through the databases, or you may discover that you need to reformulate your research question entirely. 

custom made calendar in a notebook with different color notes

I’ve seen many of my own graduate students use calendars to great effect, giving themselves hard and fast deadlines to meet. Many students also build out their dissertation timelines as they progress, attaching working drafts of their abstract, introduction, and literature review to their timeline within a giant spreadsheet that links to multiple documents and sources. All of these methods are valid. Devise one that works for you. 

Using a Dissertation Timeline

So once you have a thoughtful, soundly-constructed dissertation timeline, what do you do with it? First, and most importantly, try your best to adhere to it. Check in with your dissertation timeline regularly, and use it to keep yourself on track. Also, make adjustments to it as needed. If you find yourself breezing through your preliminary research but needing a bit more time for your literature review, consult your timeline and adjust accordingly. 

While meeting your deadlines is important, also construct your dissertation timeline with an understanding that many graduate students face delays once they start working on their dissertation. These can include hold-ups at the department or university level in the form of late IRB approval or limited lab space or grant funding that gets cut. Anything can happen, but having a dissertation timeline will help you get back on track as soon as the storm passes. 

In my own experience, I also found my dissertation timeline to be a great document to share and discuss with my dissertation chair and committee. Once I finished my comprehensive exams, I met with members of my dissertation committee and got feedback on my rough dissertation timeline to make sure my goals for submitting my dissertation and graduating were realistic. This also ensured that we were all on the same page. 

When writing a dissertation, timing is everything. Creating a dissertation timeline gives you definitive time limits for research and writing, and it also influences several other major decisions that you’ll need to make. These include preparation to go on the job market, which often coincides with writing your dissertation. There is no doubt that this will be a hectic time in your graduate school career, but having a well-organized dissertation timeline is a good way to keep everything in perspective. 

Related posts:

Dissertation Presentation

Courtney Watson, Ph.D.

Courtney Watson, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of English at Radford University Carilion, in Roanoke, Virginia. Her areas of expertise include undergraduate and graduate curriculum development for writing courses in the health sciences and American literature with a focus on literary travel, tourism, and heritage economies. Her writing and academic scholarship has been widely published in places that include  Studies in American Culture ,  Dialogue , and  The Virginia Quarterly Review . Her research on the integration of humanities into STEM education will be published by Routledge in an upcoming collection. Dr. Watson has also been nominated by the State Council for Higher Education of Virginia’s Outstanding Faculty Rising Star Award, and she is a past winner of the National Society of Arts & Letters Regional Short Story Prize, as well as institutional awards for scholarly research and excellence in teaching. Throughout her career in higher education, Dr. Watson has served in faculty governance and administration as a frequent committee chair and program chair. As a higher education consultant, she has served as a subject matter expert, an evaluator, and a contributor to white papers exploring program development, enrollment research, and educational mergers and acquisitions.

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Top 10 Thesis Timeline Templates with Samples and Examples

Top 10 Thesis Timeline Templates with Samples and Examples

Madhusheel Arora

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Authority figures. We all look up to them for guidance or for solutions to our worldly woes, as we go about our daily lives. Apart from political leaders and our family doctors, there is only one kind of doctor, globally, that can propound a thesis.

Once a thesis proposal passes muster through a select panel of distinguished experts and gets their approval, we have PhD doctor being gifted to the society.

A huge achievement for the individual who has earned a doctorate.

It is not at all child’s play to write a thesis. It takes time, patience, and lots of revisions before a thesis proposal can be submitted. It is essential to get your timelines right, as well as the milestones that will mark this long journey.

Meanwhile, at this stage, if you want to have a better idea of how timelines operate in a business lifecycle and how to record business history, please click here .

This blog takes you through thesis timelines templates that offer the best-in-class expertise on taking the first step towards a thesis. From Pre-Proposal Planning to the time when you publish the PhD defense date, everything needs to be marked on a timeline. Each of these thesis presentation ppt  templates are content ready, 100% customizable, and editable.

Let’s take a tour of these templates where you just need to key in your information, and you have world-class resources at hand to ace your thesis work with a specified timeline, always in sync with the required scheduling.

Template 1: A Comprehensive Guide to Thesis Defense

This 13-slide complete deck is a treasure house for PhD students. Use this to create a five-year roadmap with the first year meant for preparation of PhD Proposal, selecting an advisor. The first three years require 40-hour weeks. Between the third and the fourth year, the scholar (you) will have their proposal preparation exam. In the 4th year, you start working on the PhD Thesis preparation. The defense is scheduled in the 5th year or could stretch beyond. The DOs and DON’Ts for thesis content are simple, but valuable techniques that one could forget in the heat of the moment. Use this template to also anticipate the questions that may be asked and the importance of a back-up plan. Download now!

Thesis Defense Roadmap Individual Researcher Strategy Presentation

DOWNLOAD NOW

Template 2: Five-Yearly Developing and Designing Guidelines for Thesis Roadmap

Use this pre-designed PPT Template to deliver the critical deliverable, steps involved, time frame and more into a five-year plan of action. You start with the problem statement and your motivation for the thesis. Then, you develop some guidelines, before researching what these mean in real-life and finally by giving closure to your problem statement. Use this presentation template as a beneficial communication tool that facilitates tasks and helps you achieve targets. Download now!

Five yearly developing and designing guidelines for thesis roadmap

Template 3: Thesis Presentation Audience Research Analysis Structure Timeline

Writing your Thesis Defense Presentation can be unnerving, despite your age or academic experience. This 12-slide PPT Template offers you key solutions/suggestions to get this right. Getting started, how to add a bit of structure and getting adequate support to your ideas from books, all will help. Focus on the introduction and do not succumb to the temptation to rush through your thesis presentation is the best advice. Download now!

Thesis Presentation Audience Research Analysis Structure Timeline Technical

Template 4: Quarterly Thesis Subjectively Enrollment Roadmap

This PPT Template divides the longish process of earning a PhD into quarterly milestones that will help you research your subject better. After two quarters of subjective research, you may finally realign your point of view, if needed. Then, this template offers the option of finalizing your claim with the action being either of research completion or submission of thesis. Download now and pave the way for further training and events.

Quarterly thesis subjectively enrollment roadmap

Template 5: Projected Research Proposal For Thesis Timeline Analysis

When working toward a PhD thesis, use this PPT Template to organize tasks like framing the thesis proposal; pre-proposal planning; proposal writing and revisions. Use this presentation template to map those tasks to a timeline in months with specific beginning and end dates as well. Download on and get on the highway to productivity in thesis timeline analysis.

Projected research proposal for thesis timeline analysis ppt powerpoint presentation professional

Template 6: Projected Research Proposal for Thesis Timeline Analysis Presentation Model

Here, the presentation template, on the lines of the previous slide, allows you to divide your thesis into phases with the defined timelines being weeks. After reading and research, you have the option to present and interpret the topic (separate spheres). Use this template to showcase how mindful you are about time management. Download now!

Projected research proposal for thesis timeline ppt powerpoint presentation model

Template 7: Projected Research Proposal for Thesis Timeline Analysis Elements PPT Portfolio

This PPT Template is meant to showcase how you can use a 30-60-90 Day plan to the thesis preparation stages. The categorization allows for each of these milestone periods to be divided into elements, comments, and actions. Major elements of the thesis like proposal review, preparing the research and progress report and scheduling and planning the thesis defense can get their timeline here. Get this presentation template now!

Projected research proposal for thesis timeline elements ppt powerpoint presentation portfolio

Template 8: Timeline for Thesis Research Paper Proposal

The five-year timeline thesis research proposal template is designed to offer you the freedom to punch in milestones. These are to give you an attractive backdrop. Please make sure you list these seven major components of work toward your theses in appropriate timelines. This will all come handy at the time of dissertation defense. The seven major chunks of milestones you need to place on this timeline are: Title Page; Introduction; Literature Review; Methodology; Results; Discussion and Conclusions. Make sure you get what you deserve. Download this template now.

Timeline for thesis research paper proposal ppt templates

Template 9: Quarterly Thesis Conclusion with Tutorial Workshop Roadmap

This PPT Template lists the thesis timeline into quarterly chunks, linking each with activities. From thesis initiation in a quarter, you move to submitting these to a research committee, where its composition and the members decide whether you can go ahead. Then, you get on with the PhD course work, ending with thesis submission. Attending training and events are also a major part of the research involved in this thesis timeline presentation template. Get it now!

