masters without thesis uk

MSc without Dissertation?

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Do All Degrees Have a Dissertation?

In General , University by Think Student Editor February 5, 2023 Leave a Comment

When thinking about university and the work you have to do, dissertations can often come to mind. As they’re an extended piece of writing, they can often feel long, hard, and simply too much of a hassle. Due to this, it’s entirely naturally to wonder if you must do one at all. That’s exactly what you’ll find out in this article.

In short, at undergraduate level, not all degrees will require you to have a dissertation. Whether you have to do a dissertation or not will generally depend on what you study and what university you study at.

However, at master’s degree level, you will need to do a dissertation to gain the full master’s degree. It may be possible for you to start the master’s degree and then to switch to a postgraduate certificate or diploma, which would not require you to do a dissertation.

Continue reading to learn more about dissertations and when you may need to do one. This article will tell you all you need to know about whether you have to do a dissertation and what the point of one is at all.

Table of Contents

Does everyone at university have to do a dissertation?

While university is often associated with traditional degrees, there are many other options for what you can study at university. These will generally be forms of higher education, meaning that they will be qualifications done after completing sixth form or college at level 4 or above. For more on higher education, check out this Think Student article .

The options of what you can study at a university can range from higher national certificates (HNCs) to foundation degrees and many more. For more on these, check out this UCAS guide .

Due to the wide range of qualifications that you can get at university, the answer is no, not everyone at university will have to do a dissertation . This is primarily due to how these higher education qualifications have different structures to the traditional bachelor’s or master’s degrees and so will often not require a dissertation.

For example, a HNC is equivalent to the first year of a bachelor’s degree. As a dissertation would generally be done in the final year of the degree, a dissertation couldn’t fit into its structure at all. For more on HNC qualifications, check out this article by University Compare.

Can you get a degree without doing a dissertation?

University can be hard to navigate, and it can be even harder trying to get your head around all of the terms and trying to figure out what a degree actually involves. Dissertations are a notorious part of the degree process, and you may wonder if they’re also an essential part.

In the UK, most degrees will require you to do a dissertation. However, this doesn’t apply to all degrees and will likely depend on where you go and what you study . To learn more about this, check out this article by Unite Students.

This means that it is entirely possible for you to get a degree without doing a dissertation as long as it’s not a compulsory part of your course. If the dissertation is something you feel strongly about not doing, then it can be worth fully looking at whether the courses you are interested in will make it compulsory in the modules section of course information pages.

For more insight into which subjects at undergraduate degree level are likely to require you to do a dissertation as well as if dissertations are compulsory at master’s degree level, check out the following headings.

Which degrees require a dissertation?

As mentioned above, in the UK, the majority of degrees will require you to do a dissertation. Otherwise, a dissertation or some other kind of research project may be an optional module that you can choose whether or not to take in your third year.

To find out more specific information about whether or not a specific course will require you to do a dissertation, it is best to look at the course information provided on the university’s website.

However, as a rule of thumb, it’s safe to assume that subjects that are based in both researching and writing will likely require you to do a dissertation . For example, history degrees are very likely to require you to do one.

Especially as at some universities they are considered a key part of the degree due to enabling you to put the skills you have developed into practice. For more on this, check out this page on the University of Southampton’s website.

Whereas more practical subjects, such as engineering, may instead get you to do a research or design project instead of a dissertation. In the same way, doing this kind of project instead will enable students to best apply the skills that they have learnt and developed during the course of their degree.

Do all master’s degrees require a dissertation?

During a master’s degree, students will typically learn about their subject area in greater depth to the extent that they pretty much become a “master” of it by the end of the degree. At level 7 (or level 11 in Scotland), master’s degrees are the second highest level of qualification you can get in the UK. To learn more about master’s degrees, check out this Think Student article .

Due to this, it’s no wonder that a range of high-level academic skills are involved and that you will have increased independence in your studies. As both of these are also traits that dissertations give you, you may be wondering if the master’s dissertation is essential.

The answer is yes, it is. In the UK, a master’s degree will require you to do a dissertation in order to complete your full master’s qualification.

However, if you start a master’s degree and are unable to do the dissertation, some universities will allow you to switch to a shorter postgraduate course, where you won’t have to do the dissertation. This may be a postgraduate certificate (PG Cert) or a postgraduate diploma (PG Dip).

To learn more about all of this, check out this guide by the University of York.

What is the point of a university dissertation?

In the UK, a dissertation is a massive research project and extended piece of writing that students undertake typically at the end of their degree, whether it is an undergraduate or master’s. To learn more about dissertations, check out this article by Think Student.

A dissertation allows a student to study the specific area of their subject that they are most interested in. This enables them to get more in-depth knowledge and to specialise in this element of their subject area. This can be especially great if you want to break into a specific career, related to this subject or if you want to study further.

Also, as a dissertation is done independently, it allows students to develop a wide range of skills from problem solving to time management to organisation. This means that a dissertation can enable students to come out of their studies not only with the degree and specialist knowledge in their subject area but also transferable skills that can improve their career prospects. To learn more about how doing a dissertation can improve your employability, check out this article by LSE.

While a dissertation can leave you will some valuable, transferable skills that can greatly enhance your career prospects and make it easier for you to integrate into a working environment, the dissertation alone may not be enough to secure you the graduate job you’re looking for. However, you can look at this Think Student article , which will give you some useful tips on how to find the right job for you after you graduate.

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A PhD Without A Masters Degree

The PhD usually came after the Bachelor’s degree for many years in the United Kingdom. There was no real need to successfully gain a Master’s degree before embarking on this mammoth task of empirical research. Whilst some undergraduate degrees still lead to a Master’s qualification, and many people still complete Master degrees, it is possible to do a PhD without a Masters degree .

Firstly, your creative ideas are novel which allows for innovative, fresh approaches, in addition to exerted interest and enthusiasm for an area of study. Secondly, a Master’s degree can be quite expensive and although there are bursaries and schemes available they often still require costly personal financial contributions. Thirdly, pursuing a PhD without a Master’s degree reduces the amount of time on your studies, allowing you to follow a desired career path that motivates and excites you.

Disadvantages

The Master’s degree exists to show that the student can study at a higher level and this qualification allows you to practice the necessary research skills. This also determines if committing to a large research project is right for you. Additionally, the Master’s dissertation forms a part of the PhD in several British universities, so you are potentially gaining one to two extra years to make your original contribution to the field of study.

Applications

As with any PhD application , it is important to check your eligibility with the universities you have chosen to apply to. Different institutions have varying regulations, and in some cases, a Master’s degree might be compulsory. Also, make sure you have lots of evidence in your application about why you would make a good doctoral student by presenting concrete examples of your work at the equivalent of Master’s degree level. Additionally, be clear that you are motivated and determined to add to a body of knowledge through innovative, empirical research that requires stamina, hard work, determination and collaboration.

Coping strategies

The first few months can be overwhelming, but it is important to remember that you have been accepted as a doctoral student. This confirms that a panel of experts believe that you can achieve such a prestigious degree.

In your first term try and reread your research proposal once a week and review it critically. The nature of research is that it changes but it is also useful to remember what you proposed to do. Critical thinking is essential throughout the process.

Avail of the PhD support within the university. Regularly meet with supervisors and other doctoral researchers as support is necessary during this journey, especially in year one. Sign up to university workshops about PhD research – many run one-day skills sessions covering everything from communication to project managing. As a PhD student, you are part of a community of other doctoral researchers and this can be a great source of advice and wisdom, plus a great way of meeting new people.

In your first term, you should have regular and consistent supervision meetings. This allows your research team to set clear time goals and confirm milestones which you can work towards.

And remember, with consistent hard work, dedication, determination, collaboration and a critical mind, you will achieve your PhD .

Find your PhD here .

What is a PhD and Why Should YOU do one?

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Are there higher education systems in which is not required to write a thesis?

Are there higher education systems in which is not required to write a thesis as a part of the evaluation within the degrees? If yes, could you point me out some of them, please?

Furthermore, are these education systems in which is not required to write down a thesis a minority in the world? (nowadays, I guess yes)

Could you answer quoting the countries which do not require a thesis as a part of the degree evaluation, please? This is indeed my question! Thank you, however! – Always learning Commented Feb 9, 2016 at 16:37
2 I think that you're starting from the wrong premise: sometimes even in the same education system, different universities might have different requirements, especially at the undergraduate level. And sometimes you can choose between a thesis or a comprehensive exam. – Massimo Ortolano Commented Feb 9, 2016 at 17:00
@Massimo Ortolano, since you are Italian like me, could you show me some examples for which it is not required the writing up of a thesis in the Italian educational system, please? – Always learning Commented Feb 9, 2016 at 17:08
I don't have the time to go through university websites to give you specific examples, but, yes, there are. For instance, many universities give the option to do an internship or a project and write a short report about it, something that cannot be really considered a thesis. Some universities require to pass a more comprehensive exam. – Massimo Ortolano Commented Feb 10, 2016 at 11:33
Well, as I have graduated in Italy, I can say that I don't think that what you suggest is something common - actually, it is the first time I hear it. If it is true, I have learnt something new and I thank you for this but, still, if true, it is something that happens in exceptional cases and under specific requests. Thus, I don't think your comment answers somehow to my question, which refers to education systems in which the writing up of a thesis is not contemplated at all. – Always learning Commented Feb 14, 2016 at 10:32

4 Answers 4

The question is a little vague. Many graduate degrees do not require a thesis. For instance, a law degree (JD), and many business degrees ( e.g. MBA) in some universities require no thesis paper.

It has been my experience as a college instructor that university departments are encouraging more writing and defending their written research.

