Written by: Mirjam de Winter
Last updated on: March 5, 2026
A conclusion thesis is the final section of your thesis or dissertation where you summarize your findings and answer your main research question. It does not introduce new information, it ties your research together in a clear, structured summary. A strong conclusion thesis typically runs 300–500 words and ends by fully answering the central research question.
Writing a conclusion thesis is one of the final and most important steps in completing your academic research. The conclusion thesis is the section where you bring all your findings together, answer your research question, and leave your reader with a clear final impression. It is not the place for new arguments or fresh data, but it is your moment to close the loop on everything you have investigated. In this guide, you will find practical tips, example sentences, and a thesis conclusion sample to help you write a confident, well-structured conclusion.
Need help finishing your thesis or conclusion? Book your free clarity call.
Knowing how to write a conclusion thesis starts with understanding what it is and what it is not. Many students make the mistake of writing their conclusion at the same time as the rest of their thesis, but it is much better to save it for the end. Once your entire research is complete, you will have the clearest possible overview of your findings, making it far easier to write a focused, accurate conclusion.
Follow these steps for writing a strong conclusion for your thesis:
Use the present tense for facts and findings (“The results show that…”) and the present perfect tense to refer to your research process (“This study investigated…”). Consistency in verb tense is essential in order to write a good conclusion of your thesis.
One of the best ways to learn how to write a conclusion in thesis format is to study example sentences. The phrases below are commonly used in academic writing and will help you structure your conclusion thesis in a clear and professional way:
First of all, it can be concluded from the results of this research that ….
In this research, the following research question was investigated: …. It has been shown from the results that ….
The goal of this research was to …. The results show that ….
Apart from this, the results do show that ….
Finally, it appears that ….
The effect of …. on …. is therefore (partly) caused by ….
The results do/ do not correspond with ….
After the conclusion of your thesis/ dissertation, you will move on to the following sections: the discussion and recommendations.
In the discussion, you provide interpretations and explanations for the results of your research. Here, you also critically examine your research and address issues such as validity and reliability.
In the recommendations, finally, you provide suggestions on how the problem could be solved or approached. You can also make recommendations for further research.
Incorporate the last three sections (thesis conclusion, discussion, and recommendations) in one final chapter or split it into different chapters. Also consult the potential thesis guidelines of your educational institution. It may be that specific guidelines are given for these sections of the thesis.
If you would like to see an example of a conclusion to gain more inspiration, visit our page with thesis and dissertation examples, where you can see how other students have written their conclusions.
How long should a conclusion thesis be?
A typical conclusion thesis runs between 300 and 500 words, depending on the length and complexity of your research. For a shorter bachelor’s thesis, a concise conclusion of 300 words may be sufficient. For a master’s dissertation covering multiple sub-questions, 500 words or more may be needed. Always check your institution’s specific guidelines, as some programs require a minimum length for the conclusion.
When should I write the conclusion for my thesis?
Save writing your conclusion for last, so after you have completed your entire research and analysis. At that point, you have the clearest overview of your findings and can write an accurate, well-grounded conclusion. Writing it too early risks producing a conclusion that no longer matches the final direction of your research, which means extra revision later.
Can I use a thesis conclusion sample as a template?
Yes, reviewing a thesis conclusion sample is a great way to understand the expected structure and tone. Topscriptie offers examples of student theses and dissertations on its website so you can see how real students have written their conclusions. Use these examples for inspiration and structure, but always make sure your own conclusion reflects your specific research questions and findings.
What is the difference between a conclusion and a discussion?
The conclusion thesis provides a factual summary of your findings and a direct answer to your research question without interpretation. The discussion section, by contrast, is where you explain, interpret, and critically reflect on those results. A common mistake is mixing the two. Think of the conclusion as the “what” and the discussion as the “why” and “what does it mean.”
How do I start a conclusion for a thesis?
Start your conclusion for a thesis by restating your main research question. Then briefly outline how your research addressed that question before moving into your findings. Avoid starting with phrases like “In this conclusion, I will…” but instead, jump straight into the content. Sentence starters like “The goal of this research was to…” or “This study investigated…” are effective and academically appropriate.
Do you need personal guidance writing your thesis? Topscriptie has helped more than 6,000 students successfully complete their research. Contact a thesis supervisor today and get professional support for your conclusion thesis.
All topics in
Thesis research consulting