Quarterly thesis conclusion with tutorial workshop roadmap

Template 10: Six-month subject drafting and thesis completion roadmap

This PPT Template helps you excel at productive management of the thesis with its emphasis on processes. From completing your first draft on the thesis to final submission, you can use this presentation template to accelerate your move toward earning a PhD. Download now!

Six months subject drafting and thesis completion roadmap

Knowledge meets action

It is imperative that there is some practical, everyday improvement in people’s lives with the applications of the knowledge outlined in a thesis. Even as this could take time, it is critical that you stay with your thesis timeline all the way for better long-term results. For instance, a number of theses on diversity and inclusion have proved its positive impact. If you want to conduct a comprehensive course on diversity and inclusion, SlideTeam has one for you. Click here to download our comprehensive guide to diversity and inclusion with training material included.

P.S. Another thing where time is of critical importance is your response to customer queries, experiences and service provided. Download our comprehensive training module on Customer Service, with hands-on activities and training material, with a click here .

FAQs on Thesis Timeline

What is thesis timeline.

A thesis allows you to put forward a subject or topic and back it up with a long piece of writing involving original study of the subject. A dissertation timeline is the map of how you will conduct this study over time. It is an original work, so there are a few milestones that contribute to its successful execution. Earning a thesis is, of course, an rigorous academic task, but it also requires people skills like regular meetings with your dissertation guide/advisor, preparing for dissertation defense. etc. Hence, time management is critical to earning a thesis.

Can you write a thesis in six months?

A tricky question this, especially if you are aware of the adage: ‘Work’ expands to fill the time you are given to complete it. Simply put, yes, a thesis can be written in six months, but for this to be done, the field research, accessing and reading good material, and the planning need to be there first. As you would expect, the above activities are all time-consuming. There can be no loose ends in the final dissertation thesis, hence, the writing can be done in six months. The key is to remember the saying, “It took me 20 years to become an overnight star.”

How many months does a thesis take?

For quality and originality, it is advisable that you draw up a thesis timeline and stick to it. Usually, the time to earn a thesis is more than a year. Yet, it pays to go back to first principles, when you want your thesis early or in months. The thesis is your highest academic achievement and universities around the world have varying expectations/rules on the time they grant it in. Ideally, getting that PhD degree in months is possible, but the key deliverables are the quality of research, its publication in a paper of international repute and real-life applications that the thesis spawns.

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How to Create a Research Timeline for Your Thesis

How to Create a Research Timeline for Your Thesis

  • 5-minute read
  • 21st May 2023

Beginning a dissertation can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. One of the best things you can do to prepare for the exciting journey of doing a dissertation is to design a comprehensive timeline as your guide. Here we will take you step by step through creating your thesis timeline and provide some example templates, so you’ll be well-prepared to begin your dissertation work.

Reasons for Creating a Timeline

There are many benefits to crafting a detailed dissertation timeline. In addition to helping with time management and meeting crucial deadlines, your timeline will also help you stay motivated by reviewing the tasks you have completed as you progress. A thorough timeline will be valuable during your dissertation proposal and useful if you are applying for grants or other additional funding.

Ste0ps for Creating a Timeline for Your Thesis:

  • Research and record all requirements and deadlines.

Before you write out your timeline, ensure you know all of your program’s requirements and deadlines. Academic institutions often require you to complete your dissertation within a specified timeframe.

There are likely several recommended or mandatory deadlines for approval of certain items by your adviser (and possibly the rest of your committee members). Gather all these dates beforehand so you can allot an appropriate amount of time to meet your deadlines.

It will be beneficial to meet with your adviser to understand when you are expected to complete the major phases of your dissertation work and to confirm that there aren’t any other requirements or deadlines that you may not be aware of.

  • List all of your tasks and bundle them into phases.

Now that you’ve assembled your dates, working backward from your deadlines is a good rule of thumb. List all of the required tasks that must be completed to meet each milestone, from coming up with your research questions to writing each chapter of your dissertation .

Even though your list will be unique to your research project, it can help to refer to a thesis checklist . It’s also helpful to assemble tasks into different phases (e.g., dissertation proposal, research recruitment). Grouping tasks into phases gives anyone looking at your timeline a quick overview of your research plan.

  • Organize your tasks into a schedule and assign task deadlines.

Now it’s time to build your timeline. There are many different free templates available online, from straightforward lists of deliverables to colorful options with room for notes and customization.

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A popular organizational approach for thesis timelines is a Gantt chart , which is a type of bar chart often used in project management in which the length of the bar corresponds to the time the task will take. The best choice for you will depend on the specifics of your research study and personal preferences. Whichever option you select, make sure you can easily edit and revise it as need be.

Sanity-Saving Tips:

●  Pay attention to your work style. Some people are more productive when writing in short bursts, while others write better after taking time to get into the zone. Some people choose to start writing parts of their thesis while still conducting research, while others prefer to focus on one phase at a time. Set yourself up for success by reflecting on what type of schedule will help you create the best quality work.

●  Schedule breaks. Almost everyone will work better after a well-deserved break. Make sure to schedule regular breaks into your timeline, as well as provide enough time to sleep, eat well, and do anything else you need to do to safeguard your well-being. 

●  Always have a plan B. Your dissertation is an extensive endeavor with many moving parts. It’s impossible to anticipate and plan for every conceivable event, but it’s helpful to expect something may occur that will cause a deviation from your original timeline. Perhaps study recruitment takes longer than you expected, or one of your committee members gets sick and you have to postpone your dissertation proposal. After you draft your timeline, check that it is not so strict that any disruption will cause a total derailment of your plan. Aim to strike a balance between goals that will inspire you to progress steadfastly and have some leeway in your timeline for the inevitable curveball that life will throw at you somewhere along the way.

Following these three steps will help you draft a timeline to steer the course of your dissertation work: research and record all requirements and deadlines; work backward from your dissertation deadline and assemble your task lists; and organize your tasks into a timeline.

Don’t forget to include ample time for editing and proofreading your dissertation . And if you are interested in any help from us, you can try a sample of our services for free . Best of luck in writing your dissertation!

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A PhD timeline for finishing quickly [Free Gantt Download]

Navigating the labyrinthine journey of a PhD program is no small feat.

From the day you step into your graduate program as a bright-eyed doctoral student, you’re immediately thrust into a complex weave of coursework, research, and milestones.

By the second year, you’ve transitioned from coursework to research, laying the groundwork for your dissertation—a pivotal component in your scholarly endeavour. 

Come the third year, you face the critical oral examination, a hurdle that could make or break years of hard work.

But how does one streamline this multifaceted journey? The answer lies in a well-planned PhD timeline.

This blog serves as an invaluable guide for any PhD student looking to complete their doctoral studies efficiently, walking you through each milestone from coursework to graduation.

How to Begin with the PhD Timeline Planning?

Planning your PhD timeline is an essential first step in your PhD program.

Success in any PhD program depends, to a large extent, on effective time management and keeping track of progress through a thoughtfully crafted PhD timeline. 

Start with outlining all your major requirements:

  • coursework,
  • dissertation,
  • and the expected time needed for each task.

I also highly recommend factoring in failure time – give yourself a little bit of wiggle room for when things, invariably – go wrong. 

It’s crucial to remain realistic about the time you can commit daily or weekly while keeping long-term goals in mind.

Regular check-ins on your PhD timeline and supervisor will help you stay on track and allow you to adapt if necessary.

Adjustments may be needed as you progress through your PhD program, but having a timeline as a guide can make the journey less daunting and more achievable. 

Elements to include in a 3-year PhD timeline

The initial stage in this timeline typically involves coursework, often lasting one year, where the student engrosses themselves in advanced study in their chosen field.

Once the coursework is done (USA PhDs), they focus on proposing, conducting, and presenting their initial research.

By the end of the second year, most students should have a clear direction for their dissertation, a core component of the PhD process.

In this third and final year of the PhD timeline, the student focuses primarily on completing their dissertation, which involves collecting data, analyzing results, and organizing their research into a substantial, original, and cohesive document that contributes to contemporary knowledge in their field.

Regular reviews and modifications of the PhD timeline may also be necessary to accommodate various unpredictable circumstances, thus making this timeline both a guide and a flexible workplan.