3 To add to this, my University offers Master's Degrees in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering (and potentially other areas) that have the option of not completing a thesis. The two non-thesis options are either a Problem Report, or a Coursework option. Thesis option is strongly suggested if you intend to go on to do research as a career or seek a PhD. My University is in the USA by the way. – Ramrod Commented Feb 9, 2016 at 21:24

Many undergraduate degrees do not require a thesis. Although which ones do and do not depend upon the school.

Many graduate degrees also do not require one. JDs, MBAs, and MDs all come to mind. Although, once again, this varies by school and by definition of a thesis. Many schools also allow their Masters students to graduate without a thesis.

Finally, all PhDs require a thesis. This will not vary.

So, the answer to your question is that it depends.

If you know, I would like you to indicate the countries in which thesis, as a part of the degree study, is NOT required. I have the impression that many of you speak with regard to US but it does not exist only US as education system in the world, obviously ;) – Always learning Commented Feb 9, 2016 at 16:35
@Alwayslearning Actually, to the best of my understanding, this varies more by type of degree than by country. For example, a Ph.D. (or equivalent) always, everywhere requires a thesis. For medical doctors, on the other hand, I have never heard of any program that requires a thesis (unless it's a joint MD-PhD program, in which case see the prior sentence).. – jakebeal Commented Feb 9, 2016 at 16:39
I am speaking about undergraduate studies or master degrees. Of course, PhDs require the apprentice researcher to write down a dissertation! Thank you for your interest in answering! :) – Always learning Commented Feb 9, 2016 at 16:41

My undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering at UT Austin did not require a thesis in 1997. I don't know what the current status of that degree program is.

Edited to add: UT also has Master's programs which are coursework-only. In ASE, they seemed to be for PhD students who needed to get out of the program and receive some sort of degree. Other programs may be/have been different.

As a gross overgeneralization... the more a given degree program thinks of itself as preparing students for a research career, the more likely it is to demand a thesis. At the other end of the continuum are degree programs with pipelines into anywhere-but-academia, which prefer non-thesis options such as capstone projects (e.g. an MFA exhibition) or internships/practicums.

Smack in the middle, for the sake of illustration, is the field of Library and Information {Science|Studies}. Some LIS master's programs in the US identify pretty strongly with academic librarianship and/or academe generally; these are more likely to require theses. Others have dumped the master's thesis in favor of an internship/practicum: "prove you can be a real-world professional."

Still others do comprehensive(-ish) exams, which is another non-thesis option. I don't have a good sense of what kinds of programs choose master's comps; I had to do them for my master's in Spanish (and wow, they were the worst experience ever).

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5 routes to getting a Doctorate

While most of those studying for a PhD take the PhD by thesis pathway, there are five viable routes to achieving a Doctorate, with both full-time and part-time options available

PhD by thesis

This is the most common means of getting a Doctorate. Over the three or four years of research at university, your PhD supervisor will support you as you aim to produce a thesis based on your research proposal .

A thesis is typically 60,000-90,000 words in length - although this can vary between institutions. For instance, the University of Glasgow's College of Social Sciences expects a thesis to be 70,000 to 100,000 words including references, bibliography and appendices, while the University of Cambridge has set an upper limit of 80,000 words.

Once completed, you'll need to defend your PhD thesis in front of a panel of examiners during your viva voce .

Doctorate by publication

This route involves submitting previously published work - such as books, book chapters and journal articles, which together form a coherent body of work and show evidence of an original contribution to a particular field of study.

The PhD by publication route is often taken by mid-career academics that haven't had the opportunity to undertake a standard Doctorate degree.

Generally, a minimum of five to eight published pieces are required, but this varies between institutions and depends on their length. The published work will be assessed to the same rigorous standards as a traditional PhD by thesis.

You must also provide a written supporting statement, which typically ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 words.

For instance, the University of Westminster asks for a commentary of 5,000 words (science and technology subjects) or 10,000 words (arts, social sciences and humanities). On the other hand, Queen Margaret University Edinburgh requires 12,000 to 15,000 words on the rationale and theoretical context for the portfolio of published work.

The work will then be presented to an academic committee. A supervisor will assist you with selecting which publications to submit, as well as guidance on the supporting statement.

Some universities accept only their own graduates for a PhD by publication, while others restrict this route to their academic staff. In general, you should have graduated from your first degree at least seven years ago to be eligible.

For example, The University of Manchester has published its own Guidance for the PhD By Published Work , with eligibility only extending to current members of staff.

Professional Doctorate

This type of Doctorate includes a significant taught component and a smaller research project, and is geared primarily towards current professionals in vocational sectors such as:

engineering and manufacturing
teaching and education .

Professional Doctorates are often taken on a part-time basis and can last between two and eight years. Like their standard PhD counterparts, they usually begin in October or January.

While you won't typically be looking to get an academic job , your research is expected to contribute to theory as well as professional practice. Projects often revolve around a real-life issue that affects your employer.

Several professional Doctorates, such as the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), are accredited by a professional body - for instance, the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and The British Psychological Society (BPS) - and may also lead to a professional qualification .

Common titles for graduates of professional Doctorate degrees include:

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Engineering (EngD)
Doctor of Medicine (MD).

Unlike many professional Doctorates, the EngD is typically offered as a full-time course and is aimed at young engineering graduates with little or no professional experience.

Integrated PhD

This four-year qualification, also known as the New Route PhD, involves studying a one-year research Masters degree (MRes) before progressing onto a three-year PhD.

Offered by a select number of universities across the UK, integrated PhDs are supported by the government and the British Council through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) .

Visit Research Council funding for further information on research and funding for different types of PhD.

The integrated PhD involves a combination of taught materials, practical experience and advanced research. This allows you to learn subject-specific methodologies, while building the transferable skills that will enable you to become a leader in your chosen profession.

Institutions can also develop personalised integrated PhD programmes to meet each student's needs. For example, universities may offer you the opportunity to gain a postgraduate certificate (PGCert) in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education - perfect if you're considering a career as a higher education lecturer .

Online/distance learning PhD

As PhDs are based primarily on independent research rather than time spent in lectures and seminars, distance learning has always been a viable route for many Doctoral students.

PhDs by distance learning offered by course providers such as The Open University are therefore a good option to consider if you've got family or work commitments or are an international student - as this gives you the chance to undertake Doctoral research without having to live close to your chosen institution. It's also a suitable mode of study if your subject requires you to be based in a specific location away from the university.

For the most part, you'll be in touch with your supervisor by phone, email or Skype/Zoom. You'll need to bear in mind that even if you opt for this form of research, you'll generally still need to attend university for one or two weeks of each academic year for meetings and to receive research skills training. Your final exam may be undertaken either face-to-face or virtually.

With online PhDs, you can usually register as a full or part-time student. The level of fees you pay varies between institutions - some charge the same as for a standard PhD while others offer a reduced rate.

Check that any funding you plan to apply for is available to distance learning students, as this isn't always the case.

Search for online/distance learning PhDs .

Find out more

Discover what is a PhD?
Sort out funding for postgraduate study .
Consider what to do after completing your PhD .

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FindAMasters
Postgraduate Certificates (PGCert) and Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDip) – A Guide

Written by Mark Bennett

Looking for a shorter postgraduate study option, without a dissertation? A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) could be perfect for you.

These programmes include Masters-level content and are available in a wide range of subjects. However, they are much more flexible and can usually be completed in only one or two terms of study.

Here you can read a detailed guide to PGCert and PGDip programmes, including information on how long they take, what their entry requirements are and who should consider studying one.

For advice on other courses, take a look at our full guide to postgraduate qualifications .

What are Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas?

Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas (PGCerts and PGDips) are shorter taught postgraduate courses. They include Masters-level content, but take less time to complete.

Many universities offer PGCert and PGDip qualifications as options within a full Masters programme. This can allow you to complete a specific part of a Masters and still come away with a postgraduate qualification.

Other Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas are more vocational :

They may be designed as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses , providing new skills and training for people in particular jobs.
Or they may be specific professional training or conversion courses, designed for applicants entering regulated professions such as education or law.

The PGCert and PGDip courses described on this page are most common in the UK higher education system . Other countries offer similar types of shorter postgraduate course.

In Europe , where a Masters often takes two or more years of full-time study, an alternative qualification may be awarded to students who only complete the first year of a course. This will be broadly equivalent to a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in UK, but may have a different name.

In countries with newer higher education systems, alternative postgraduate courses may be offered by universities that do not have the power to award full Masters degrees. Again, these may be referred to as certificates or diplomas, but won’t necessarily be equivalent to the British PGCert or PGDip .

What is a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)?

A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) is the shortest commonly available postgraduate qualification. You can earn one after a single term (roughly 15 weeks ) of full-time study.

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
	Taught / Professional
	All
	7 (NQF) / Second Cycle (Bologna)
	1 term
	60 CATS / 30 ECTS
	Primarily UK

What is a Postgraduate Diploma?

A Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) is a slightly longer postgraduate course. You can earn one after completing two terms (roughly 30 weeks ) of full-time study.

This usually means completing everything in a Masters degree except the final dissertation. A Postgraduate Diploma can therefore be a great option if you just want to study taught content at the same level of study as a Masters, without having to complete a research project.

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
	Taught / Professional
	All
	7 (NQF) / Second Cycle (Bologna)
	2 terms
	120 CATS / 60 ECTS
	Primarily UK

What are the differences between PGCerts, PGDips and Masters degrees?

PGCerts and PGDips involve material that is just as challenging as what you'd study during a Masters degree, but are shorter and worth fewer credits.

PGCert and PGDip qualifications are often available as options within full Masters programmes and are therefore ‘equivalent’ to part of a Masters degree.

