In academic writing, particularly in the field of medical engineering, there is often a misconception that longer reports equate to higher quality. However, this is rarely the case. The quality of a report is not determined by the number of words but by the precision, clarity, and relevance of its content. To encourage concise and impactful writing, we are introducing a word limit for thesis reports.

Your Background section should not exceed 4,000 words, approximately 8 pages, and the combined sections of Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusions should also adhere to a maximum of 4,000 words (about 8 pages). These limits apply to the main body of text and do not include elements such as tables, figures, references, or the standard front matter. The front matter encompasses the cover page, title page, abstracts in both English and Swedish, acknowledgments, table of contents, and lists of figures, tables, and abbreviations.

Imposing these limits offers both a challenge and an opportunity. While the reduced word count may seem to simplify the writing process by requiring less content, it also demands a higher level of critical thinking. You will need to carefully evaluate what information is most relevant, ensuring every sentence adds value to your report. This focused approach not only enhances the readability of your work but also highlights your ability to communicate complex ideas succinctly and effectively.

It is important to note that these word limits are fixed. For example, if your Background section is only 3,000 words, the combined word limit for the other sections remains at 4,000 words, not 5,000. This ensures that all sections of the report remain concise and aligned with the guidelines. By adhering to these constraints, your thesis will be more direct, cohesive, and reflective of the high standards expected in medical engineering research.

Official KTH Templates for degree project reports, theses and student presentations