It appears that the phrases dissertation and thesis are frequently used interchangeably. Many people will ask you how your thesis is coming along when you're working on a dissertation, and vice versa.

To add to the confusion, certain institutions or departments will use the terminology differently!

But what exactly do we mean when we talk about a dissertation or a thesis?

And does the term you use have any effect on what you end up writing?

This article discusses the key distinctions between a dissertation and a thesis, as well as how the terms may vary depending on the course, university, and location.

What is a dissertation?

A dissertation is an academic paper that is based on original research. Students review previous research in their dissertations while also developing new theories and methodologies.

A dissertation can be used to either invalidate an existing hypothesis or to take existing theories and research in a new direction. It is a substantial research project that is often finished at the end of the academic year.

A dissertation usually begins with a dissertation proposal that is approved by a study supervisor. The student then completes the research and documents the methodology, findings, evaluations, and conclusions.

Undergraduate and postgraduate students can both work on dissertations. Undergraduate word counts range from 5,000 to 8,000, whereas postgraduate word counts range from 10,000 to 15,000.

What is a thesis?

A thesis is an academic article that provides an in-depth review of existing research in a certain field. It will have an academic argument, but it will not normally necessitate original research by the student.

Existing research is used to back up and assess the suggested thesis.

A thesis is usually not necessary at the undergraduate level, but it is increasingly prevalent at the postgraduate level.

Typically, this significant piece of written-up research is finished after a master's degree. Some master's programs demand a thesis to graduate.

Differences between a dissertation vs thesis

The scope of the research is the primary distinction between a dissertation and a thesis. A dissertation creates novel and original thoughts in a certain field of study, whereas a thesis is frequently the result of previous research.

The primary goal of dissertation writing is to bring new results to the current literature on that topic through original research.

Whereas these tend to assess current findings, their objective is to demonstrate knowledge and skills in the subject matter of the course.

In terms of how long it takes to complete a thesis or dissertation project, a thesis is usually shorter than a dissertation because it involves fewer unique research parts.

This implies that it will most likely take less time. This varies based on the university and the program.

Dissertations may entail an oral presentation, known as a viva, in which findings are presented to academics who question the research. This is not normally required for these.

The origin of the words

The term 'dissertation' comes from the Latin words 'dissertate,' which means to continue discussing, and 'disserere,' which means to examine and discuss.

The term "thesis" is derived from the Greek word "tithenai," which means "to place or position." This later became the Latin 'thesis,' which had two meanings: an abstract query and putting something forward.

Similarities between a dissertation vs thesis

There are several significant distinctions between a dissertation and a thesis, but there are also some commonalities.

• Both are often lengthy pieces of scholarly writing, far lengthier than the average essay.

• Both investigate a topic thoroughly, whether you are undertaking completely original research or crafting an argument based on a current study.

• Both are considered final projects and are usually required to graduate with a degree, master's degree, or Ph.D. program. Students who finish a postgraduate diploma or certificate instead of a thesis or dissertation can graduate without completing a thesis or dissertation.

• Both types of research projects require excellent academic writing skills.

Is a dissertation harder than a thesis?

A dissertation may be more difficult for certain students than a thesis. A dissertation requires students to generate an original research idea, which might be more difficult than expanding on already-developed ideas.

The difficulty of a thesis or dissertation, however, is determined by your skill set. Students who learn best by generating their research ideas, for example, may find a dissertation easier than a thesis.

The level of the course can also influence the difficulty. A doctoral thesis, for example, is likely to necessitate more advanced knowledge than an undergraduate thesis.

The difficulty of each type of research assignment varies based on the topic matter and the resources at your disposal.

Dissertations and theses can also be difficult, but don't be put off by the prospect of having to produce a larger body of work. Your manager will be there to help you.

Definitions depend on where you are

The phrases 'dissertation' and 'thesis' are frequently used interchangeably, and their definitions vary depending on the region and university.

There are numerous distinctions between various versions of English, such as British English and American English. Different English-speaking countries use the terms "dissertation" and "thesis" differently.

Dissertation is a term used in countries with academic systems based in the United Kingdom to refer to the body of work completed after an undergraduate or master's level degree.

The term thesis is commonly used at British institutions to refer to the body of work completed at the end of a Ph.D.

The words are used in reverse in countries and institutions based on the American educational system. However, various institutions and even departments within the same university may use the terms differently.

If you're unsure, stick with how the terms are used at your current university and department.

Definitions can depend on the subject

In the United Kingdom, the phrases 'dissertation' and 'thesis' are used interchangeably across institutions and fields.

However, in the United States, the meanings of words can vary depending on the context.

In the United States, the term "thesis" might refer to a piece of original research, although in the United Kingdom, original research is commonly referred to as a dissertation.

If you are studying in the United States, you may complete a master's thesis on another topic that involves extensive reading and knowledge rather than original research and still call it a thesis.

With so much overlap between the two names, it's unsurprising that there is much confusion in the dispute between a dissertation and vs thesis, as there is no clear solution.

Always read specific course specifics to understand exactly what is involved in the research project that you must complete.

Examples from US and UK universities

A dissertation and a thesis, according to Georgetown University in the United States, both contribute to your 'area of knowledge.'

The University of Edinburgh recommends that you consult your course handbook for dissertation criteria, as each department will have its own set of rules for using the terms dissertation and thesis.

A thesis is defined at University College London as the piece of work completed at the end of a research degree such as an EngD, MPhil, MD(Res), or Ph.D.

Conclusion

It doesn't matter which term you use because both refer to a serious and substantial piece of work in which you may demonstrate what you have investigated and learned as part of your postgraduate studies.

You will prevent confusion as long as you refer to the piece of work that you are compiling in the same way as those in your department.

It is critical to determine whether the research piece requires fresh research or expects you to expand on current research.

Writing a dissertation or thesis takes a significant amount of thought and labor, and you don't want to let yourself down at the last hurdle with a bad presentation of your work, so always keep your course or department criteria in mind.