The following table makes this clearer:

	PGCert	PGDip	Masters Degree
Terms	1	2	3 (2 + Thesis)
Credits (CATS)	60	120	180
Thesis	No	No	Yes

Transferring between PGDip, PGCert and Masters programmes

It’s often possible to switch between postgraduate qualifications within the same degree programme. For example, you might enrol for a Postgraduate Diploma and then ‘upgrade’ to a Masters by completing a dissertation. Alternatively, you may be able to exit a Masters programme early, but still earn a PGCert or PGDip for the work you’ve completed.

How much does a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma cost?

A PGCert or PGDip will normally cost less than a full Masters, reflecting their shorter length.

The average cost of a classroom-based, taught Masters in the UK is £9,465 . Using that figure, you can extrapolate the following averages based on the credit value of a PGCert or PGDip compared to a Masters:

PGCert – £3,155
PGDip – £6,310

These are only intended as ballpark figures, however – there is a great deal of variation when it comes to tuition fees for PGCerts and PGDips. You may find that some PGDips cost more than certain Masters, especially if they are intended for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) purposes and likely to be sponsored by employers.

A Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma could therefore offer you a more affordable postgraduate study option, particularly if you are studying with a clear professional or career goal in mind.

If so, a PGCert or PGDip could provide a quicker route into work, whilst still picking up some advanced skills and training!

Though they’re often cheaper than a Masters, a PGCert or PGDip may not be eligible for the same funding. Scholarships are often intended for full Masters degrees. This also applies to English and Welsh postgraduate loans, which aren’t available for Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas.

However, Northern Irish postgraduate loans are available for PGDips and PGCerts, while Scottish loans are available for PGDips.

International recognition of Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas

The PGCert and PGDip qualifications are internationally recognised and compatible with frameworks such as the European ECTS credit system. Other short courses may sometimes need to be accredited – particularly if you wish to use them as the basis for further study or employment abroad.

Which subjects award Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas?

You can earn a PGCert or PGDip in any subject . If a university awards a Masters degree in a particular subject, it will normally offer associated PGCert and PGDip options.

Some qualifications are more subject-specific, however. As a general rule, you can dive these courses into three types:

Academic programmes – These are available alongside full Masters degrees in most subject areas. Completing one or two terms of study will earn you a PGCert or PGDip (respectively). Continuing to complete a dissertation will earn you an MA or MSc (depending on the programme).
Vocational programmes – These offer development opportunities for working professionals. The shorter length of a PGCert or PGDip allows time for training and skill acquisition, but won’t require you to complete a research component.
Professional training programmes - Some postgraduate courses can allow you to enter regulated professions. These are usually Certificate- or Diploma-level qualifications, rather than full degrees. Common examples include the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and conversion courses such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) . Such courses may be longer than academic PGCert and PGDip programmes but they do not include full dissertations or award a Masters.

Who should study a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma?

PGCert and PGDip courses are ideal for anyone interested in postgraduate study, but unable to commit to the time required for a full Masters degree.

They’re also perfect for people who aren’t interested in academic research. A Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma gives you the opportunity to learn more about a subject, without having to go on and complete a dissertation.

Remember that a PGCert or PGDip may offer the option to upgrade to a full Masters degree – perfect if your interests or circumstances change after completing your course.

It’s not just fresh graduates who should consider a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma. If you’re already in work, but looking to ‘upskill’ yourself, a shorter postgraduate course could be ideal.

Whether you should study a PGDip, PGCert or full Masters depends on what you want from postgraduate study. If you’re preparing for a specific job and know that a shorter course will do, there’s little point committing to a full Masters. But if you want to carry out your own independent scholarship, a PGDip or PGCert may not satisfy you.

What’s it like to study a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma?

In most cases a PGCert or PGDip will be a lot like a Masters in the same subject. (Particularly if your course forms part of a wider degree programme).

You’ll study for a shorter period, but your course content will be organised in the same way as a taught Masters and the material you study will be at the same level.

In most cases you’ll complete separate modules , each with their own assessments.

As a rule of thumb you can expect a PGCert to include two modules over one semester, whilst a PGDip will probably include four over two. This may vary slightly, depending on the credit weighting for modules on your course.

Academic PGCert and PGDip programmes will be assessed in much the same way as an equivalent Masters degree.

You’ll complete coursework essays or other assignments for each module and these will collectively determine your grade. Exams are unlikely and you won’t have to produce a dissertation.

Professional programmes may include more practical assessments and tests of your competency in key skills or proficiencies.

How are Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas graded?

A PGCert or PGDip is graded using the same scale as Masters grades .

In the UK qualifications will be awarded with Pass, Merit or Distinction depending on the final mark for your PGcert / PGDip:

Overall Mark	PGCert / PGDip Grade
70+	Distinction
60-69	Merit
50-59	Pass

Search for a PGCert or PGDip now

Ready to start looking for a shorter postgraduate course? Search for your ideal PGCert or PGDip now.

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

Want to find out about the differences between taught and research Masters degrees? Our guide covers the essentials, including fees and funding.

Exploring higher education options? Learn exactly what an integrated Masters degree is and how it can help fast-track you in your chosen field with our guide.

Some professional Masters degrees are designed to prepare students to work in specific jobs, such as Social Work, Engineering and Architecture qualifications.

Masters degree apprenticeships are a Level 7 qualification equal to a full-time Masters degree - but how do they work? Read our guide to learn this and more.

This guide covers the extra costs associated with studying GEM and an overview of where to find alternative financial support.

This guide covers how funding for Graduate Entry Medicine tuition fees and cost of living support works across the UK and for International students.

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Can You Graduate Without Dissertation in UK?

Yes, on occasion. Many universities are now offering Ph.D. programs online that do not require dissertations, which have been typically requires for a Ph.D. Students can instead finish a capstone project that demonstrates their knowledge while also contributing new information. Students may want to know if they must write a thesis before enrolling in graduate school. Despite popular belief, not all graduate programs require a thesis. Apart from thesis or dissertations, there are other different kinds of writing assignments, so you will start learning about them and which ones you prefer to do during your educational life.

What Is a Dissertation?

Research projects are sometimes referred to as dissertations or theses. The major requirement for one is common in several graduate programs. In order to graduate, it is important that you should complete these courses right after completing the remaining of your degree program. Undergraduate and graduate programs do this frequently. However, it is quite common for many students to write dissertations. Furthermore, writing dissertations is enjoyable to some students. A dissertation writing services London can assist you in writing your best dissertation. We all want our assignments to be unique and free of plagiarism, which is what they claim they provide. That’s awesome!

How Does a Dissertation Work?

What is the Process of Writing a Dissertation? The first step in writing a dissertation is the selection of the topic. Then go for the research work and get the content according to your topic. Dissertation length is longer than other types of assignments or essays. The objective of the dissertation is to get the results or outcomes of your dissertation topic. Many thousands of words are needed in writing a dissertation in any field.

Not Compulsory for Many Schools or Programs.

The good news, a dissertation is not compulsory for many programs other than Ph.D. Like many other doctorate degrees. In many programs, it is not necessary for students to submit dissertations. Therefore, students will not invest their effort and time in writing a dissertation.

Capstone or Research Project,

Students should know that other than dissertations there are many hands-on experience projects which will be very beneficial for their academic careers, such as capstone projects and final research. It is like an experimental task. For example, an IT student `can create any software rather than writing a long document on a particular topic.

Choosing the Right Option:

Choosing the best graduate school option is critical for students starting graduate school. Graduate students frequently decided to ask if they are required to write theses even though they dislike doing research and spending an hour in libraries. Choose a non-thesis path if you really want to take more classes to learn more about one chosen field without having to write a completely separate paper. If you don’t mind putting in extra hours before graduating, the research study option is ideal for you, and fieldwork programs are best if you want to make a comprehensive project without even doing research. you if you want to create a detailed project without doing any research.

Dissertation is a Related Resource.

Some students think that all grad students must write a thesis, but that’s not always the case. Depending on the program, some schools may offer an alternative to thesis writing, such as field research or research projects.

Although some students believe that all graduate students are required to write a thesis, this isn’t always the case. There are schools that offer alternatives to thesis writing, such as fieldwork or research projects, so this depends on the program.

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Everything you need to know about online master’s degrees.

Online postgraduate degrees are an increasingly popular way to pursue higher education and advance professional careers, but it’s important to understand how online study works and what to look for in an online education provider when considering an online degree.

At the University of Lincoln, we have a proven track record of delivering flexible distance-learning programmes that are tailored to the needs of learners, and working professionals in particular. These programmes are designed to elevate your career to the next level without making sacrifices within your current professional or personal commitments, and all at your own pace from any location around the world.

How does online study work?

Online degrees typically offer the same course content as their on-campus counterparts, they’re simply delivered remotely and part-time so that students can organise their studies around their existing schedules. This is usually made possible through digital learning platforms that help replicate the experience of an engaging, interactive on-campus degree.

The University of Lincoln uses the Canvas online learning platform to deliver its online master’s courses. These programmes have been crafted by expert academics and industry professionals to ensure that the course content is relevant, up-to-date, and practical. And all of it is accessible 24/7, so working professionals, entrepreneurs, parents, and caregivers can effectively balance their studies within their daily lives.

You’ll also have access to the Lincoln Online Library, and a dedicated Student Success Co-ordinator will be available to support you through your journey with us, from enrolment through to graduation.

How do online students interact with their peers?

Interactivity and collaboration are key components to a good online learning experience. Through discussion forums, dedicated social media channels, or live virtual classrooms, students should be able to connect with peers from around the globe to share ideas and foster professional networks that extend beyond their studies.

The University of Lincoln has invested in online learning technology that facilitates collaboration and active learning to create an immersive learning experience. Through Canvas as well as Microsoft Teams, you’ll interact with academics, tutors, and other students, with webinars, weekly discussion boards, group work activities, and other opportunities to connect with your peers.