It is a significant tool in successfully navigating the maze of becoming a PhD holder. 

Create Your PhD Timeline for a 3 year completion

Creating a timeline for a 3-year PhD program requires careful planning, as you’ll have multiple milestones and tasks to complete.

This timeline may vary depending on your specific field, institution, or country, but here is a general outline you can use as a starting point:

Year & QuarterActivity/MilestoneDescriptionOutcome/Output
Admission & OnboardingFormalities for joining the program, including orientation.Official start of the program.
Initial Literature ReviewFamiliarize yourself with the existing research in your field.Foundation for your research.
CourseworkComplete required or optional courses.Credits/Education
Research Proposal OutlineDevelop a draft outline for your PhD proposal.Outline for proposal
Coursework & SeminarsContinue with coursework and attend relevant seminars.Credits/Education
Meet with AdvisorDiscuss research interests and outline.Feedback for refinement
Complete Research ProposalFinalize your research proposal with your advisor’s input.Approved Proposal
Ethics Approval (if needed)Submit proposal for ethics approval if required.Ethics Clearance
Year & QuarterActivity/MilestoneDescriptionOutcome/Output
Data CollectionStart gathering data according to your proposal.Initial Data
Intermediate ReviewReview progress with advisor.Feedback for refinement
Data AnalysisStart analyzing the collected data.Preliminary Findings
Draft ChaptersStart writing initial chapters of your thesis.Draft Chapters
Further AnalysisConduct additional analysis if necessary.Refined Findings
Publish/ConferenceConsider publishing initial findings or presenting at a conference.Paper/Presentation
Complete Data CollectionFinish gathering all necessary data.Finalized Data
Update Thesis DraftUpdate your thesis draft with the complete analysis.Updated Draft
Year & QuarterActivity/MilestoneDescriptionOutcome/Output
Thesis WritingFocus primarily on writing your thesis.Near-final draft
Peer ReviewHave peers or mentors review the thesis draft.Feedback for refinement
Thesis SubmissionFinalize and submit your thesis for review.Submitted Thesis
Defense PreparationPrepare for your thesis defense.Defense Presentation
Thesis DefenseDefend your thesis in front of a committee.Committee’s Decision
Revisions (if needed)Make any revisions recommended by the committee.Final Thesis
Final SubmissionSubmit the finalized thesis.PhD Thesis
GraduationComplete any remaining formalities.PhD Awarded

Free Gantt chart excel template

Here is a free template you can modify for your own research:

Example Gantt chart for a USA PhD

Here are some common steps involved in completing a PhD, which I’ll use to create the Gantt chart:

PhD timeline USA PhD Gantt Chart

  • Orientation and Coursework (Semester 1) : Familiarization with the university, department, and coursework.
  • Coursework (Semester 2) : Continued coursework and possible teaching/research assistantships.
  • Select Advisor and Research Topic : Usually done towards the end of the first year or the beginning of the second year.
  • Preliminary Research : Initial research and literature review.
  • Complete Coursework (Semester 3) : Wrap up any remaining required courses.
  • Research Proposal : Develop a full research proposal including methodology.
  • Qualifying Exams : Exams to transition from a Ph.D. student to a Ph.D. candidate.
  • Begin Research : Start of actual research based on the approved proposal.
  • Conduct Research : Data collection, experiments, and analysis.
  • Intermediate Review : A review to assess the progress of the research.
  • Write Papers : Start writing papers and possibly publishing in journals.
  • Finalize Research : Final experiments and data analysis.
  • Write Dissertation : Writing the actual Ph.D. dissertation.
  • Dissertation Defense : Defending the dissertation before the committee.
  • Graduation : Completing all requirements and graduating.

Example Gantt chart for a UK, European and Australian PhD

For Ph.D. programs outside the United States, especially in Europe and some other parts of the world, students often go straight into research without the need for coursework. Here are some common steps for such programs:

PhD timeline UK PhD Gantt Chart

  • Orientation : Familiarization with the university and department.
  • Select Advisor and Research Topic : Usually done at the beginning of the program.

Wrapping up

The journey to earning a PhD is complex and demanding, filled with academic milestones from coursework to research to dissertation writing.

The key to a smooth and efficient doctoral journey lies in well-planned time management—a structured PhD timeline.

This blog serves as an invaluable guide, offering detailed tips for planning out each academic year in both U.S. and international PhD programs. It emphasizes the importance of starting with an outline of major requirements and factoring in “failure time” for unforeseen challenges.

For those looking to navigate their PhD journey in three years or beyond, having a flexible but comprehensive timeline can be the compass that guides them successfully through the academic labyrinth.

Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into your research, the principles and strategies outlined here can help streamline your path to that coveted doctoral hood.

thesis timeline template free

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

We are here to help you navigate Academia as painlessly as possible. We are supported by our readers and by visiting you are helping us earn a small amount through ads and affiliate revenue - Thank you!

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  • Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Published on June 7, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on November 21, 2023.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process . It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding the specifics of your dissertation topic and showcasing its relevance to your field.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation , such as:

  • Your anticipated title
  • Your abstract
  • Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review, research methods, avenues for future research, etc.)

In the final product, you can also provide a chapter outline for your readers. This is a short paragraph at the end of your introduction to inform readers about the organizational structure of your thesis or dissertation. This chapter outline is also known as a reading guide or summary outline.

Table of contents

How to outline your thesis or dissertation, dissertation and thesis outline templates, chapter outline example, sample sentences for your chapter outline, sample verbs for variation in your chapter outline, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis and dissertation outlines.

While there are some inter-institutional differences, many outlines proceed in a fairly similar fashion.

  • Working Title
  • “Elevator pitch” of your work (often written last).
  • Introduce your area of study, sharing details about your research question, problem statement , and hypotheses . Situate your research within an existing paradigm or conceptual or theoretical framework .
  • Subdivide as you see fit into main topics and sub-topics.
  • Describe your research methods (e.g., your scope , population , and data collection ).
  • Present your research findings and share about your data analysis methods.
  • Answer the research question in a concise way.
  • Interpret your findings, discuss potential limitations of your own research and speculate about future implications or related opportunities.

For a more detailed overview of chapters and other elements, be sure to check out our article on the structure of a dissertation or download our template .

To help you get started, we’ve created a full thesis or dissertation template in Word or Google Docs format. It’s easy adapt it to your own requirements.

 Download Word template    Download Google Docs template

Chapter outline example American English

It can be easy to fall into a pattern of overusing the same words or sentence constructions, which can make your work monotonous and repetitive for your readers. Consider utilizing some of the alternative constructions presented below.

Example 1: Passive construction

The passive voice is a common choice for outlines and overviews because the context makes it clear who is carrying out the action (e.g., you are conducting the research ). However, overuse of the passive voice can make your text vague and imprecise.

Example 2: IS-AV construction

You can also present your information using the “IS-AV” (inanimate subject with an active verb ) construction.

A chapter is an inanimate object, so it is not capable of taking an action itself (e.g., presenting or discussing). However, the meaning of the sentence is still easily understandable, so the IS-AV construction can be a good way to add variety to your text.

Example 3: The “I” construction

Another option is to use the “I” construction, which is often recommended by style manuals (e.g., APA Style and Chicago style ). However, depending on your field of study, this construction is not always considered professional or academic. Ask your supervisor if you’re not sure.

Example 4: Mix-and-match

To truly make the most of these options, consider mixing and matching the passive voice , IS-AV construction , and “I” construction .This can help the flow of your argument and improve the readability of your text.

As you draft the chapter outline, you may also find yourself frequently repeating the same words, such as “discuss,” “present,” “prove,” or “show.” Consider branching out to add richness and nuance to your writing. Here are some examples of synonyms you can use.

Address Describe Imply Refute
Argue Determine Indicate Report
Claim Emphasize Mention Reveal
Clarify Examine Point out Speculate
Compare Explain Posit Summarize
Concern Formulate Present Target
Counter Focus on Propose Treat
Define Give Provide insight into Underpin
Demonstrate Highlight Recommend Use

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

Research bias

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When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .

The title page of your thesis or dissertation goes first, before all other content or lists that you may choose to include.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

  • Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review , research methods , avenues for future research, etc.)

