Many people often confuse the terms "dissertation" and "thesis," using them interchangeably. It’s not unusual for someone to ask how your thesis is going, even if you’re working on a dissertation, and vice versa.

To add to the confusion, some universities or academic departments use the terms differently, which can make understanding their meanings more challenging.

So, what do we really mean when we talk about a dissertation or a thesis? And does the terminology affect the kind of document you’ll end up writing?

This article explores the key differences between a dissertation and a thesis, shedding light on how these terms vary based on the course, university, and even location.

What is a dissertation?

A dissertation is an academic document that focuses on original research. While it examines existing studies, it goes a step further by introducing new ideas, hypotheses, or approaches.

The purpose of a dissertation can range from challenging an established theory to expanding on current research in a novel way. This significant research project is typically completed at the end of an academic program.

The process usually begins with a dissertation proposal, which requires approval from a supervisor. Once approved, the student conducts the research and writes a detailed report, including the methodology, findings, analysis, and final conclusions.

Dissertations are common at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. For undergraduates, the word count generally ranges between 5,000 and 8,000 words, while postgraduate dissertations are usually between 10,000 and 15,000 words.

What is a thesis?

A thesis is an academic document that provides a detailed analysis of existing research within a specific field. It presents an academic argument supported and assessed using previously conducted studies, rather than requiring the student to perform original research.

Thesis are typically not part of undergraduate programs and are more commonly required at the postgraduate level.

This substantial research paper is often completed as a final requirement for a master’s degree. In some master’s programs, submitting a thesis is mandatory for graduation.

Differences between a dissertation vs thesis

The primary distinction between a dissertation and a thesis lies in the scope of research. A dissertation focuses on introducing original ideas and contributions to a specific field, while a thesis primarily involves analyzing and synthesizing existing research.

The main goal of a dissertation is to expand the knowledge base in a field by presenting new findings through original research. In contrast, a thesis is designed to assess a student’s understanding and expertise by critically evaluating existing studies.

Regarding time commitment, a thesis is generally shorter than a dissertation because it involves less original research. As a result, completing a thesis often requires less time. However, the exact duration can vary based on the university and program requirements.

Dissertations may also include an oral defense, often called a viva, where the student presents their findings to a panel of academics and answers questions about the research. Theses, on the other hand, typically do not require such a presentation.

The root of the words 

The term "dissertation" is derived from the Latin word dissertare, which means "to continue discussing," and disserere, which translates to "examine and discuss."

The word "thesis" has its roots in the Greek word tithenai, meaning "to place or position." Over time, it evolved into the Latin term thesis, which carried two meanings: "an abstract question" and "to propose something."

Similarities between a dissertation vs thesis

While there are clear differences between a dissertation and a thesis, they also share several similarities.

Both are lengthy academic works, much longer than a standard essay. They delve deeply into a specific topic, whether it involves original research or building an argument based on existing studies.

These projects are often the final requirement for completing a degree, master's, or PhD program. However, students who choose to pursue a postgraduate diploma or certificate may not need to complete a thesis or dissertation to graduate.

Strong academic writing skills are crucial for both types of projects.

Is a dissertation harder than a thesis?

Some students may find a dissertation more challenging than a thesis. This is because a dissertation requires the creation of an original research idea, which can be more difficult than expanding on existing concepts.

However, the level of difficulty for a thesis or dissertation largely depends on individual strengths. For example, students who are more comfortable developing their own research ideas may find a dissertation easier to handle than a thesis.

The difficulty also varies depending on the course level. A doctoral thesis, for example, demands more advanced knowledge compared to an undergraduate thesis.

The complexity of either project can be influenced by the subject matter and the resources available to you.

Both dissertations and theses can be tough, but don’t be discouraged by the thought of working on a larger project. Your supervisor will provide support throughout the process.

Definitions depend on where you are

The terms "dissertation" and "thesis" are often used interchangeably, but their meanings can vary based on the country and university.

There are notable differences between English variations, such as British and American English, and these differences extend to how "dissertation" and "thesis" are used in academic contexts.

In countries with a British-based education system, the word "dissertation" typically refers to the final project for undergraduate or master’s degrees. In these institutions, "thesis" is usually reserved for the work completed at the end of a PhD program.

In contrast, countries and universities following the American education system often use the terms in the opposite way. However, even within the same institution, different departments may use the terms differently.

If you're unsure, it’s best to follow the specific terminology used by your university and department.

Definitions can depend on the subject

In the UK, the terms "dissertation" and "thesis" are generally used in the same way across various institutions and disciplines.

In contrast, the meanings of these terms can vary in the US depending on the subject area. In US academia, the word "thesis" is often used to refer to original research, whereas in the UK, original research is typically called a "dissertation."

If you are studying in the US, you might complete a thesis at the master's level in certain subjects that involves extensive reading and understanding rather than conducting original research.

Given how interchangeable these terms can be, it's easy to see why there is often confusion when comparing a dissertation and a thesis, as the answer is not always straightforward.

To avoid confusion, make sure to check your course details to know exactly what kind of research project you are expected to complete.

Examples from US and UK universities

Georgetown University in the US uses the terms "dissertation" and "thesis" to describe work that contributes to your area of study. At the University of Edinburgh, it's advised that you consult your course handbook for specific guidelines on dissertations, as each department has its own rules for how the terms are used. University College London, on the other hand, defines a thesis as the final project for research degrees like EngD, MPhil, MD(Res), or PhD.

In conclusion

In the end, it doesn’t matter which term you use, as both refer to an extensive and important project that allows you to demonstrate what you’ve learned and researched during your postgraduate studies.

As long as you use the same term as others in your department, you can avoid any confusion.

It’s essential to know whether your project requires original research or if you’re expected to build upon existing work.

Writing a dissertation or thesis involves careful planning and hard work, so make sure to follow your department’s guidelines to ensure your final presentation is up to standard and reflects your efforts.