How-to · Step-by-step
How to format a title page
A title page is the formatted first page of an assignment or report that identifies the work — its title, author, institution and date — before the main text begins.
The step most authors miss
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Step by step
How to do it
1.Check the required style first
Before formatting anything, find out which style or template applies — your institution’s guidelines, a specific style such as APA, or a department template. Requirements vary, so following the brief is more important than any generic layout; this page covers the general case.
2.Position and write the title
Place the full, descriptive title prominently, usually centred in the upper or middle portion of the page. Use title case, keep it concise and informative, and avoid abbreviations. The title is the most prominent element, so give it visual weight.
3.Add the author and identifiers
Below the title, give the author’s name and any required identifiers — student number, course or module name and code, and the supervisor or instructor where asked. Centre these on separate lines and keep the formatting plain and consistent.
4.Add the institution and date
Include the institution, faculty or department, and the submission date in the required format. These usually sit lower on the page or beneath the author details, identifying where and when the work was produced.
5.Add any declaration if required
Many reports and dissertations require a declaration of original authorship — a short statement that the work is your own and properly referenced — sometimes with a word count or ethics-approval note. Include it only if the brief asks for it, in the wording specified.
6.Keep it clean and consistent
Use a single readable font, generous spacing, and clear alignment, with no decorative clutter. The title page should look orderly and professional. Confirm it matches any template exactly, since markers often check the cover page against the brief first.
When a specific style applies
The general layout above suits many assignments and reports, but recognised styles impose their own rules and you should follow them whenever they apply. APA 7th edition specifies distinct student and professional title pages, each with a prescribed arrangement of title, author, affiliation and — for students — course details. MLA, by contrast, does not normally use a separate title page at all, placing a four-line name block on the first page instead. Where a style or institutional template is specified, its rules override the generic conventions here. When in doubt, the order of authority is simple: the assignment brief first, then the named style guide, then general convention. See the APA title page and MLA format cross-links for the style-specific rules.
Common questions
FAQ
What should a title page include?+
A general title page includes the title of the work, the author’s name, the institution or course, and the submission date, often with identifiers such as a student number, module code and supervisor. Reports and dissertations may also require a declaration of original authorship. The exact requirements depend on the style or institutional template, so always check the brief first.
Do all papers need a title page?+
No. Whether a title page is required depends on the style and the assignment. APA 7th edition uses a formatted title page, but standard MLA does not — it places a name block on the first page instead. Many short assignments need no separate cover page at all. Follow your assignment brief or style guide rather than assuming one is needed.
Is a title page the same as a cover page?+
In most academic contexts the terms are used interchangeably: both name the first identifying page carrying the title, author and related details. Some organisations distinguish a decorative “cover” from a formal “title page” that records bibliographic details, but for assignments and reports the title page and cover page are generally the same thing.
Going deeper