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

George, T. (2023, November 21). Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved June 11, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/dissertation-thesis-outline/

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What’s Included: The Dissertation Template

If you’re preparing to write your dissertation, thesis or research project, our free dissertation template is the perfect starting point. In the template, we cover every section step by step, with clear, straightforward explanations and examples .

The template’s structure is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for formal academic research projects such as dissertations and theses. The template structure reflects the overall research process, ensuring your dissertation or thesis will have a smooth, logical flow from chapter to chapter.

The dissertation template covers the following core sections:

  • The title page/cover page
  • Abstract (sometimes also called the executive summary)
  • Table of contents
  • List of figures /list of tables
  • Chapter 1: Introduction  (also available: in-depth introduction template )
  • Chapter 2: Literature review  (also available: in-depth LR template )
  • Chapter 3: Methodology (also available: in-depth methodology template )
  • Chapter 4: Research findings /results (also available: results template )
  • Chapter 5: Discussion /analysis of findings (also available: discussion template )
  • Chapter 6: Conclusion (also available: in-depth conclusion template )
  • Reference list

Each section is explained in plain, straightforward language , followed by an overview of the key elements that you need to cover within each section. We’ve also included practical examples to help you understand exactly what’s required in each section.

The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX.

FAQs: Dissertation Template

What format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).

The dissertation template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

What types of dissertations/theses can this template be used for?

The template follows the standard best-practice structure for formal academic research projects such as dissertations or theses, so it is suitable for the vast majority of degrees, particularly those within the sciences.

Some universities may have some additional requirements, but these are typically minor, with the core structure remaining the same. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.

Will this work for a research paper?

A research paper follows a similar format, but there are a few differences. You can find our research paper template here .

Is this template for an undergrad, Masters or PhD-level thesis?

This template can be used for a dissertation, thesis or research project at any level of study. It may be slight overkill for an undergraduate-level study, but it certainly won’t be missing anything.

How long should my dissertation/thesis be?

This depends entirely on your university’s specific requirements, so it’s best to check with them. As a general ballpark, Masters-level projects are usually 15,000 – 20,000 words in length, while Doctoral-level projects are often in excess of 60,000 words.

What about the research proposal?

If you’re still working on your research proposal, we’ve got a template for that here .

We’ve also got loads of proposal-related guides and videos over on the Grad Coach blog .

How do I write a literature review?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack how to write a literature review from scratch. You can check out the literature review section of the blog here.

How do I create a research methodology?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack research methodology, both qualitative and quantitative. You can check out the methodology section of the blog here.

Can I share this dissertation template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template. If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, all we ask is that you reference this page as your source.

Can Grad Coach help me with my dissertation/thesis?

Within the template, you’ll find plain-language explanations of each section, which should give you a fair amount of guidance. However, you’re also welcome to consider our dissertation and thesis coaching services .

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  • Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Published on 8 June 2022 by Tegan George .

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process . It helps you to lay out and organise your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation, such as:

  • Your anticipated title
  • Your abstract
  • Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review, research methods, avenues for future research, etc.)

In the final product, you can also provide a chapter outline for your readers. This is a short paragraph at the end of your introduction to inform readers about the organisational structure of your thesis or dissertation . This chapter outline is also known as a reading guide or summary outline.

Table of contents

How to outline your thesis or dissertation, dissertation and thesis outline templates, chapter outline example, sample sentences for your chapter outline, sample verbs for variation in your chapter outline, frequently asked questions about outlines.

While there are some inter-institutional differences, many outlines proceed in a fairly similar fashion.

  • Working Title
  • ‘Elevator pitch’ of your work (often written last).
  • Introduce your area of study, sharing details about your research question, problem statement , and hypotheses . Situate your research within an existing paradigm or conceptual or theoretical framework .
  • Subdivide as you see fit into main topics and sub-topics.
  • Describe your research methods (e.g., your scope, population , and data collection ).
  • Present your research findings and share about your data analysis methods.
  • Answer the research question in a concise way.
  • Interpret your findings, discuss potential limitations of your own research and speculate about future implications or related opportunities.

To help you get started, we’ve created a full thesis or dissertation template in Word or Google Docs format. It’s easy adapt it to your own requirements.

 Download Word template    Download Google Docs template

Chapter outline example British English

It can be easy to fall into a pattern of overusing the same words or sentence constructions, which can make your work monotonous and repetitive for your readers. Consider utilising some of the alternative constructions presented below.

Example 1: Passive construction

The passive voice is a common choice for outlines and overviews because the context makes it clear who is carrying out the action (e.g., you are conducting the research ). However, overuse of the passive voice can make your text vague and imprecise.

Example 2: IS-AV construction

You can also present your information using the ‘IS-AV’ (inanimate subject with an active verb) construction.

A chapter is an inanimate object, so it is not capable of taking an action itself (e.g., presenting or discussing). However, the meaning of the sentence is still easily understandable, so the IS-AV construction can be a good way to add variety to your text.

Example 3: The I construction

Another option is to use the ‘I’ construction, which is often recommended by style manuals (e.g., APA Style and Chicago style ). However, depending on your field of study, this construction is not always considered professional or academic. Ask your supervisor if you’re not sure.

Example 4: Mix-and-match

To truly make the most of these options, consider mixing and matching the passive voice , IS-AV construction , and ‘I’ construction .This can help the flow of your argument and improve the readability of your text.

As you draft the chapter outline, you may also find yourself frequently repeating the same words, such as ‘discuss’, ‘present’, ‘prove’, or ‘show’. Consider branching out to add richness and nuance to your writing. Here are some examples of synonyms you can use.

Address Describe Imply Refute
Argue Determine Indicate Report
Claim Emphasise Mention Reveal
Clarify Examine Point out Speculate
Compare Explain Posit Summarise
Concern Formulate Present Target
Counter Focus on Propose Treat
Define Give Provide insight into Underpin
Demonstrate Highlight Recommend Use

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organise your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .

All level 1 and 2 headings should be included in your table of contents . That means the titles of your chapters and the main sections within them.

The contents should also include all appendices and the lists of tables and figures, if applicable, as well as your reference list .

Do not include the acknowledgements or abstract   in the table of contents.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

George, T. (2022, June 08). Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved 11 June 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/outline-thesis-dissertation/

Is this article helpful?

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Timeline Templates

11+ research timeline templates.

When it comes to making a dissertation, or a thesis, it means spending lots of time doing research, looking through case study after case study, and going to school. With all these tasks, you need to plan them all out in a timeline. A research timeline template is a reliable source for any professionals and students who are at the task of writing a research. As years go by, making research becomes easy with the help of the newest innovation under Plan Project Timeline Templates that is accessible online. Here, setting your sample plans for the research paper is well outlined and a manageable way to accomplish where users can have an idea on how to create a perfect research template equipped with useful tools. With our templates, you will be able to make a timeline for your research. We have a variety of samples whether it’s for 3-year research or one for a master’s degree, all of which can help you get the job done!

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Free Research Proposal 3 Year Case Study Timeline Template

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Free Qualitative Research Timeline Visualizing Template

qualitative research timeline visualizing template

Free Research Master Plan Timeline Template

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Free Action Research Timetable Timeline Template

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How to Make Research Timeline Plan

What are involved in research timeline plan.

  • Setting up the main objectives and the research basic template questions is the primary thing to start so you will know what you must do and how you can do it for the research paper you have.
  • The timeline layout you will have can confirm whether the research topic and method you will use are correct. There is always a factual basis for each research question and the means to solve must be viable too.
  • The professional schedule that will be used, must be following the methodology that will be applied in the research paper.

Tips for Using Research Timeline Template

  • The free templates must be following the overview of the scope and duration of the research process.
  • Have the sample template that is suitable for the research paper you are working on, as every research has its timetable to follow
  • Make sure that all that is written in the timeline in PDF can be worked on based on the time given and can be completed by the researchers to meet their deadline.

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Download this FREE Timeline Template for Your Research Proposal

This video will show you how the timeline template was built so that you can easily adapt it to your own unique research project's requirements. Scroll down to get to get the template.

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Library Guides

Dissertations 1: getting started: planning.

  • Starting Your Dissertation
  • Choosing A Topic and Researching
  • Devising An Approach/Method
  • Thinking Of A Title
  • Writing A Proposal

Planning Your Time

The dissertation is a large project, so it needs careful planning. To organise your time, you can try the following:  

Break down the dissertation into smaller stages to complete (e.g., literature search, read materials, data collection, write literature review section…). 