Who does online study suit?

Online study is suited to a wide range of people. From recent bachelor’s graduates aiming to further specialise in their area of interest – for example, areas such as international business, data analytics, or entrepreneurship – to working professionals looking to upskill or change careers, online distance learning programmes offer a high-quality but flexible option.

Online learning is particularly beneficial for people in full-time employment, people with family or caregiving commitments, or those who simply prefer the autonomy of setting their own study schedule.

What are the differences between online and on-campus study?

The primary difference between online and on-campus study lies in the method of delivery. While on-campus programmes offer traditional face-to-face lectures and interactions, online courses provide a flexible learning environment where students can access materials, participate in discussions, and submit assignments from anywhere in the world. This does not mean, however, that online students are isolated. Virtual classrooms, direct digital contact with tutors, and online peer interactions create a collaborative and supportive learning community.

It’s true that on-campus study may be preferable for people who thrive in a physical classroom setting and enjoy in-person interaction. However, online learning offers unparalleled flexibility, and it also opens higher education’s doors in the United Kingdom for people who might not otherwise have the opportunity due to geographical, financial, or time constraints.

The University of Lincoln’s online master’s programmes

Embrace the opportunity to learn new skills, join a global alumni network of 100,000 graduates, and advance your career in your current field – or pivot to a new path entirely – with an online MSc or Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lincoln and the Lincoln International Business School. Our online programmes include:

MSc Management
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For more information about entry requirements, including English language requirements, as well as exit awards such as postgraduate certificates (PGCert) or postgraduate diplomas (PGDip), please read our FAQs .

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Resources Choosing Between a Thesis or Non-thesis Master's Degree

As of 2015, approximately 25.4 million Americans held advanced degrees , with more citizens joining these ranks each year. As studies continue to show the career advancement and salary benefits of completing a master's degree, more and more students elect to pursue advanced educations. When considering their options, many question whether to enroll in a master's requiring a thesis or not. The following guide examines some of the reasons degree seekers may want to write a thesis while also highlighting why they might not. Students on the fence about this important decision can find expert advice, actionable tips, and relevant guidance to help them make an informed choice in the guide that follows.

Understanding the Master's Thesis

What is the difference between a thesis & non-thesis master's program, the decision not to do a thesis.

As students research various master's programs in their chosen discipline, it's common to find that many degrees require a thesis – especially if they want to enter a research-heavy field. While this word gets thrown around a lot in academia, some learners may want more information regarding what it entails in order to make an informed decision.

What is a Master's Thesis?

The master's thesis is an original piece of scholarship allowing the student to dig into a topic and produce an expanded document that demonstrates how their knowledge has grown throughout the degree program. These documents require significant independent research of primary and secondary sources and, depending on the subject, may require interviews and/or surveys to support the overarching argument.

Individual schools and departments dictate the length of these documents, but they typically range between 60 and 100 pages – or approximately 20,000 to 40,000 words. While tackling a document of such heft may seem overwhelming at first, learners need not fret. Each master's candidate receives a faculty advisor early in their tenure to provide support, feedback, and guidance throughout the process. Because the final thesis is expected to be of a publishable quality, learners seeking the highest marks typically send their supervisor excerpts of the document as they write to ensure they are on the right track.

When picking a thesis topic, no magical formula exists. Students should consider their interests and read extensively on that topic to get a better sense of existing scholarship. They should also speak to other academics working in that sphere to familiarize themselves with ongoing projects. Only after they feel reasonably well-read should they begin looking for uncovered angles or interesting ways of using emerging methodologies to bring new light to the topic.

When considering formatting, degree seekers should check with their specific schools and departments, as they may have unique requirements. To get a general understanding of what to expect, learners can review Simon Fraser University's guidelines on thesis formatting. After completing the thesis, some programs require an oral defense before a committee while others read the document and provide a grade. Check with your prospective schools to get a better sense of procedure.

Format & Components of a Master's Thesis

While this guide attempts to provide helpful and actionable information about the process of deciding whether to follow a thesis or non-thesis track in a master's program, readers should remember that specific components and requirements of a thesis vary according to discipline, university, and department. That being said, some commonalities exist across all these – especially when it comes to what students must include in their final drafts.

As the first section a reader encounters after moving through the table of contents and other anterior text, the introductory allows the writer to firmly establish what they want to accomplish. Sometimes also called the "research question" section, the introductory must clearly state the goals of the paper and the overarching hypothesis guiding the argument. This should be written in a professional yet accessible tone that allows individuals without specializations in the field to understand the text.

This section allows learners to demonstrate their deep knowledge of the field by providing context to existing texts within their chosen discipline Learners review the main bodies of work, highlighting any issues they find within each. Constructive criticism often centers around shortcomings, blind spots, or outdated hypotheses.

Students use this section to explain how they went about their work. While scientists may point to a specific method used to reach conclusions, historians may reference the use of an emerging framework for understanding history to bring new light to a topic. The point of this section is to demonstrate the thought processes that led to your findings.

This section allows for learners to show what they learned during the research process in a non-biased way. Students should simply state what information they gathered by utilizing a specific framework or methodology and arrange those findings, without interpretation, in an easy-to-read fashion.

After providing readers with all the necessary information, the discussion section exists for candidates to interpret the raw data and demonstrate how their research led to a new understanding or contributed a unique perspective to the field. This section should directly connect to the introduction by reinforcing the hypothesis and showing how you answered the questions posed.

Even though the previous sections give prospective degree seekers a better sense of what to expect if they decide to write a thesis during their master's program, they don't necessarily help learners decide whether to pursue a thesis or non-thesis track. The following section highlights some of the reasons students frequently choose to complete a thesis or bypass the process altogether by providing a pros and cons list.

Why a Thesis Program

Especially when entering a research-heavy discipline, completing a thesis shows prospective schools and employers that you possess the skills needed for researching and writing long-form reports.
Students hoping to pursue a Ph.D. stand in better stead with admissions panels if they wrote a thesis during a master's program.
Individuals hoping to enter a field that values syntax and grammar often better their writing skills by completing a thesis.
Students who write a thesis can submit the final product to various academic journals, increasing their chances of getting published.
Theses expand students' understanding of what they're capable of, deepen their ability to carry out an argument, and develop their skills in making connections between ideas.

Why a Non-thesis Program

Because they don't require a significant written product, non-thesis master's tend to take less time to complete.
Often mirrors a bachelor's program in terms of structure, allowing learners to complete classes and take exams without a great deal of research or writing.
Students who excel in project-based assignments can continue building skills in this arena rather than focusing on skills they don't plan to use (e.g. research)
Provides learners the opportunity to work more closely and more frequently with faculty on real-world projects since they don't spend hundreds of hours researching/writing.
Allows learners to take more classes and gain hands-on skills to fill the time they would have spent researching and writing a thesis.

How to Choose a Master's Program: FAQs

Within some academic disciplines and professional fields, research and writing plays a key role in work done on a daily basis. Because of this, master's programs in these fields require learners to complete theses to compete against peers and be seen as competent in their work. Other disciplines, conversely, rely on other tools to accomplish work and progress ideas – making theses less important.

Yes. Master's programs focused more on application than research typically don't require a thesis – although they may still give students the option. Examples of common non-thesis master's programs include nursing, business, and education.

Even though non-thesis students won't be writing a 100-page paper, that doesn't mean they avoid completing a significant project. In place of a thesis, most applied master's programs require students to take part in at least one internship or complete a culminating project. These projects typically ask learners to take what they learned throughout coursework and create an expansive final project – examples include case studies, creative works, or portfolios.

While students who followed a non-thesis path routinely receive acceptance to Ph.D. programs, those with theses often find the process easier. Even if a learner pursues a Ph.D. in a discipline that isn't research-heavy, admissions panels still want to get a sense of your academic interests and ability to engage in independent, nuanced thought. Students with theses can provide solid proof of these skills, while those without may struggle to demonstrate preparedness as thoroughly.

The answer to this question depends on many factors, but typically it is okay not to do a thesis if you plan to enter a field that doesn't depend heavily on research or writing, or if you don't plan to complete a Ph.D.

Students wanting to work in academic, research, or writing should always opt for the thesis track. They should also follow this path if they have any doctoral degree aspirations.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to complete a thesis rests with the individual student. Figuring out how to proceed on this front requires lots of careful consideration, and learners should ensure they consider various aspects before coming to a final decision. The following section helps students consider how they should and should not come to a conclusion.

Dos and Don'ts of Choosing a Thesis or Non-thesis Program

Consider the longevity of your decision: will you feel the same in 5-10 years or are you making a decision based on current desires?
Talk to others who with experience in this area. Ask them questions about their decision-making process and if they regret their choice.
Research potential thesis topics before starting a program. Going in with a game plan can help you feel more confident and settled about the process than if you're scrambling for a topic while in school.
Reach out to prospective schools to speak with faculty and/or current students following both tracks. This will provide knowledge specific to the school while also expanding your network if you choose to attend there.
Research Ph.D. entrance requirements to ascertain if the majority expect learners to possess a thesis when applying. This will give you a sense of whether you may experience issues later on if you do not complete one.
Decide not to complete a thesis simply because you have never taken on such a task and feel overwhelmed or fearful that you will fail.
Complete a thesis simply because you think it will look good on your resume. Theses require intense devotion over an extended amount of time; learners who complete them without conviction often find the process miserable.
Forget to research alternatives to writing a thesis. Just because you don't complete a research paper doesn't mean a non-thesis track lacks rigor or challenging coursework.
Forget to read examples of theses by previous students. If you feel overwhelmed by the task, reading work other people have done can often make the task at hand feel less scary.
Let yourself off easy by taking the non-thesis path. If you find you have extra time in the program, talk to your advisor about taking more classes, develop meaningful projects for yourself, or see about presenting at an academic conference.

