Theses and dissertations

Home > Library and Museum Studies > Scholarly Communication > Theses and dissertations

These are long-form academic documents that are typically required for the completion of graduate degrees.

Research question: The specific question or problem that you want to investigate through your thesis or dissertation.
Literature review: A comprehensive review of existing research that helps you to understand the context and gaps in your chosen area of research.
Methodology: The systematic approach or methods that you use to conduct your research, including data collection techniques, analysis, and interpretation.
Ethics: The ethical considerations that are involved in academic research, including issues such as informed consent, confidentiality, and the responsible use of data.
Data analysis: The statistical, qualitative, or both methods used to evaluate your research data and draw conclusions.
Results and conclusions: The findings of your research, the interpretation of the results, and the conclusion you draw based on the analysis of your data.
Writing and formatting your thesis or dissertation: Writing style, formatting, and citation requirements.
Research dissemination: Strategies for sharing and publishing your research results, including academic conferences, journals, and open-access repositories.
Collaboration and networking: Building relationships with other researchers, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders to support your research and generate new ideas.
Career planning and professional development: Building skills and opportunities to support your transition from academic research to the workforce or other areas of academia.
Analytical Thesis: This type of thesis critically examines an existing problem or phenomenon by breaking it down into smaller pieces to understand its details better. An analytical thesis typically involves analyzing the information and data obtained through research to arrive at a conclusion.
Empirical Thesis: An empirical thesis draws on the conclusions derived from experiments or data analysis. This type of thesis aims to address a specific research question by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting empirical data.
Theoretical Thesis: A theoretical thesis seeks to explain a specific phenomenon or problem through the development of a new or refined theoretical framework. It typically involves the synthesis of theoretical concepts to arrive at new insights and ideas.
Literature Review Thesis: A literature review thesis seeks to evaluate and synthesize different sources of information on a specific topic or research question. This type of thesis typically analyzes existing literature and critically assesses research findings to identify gaps in knowledge and propose a research agenda.
Applied Thesis: An applied thesis applies theoretical or empirical concepts to real-world problems or phenomena. This type of thesis typically involves the implementation and evaluation of a specific intervention or policy.
Methodological Thesis: A methodological thesis seeks to develop new research methods or refine existing methods to improve the accuracy and reliability of research findings. This type of thesis typically involves designing, testing, and assessing new research techniques.
Comparative Thesis: A comparative thesis compares two or more phenomena or sets of data to draw new insights or conclusions. This type of thesis typically involves collecting and analyzing data from multiple sources to identify similarities and differences.
Historical Thesis: A historical thesis investigates the evolution of a phenomenon or a problem over time. This type of thesis typically involves analyzing historical data and archives to identify patterns and trends.
Philosophical Thesis: A philosophical thesis aims to examine the philosophical implications of a specific concept or phenomenon. This type of thesis typically involves analyzing philosophical concepts and theories to arrive at a new perspective or conclusion.
Creative Thesis: A creative thesis is a work of art, literature, or music that incorporates a written component that provides a critical and theoretical reflection on the creative work. This type of thesis typically involves presenting a creative work (e.g., a novel, a poetry collection, a musical composition) alongside an analytical and reflective essay.
"A thesis (PL: theses), or dissertation (abbreviated diss.), is a document submitted in support of candidature for an academic degree or professional qualification presenting the author's research and findings."
"In some contexts, the word thesis or a cognate is used for part of a bachelor's or master's course."
"While dissertation is normally applied to a doctorate."
"In other contexts, such as within most institutions of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, the reverse is true."
"Yes, the term graduate thesis is sometimes used to refer to both master's theses and doctoral dissertations."
"The required complexity or quality of research of a thesis or dissertation can vary by country, university, or program."
"Yes, the required minimum study period may thus vary significantly in duration."
"The word dissertation can at times be used to describe a treatise without relation to obtaining an academic degree."
"The term thesis is also used to refer to the general claim of an essay or similar work."
"A thesis [...] is a document submitted in support of candidature for an academic degree or professional qualification."
"Yes, dissertation can be abbreviated as diss."
"The word thesis or a cognate is used for part of a bachelor's or master's course."
"The required complexity or quality of research of a thesis or dissertation can vary by country, university, or program."
"Within most institutions of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland."
"The term graduate thesis is sometimes used to refer to both master's theses and doctoral dissertations."
"The term thesis is also used to refer to the general claim of an essay or similar work."
"The term dissertation can at times be used to describe a treatise without relation to obtaining an academic degree."
"The required minimum study period may thus vary significantly in duration."
"The required complexity or quality of research of a thesis or dissertation can vary by country, university, or program."
"The word thesis or a cognate is used for part of a bachelor's or master's course."