Create a schedule. Working backwards from your deadline, decide when you will complete each stage. 

Set aside time to regularly work on the dissertation. 

Consider what times of day you are most alert and what makes a suitable space to study. 

Identify a specific task to work on. 

If overwhelmed, try to identify one task that needs doing rather than focusing on the larger project. 

Leave time to redraft, proof-read, format, and complete the reference list. 

Gantt Charts

As the dissertation project involves certain processes to take place simultaneously, rather than in a sequence, you can use a Gantt chart to organise your time.  

A Gantt chart is a bar chart which shows the schedule for a project. The project is broken down into key tasks/elements to be completed. A start and finish date for each task/element of the project is given. Some tasks are scheduled at the same time or may overlap. Others will start when a task has been completed. 

To produce a Gantt chart, you can use Word, Excel (see example in the attachment) or an online planner.

  • Tom's Planner . There's  an example  for you to use to complete your plan. 
  • Excel:  example of Gantt Chart in Excel . This is an example of a Gantt chart which can be used to generate a plan of work (timeline) for your dissertation. You can download and edit it as you please. The chart has been created by the University of Leicester. 

Gantt chart using Excel

Research Data Management

This video helps you to understand the importance of research data management and how you can plan, organise, store, preserve, and share your data.

  • Link to video on Research Data Management
  • Feedback Form Please give us feedback on our videos!
  • << Previous: Thinking Of A Title
  • Next: Writing A Proposal >>
  • Last Updated: Aug 1, 2023 2:36 PM
  • URL: https://libguides.westminster.ac.uk/starting-your-dissertation

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Thesis / dissertation formatting manual (2024).

  • Filing Fees and Student Status
  • Submission Process Overview
  • Electronic Thesis Submission
  • Paper Thesis Submission
  • Formatting Overview
  • Fonts/Typeface
  • Pagination, Margins, Spacing
  • Paper Thesis Formatting
  • Preliminary Pages Overview
  • Copyright Page
  • Dedication Page
  • Table of Contents
  • List of Figures (etc.)
  • Acknowledgements
  • Text and References Overview
  • Figures and Illustrations
  • Using Your Own Previously Published Materials
  • Using Copyrighted Materials by Another Author
  • Open Access and Embargoes
  • Copyright and Creative Commons
  • Ordering Print (Bound) Copies
  • Tutorials and Assistance
  • FAQ This link opens in a new window

UCI Libraries maintains the following  templates to assist in formatting your graduate manuscript. If you are formatting your manuscript in Microsoft Word, feel free to download and use the template. If you would like to see what your manuscript should look like, PDFs have been provided. If you are formatting your manuscript using LaTex, UCI maintains a template on OverLeaf.

  • Annotated Template (Dissertation) 2024 PDF of a template with annotations of what to look out for
  • Word: Thesis Template 2024 Editable template of the Master's thesis formatting.
  • PDF Thesis Template 2024
  • Word: Dissertation Template 2024 Editable template of the PhD Dissertation formatting.
  • PDF: Dissertation Template 2024
  • Overleaf (LaTex) Template
  • << Previous: Tutorials and Assistance
  • Next: FAQ >>
  • Last Updated: May 31, 2024 9:34 AM
  • URL: https://guides.lib.uci.edu/gradmanual

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Office Timeline Pro+ is here!

Align programs and projects on one slide with multi-level Swimlanes.

Free Timeline Template Collection for Professionals

This free timeline  template collection was created for professionals who need outstanding timeline presentations that will thrill clients and impress management. These timeline chart templates were designed to be powerful, customizable and easy to present in important meetings. You can edit each template manually or automatically with the free timeline maker from Office Timeline. It plugs right into PowerPoint and makes it incredibly easy to add your own data, change template colors and styles, and update timelines instantly as things change.

Instantly customize the templates below or easily make your own timeline right inside PowerPoint.

Timelines are the most effective way to visualize business roadmaps, project plans, event schedules or workflows and to ensure important deadlines are hit. This page offers you a series of project timeline templates for PowerPoint that you can easily download, customize and use to set your project up for success.

PowerPoint Timeline

Easily customizable PowerPoint slide designed as a timeline for professionals who need high-level, clear visuals when reviewing any project plans, program or business summaries.

Swimlane Diagram

Swimlane PowerPoint template that clearly lays out the framework of a project, from scheduling activities to task assignment and resource management.

Project Plan

Intuitive PowerPoint slide that serves as a quick yet visually effective alternative to complex project management tools to produce clear, well-laid-out plans for launching a project.

Easy-to-edit sales plan sample for sales leaders, marketers or account executives to lay out objectives against a timeband in weeks; it can be customized to show campaign plans and targets in months, quarters or years.

Example Timeline

Visual template with Today’s Date indicator that helps enterprise workers get a quick start on creating timelines for project reviews, status reports, or any presentations that require a simple project schedule.

Project Chart

Free timeline chart example that outlines the major deliverables of a project in chronological order, helping project planners and managers visually communicate all the critical project actions, deadlines and events from start to finish.

Project Schedule

Easy-to-follow timeline example to create high-level representations of work breakdown structures that estimate the effort, time and resources needed to achieve a project’s objectives.

Project Implementation Plan

Visual timeline example that provides a bird’s eye view of what a project team is expected to deliver, when, and what steps they need to complete; helpful in tracking task progress as the project moves forward, or in identifying at-risk items.

Hourly Schedule

Simple template with timeband in hours and layout that accommodates overlapping items; useful in creating 24-hour schedules, such as training and class schedules, it can also be used for visualizing plans that take less than 60 minutes or span over multiple hours.

Graphic Chart

Visual timeline template with multi-shaped and -colored milestones to easily create high-level graphic charts that are simple to understand by audiences.

Project Budget

Budget-and-timeline template displaying the major phases and tasks of a project, each accompanied by their duration, cost estimation and budget utilization (%).

Incident Response Plan

Free, downloadable timeline graphic using hours and minutes to give a clear overview on how an organization needs to plan its reaction to incidents so that outage be limited and activity resumed as soon as possible.

Marketing Plan

Free marketing timeline model that, once customized, effectively outlines your overall marketing strategy and serves as a solid visual aid to support marketing plan presentations.

1-Year Plan

Clear timeline sample for outlining the objectives of a business that operates on an annual rhythm, or of a plan that spans over 12 months or less.

Event Planning Timeline

Simple timeline model showing all the major deadlines on a single summary slide, acting as a useful resource for event planners who are managing teams and vendors.

Milestone Chart

Milestone chart sample that focuses on the main sequence of events, targets and objectives that need to be achieved throughout a project’s lifecycle, from which planners can build more comprehensive plans.

5-Year Plan

Easy-to-understand timeline template that helps summarize long-term plans and illustrate the stages, milestones and resources needed to deliver a 5-year project.

Swimlane-based timeline sample that helps better organize and track tasks across departments and teams, highlighting the impact of changes on other stages of the project.

Action Plan

Flexible timeline example structured into 3 generic process stages set against an adjustable timeline backdrop, complete with fully customizable milestones.

Project Overview

Timeline example with multi-colored and diversely shaped objects to represent tasks and milestones and ensure a clear structure and layout to any project presentation, helping business professionals present the management framework for their project in a clear manner.

Business Plan

Clear, ready-made timeline sample with tasks well-delimited through three separate color codes and in-a-row layout to enable planners to create effective, one-page business plans that channel the audience’s attention to its most important aspects.

Criminal Investigation Timeline

Native PowerPoint timeline slide with a simple-to-follow layout of key facts that lawyers can use to create clear chronological, fact-based visual exhibits for their court arguments.

Daily Schedule

Template displayed graphically as an hourly Gantt chart, providing a simpler way of seeing and checking schedules at a glance.

Meeting Schedule

Meeting schedule template designed in a Gantt chart style to assist with the scheduling and organization of a meeting itinerary or agenda.

Legal Litigation Timeline

Native PowerPoint timeline sample that is easy to edit and share; designed to enable litigators exhibit their trial data and case information to the jury in a refreshing and easy-to-follow way.

Project Management

Intuitive timeline example created to help project managers plan and communicate their projects broadly. Illustrating critical tasks, milestones and general progress, it gives a clear overview at a glance.

