Difference Between Dissertation and Thesis – Everything You Should Know

Sugathan
March 17, 2025

As you approach an academic project in postgraduate or doctoral studies, you might hear terms like dissertation or thesis and wonder which one you need to do. Understanding the difference between dissertation and thesis is crucial. While both involve extensive research, they differ in purpose and scope. In this blog, we are breaking down thesis and dissertation similarities as well as differences to help you understand what each consists of and how to approach them.

What Is a Dissertation?

A dissertation is an in-depth research task that doctoral students are supposed to do. It often demands a fresh investigation on a given topic. As a candidate, you will have to evaluate the topic from authentic sources and arrive at conclusions that justify your research question. Dissertations add a new perspective to a topic.

What Is a Thesis?

A thesis is a scholarly work that master’s students are expected to complete. Like a dissertation, a thesis too involves collecting data from authentic sources, reviewing previously done research works, and producing findings to support or contradict a theory.

Difference Between Dissertation and Thesis

When we compare a thesis and a dissertation, the key differences lie in their purpose and scope. The detailed differences discussed below will help you understand each concept and their unique requirements better.

Timing of Completion:

As we saw in the definitions of thesis and dissertation, the key distinction lies in the time when they are done. While a thesis is done for a master’s degree, a dissertation is submitted for a Ph.D. or doctoral program.

Content and Focus:

Through a thesis, you showcase your mastery in an existing theory or knowledge, but a dissertation emphasizes original research contributions. It should thus aim to create and justify an original idea using theory and evidence.

Purpose and Contribution:

A thesis collects information from older research to show the student’s understanding of the topic. On the contrary, in a dissertation, the student adds fresh theories and insights to the topic to show how deeply he has gone on a topic.

Length and Detail:

The maximum length that a master’s thesis can go is only about 100 pages, whereas a Ph.D. dissertation requires much more content depth. With proposals, reviews, and full research details, it should triple the length of a thesis.

Thesis And Dissertation Similarities

When we discuss the thesis and dissertation comparison, it’s important to note that despite their differences, they share several key similarities. Understanding these common aspects can help you prepare effectively for your academic project.

Graduation Requirement: Both are mandatory for the respective category of students for their final projects to complete the graduation.
Knowledge Depth: Completing either requires a strong understanding of the subject and the numerous concepts related to it.
Originality of the Work: Plagiarism is strictly prohibited in both dissertation and thesis. For both projects, you must come up with an original perspective or analysis.
Analytical Skills: For presenting fresh arguments in either task, you should have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Peer Review: Having someone review your work before submitting it can help you improve its clarity and correctness in either case.
Writing Skills: Strong writing abilities are essential to present ideas and arguments effectively in both pieces of work.
Drafting Process: Writing, revising, and editing are key steps in crafting a refined final piece of dissertation and thesis.
Submission Deadline: There are set deadlines for both assignments. Hence, you must develop an effective time management strategy before starting it.

Dissertation vs Thesis: Regional Differences Explained

Dissertations and theses vary by region. Such differences stem from the unique academic norms, scope and requirements established in each region. Let’s explore these regional differences to understand how they shape the structure and purpose of each.

Difference Between Dissertation and Thesis in the US

In the US, the distinctions we discussed earlier highlight how universities view a thesis versus a dissertation. Master’s students complete a thesis, while PhD aspirants write a dissertation. This clear distinction marks different levels of education and what students are expected to accomplish at each level.

Difference Between Dissertation and Thesis in Europe

The European academic framework differs from the American system in terms of the requirements for thesis and dissertation. Across Europe, the very terminology of thesis and dissertation can seem confusing. Usually, doctoral programs require students to complete a thesis for graduation. Students may then undertake a dissertation as part of extended post-graduate research work.

Conclusion

Have you understood the fundamental difference between thesis and dissertation across academic systems? As a student, understanding these distinctions in general and how each’s requirements vary by region is important to navigate your academic journey more with more clarity.

We hope this blog has been helpful for you. If you have any further questions, need guidance, or require additional support, feel free to reach out to us. At professional writing service(pws), we offer both dissertation and thesis writing help, with subject-specific experts ready to assist you. Contact us for more details!

Mr. Sugathan

Mr. Sugathan is the founder of Professional Writing Services. He is an Army veteran who served the nation for more than two decades. During his tenure, he was involved in a lot of documentation and secretarial works. He has been drafting letters and documents on a daily basis.