From the Expert

Sudiksha Joshi, Ph.D. is a learning advocate. Her mission is to empower our youth to think bigger, bolder thoughts and forge a career path that will change the world. She taps into her natural curiosity and ability to identify strengths to help students and those in transition find their path from feeling lost in the traditional ways of achieving success to charting their own path. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Medium and LinkedIn.

Why might a student decide to follow a thesis track? Why might they follow a non-thesis track?

A student might decide to take a thesis track if she/he wants to pursue a Ph.D. Also, if the students want to focus on careers where research and writing have a strong focus, the students opt for the thesis option. Research assistantships at the graduate level are also more often available to students who opt for the thesis option.

A student who might feel that writing is not one of their strengths might choose to go the non-thesis track. Likewise, a student who has other work commitments may find a non-thesis option more convenient.

Do you have any tips for deciding on a program?

I chose a thesis option because being able to conduct independent research was a big reason to go to graduate school. Also, showing the ability that I could do research was what afforded me research assistantships which meant that my tuition was paid for and I got a stipend that paid for expenses while I was in graduate school. This also allowed me the opportunity to work closely with the faculty mentor that provided me with the support and the accountability I wanted.

I would not recommend taking a non-thesis option if all the degree requires is for you to take courses. You have little to show in terms of your learning other than your grades unless you are already working on something on the side that does that for you and all you need is a certificate.

Opt for a non-thesis option if you can still work closely with a professor or on a project and if you'd rather be involved in multiple projects rather than focus on a single project. If you already have a good (informed) reason for choosing one over the other, go for it.

What's the most important thing to consider when choosing a program?

The most important thing to consider when choosing a program is getting excited about the projects that at least one of the faculty members are involved in. Do some research and see why you are excited about a particular work that at least one of the faculty members have been involved in.

Who should students talk to when considering options?

Students should talk to other students and also reach out directly to the graduate coordinator and even individual faculty members. This means that students should have done prior homework and have some good questions ready. Asking good questions will get you at least halfway through to make the right decision.

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OU theses and dissertations

Online theses.

Are available via Open Research Online .

Print theses

Search for OU theses in the Library Search . To see only print theses click 'In the Walton Hall library' and refine your results to resource type 'Thesis'.

OU staff and research students can borrow a consultation copy of a thesis (if available). Please contact the Library helpdesk giving the author and title of the thesis.

UK theses and dissertations from EThOS

The Electronic Theses Online System (EThOS) offers free access to the full text of UK theses.

EThOS offers a one stop online shop providing free access to UK theses
EThOS digitizes theses on request into PDF format, this may require payment
EThOS is managed by the British Library in partnership with a number of UK universities
EThOS is open to all categories of library user

What does this mean to you as a library user?

When you need to access a PhD thesis from another UK based HE institution you should check EThOS to either download a thesis which has already been digitised or to request that a UK thesis be supplied to you.

For all UK theses EThOS will be the first point of delivery. You can use the online ordering and tracking system direct from EThOS to manage your requests for UK PhD theses, including checking the status of your requests
As readers you will deal directly with EThOS so will not need to fill in a document delivery request
OU staff and research students will still be entitled to access non-UK based PhD theses by filling in a document delivery request
In some cases where EThOS is unable to supply a UK thesis OU staff and research students will be able to access it by filling in a conventional document delivery request. The thesis will be supplied through direct loan
The EThOS system is both faster and cheaper than the previous British Theses service which was based on microfilm
The British Library no longer arranges interlibrary loans for UK PhD theses
Interlibrary Loan procedures for other types of request from the British Library (articles and books for example) will remain the same

If you have any queries about using EThOS contact the Document Delivery Team ( [email protected] or the Library Helpdesk ).

Note 13/03/2024: The British Library is continuing to experience a major technology outage affecting its websites and other online systems, due to a Cyber attack. as a result access to ETHOS might not be possible until the issue is fixed.

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Can You Get a PhD without a Masters?

Applying to a PhD

Yes, it’s possible to get a PhD without first having a Masters degree .

The conventional route for someone who earns a PhD is to pursue a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Masters degree and then a PhD. However, several students opt to bypass a Master’s degree by enrolling onto a doctoral programme as soon as they complete their undergraduate degree.

Before we discuss how this can be done, it is worth mentioning the advantages and disadvantages of this route.

Advantages of Applying to a PhD without A Masters

The motivations for undertaking a PhD immediately after an undergraduate course are largely in saving money and time. This is because you will essentially eliminate a year of study. Another advantage of immediately enrolling onto a doctorate degree is project availability. If you find a project that you’re really interested in, it’s unlikely that it will still be available in a years’ time. Therefore, bypassing a Masters and enrolling directly into a PhD will increase your chances of securing the research project before it becomes unavailable.

Disadvantages of Applying to a PhD without A Masters

Although a Masters degree will add a year onto your academic journey, it can be incredibility helpful for your development and can help prepare you for a doctoral degree.

Not having a Master’s degree may prove to be a hindrance during your application process. This is because many other students will also apply to the same research projects, and it’s likely that the majority will hold a Masters. This will put you at a disadvantage to them.

Besides this, the dissertation project you’ll be required to undertake on a Master’s programme will provide you with a taste of what it is like to work on a research-based project. In addition to this, it’s likely that you’ll be able to select your own dissertation topic. As such, you can explore a specific field you’re interested in in further detail. This is a great way to confirm that both research-based work and the specific field you’re interested in are right for you before committing the next few years to it via a PhD.

Another advantage to the dissertation project associated with a Masters degree is the opportunity it provides you with to work closely with a project supervisor. This will help you understand the PhD student-supervisor relationship and communication frequency that works best for you. You can then use this knowledge to find supervisors who would compliment you when it comes time to find a PhD project to apply to. For tips on how to find a great PhD supervisor, check out our supervisor guide .

PhD without a Masters – How Does It Work?

To be considered for a PhD without a Master’s, at a minimum you will be expected to have a Bachelors degree. For students looking to enrol onto a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) PhD, a relevant Bachelors in a 3-year undergraduate course is usually expected. However, this is not the case for students looking to apply to non-STEM PhDs. Rather, students looking to apply to doctorates in subjects such as those surrounding Arts and Humanities are usually expected to have a relevant Bachelors from a 4-year course.

In addition to this, you will need to have demonstrated strong academic performance during your undergraduate course. This means that your Bachelors will need to be at least a UK Upper Second-Class Honours (2.1) for nearly all institutions to consider you.

Should you be accepted into a PhD programme without a Masters, the usual process will be to first register you as an MPhil student. You will then have a year to prepare and submit a thesis. Your thesis will need to detail the research you have carried out within that year and outline how you intend to continue it into a full PhD study. There are three outcomes of this MPhil thesis review:

Failure and you’re not awarded anything.
You pass, however, the supervisor doesn’t believe you’ve demonstrated strong research skills. You’re awarded an MPhil but they do not upgrade your course to a PhD programme.
You pass and the supervisor believes you have proven yourself as a capable researcher. Your course is upgraded to a PhD as opposed to you being awarding an MPhil.

For more information on these outcomes, read the outcomes section of our PhD Viva guide .

Integrated PhD

Some universities offer Integrated PhD degree programmes (also known as an Integrated Masters degree). These are four-year programmes comprising of a one-year Masters degree immediately followed by a three-year PhD degree. These can prove a great option for graduate students who are looking to undertake a PhD without a Masters but are struggling to meet the eligibility requirements. You can read about the many benefits of integrated degrees here .

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

PhD without a Bachelors – Is It Possible?

Yes, it is possible to get a PhD without a Bachelor’s, however, this is extremely uncommon.

When this occurs, it is almost always reserved for very mature individuals. For example, an individual may not be in active academia but still may have significantly contributed to their field. This contribution could be through the work they have undertaken as part of their career, or as part of a long-term study project, they have undertaken out of self-interest.

In either case, the individual would need to prove that they have extensive experience in their field and have directly contributed to new knowledge within it. The key factor here is that their work has pushed the boundaries of existing knowledge. It is not enough for an individual to be regarded as an expert in their field – they must have contributed something new and meaningful. It’s common for individuals awarded a PhD through this means to have produced several publications within their lifetime. It’s also common for the individual to have gained several professional accreditations within their field before even being considered suitable for a PhD research degree.

Universities Offering PhD without a Masters

Unfortunately, there is not a centralised list of universities which offer PhDs without a Master’s degree. The reason for this is that the edibility requirements differ from PhD to PhD and from department to department.

Therefore, you will need to check the guidelines for each individual university and the requirements for each specific PhD you’re interested in.

Should you find a PhD programme you can apply to with a Bachelors, make every effort to make your application as strong as possible. This is because you will be competing against other candidates, most of who will have a Master’s degree.

Not only can you strengthen your application by having a Bachelors with a First-Class Honours (1st), but you can also do so by showing the traits of a successful researcher. This includes showing a genuine interest in the project, a high work ethic, and exceptional communication skills.

Additionally, a strong letter of recommendation from a respected university lecturer will prove very beneficial. This is especially true if the lecturer supervisors his or her own PhD students. This is because the lecturer will understand the skills required for an adept research student.

For more advice on how to apply to a PhD degree, check out our Application Process Guide.

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How do I find a Cambridge thesis?

Ph.D., M.Litt., M.Sc., and Divinity M.Phil. theses approved after 1970 are catalogued in iDiscover, as are M.D. and M.Chir. theses approved after May 2006. Earlier theses are listed in a card catalogue in the Manuscripts Reading Room and are gradually being added to iDiscover.