Crisis Management Plan

Professionally-designed timeline example structured in swimlanes that covers all the steps and processes one needs to follow in a crisis management process, from when the crisis occurs to response, business continuity process, recovery, and review.

Program Plan

Color-coded timeline split into blocks to help program managers visually map multiple projects or phases with a complex program, thus giving a high-level and complete picture of their plans.

Planner timeline template chronologically illustrating the major milestones and key tasks of a project to make a high-level model of what work needs to be done.

Marketing Swimlanes Roadmap

Swimlane diagram example that provides a crisp, well-structured illustration of the tasks and milestones of your marketing campaign, according to the phase of the campaign to which they belong.

Court Timeline

Intuitive template with multi-colored milestones and simple formatting that lawyers and legal professionals can use to create compelling courtroom chronological visuals for trial presentations, such as opening arguments, witness examination or closing statements.

Weekly Work Schedule

Simple-to-communicate PowerPoint slide that can be used for a variety of scenarios, from simplifying staffing timetables or coverage charts, to creating weekly agendas or shift schedules.

Blank Timeline

Generic timeline example that can be easily customized to quickly make an impressive, high-level summary of important events in a chronological order.

Frequently asked questions about timeline templates

What is a project timeline template.

A project timeline template is a pre-made model of a timeline that you can customize with your own data to chronologically display events and activities involved in a project.

Timelines help you keep track of your project's progress by showing info on the sequence of activities, the duration of each activity, and the dependencies between activities, so you can easily see how much work has been completed and how much is still left to do.

Building a project timeline can be rather difficult and time consuming. Templates help you save time and energy, providing you with a predefined structure for your tasks and milestones. A project timeline template will simplify the work of creating a clear schedule of your project, needing only minor data editing.

For inspiration, browse our collection of free timeline templates . You can download and easily customize them using the free trial of the Office Timeline add-in , an automatic timeline maker that plugs right into PowerPoint. Here is an example of a project timeline template that you can generate with Office Timeline:

Does Office have a timeline template?

Yes, Microsoft Office does offer several basic timeline templates within its suite of programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint). However, you might find these timeline templates very limited or unsuitable for bigger, more complex projects.

If you want to learn how to make a timeline using Microsoft Office tools , we’ve put together a whole collection of free tutorials to help you get started.

Is there a timeline template for PowerPoint?

As part of the MS Office suite of programs, PowerPoint provides a few simple types of graphics and charts that users can manually format and adjust to create a very basic timeline. To find them, go to File > New and type “timeline” in the search box.

Timeline templates in PowerPoint

However, manually building timelines or customizing templates in PowerPoint is not only time-consuming, but also frustrating when it comes to updating the visual. To help you save time and effort, we’ve created a collection of free PowerPoint timeline templates that you can see above, download and easily customize for your specific purposes.

You can modify any of these project timeline templates manually or automatically, after you install the free timeline maker  add-in for PowerPoint from Office Timeline. The add-in will automate the entire process of creating, updating and customizing a timeline chart. You also get access to dozens of professionally designed project timeline templates.

Is there a timeline template in Excel?

Yes, there are some timeline templates available in Excel. To find them, open an Excel file and go to File > New and type “timeline” in the search box. Scroll down the list and choose one that you like.

Find timeline templates in Excel

With the pre-designed templates in Excel, it’s easier and faster to create a visual representation of events. However, your options are limited, the templates can only be used for basic timelines, and you’ll still need to invest a lot of time in customization to make your timelines look professional.

Alternatively, you can look at using an automated timeline maker, such as Office Timeline, to generate timelines instantly. This tool allows for Excel data use by import or copy-paste. With just a few clicks, your timeline is ready, and you can use it in your Excel file as an image or as an embedded PowerPoint slide, easy to update as soon as the original slide changes. Office Timeline offers a free trial that comes with a set of built-in templates. Here is a quick preview of a part of the templates it includes:

Templates in Office Timeline

Learn more on making timelines in PowerPoint using Excel data in our tutorial on how to automatically make a great looking timeline from Excel .

Does Google Docs have a timeline template?

No, Google Docs does not have any pre-designed timeline templates. You can find some timeline templates in other tools on Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), such as Google Slides and Google Sheets. Alternatively, use a free online professional tool such as Office Timeline Online , and take advantage of its rich library of easily customizable templates. Just pick the one that you like, customize it with a few clicks, and get a head start on your project.

Templates available in Office Timeline Online

Are there templates in Google Sheets?

There are a couple of timeline templates available in Google Sheets. To find them, click on Template gallery at the top right. There aren’t a lot of options to choose from, and the design is simplistic, with only a few functionalities.

Find Template gallery in Google Sheets

Alternatively, if you’re looking for complex templates that you can turn into unique timelines, you might want to try Office Timeline Online , a professional, easy-to use timeline maker with a free version. Just pick one of the customizable templates and get a head start on your project. For example:

Does Google Slides have a timeline template?

Google Slides offers several timeline templates that can be used for different purposes. There are timelines for history, project management, and even personal use. To find them, go to Insert > Diagram > Timeline .

Choose a timeline from the templates collection that opens on the right. The templates are easy to use and can be customized to fit your needs, but your options are limited to just a few items per timeline and a short range of colors.

Timeline templates in Google Slides

Alternatively, you can use a free, professional timeline maker for imaginative, multipurpose templates, ease of use and improved functionality. Go to Office Timeline Online and pick one of the dozens of templates in the tool’s template library, insert your data, and your timeline is ready to use.

The timelines created with Office Timeline Online can be downloaded as images (.png files) or PowerPoint slides (.pptx files). You can then import the slides into your Google Slides presentation or copy-paste your images directly into the target Google document.

Find more detailed info on using this tool in our support article Office Timeline Online Quick-Start .

Does Word have timeline templates?

No, Microsoft Word does not include timeline templates as part of its built-in templates. However, there are many timeline templates available online that can be downloaded and used as images in your Word document. An easy solution is to use an automated professional timeline maker such as  Office Timeline  to generate the timeline that you need with just a few clicks. Try the premium edition of this tool for free and take advantage of its rich template collection.

Ideally, you would make your presentation in PowerPoint to benefit from the specific features of this complex presentation software. With Office Timeline, you get presentation-ready timelines with just a few clicks. However, should you need to use your timeline in a Microsoft Word document, you can do so easily by including it as an image or an embedded object that can be updated whenever the PowerPoint file changes.

How do I add a timeline template to PowerPoint?

To add a timeline template to your PowerPoint presentation, open a new PowerPoint file, go to File > New and search for "timeline" in the search bar. This will bring up the available timeline templates that you can choose from, based on your needs and the purpose of your presentation. The limitations here might be the lack of variety and functionality and the average looks of the timelines that are suggested in the built-in templates collection.

If you want an easy solution that yields excellent results with minimum effort, you can use an automated, professional timeline maker such as Office Timeline. You can try Office Timeline for free for 14 days . It comes with an extensive template collection that makes timeline creation simple and friendly. You just pick a template, insert your data (manually, by importing or copy-pasting) and then automatically generate great-looking timelines that are easy to make and easy to understand by any audience, tech-savvy or not.

For more design ideas and a variety of use suggestions, browse our collection of timeline templates . You can download them for free, easily customize them and update the information to create your own timeline.

Updating your template is simple and fast.

Use the Office Timeline PowerPoint add-in to quickly update any of these timeline templates or create your own project visuals. Easily change the texts, dates, colors, shapes and styles of your timeline, right from inside PowerPoint.

Free PowerPoint Timeline and Swimlane Maker

Download Free Timeline Maker

Or try our online timeline maker .

Free Excel Project Timeline Templates

By Kate Eby | May 17, 2022

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In this article, you’ll find the most useful collection of free Microsoft Excel project timeline templates for project managers, project sponsors, project team members, and other project stakeholders. 

Included on this page, you’ll find a simple project timeline template , a project timeline Gantt chart template , a project milestone and task timeline template , a sample timeline template , and a monthly project timeline template , among others. You’ll also find a list of helpful tips for filling out these Microsoft Excel project timeline templates .

