Study tips & tricks
Dissertation vs. Thesis: What is the difference between them?
Author:
Samantha Williams
Feb 17, 2025
8 min
Table of contents
Dissertation vs Thesis: Your Guide to Key Differences
Not sure whether you’ll have to work on a thesis or a dissertation to earn your degree? Not to worry! WritePapers’ experts are here to break down all the key similarities and differences between the two types of papers, depending on where you study and your academic level.
Here’s what you’ll find in our guide below:
- How terminology changes depending on the country
- When you should expect to write a thesis and when you have to work on a dissertation
- How the two paper types compare in purpose, length, and content
Main Difference Between Thesis and Dissertation: Academic Level
On the surface, the answer to the question “What is the difference between a thesis and a dissertation?” is quite straightforward:
- Dissertations are reserved for doctoral degrees
- Theses are a prerequisite to earning a master’s degree
But mind that the use of these two terms also depends on where you’re studying. In American English, the difference described above stays true: theses are for master’s students, while PhD students have to face dissertation writing. However, if you study in the UK, Ireland, or Brazil, it’s the opposite: PhD candidates write theses, while master’s students grapple with dissertations.
To make matters slightly worse, you may also come across the term graduate thesis. It’s a catch-all term for both doctoral dissertations and master’s theses.
From here on out, we’ll stick to the American English meaning for both terms.
Will I Have to Write a PhD Thesis or Dissertation?
If you’re working towards a PhD degree, you’ll have to write a dissertation if you study in the United States or Canada and a thesis if you study in the United Kingdom or Ireland.
The difference between dissertation and thesis papers goes beyond the academic level, though. Since doctoral degrees are far more advanced than their master’s counterparts, a doctoral dissertation is meant to be longer and more detailed than a thesis.
Typically running 200-300 pages, doctoral dissertations also have to make an original contribution to the field, whether through empirical studies or nonempirical research and analysis.
Masters Dissertation vs Thesis: What’s the Difference?
As we pointed out above, the term ‘dissertation’ is used for a master’s degree research paper in British English, while ‘thesis’ is used in American English. That’s the main difference.
Compared to a doctoral dissertation, master’s theses are shorter and don’t focus as much on original research. Instead, their purpose is to demonstrate the author’s full grasp of the topic and knowledge of the field. So, you’re more likely to focus on analyzing existing research than conducting original one.
Note: as for the dissertation vs thesis undergraduate debate, bachelor’s students may have to write a thesis, also known as a senior thesis.
Thesis vs Dissertation: How the Two Compare
Now that we’re clear on the terminology, let’s dive into the specifics of how thesis versus dissertation papers compare in terms of content, purpose, and more:
- Purpose: Dissertations aim to make an original contribution to the field, while theses are meant to demonstrate the student’s grasp of the topic
- Content: Dissertations establish and prove a hypothesis with original research, while theses summarize existing research on an established point of view
- Length: Dissertations are longer (>200-300 pages) than theses (>100 pages)
- Difficulty: Dissertations require a far more in-depth grasp of the field than theses
There are also some similarities between dissertations and theses, such as:
- Both are the longest and most complex papers for students so far
- Both require oral presentation and defense
- Both are necessary to obtain the degree being pursued
- Both have to be submitted by a specified deadline
- Both are checked for plagiarism and AI involvement
Master’s and Doctoral Thesis vs Dissertation Length
If you’re writing a paper to earn a master’s degree (be it called a thesis or a dissertation), expect to put out at least 100 pages.
Keep in mind that you should rely on your institution’s requirements first and foremost. If they state you can make do with 75 pages or have to hit at least 125 pages, comply with those requirements.
When comparing the thesis vs dissertation length, doctoral dissertations are easily two to three times longer than their master’s-level counterparts. Yes, that’s right: you’ll have to write a whole book to obtain the PhD degree!
Premium academic assistance from seasoned pros
Hire a writerAm I Supposed to Write a Thesis or Dissertation?
Well, that depends on where you’re studying and what degree you’re pursuing. If you’re an American master’s student, for example, you’ll have to write a thesis. But if you’re working towards a doctorate, you’ll have to write a dissertation.
Keep in mind, though, that the two terms can be used interchangeably even within one country. Which term you use matters the most when you actually get to submitting your piece of writing.
To meet the standards set for your thesis or dissertation, make sure you understand the research paper’s purpose, along with its requirements for its length and content.
On top of that, educational institutions usually have their own house styles for theses and dissertations. Rely on them to structure and format your paper correctly.
Is a Thesis the Same as a Dissertation?
No, a master’s thesis is quite different from a doctoral dissertation. For one, a master’s thesis is typically faster to write because it’s shorter and doesn’t require original research. As you’re not required to conduct original research, you may also find it a lot easier to put together.
That said, the two paper types also share some similarities. Both are required to obtain a degree (master’s or PhD) and both are the longest papers a student is expected to write up to that point. Regardless of the paper type, you’ll also have to present and defend it in front of a panel of experts.
So, What Is the Difference Between a Thesis and a Dissertation?
The main thesis vs dissertation difference is the degree its author pursues. In the United States, if you’re after a master’s degree, you’ll have to write a thesis. Doctorate candidates, in turn, will have to write, present, and defend a dissertation. (The reverse is true for the UK, Ireland, and some other countries.)
Both research paper types are the lengthiest and most complex for students so far in their academic careers. Both require defense and decide whether you obtain your degree.
However, dissertations are two to three times longer than theses and require original research. They also have to prove or refute an original hypothesis, unlike theses.
That said, both dissertations and theses take a lot of time to complete – and are among the most challenging papers you’ll ever write. So, start early, don’t hesitate to enlist the help of your advisor, and remember to set aside enough time for proofreading and editing.
Having a hard time crafting an essay?
Let our highly skilled experts handle your daunting tasks and have a well-deserved break. Top-tier quality guaranteed.
Ace my paper
FAQ
A master’s thesis is usually required to be at least 100 pages long. Doctoral dissertations are two to three times longer than that.
So, if you need to write a doctoral dissertation, you may spend a whole year or more on it. That’s not just because of the required length but also because you need to conduct original research to secure your PhD degree.
Doctoral dissertations are longer and more complex than master’s theses. They require you to make an original contribution to the field you’re studying, which often involves conducting a study or gathering data first-hand. Theses, in turn, can be written based only on existing research.
Both dissertations and theses, however, require you to present and defend the paper in front of a panel of experts.
In American English, a thesis is a research paper that master’s students have to write and defend to obtain their degree. A dissertation is a research paper that serves as a rite of passage for aspiring PhD degree holders.
In British English, however, the meanings of these two terms are reversed. Doctoral candidates work on their theses, while master’s students write dissertations.
The requirement for original research is the main difference between the two papers. A master’s thesis doesn’t require you to conduct empirical studies and gather and analyze new data. You can rely completely on existing research; you only need to analyze it.
A doctoral dissertation, in turn, can’t be brought to life without original research. In some fields, however, it doesn’t have to be empirical (e.g., philosophy, literature).