Since 1 October 2017, all PhD theses are being deposited in electronic form to the University repository Apollo . Many earlier theses are also in the repository, but if they are not yet in digital form it is possible to request access to these theses. There is more information on how to request a copy of a printed thesis further down this page.

Gaining access to electronic copies of a thesis

The author of a given thesis in Apollo can choose whether their thesis is available to be downloaded, available on request or unavailable. While many of the theses in Apollo are openly available for download, some theses in the repository are not open access because they have either been embargoed by the author or because they are unable to be made openly available for copyright or other reasons.

Requesting a copy of a printed thesis

Researchers can order a copy of an unpublished thesis which was deposited in print form through the Library’s Digital Content Unit via the image request form . Copies of theses may be provided to researchers in accordance with the law and in a manner that is common across UK libraries.The law allows us to provide whole copies of unpublished theses to individuals as long as they sign a declaration saying that it is for non-commercial research or private study. The agreement used for access to theses at Cambridge has been drafted using the guidance by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).

Theses are not available for borrowing or inter library loan. The copyright of theses remains with the author. The law does not allow us to provide a copy for inclusion in a general library collection or for wider distribution beyond the individual receiving the copy, without the explicit permission of the author or copyright holder. Where someone approaches us asking for a copy for their library or wider distribution, they must obtain the explicit permission of the author or copyright owner.

Please note any periods of access restriction requested by the author apply to both electronic and print copies.

This project is a joint initiative of Cambridge University Library and the Research Strategy Office .

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Research Repository

Uk doctoral thesis metadata from ethos.

The datasets in this collection comprise snapshots in time of metadata descriptions of hundreds of thousands of PhD theses awarded by UK Higher Education institutions aggregated by the British Library's EThOS service. The data is estimated to cover around 98% of all PhDs ever awarded by UK Higher Education institutions, dating back to 1787.

Previous versions of the datasets are restricted to ensure the most accurate version of metadata is available for download. Please contact [email protected] if you require access to an older version.

Collection Details

List of items in this collection
Year Published	Date Added	Visibility
2023	2023-11-27	Public
2023	2023-05-12	Public
2022	2022-10-14	Public
2022	2022-04-12	Public
2021	2021-09-03	Public
2015	2021-03-08	Public
2021	2021-02-09	Public
2020	2020-07-24	Public
2020	2020-02-11	Public
2019	2019-12-12	Public

« Previous
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Subject Guides

Academic writing: a practical guide

Dissertations.

Academic writing
The writing process
Academic writing style
Structure & cohesion
Criticality in academic writing
Working with evidence
Referencing
Assessment & feedback
Reflective writing
Examination writing
Academic posters
Feedback on Structure and Organisation
Feedback on Argument, Analysis, and Critical Thinking
Feedback on Writing Style and Clarity
Feedback on Referencing and Research
Feedback on Presentation and Proofreading

Dissertations are a part of many degree programmes, completed in the final year of undergraduate studies or the final months of a taught masters-level degree.

Introduction to dissertations

What is a dissertation.

A dissertation is usually a long-term project to produce a long-form piece of writing; think of it a little like an extended, structured assignment. In some subjects (typically the sciences), it might be called a project instead.

Work on an undergraduate dissertation is often spread out over the final year. For a masters dissertation, you'll start thinking about it early in your course and work on it throughout the year.

You might carry out your own original research, or base your dissertation on existing research literature or data sources - there are many possibilities.

What's different about a dissertation?

The main thing that sets a dissertation apart from your previous work is that it's an almost entirely independent project. You'll have some support from a supervisor, but you will spend a lot more time working on your own.

You'll also be working on your own topic that's different to your coursemate; you'll all produce a dissertation, but on different topics and, potentially, in very different ways.

Dissertations are also longer than a regular assignment, both in word count and the time that they take to complete. You'll usually have most of an academic year to work on one, and be required to produce thousands of words; that might seem like a lot, but both time and word count will disappear very quickly once you get started!

Find out more:

Key dissertation tools

Digital tools.

There are lots of tools, software and apps that can help you get through the dissertation process. Before you start, make sure you collect the key tools ready to:

use your time efficiently
organise yourself and your materials
manage your writing
be less stressed

Here's an overview of some useful tools:

Digital tools for your dissertation [Google Slides]

Setting up your document

Formatting and how you set up your document is also very important for a long piece of work like a dissertation, research project or thesis. Find tips and advice on our text processing guide:

University of York past Undergraduate and Masters dissertations

If you are a University of York student, you can access a selection of digitised undergraduate dissertations for certain subjects:

History
History of Art
Social Policy and Social Work

The Library also has digitised Masters dissertations for the following subjects:

Archaeology
Centre for Eighteenth-Century Studies
Centre for Medieval Studies
Centre for Renaissance and Early Modern Studies
Centre for Women's Studies
English and Related Literature
Health Sciences
History of Art
Hull York Medical School
Language and Linguistic Science
School for Business and Society
School of Social and Political Sciences

Dissertation top tips

Many dissertations are structured into four key sections:

introduction & literature review

There are many different types of dissertation, which don't all use this structure, so make sure you check your dissertation guidance. However, elements of these sections are common in all dissertation types.

Dissertations that are an extended literature review do not involve data collection, thus do not have a methods or result section. Instead they have chapters that explore concepts/theories and result in a conclusion section. Check your dissertation module handbook and all information given to see what your dissertation involves.

Introduction & literature review

The Introduction and Literature Review give the context for your dissertation:

What topic did you investigate?
What do we already know about this topic?
What are your research questions and hypotheses?

Sometimes these are two separate sections, and sometimes the Literature Review is integrated into the Introduction. Check your guidelines to find out what you need to do.

Literature Review Top Tips [YouTube] | Literature Review Top Tips transcript [Google Doc]

The Method section tells the reader what you did and why.

Include enough detail so that someone else could replicate your study.
Visual elements can help present your method clearly. For example, summarise participant demographic data in a table or visualise the procedure in a diagram.
Show critical analysis by justifying your choices. For example, why is your test/questionnaire/equipment appropriate for this study?
If your study requires ethical approval, include these details in this section.

Methodology Top Tips [YouTube] | Methodology Top Tips transcript [Google Doc]

More resources to help you plan and write the methodology:

The Results tells us what you found out .

It's an objective presentation of your research findings. Don’t explain the results in detail here - you’ll do that in the discussion section.

Results Top Tips [YouTube] | Results Top Tips transcript [Google Doc]

The Discussion is where you explain and interpret your results - what do your findings mean?

This section involves a lot of critical analysis. You're not just presenting your findings, but putting them together with findings from other research to build your argument about what the findings mean.

Discussion Top Tips [YouTube] | Discussion Top Tips transcript [Google Doc]

Conclusions are a part of many dissertations and/or research projects. Check your module information to see if you are required to write one. Some dissertations/projects have concluding remarks in their discussion section. See the slides below for more information on writing conclusions in dissertations.

Conclusions in dissertations [Google Slides]

The abstract is a short summary of the whole dissertation that goes at the start of the document. It gives an overview of your research and helps readers decide if it’s relevant to their needs.

Even though it appears at the start of the document, write the abstract last. It summarises the whole dissertation, so you need to finish the main body before you can summarise it in the abstract.

Usually the abstract follows a very similar structure to the dissertation, with one or two sentences each to show the aims, methods, key results and conclusions drawn. Some subjects use headings within the abstract. Even if you don’t use these in your final abstract, headings can help you to plan a clear structure.

Abstract Top Tips [YouTube] | Abstract Top Tips transcript [Google Doc]

Watch all of our Dissertation Top Tips videos in one handy playlist:

Research reports, that are often found in science subjects, follow the same structure, so the tips in this tutorial also apply to dissertations:

Other support for dissertation writing

Online resources.

The general writing pages of this site offer guidance that can be applied to all types of writing, including dissertations. Also check your department guidance and VLE sites for tailored resources.

Other useful resources for dissertation writing:

Appointments and workshops

There is a lot of support available in departments for dissertation production, which includes your dissertation supervisor, academic supervisor and, when appropriate, staff teaching in the research methods modules.

You can also access central writing and skills support:

<< Previous: Reports
Next: Reflective writing >>
Last Updated: Aug 7, 2024 2:21 PM
URL: https://subjectguides.york.ac.uk/academic-writing

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What if I don't finish my masters dissertation?

They've expected us to start immediately on our dissertation after a stressful second semester that ended in the end of May, but honestly I have zero motivation whatsoever to even do this dissertation.

I've been preparing for my job starting in September but also I've been on holiday mode and focusing on other things such as hobbies and fitness. Not to mention I really need to get a job for the summer as I'm completely broke right now just living at home. Also this project sucks as all the good supervisors I wanted to have my project done for were taken up in advance.

I really just don't have the mental fortitude right now to continue my studies and having done a dissertation literally last year I know exactly how much effort it's gonna take possibly even more.

Just wondering what happens if I complete semester 1 and 2 but not my dissertation (the course is 180 credits in total).

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Preparing and submitting your thesis

Your research degree.

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On this page you will find information about how you should prepare your thesis for submission, and the process for submission. You can navigate to information about the examination process itself via the menu on the left of this page.

Notification of intention to submit

To submit your thesis or portfolio you must:

complete section A of the Intention to Submit form, available on the Forms and Letter Requests page
attach a copy of your summary (see below) to the form.

Section B of the form should be completed by your main supervisor before the form is returned. You'll get written confirmation of receipt of your application.

Two months’ notice is required so that your examiners can be identified and formally appointed, ready for your submission. If you don't give full notice of your intention to submit, the examination of your thesis will be delayed.

Please note:

If you are being funded through your studies, and there is commercially sensitive information within your thesis, funders can request a non-disclosure agreement. This would be between your examiners and the University of Sussex. In these instances, contact [email protected] for advice.

