Guide to Theses and Dissertations

Table of contents

    1. 1. Introduction
    2. 2. Requirements and Expectations
    3. 3. Topic Selection and Proposal
      1. Choosing a Topic
      2. Proposal
    4. 4. Examination Procedures
      1. Admission Requirements
      2. Assignment of the Topic
      3. Time Allotted and Extensions
      4. Submission of the Thesis
    5. 5. Written Thesis
      1. Formal Requirements (Length, Template)
      2. Structure of the Paper
      3. Guidelines for Literature Review
      4. Tips on the Writing Process
    6. 6. Thesis Defense
    7. 7. Evaluation and Feedback
      1. Grading
      2. Feedback

1. Introduction

This guide is intended to help you get started on your thesis at the IPF, familiarize you with the thesis process, and provide an overview of what we expect from you and what you can expect from us in return.

In the following sections, we provide you with numerous tips regarding your thesis. Our primary goal is to prepare you for the academic research process and to help you overcome writer’s block. The skills you develop in describing and documenting research methods and results will serve you well in your professional life even after you complete your academic studies.

We have prepared this guide with the utmost care. However, if you still have any questions, you can always contact your advisors.

2. Requirements and Expectations

Through your thesis, you will demonstrate that you are able to:

  • select the methods appropriate for addressing the research question from the material covered in your coursework and apply them in a scientifically sound manner.
  • to acquire additional knowledge necessary for completing the assignment.
  • analyze results and present conclusions in a coherent line of reasoning.
  • reflect on and discuss your work and situate it within the current state of scientific knowledge.
  • structure your work in a topic-specific, comprehensive, and logical manner (“central theme”). This includes a description of the motivation, the relevant background, the presentation and analysis of the results, and a concluding summary.
  • Support the presentation of complex issues with concise and technically accurate wording, informative illustrations, and clear tables.
  • To work on a given assignment independently, in a structured manner (in terms of content), in an organized way (project management), and to the required standard.
  • To present your work in writing in accordance with academic standards (source management, citation style, formatting, layout).
  • To prepare effectively for academic discussions with your advisor and to present your challenges clearly during these discussions.

The following supervision principles apply:

  • The supervisory relationship is based on reliability and honesty.
  • The responsibility for maintaining contact with your advisors lies with you.
  • Please do not drop by unannounced; instead, adhere to agreed-upon appointments.
  • Appropriate etiquette is expected in email correspondence.
  • Please prepare thoroughly for consultations and inform your advisors in advance of your questions.
  • We will respond to email inquiries within 2 business days whenever possible.
  • We will notify you in a timely manner if we anticipate being out of the office for more than a week.
  • We also try to accommodate consultation appointments on short notice.

Consultation Process:

  • Consultation appointments are scheduled as needed.
  • An interim defense should be held halfway through the project. This gives you the opportunity to ask technical questions of the participating staff members.
  • The advisors will not proofread the thesis before submission. Feedback on text excerpts can be arranged on an individual basis.

3. Topic Selection and Proposal

Choosing a Topic

First, consider which field your topic should fall under (e.g., close-range photogrammetry or laser scanning) and whether you want to work on a more algorithmic topic (development/programming) or an application-oriented topic. Most topics involve a greater or lesser degree of programming. You should view this as an opportunity!

On the Chair’s website, you’ll find a list of available topics. Shortlist several topics and learn more about their content during an initial meeting with the advisors. As a rule, a single topic will then emerge as the best fit. If you’d like to propose your own topic, please feel free to contact us with your idea.

Proposal

Next, write a 1–2-page (bachelor’s thesis) or 2–3-page (master’s thesis) proposal outlining the topic and your planned approach to the project. The proposal should include the following points:

  • Rationale for the thesis
  • State of the art with references
  • Preliminary outline of the thesis
  • Possible solutions
  • A rough timeline for the project
  • Expected Goal of the Thesis

You must submit this proposal to your advisors within 4 weeks. Based on this, a decision will be made by mutual agreement during a second meeting as to whether you will pursue this topic.

4. Examination Procedures

The currently valid examination regulations can be found on the Examination Office’s website (Geodesy and GIT). If you have any questions regarding the examination procedures, please contact the Examination Office.

Admission Requirements

Only students who have already earned at least 112 (B.Sc.) or 55 (M.Sc.) credit points are eligible to register for a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis.

Assignment of the Topic

The thesis topic is submitted to the Examination Office by the thesis advisors and the supervising professor (Prof. Maas). Registration of the thesis is processed by the Examination Office after review by the Examination Committee. The Examination Office also sets the start and submission deadlines.

Time Allotted and Extensions

The completion period for the Bachelor’s thesis is 10 weeks; for the Master’s thesis, it is 21 weeks. In justified exceptional cases, an extension of the completion period by 4 weeks (for the bachelor’s thesis) or 8 weeks (for the master’s thesis) may be requested from the Examination Committee. This requires the approval of the supervising professor (Prof. Maas).

Submission of the Thesis

The thesis must be submitted to the Examination Office by the deadline in German (or in English, upon consultation with the advisor) in two printed and bound copies, as well as in digital form. Currently, a submission date must be agreed upon before submitting the thesis. The original, signed thesis statement must be bound into one copy of the thesis. A copy of the thesis statement must be bound into the other copy.