Simple Project Timeline Template

Simple Project Timeline Template Excel

Download Simple Project Timeline Template – Microsoft Excel  

Use this simple project timeline template to break down your project’s tasks into weeks, months, and phases. This visually dynamic timeline includes pre-filled, color-coded project phase swimlanes, such as Project Conception and Initiation , Project Definition and Planning, and Project Launch / Execution , so you can match each project task to a phase and track its progress chronologically. This timeline template uses a classic Gantt chart to help you plan and execute your time-sensitive project deliverables. 

Check out this article to get step-by-step instructions for creating the perfect project timeline template in Microsoft Excel .

Multiple Project Timeline Template

Multiple Project Timeline Template Excel

Download Multiple Project Timeline Template – Microsoft Excel  

This visually rich, dashboard-style multiple project timeline template enables you to be proactive and stay on schedule regarding project deliverables. Use the Delivery Timeline and Resources section to get a bar-chart overview of each project’s sequential progress. The Risk Analysis section’s vertical bar graph indicates the risk level of each project task (e.g., High, Medium, or Low ). The Open and Pending Actions section lets you know how many project tasks have open issues, are undergoing revisions, or have pending actions. This project-by-project template provides a high-level overview of each project’s status and allows you to drill down into time-crucial, project-specific action items. 

To find additional resources and get the most out of your project planning timelines, see this collection of free project timeline templates .

Sample Timeline Template

Sample Timeline Template Excel

Download Sample Timeline Template – Microsoft Excel  

With this comprehensive sample timeline template, you can customize the task durations of each project phase in order to solidify your project’s key deliverables. The template includes editable example text to guide you through the project-development stages, from project conception and initiation through project completion. View project-task achievement in quarterly, monthly, and week-by-week stages with this easy-to-use template that keeps you and your team on track to successfully complete your project on time.

Monthly Project Timeline Template

Monthly Project Timeline Template Excel

Download Monthly Project Timeline Template – Microsoft Excel

Create accurate month-by-month project plans and track the progress of deliverables with this color-coded, monthly project timeline template. The template includes five horizontal Phase swimlanes in which to capture your project’s various tasks. Plan tasks within their respective stages by plotting them on the timeline and setting start and end dates for each. This fully customizable template is the perfect fit for project teams that want to plan and execute their tasks on a monthly basis and quickly view their project’s cascading progress in its entirety.

Weekly Project Timeline Template

Weekly Project Timeline Template Excel

Download Weekly Project Timeline Template – Microsoft Excel  

Easily manage the week-to-week logistics of your project tasks with this dynamic weekly project timeline template. Enter task names, their start and end dates, durations, and current status (e.g., Not Started, In Progress, Complete, or On Hold ) so any team member can quickly determine how close a task is to completion. The template is ideal for teams undertaking single-week sprints or who want to keep tabs on week-by-week task interdependencies, while also viewing overall project progress.

Yearly Project Timeline Template

Yearly Project Timeline Template Excel

Download Yearly Project Timeline Template – Microsoft Excel  

Capture your project’s key milestones with this high-level, yearly project timeline template. Simply add descriptive text for each milestone, its delivery date, and any other relevant details, and arrange them chronologically on the horizontal timeline. This template is the perfect tool to help you prioritize tasks visually and ensure the timely delivery of your team’s long-term projects.

IT Project Timeline Template

IT Project Timeline Template Excel

Download IT Project Timeline Template – Microsoft Excel  

This IT project timeline template provides a comprehensive structure for everything you and your IT department need to plan and successfully complete IT projects. The template includes rows where you can list each project task, subtask, work breakdown structure (WBS), description, dependencies, and task owners. Schedule project task start and finish dates, compare the variances between proposed and actual finish dates, and enter the percentage complete of each task. The template also allows you to add visually compelling milestones to its weekly calendar section.

Project Tracker Timeline Template

Project Tracker Timeline Template Excel

Download Project Tracker Timeline Template – Microsoft Excel  

Use this dynamic project tracker timeline template to keep tabs on the deadlines, priorities, and statuses of each project task. Enter task name, description, assignee, deliverable, percentage complete, and estimated hours to complete. Team members can refer to the Status Key and Priority Key legends to help determine whether prioritized tasks are at risk of not being completed and how close the entire project is to successful completion.

Project Milestone and Task Timeline Template

Project Milestone and Task Timeline Template Excel

Download Project Milestone and Task Timeline Template – Microsoft Excel  

This timeline template provides you with a milestone-driven, visual illustration of your project’s primary events and their statuses. While many templates break project goals into individual tasks and subtasks, this template’s emphasis is on crucial project milestones. By referring to this visually rich timeline, any project team member can see, at a glance, if a scheduled milestone has been started, is in progress, is on hold, or has been completed.

Project Timeline Gantt Chart Template

Project Timeline Gantt Chart Template Excel

Download Project Timeline Gantt Chart Template – Microsoft Excel  

Provide team members with a proactive project timeline by using this all-inclusive, dynamic project timeline Gantt chart template. Break project goals down into achievable tasks, then assign task owners, and set start and end dates for each. Customizable, color-coded phase columns visually guide you through the sequential process of planning and successfully executing your project.

Agile Project Timeline Template

Agile Project Timeline Template Excel

Download Agile Project Timeline Template – Microsoft Excel

This Agile-specific project timeline is the perfect tool for Agile teams to perform sprint-by-sprint task scheduling and monitoring. The template enables you to assign a weight or story point to each task during Program Increment (PI) Planning, and update their statuses as your project progresses. An Overall Status section helps you keep track of overall project status so that you’re on track for on-time project completion.

Daily Project Timeline Template

Daily Project Timeline Template Excel

Download Daily Project Timeline Template – Microsoft Excel  

Clearly communicate your project’s deliverables and deadlines on a day-by-day basis with this daily project timeline template. Update the template frequently with overall project and individual milestone statuses so that all team members and stakeholders stay up to date on project progress. Enter the details, owners, due dates, and current statuses for each task in the appropriate field. This template is the perfect fit for teams working on short deadlines that need frequent updates on project status.

Hourly Project Timeline Template

Hourly Project Timeline Template Excel

Download Hourly Project Timeline Template – Microsoft Excel  

Break down your project’s work days into hourly tasks with this simple hourly project timeline template. For each task, you can easily add the task owner,  start and end time, and current status. The template also includes a visual day-by-day bar chart to show you the progress of each project task across any designated time period.

Six-Month Project Timeline Template

Six Month Project Timeline Template Excel

Download Six-Month Project Timeline Template – Microsoft Excel  

Track project tasks and milestones across a six-month period with this easy-to-use, broad-strokes project timeline template. List project start and end dates, and add project tasks to this visually dynamic timeline. The template includes example text for primary project actions (e.g., Project Kick-Off or Project Complete ) and milestones so you can ensure that you capture all of your project’s deliverables.

Three-Month Project Roadmap Template

Three Month Project Roadmap Template Excel

Download Three-Month Project Roadmap Template – Microsoft Excel  

This dashboard-style three-month project roadmap template helps you capture your quarterly project goals with both a visually dynamic bar chart workstream timeline and project task Status and Priority pie charts. Enter task details under the template’s Workstreams section, including to-do task items, start and end dates, and task duration. Status Percentage and Priority Percentage tables give team members at-a-glance insight into overall project status and what tasks remain for successful project delivery.

Construction Project Timeline Template

Construction Project Timeline Template

Download Construction Project Timeline Template

Microsoft Excel | Smartsheet

Ensure that you and your construction team are on track to complete all required project tasks with this construction project timeline template. The template includes pre-filled sample tasks, such as excavation, concrete, framing, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical, to help aid in quick and comprehensive construction project planning. This template is the perfect fit for construction project managers who need a project plan that can facilitate timely task completion and that they can easily present to project stakeholders. 

For additional resources and to get the most out of your construction project planning timelines, see this article on Microsoft Excel construction management templates .

What Is an Excel Project Timeline Template?

An Excel project timeline template is a visually dynamic tool that project managers can use to plan and monitor project progress. Use the template for a visual representation of your project’s goals, scope, and tasks to ensure timely project delivery. 

As the primary vehicle for managing your project’s deliverables, a project timeline template provides a comprehensive method for tracking project tasks, assigning them to team members, setting delivery dates, and monitoring their progress. Timeline templates also serve as a roadmap for your project so that all stakeholders are aware of project goals. Use a project timeline template to add key project milestones so that it’s clear during project planning what primary actions or events need to be met, and when. 