Your thesis summary

Your thesis summary (or abstract) should provide a synopsis of the thesis, and clearly state the nature and scope of the research undertaken and contribution made to the knowledge of the subject. It should include a brief statement of the method of investigation where appropriate, an outline of the major divisions or principal arguments of the work and a summary of any conclusions reached.

Your summary should be submitted with your Intention to Submit form, and copy also incorporated in to your thesis on submission. Your summary should be single spaced and not exceed 300 words (except in the following subjects, which must not exceed 600 words: Education/Social Work, Music-Theatre Performance, Creative Writing and Media Practice. Each summary should include a heading set out in the following style:

UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX
YOUR FULL NAME
DEGREE FOR WHICH THE THESIS OR PORTFOLIO IS SUBMITTED
TITLE OF THESIS OR PORTFOLIO SUMMARY

Thesis presentation and layout

The below outlines the University's minimum requirements. Your School determines the required length and format for your thesis. You should therefore consult your School's PGR handbook (or equivalent resource) for further information, prior to submission.

Before submission you are advised to check that:

All chapters/sections are present and complete, correctly numbered and in the correct order.
Tables of contents, etc. are present and correct.
All Figures and Tables are present, inserted in the correct place, have an appropriate title and legend where necessary, and are in final form and appropriately numbered. A minimum font size of not less than 9 is suggested after insertion of a Figure into the main text of the thesis.
The text has been carefully checked to remove typographical, spelling and grammatical errors.
The bibliography is presented in an acceptable format (your supervisor should be able to advise you further).
References are cited accurately, and every reference cited in the text is given in the bibliography and vice-versa.
All pages are present and correctly numbered and located.
You have correctly set out subject-specific aspects such as statistical analyses, formulae or quotations.
Apart from quotations, your thesis or portfolio should be written in English. In exceptional circumstances, your School's PGR Committee may recommend to the University's PGR Sub-Committee that submission of a thesis in a language other than English be approved. Permission should normally be sought within the first year of registration for full-time PGRs, and within the first two years for part-time PGRs.
A thesis presented for examination in an incomplete or poor form could result in the examiners being unable to assess the academic work properly. You may wish to engage the services of a proof reader or editor to assist you in completing a draft of your thesis. Should you choose to so, you should consult and adhere to the University’s Policy on Regarding Proof Reading .

The approved format of your thesis or portfolio is as follows:

Typeface: The typeface should be clear and easy to read.
Spacing: For the main text, double or one-and-a-half line-spacing. For indented quotations or footnotes, single line-spacing.
Margins: The left-hand-side should be 4cm. The top and bottom margins should be 2.5cm deep. The right hand margin should be 2cm.
Pagination: Pages should be numbered consecutively through the main text, excluding photographs and/or diagrams which are not embodied in the text. Page numbers should be located centrally at the top of the page. Any photographs or diagrams not included in the text must be indexed separately by reference to the page which follows it.
Title page: The title page should include:
the full title of the thesis and the sub-title if any;
the full name of the author;
the qualification aimed for;
the name of the University of Sussex;
the month and year of submission.
the titles of chapters;
sections and paragraphs as appropriate;
the bibliography;
the list of abbreviations and other functional parts of the thesis,
any appendices and the index (if provided).
Drawings, maps and similar documents should preferably be included with the text, but may, if necessary, be submitted in a separate volume lettered in similar fashion to the text.
either numbered consecutively, as far as possible, in the same order as references appear in the text, with numbers only in the text;
or be placed in alphabetical order of authors, sub-divided chronologically by year of publication, with authors' names and years of publications in the text.
In the latter case publications in the same year by the same author(s) should be distinguished in the bibliography and the text by letters in alphabetical sequence (e.g. 1979a, 1979b).
Referencing system: please use the referencing system most prevalent in your discipline. The same referencing system should be used throughout the thesis.
Acknowledgements: In the introduction to your thesis, you should set out the sources of your information, such as particular libraries, archives, organisational records, private papers and department files. You should also set out the plan of your research procedures, indicating what general categories of persons you interviewed and you should indicate any special conditions of access to information.
the thesis or portfolio, whether in the same or different form, has not been previously submitted to this or any other University for a degree, unless you are re-submitting the thesis or portfolio for re-examination.
To what extent any material has already been submitted as part of required coursework, at any university and any award obtained as a result.
The sources from which the information has been derived and, if any part of the thesis or portfolio results from joint work with other persons. If so, the extent to which the thesis or portfolio has drawn on the work of those others and the portion of the thesis or portfolio which you claim to be your own original work.
in the case of the papers-style thesis, the declaration must state the candidate's contribution to each paper.

Submitting your thesis

Your thesis should be submitted as a PDF file by email to [email protected] . If your thesis is too large to send by email, please email ahead and alternative arrangements will be made for your submission.

Once you have submitted your thesis, your registration status changes to ‘research examination’. While you are in this status you will not be required to re-register annually and fees are not accrued.
Notwithstanding intellectual property rights, material submitted for examination (or, following resubmission for re-examination) remains the physical property of the University. Material submitted for a research degree award by creative practice will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Papers-style thesis

You may incorporate, as an integral part of the thesis, any of your work published or submitted for publication before the submission of the thesis, provided that the greater proportion of the work for the thesis has been carried out after registration for the degree and under supervision. If you submit a ‘papers-style’ thesis, you are required to include a declaration confirming your contribution to each paper, especially in cases where the co-author is a supervisor.

In preparing a ‘papers style’ thesis, you should bear in mind that the examiners will be judging the overall contribution of the research project in addition to the quality or impact of the individual papers. You should therefore include a section in the introduction which explains how your project represents a significant contribution to knowledge. The introduction should also be expanded to include a short description of each chapter or paper and their contribution to the overall project. Your final chapter should bring the papers and chapters together into a conclusion.
You may amend the original papers for inclusion in your thesis, even if they have already been published elsewhere. For example, a single set of appendices containing your data, and a single bibliography, will aid the examiners in reading and evaluating the overall thesis.

PhD by Published Works

This type of research degree is available only to those who have authored a substantial research-led publications prior to registration. For full details on eligibility and admission, please see the Policy on Research Degrees (Appendix 2) .

The work submitted for a PhD by Published Works may take the form of refereed articles, chapters, monographs, scholarly editions, software and creative work (including fine art, audiovisual works, design, music or performance) or other original artefacts, as long as they are available or traceable in the public domain. The submission itself will take the form of a portfolio consisting of: an abstract of the submission, including a list of the items of published work; the items of published work (the research for which will not have been undertaken during registration for the PhD), and a 10,000 word supporting paper that:

summarises each published work to be submitted (may be added as appendices and not included in word limit)
provides a commentary on the status of the publishing outlets (may be added as appendices and not included in word limit)
describes the interrelationship of the published works to be submitted
gives a critical review of the current state of knowledge and research in the relevant field
reports on the reception of the published works as indicated by citations and reviews
demonstrates how the published works to be submitted have made a significant contribution to knowledge in a particular field

Plagiarism, collusion and other forms of misconduct

It is an offence for any student to be guilty of, or party to, collusion, plagiarism or any other form of misconduct in an examination or work which is submitted for assessment. It is also an offence to commit any form of misconduct during the course of your research. The main types of misconduct are defined as follows (click on the section to expand):

Plagiarism is the use, without acknowledgement, of the intellectual work of other people, and the act of representing the ideas or discoveries of another as one’s own in written work submitted for assessment. To copy sentences, phrases or even striking expressions without acknowledgement of the source (either by inadequate citation or failure to indicate verbatim quotations), is plagiarism; to paraphrase without acknowledgement is likewise plagiarism. Where such copying or paraphrase has occurred the mere mention of the source in the bibliography shall not be deemed sufficient acknowledgement; each such instance must be referred specifically to its source. Verbatim quotations must be either in inverted commas, or indented, and directly acknowledged.

Deliberate deception, usually involving the invention of data or the fabrication of results or observations. It does not include unintentional error or professional differences in interpretation or judgement of data.

Collusion is the preparation or production of work for assessment jointly with another person or persons unless explicitly permitted. An act of collusion is understood to encompass those who actively assist others as well as those who derive benefit from others’ work. Where joint preparation is permitted but joint production is not, the submitted work must be produced solely by the candidate making the submission. Where joint production or joint preparation and production of work for assessment is specifically permitted, this will be stated explicitly in the relevant course documentation. This does not preclude collaborative working arrangements (e.g. experimental research in laboratories) where this is permitted by the School; however, the student is required to acknowledge in the thesis where the results of collaborative work are presented and outline the contributions made by each party.

Intentional damage to, or removal of, the research-related property of another.

Intentional non-compliance with the terms and conditions governing the award of external funding for research or with the University’s policies and procedures relating to research, including accounting requirements, ethics, and health and safety regulations. At the time you submit your thesis, you will be asked to sign a statement to confirm that you understand the definition of plagiarism and that the sources used in your thesis have been fully acknowledged. Allegations or complaints of misconduct committed by Doctoral Researchers will be investigated by the appropriate authority, depending on the timing and nature of the allegation. Where a Doctoral Researcher is found guilty of misconduct, a range of penalties may be applied, up to and including disqualification from eligibility for the award for the most serious offences. The detailed procedures for the consideration of misconduct by Doctoral Researchers, or others, engaged in research can be accessed at: www.sussex.ac.uk/staff/research/rqi/policy/research-policy .

