The terms “dissertation” and “thesis” are often used interchangeably, with meanings varying by country and university. Different English-speaking countries, such as those using British or American English, apply these terms differently. Typically, in British-based academic systems, a dissertation is written for undergraduate or master’s degrees, while a thesis is for a PhD. Conversely, in American-based systems, the usage is reversed. However, the terms can vary even within institutions or departments.

What is a Dissertation?

In the UK, a dissertation is a substantial piece of written research typically undertaken at the end of a bachelor’s or master’s degree. It involves a thorough investigation into a specific topic, requiring the student to conduct independent research, analyse data, and present findings in a structured format.

Key Features of a Dissertation:

1. Scope and Depth: A dissertation generally focuses on a narrower topic than a thesis and is less comprehensive in terms of research depth.
2. Length: The length of a dissertation varies depending on the level of study. For a bachelor’s degree, it might be around 8,000 to 12,000 words, while for a master’s degree, it can range from 15,000 to 20,000 words.
3. Research Focus: Dissertations often involve a literature review, methodology, results, and discussion sections. The research conducted is usually original but on a smaller scale than a thesis.
4. Objective: The primary aim is to demonstrate the student’s ability to conduct independent research and to critically engage with existing literature and research methodologies.

Example of a Dissertation:

An example dissertation topic for a master’s degree in psychology might be: “an investigation into the relationship between early exposure and brand loyalty.” This would involve reviewing existing literature on the topic, conducting surveys, analysing the data, and presenting the findings. Read some more dissertation examples of students who graduated from Leeds University.

What is a Thesis?

A thesis in the UK is a comprehensive research project required to complete a PhD. It represents a significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge in a particular field and demonstrates the candidate’s ability to conduct original, in-depth research.

Key Features of a Thesis:

1. Scope and Depth: A thesis is more extensive and in-depth than a dissertation. It involves original research that contributes new knowledge or theories to the field.
2. Length: A PhD thesis can be substantial in length, often ranging from 60,000 to 100,000 words, depending on the discipline and research topic.
3. Research Focus: A thesis requires a detailed literature review, a clear research methodology, comprehensive data analysis, and a discussion of the findings. The research conducted should fill a gap in the existing literature.
4. Objective: The main aim is to demonstrate the candidate’s ability to conduct significant, original research and to make a substantial contribution to the academic field.

Example of a PhD Thesis:

A PhD example thesis in the field of environmental science might be: “Assessing the Long-Term Impacts of Climate Change on Coastal Erosion in the UK.” This would involve extensive fieldwork, data collection and analysis, and the development of new models or theories related to climate change and coastal erosion.