In addition, the following documents must be submitted digitally to the advisors in a well-structured and properly documented format:

  • a digital version of the thesis as a PDF document and all source files, such as LaTeX documents, images, or Office files
  • an illustrated summary of the thesis (motivation, methodology, results, evaluation of the results) as a PDF for presentation on the website
  • clearly documented source code and a working version of the software developed in the thesis, along with brief operating instructions
  • Collected datasets, depending on the topic and in consultation with the advisors

5. Written Thesis

Formal Requirements (Length, Template)

There are no general guidelines regarding the length of the written thesis. You decide how much text is necessary for a clear and understandable presentation. The balance between theoretical foundations and your own contribution to the field of research should be well-rounded. The focus should be on your own developments or investigations.

There are no explicit guidelines for the layout of your document. Please follow standard academic conventions. Template files for theses are available, for example, in the TU Dresden corporate design:

The following formatting parameters are provided as a guide:

  • Font: Open Sans, Times New Roman, black
  • Font size: 10 or 11
  • Line spacing: 1.0
  • Number figures and tables and provide meaningful captions (place any figures not referenced in the main text in the appendix)
  • Include a table of contents, list of figures, list of tables, bibliography, and list of abbreviations (optional)

Choose a citation style and use it consistently. Examples of citation styles:

  • APA -> Müller & Schneider, 2020
    Bibliography: Müller, A., Schneider, B., 2020. Title. Journal/…
  • Harvard -> (Müller/Schneider 2020)
    Bibliography: Müller, A., Schneider, B., 2020. Title. Journal/…
  • Vancouver -> [1]
    Bibliography: [1] Müller, A., Schneider, B., 2020. Title. Journal/…

Structure of the Paper

A logical structure for the paper (“central theme”) makes it easier to read and helps the reader understand the topics presented. Depending on your assignment, your paper could be structured as follows:

  • Motivation
  • Relevant Foundations (e.g., procedures and methods used in your paper)
  • Methodology used in your paper
  • Presentation and analysis of the results
  • Summary, Conclusion, and Outlook

Additional Notes:

  • Ensure that your lines of reasoning are clear and logical.
  • Avoid vague statements in the subjunctive.
  • Always describe facts and support all findings with your results
  • Ensure that your language is scientific in style.
  • Document all essential steps and experiments (avoid a diary-style format!). Even experiments that did not work can provide insights and should be mentioned in the paper.

Guidelines for Literature Review

Literature research is essential for a high-quality scientific paper and for sound research practices. You can use relevant literature to support your theses, solve problems, and draw on existing methods, algorithms, or workflows.

  • Use Google Scholar or similar search platforms for your literature search. Use concise keywords, phrases, or authors’ names. Through the TUD network, you can access all online journals subscribed to by the SLUB free of charge. To the best of your knowledge and belief, ensure the reliability of the sources.
  • Once you have found a suitable (review) article on your topic, use the sources in the bibliography to find further or related literature.
  • You may use Wikipedia provided that you cite the original source. Wikipedia itself is not a citable source in a thesis. The same applies to any online source without a clearly identifiable author.
  • As a general rule, always try to cite the original source (e.g., Brown’s citation parameters -> Brown, 1976 instead of Luhmann, 2010).

Tips on the Writing Process

  • Allow enough time for the writing phase. The written thesis is the main component of the evaluation!
  • From the very beginning of the project period, record your thoughts, screenshots, results, etc., at least in bullet points, in your written work; these will then, of course, be fully developed and formatted later.
  • Use the entire project period to write your thesis, not just the last few weeks. For example, the theoretical section can be written during the first half of the project period.
  • Make sure your wording and statements are clear and easy to understand.
  • Have someone else (fellow students, friends) proofread your paper.
  • Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re stuck or having problems. Talk to us!

You’ll find basic tips, methods, and checklists for all phases of writing in the Writing Starter Guide. If needed, take advantage of writing workshops, counseling services, or professional development opportunities. Here are three examples:

6. Thesis Defense

The defense serves to present the key content of your thesis. You should demonstrate that you possess in-depth knowledge of the subject area and have applied it effectively in your thesis. The thesis should be structured and presented professionally. The slides should be easy to read and illustrate the key points. A clear central theme should be evident. The focus should be on presenting your own results and situating them within the current state of research.

The presentation should not exceed 15 minutes (for a bachelor’s thesis) or 20 minutes (for a master’s thesis).

In the subsequent discussion, you should demonstrate that you can address questions thoroughly. You should have a command of the technical terminology and use it confidently.

7. Evaluation and Feedback

Grading

Your thesis will be evaluated based on the criteria of content, methodology, and presentation. Please refer to the following list for details on the factors considered (including the expectations for a grade of 1):

IPF Leitfaden © IPF

Feedback

After you have completed and defended your thesis, we offer an additional meeting between you and your advisors. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss:

  • what went well and what did not
  • how your grade was determined
  • some tips for future work

About this page

Katja Richter
Last modified: Jul 09, 2026