Turnitin for PGRs

Turnitin, the text-matching service can be accessed via the online learning portal ‘Canvas’, at https://canvas.sussex. ac.uk/courses/6596 . Turnitin enables you to check the text in chapters or sections of your thesis or research reports, to ensure that material from other sources have all been identified and referenced. Turnitin does this by comparing your submitted text with its enormous database of digital text from journals, books, conference proceedings, web pages, and archived student papers. You then have a confidential and detailed report on text similarities, which you can use to identify material taken from other sources. The site also provides links to helpful resources such as copyright and referencing information and guidance for researchers. Where examiners or internal assessors of your work request so, an electronic copy of your thesis will be requested to be submitted through Turnitin. The resulting originality report will be shared with you and all involved.

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Buy Master Thesis Online. free master thesis download
Expository essay: Is a thesis required for a master degree
Exploring The Ideal Length For A Thesis Introduction
Master's Thesis: Basic Principles of Writing a Good Paper
Master's thesis
Master's Thesis

COMMENTS

MSc without Dissertation?
A. BO'H. 11. My LLM didn't include a dissertation/project - just exams - but I guess that an LLM isn't particularly relevant to you. More generally I agree with evantej - a project/dissertation is a big part of a masters and if you really don't want to do one I would have a hard think about whether a masters is for you.
Is it possible for someone to get into a PhD without a thesis in
I assume that you have a Master's degree but not a Master's Thesis. The answer to your question depends on the location. In the UK and the US, a Master's degree is not a requirement to start PhD studies, and therefore a Master's Thesis is also not a requirement.The admissions committee will compare your achievements with those of other students who only have a Bachelor's degree, and the ...
Can You Get a PhD without a Master's? Yes, but Here's Why You Shouldn't
It's almost a sure pass to a doctoral programme. 3. A Master's is the only way to a PhD in a new field. It does not matter where you want to pursue a PhD, if you don't have the right academic background in a connected subject area, your chances of being accepted to a PhD are little to zero. So, if you want to change careers and pursue a ...
Do All Degrees Have a Dissertation?
The answer is yes, it is. In the UK, a master's degree will require you to do a dissertation in order to complete your full master's qualification. However, if you start a master's degree and are unable to do the dissertation, some universities will allow you to switch to a shorter postgraduate course, where you won't have to do the ...
Masters Degree Entry Requirements
Usually requires an overall mark of 60%+. Lower Second Class (2.2) Usually requires an overall mark of 50%+. Third Class (3rd) Usually requires an overall mark of 40%+. Fail. May result from an overall mark below 40%. You'll normally need an upper second class degree (a '2.1') or its equivalent for entry to a Masters degree.
A PhD Without A Masters Degree
The Master's degree exists to show that the student can study at a higher level and this qualification allows you to practice the necessary research skills. This also determines if committing to a large research project is right for you. Additionally, the Master's dissertation forms a part of the PhD in several British universities, so you ...
Is it possible to go from a non-thesis MS to a PhD?
Hi, not necessarily. If an applicant can show they have sufficient background experience and skills the research group needs, they will probably give them a chance to hire them. If the PhD path is something related to the skills they have gained during their MSc thesis, that is one possibility. But those research and study skills may be gained ...
Masters Degree FAQS
So, basically, a Masters in the UK is referred to as a postgraduate degree, but a Masters in the USA is referred to as a graduate degree. ... A Masters dissertation (or thesis) is usually around 15,000-20,000 words. Most are divided into three to four individual chapters, plus an introduction, conclusion and bibliography. ... you may be able to ...
university
Many undergraduate degrees do not require a thesis. Although which ones do and do not depend upon the school. Many graduate degrees also do not require one. JDs, MBAs, and MDs all come to mind. Although, once again, this varies by school and by definition of a thesis. Many schools also allow their Masters students to graduate without a thesis.
5 routes to getting a Doctorate
A thesis is typically 60,000-90,000 words in length - although this can vary between institutions. For instance, the University of Glasgow's College of Social Sciences expects a thesis to be 70,000 to 100,000 words including references, bibliography and appendices, while the University of Cambridge has set an upper limit of 80,000 words.
Postgraduate Certificates (PGCert) and Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDip
What is a Postgraduate Diploma? A Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) is a slightly longer postgraduate course. You can earn one after completing two terms (roughly 30 weeks) of full-time study.. This usually means completing everything in a Masters degree except the final dissertation. A Postgraduate Diploma can therefore be a great option if you just want to study taught content at the same level ...
Can You Graduate Without Dissertation in UK?
Yes, on occasion. Many universities are now offering Ph.D. programs online that do not require dissertations, which have been typically requires for a Ph.D. Students can instead finish a capstone project that demonstrates their knowledge while also contributing new information. Students may want to know if they must write a thesis before ...
Everything you need to know about online master's degrees
The University of Lincoln's online master's programmes Embrace the opportunity to learn new skills, join a global alumni network of 100,000 graduates, and advance your career in your current field - or pivot to a new path entirely - with an online MSc or Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lincoln and the ...
Choosing Between a Thesis & Non-Thesis Master's Degree
Choosing Between a Thesis or Non-thesis Master's Degree. As of 2015, approximately 25.4 million Americans held advanced degrees, with more citizens joining these ranks each year. As studies continue to show the career advancement and salary benefits of completing a master's degree, more and more students elect to pursue advanced educations ...
18-Month Doctorate Programs Without Dissertation 2024+
This online program may take 18 to 20 months to complete. This program requires students to have completed a masters degree prior from an accredited school. This course does not require a GMAT or GRE. It is completed fully online without any campus visits. Unlike other programs, it may not have a waiting list.
Masters without a bachelors in the UK? : r/UniUK
Even technical fields will accept masters applicants if they can prove that they have good underlying knowledge of the subject matter of the bachelors. My husband has >20 years of applied technical experience managing teams of 50-100 people and capital budgets $150M/year, but no formal university….
Theses & dissertations
UK theses and dissertations from EThOS. The Electronic Theses Online System (EThOS) offers free access to the full text of UK theses. EThOS offers a one stop online shop providing free access to UK theses. EThOS digitizes theses on request into PDF format, this may require payment. EThOS is managed by the British Library in partnership with a ...
Can You Get a PhD without a Masters?
Yes, it's possible to get a PhD without first having a Masters degree. The conventional route for someone who earns a PhD is to pursue a Bachelor's degree, followed by a Masters degree and then a PhD. However, several students opt to bypass a Master's degree by enrolling onto a doctoral programme as soon as they complete their ...
Business Administration (without Thesis), M.B.A.
At Business Administration (without Thesis) from Eastern Mediterranean University we advise applicants aiming to work in industry to choose a program without thesis. Careers Business graduates are fortunate in terms of the sheer range of jobs they can apply, ranging from accounting, international trade, marketing, and human resources, to ...
Finding and accessing theses
How do I find a Cambridge thesis? Ph.D., M.Litt., M.Sc., and Divinity M.Phil. theses approved after 1970 are catalogued in iDiscover, as are M.D. and M.Chir. theses approved after May 2006. Earlier theses are listed in a card catalogue in the Manuscripts Reading Room and are gradually being added to iDiscover.
UK Doctoral Thesis Metadata from EThOS // British Library
UK Doctoral Thesis Metadata from EThOS. The datasets in this collection comprise snapshots in time of metadata descriptions of hundreds of thousands of PhD theses awarded by UK Higher Education institutions aggregated by the British Library's EThOS service. The data is estimated to cover around 98% of all PhDs ever awarded by UK Higher ...
Academic writing: a practical guide
A dissertation is usually a long-term project to produce a long-form piece of writing; think of it a little like an extended, structured assignment. In some subjects (typically the sciences), it might be called a project instead. Work on an undergraduate dissertation is often spread out over the final year. For a masters dissertation, you'll ...
What if I don't finish my masters dissertation? : r/UniUK
If you're on a PhD track, again if you fail the dissertation (and the research) you may be able to resit the module. Or you may be able to exit the program with a MPhil (provided you meet the requirements). However like I said, it does depend on the university, and what you have already built up.
Preparing and submitting your thesis
in the case of the papers-style thesis, the declaration must state the candidate's contribution to each paper. Submitting your thesis. Your thesis should be submitted as a PDF file by email to [email protected]. If your thesis is too large to send by email, please email ahead and alternative arrangements will be made for your submission.
Master's Degree without Thesis
Deadlines. October 1, 2024, for an October 2024 dated degree. January 6, 2025, for a January 2025 dated degree. April 1, 2025, for a May 2025 dated degree. You are not eligible to receive your degree until the following requirements have been completed and returned to the [email protected] email address.

MSc without Dissertation?

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Do All Degrees Have a Dissertation?

Does everyone at university have to do a dissertation?

Can you get a degree without doing a dissertation?

Which degrees require a dissertation?

Do all master’s degrees require a dissertation?

What is the point of a university dissertation?

A PhD Without A Masters Degree

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What are Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas?

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Transferring between PGDip, PGCert and Masters programmes

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Can You Graduate Without Dissertation in UK?

What Is a Dissertation?

How Does a Dissertation Work?

Not Compulsory for Many Schools or Programs.

Capstone or Research Project,

Choosing the Right Option:

Dissertation is a Related Resource.

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How does online study work?

How do online students interact with their peers?

Who does online study suit?

What are the differences between online and on-campus study?

The University of Lincoln’s online master’s programmes

Additional content

Choosing Between a Thesis or Non-thesis Master's Degree

Understanding the Master's Thesis

What is a Master's Thesis?

Format & Components of a Master's Thesis

Why a Thesis Program

Why a Non-thesis Program

How to Choose a Master's Program: FAQs

Dos and Don'ts of Choosing a Thesis or Non-thesis Program

From the Expert

Why might a student decide to follow a thesis track? Why might they follow a non-thesis track?

Do you have any tips for deciding on a program?

What's the most important thing to consider when choosing a program?

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UK theses and dissertations from EThOS