With its horizontal bar chart, a project timeline provides team members with a clear visual map of individual task delivery dates, priorities, and current statuses, as well as whether or not they have task dependencies. 

While project timeline templates may vary, most of them include the following components to ensure that you account for everything on your project roadmap: 

  • Project Name: Enter the name of the project that you and your teammates will be undertaking. 
  • Task Name: Provide a name for each project task that needs to be completed in order to meet the criteria for project success. 
  • Task Owner: Assign the team member who is responsible for completing each individual project task. 
  • Start Date: Enter the date that each individual task needs to be started. 
  • End Date: Set the date for when the individual task must be completed. 
  • Duration: Review the task duration, which is calculated by each task’s defined start and end dates. 
  • Status: Select a status for each individual project task (e.g., Not Started, In Progress, On Hold, or Complete ).  
  • Milestone: Define your project’s time-sensitive milestones that must be met in order for the project to be successfully completed. 

 Additionally, some project timeline templates include the following components: 

  • At-Risk Tasks: Identify tasks that are in danger of not being completed, and notify relevant team members. 
  • Department: Include the name of any department responsible for a project task or phase, or the department on which a task or project phase has a dependency. 
  • Objectives or Goals: List the project’s key objectives, such as the problem it will address and what goals it must meet by project completion. 
  • Project Scope: Provide a brief description of what is in scope for the project. This includes all aspects of the project, including tasks, activities, departments, timeline overview, key deliverables, and milestones. 
  • Sprint: For Agile teams, clearly label each sprint on your project timeline so that team members can see which sprint-specific tasks must be completed within a specific timeboxed period. 
  • Stage or Phase: Break your project timeline down into stages that include key tasks for each phase of the project. 
  • Task ID: Provide a unique identifying number for each task on the project for easy reference.

Accurately Track Your Project Timelines with Smartsheet

From simple task management and project planning to complex resource and portfolio management, Smartsheet helps you improve collaboration and increase work velocity -- empowering you to get more done. 

The Smartsheet platform makes it easy to plan, capture, manage, and report on work from anywhere, helping your team be more effective and get more done. Report on key metrics and get real-time visibility into work as it happens with roll-up reports, dashboards, and automated workflows built to keep your team connected and informed.

When teams have clarity into the work getting done, there’s no telling how much more they can accomplish in the same amount of time. Try Smartsheet for free, today.

Discover a better way to streamline workflows and eliminate silos for good.

Free PowerPoint Templates

Free Research Timeline PowerPoint Template

Research Timeline PowerPoint Template

Free Research timeline for PowerPoint was designed as a Research Project Timeline template for Microsoft PowerPoint presentations that you can use for R&D project presentations to sponsors or reviewers.  This Research Timeline Template was created with Office Timeline plugin for PowerPoint , which you can also use to easily customize this timeline template.

With the Office Timeline add-in for PowerPoint you can modify the Research Timeline dates, add or remove new milestones and tasks, or change the colors and shapes of any object automatically in a few simple clicks.

Download this free timeline PPT template and use it for any Microsoft PowerPoint business presentation.  The free timeline template can be used for multiple purposes including a consulting timelines , business planning timelines for PowerPoint, manufacturing timeline, legal timeline , marketing timeline, product development timeline, program management timelines,  research timeline, training timeline or any other project timeline. You can download other free R&D PowerPoint templates and backgrounds for Research & Development projects.

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How can i get better results with the ai presentations maker.

Like any AI generator from a text tool, the prompt is everything. To get better results with the AI Presentation maker, you need better prompts. Write the prompt to be as detailed as possible. Include all the content topics you want the presentation to cover. As for style elements, there’s no need to include it in the prompt. Focus on choosing the style that you like from the Chatbot suggestions. Try to select the style that already features the color palette and shapes that you like. AI will change icons and photos based on text it generates.

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Visme AI Presentation maker is available in all plans with higher credits/usage available in Premium plans. Note: AI credits are spread amongst all AI features. So if you use other AI features, your credits will be deducted.

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COMMENTS

  1. How to Create a Dissertation Timeline (With Examples + Tempate)

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    Download this FREE Timeline Template for Your Research Proposal. This video will show you how the timeline template was built so that you can easily adapt it to your own unique research project's requirements. Scroll down to get to get the template. Create a Timeline for a Research Proposal | Quick and Easy in MS Word.

  14. Free and Online Customizable Timeline Templates

    Professional Timeline Templates by Visme. Visme's timeline templates allow anyone to create captivating and informative timelines in minutes. Choose from a horizontal or vertical timeline design and customize it with your own information. Choose from millions of free images and icons. You can also crop images, apply color overlays and filters ...

  15. Free Timeline Templates to Edit Online and Download

    Updated on: 27 November 2022 | 2 min read. Horizontal Timeline Template. PowerPoint Timeline Template. Monthly Timeline Template. Martin Luther King Timeline for Kids. Simple Company Timeline. Onboarding Timeline Template. Project Timeline Template. Personal Timeline Template.

  16. Dissertations 1: Getting Started: Planning

    To organise your time, you can try the following: Break down the dissertation into smaller stages to complete (e.g., literature search, read materials, data collection, write literature review section…). Create a schedule. Working backwards from your deadline, decide when you will complete each stage. Set aside time to regularly work on the ...

  17. Templates

    UCI Libraries maintains the following templates to assist in formatting your graduate manuscript. If you are formatting your manuscript in Microsoft Word, feel free to download and use the template. If you would like to see what your manuscript should look like, PDFs have been provided. ... Editable template of the Master's thesis formatting ...

  18. Free Timeline Templates

    This free timeline template collection was created for professionals who need outstanding timeline presentations that will thrill clients and impress management. These timeline chart templates were designed to be powerful, customizable and easy to present in important meetings. You can edit each template manually or automatically with the free timeline maker from Office Timeline.

  19. Free Google Timeline Templates

    Google Sheets | Smartsheet. Use this project timeline template to establish project phases and task start and end dates, and to list schedule, budget, resource, risk, or issue-related details. The template's Delivery Timeline section includes a color-coded bar graph that provides a visually-rich, easy-to-read overview of your project's ...

  20. Free Word Project Timeline Templates

    Download Printable Project Timeline Template — Microsoft Word. This timeline template is the perfect solution for project managers or other team members who want to print and share current project status. Use this template to track each task's progress, associated subtasks, current risk level, and assigned team members.

  21. Research Project Timeline Infographic Template

    Template Specifications. Dimensions. All infographic templates are 800 pixels wide with varying lengths. These dimensions can be easily changed and the length adjusted with a slider. Customizable. This template can be fully customized. You can edit content, change image(s), apply custom colors, input your own fonts and logo, and more. Formats

  22. Free Excel Project Timeline Templates

    Download Simple Project Timeline Template - Microsoft Excel. Use this simple project timeline template to break down your project's tasks into weeks, months, and phases. This visually dynamic timeline includes pre-filled, color-coded project phase swimlanes, such as Project Conception and Initiation, Project Definition and Planning, and ...

  23. Free Research Timeline PowerPoint Template

    Free Research timeline for PowerPoint was designed as a Research Project Timeline template for Microsoft PowerPoint presentations that you can use for R&D project presentations to sponsors or reviewers. This Research Timeline Template was created with Office Timeline plugin for PowerPoint, which you can also use to easily customize this timeline template.

  24. Round up of the best 30 timeline examples by type

    Just launch Adobe Express from your browser and search "timeline" to find a stunning free timeline template. Drag-and-drop icons, pie charts, lines, and more to your design, and leave a stunning visual impression on your viewers of your timeline with one-click animated effects. No design experience needed. Edit this template.

  25. Fuzzy Decision Tree Infographics. Free Infographics Template

    1. Open the template in Canva. 2. In Canva click on "Share" at the top right-hand corner, then click "More" 3. Scroll down further and you will see "Google Drive" button. 4. Choose the "PPTX" or Powerpoint file type. Make sure to click "All Pages" on select pages. 5. Your template is exported to Google Slides!

  26. Free Online AI Presentation Maker

    Visme Chatbot will suggest template styles; choose the most relevant for your presentation, and wait for the AI to create the design. Preview, regenerate or open your project in the Visme editor. Customize your project in Visme: Pick a color theme or create your own, edit text, and use assets from Visme's royalty-free library of photos ...