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The words ‘ dissertation ’ and ‘thesis’ both refer to a large written research project undertaken to complete a degree, but they are used differently depending on the country:
The main difference is in terms of scale – a dissertation is usually much longer than the other essays you complete during your degree.
Another key difference is that you are given much more independence when working on a dissertation. You choose your own dissertation topic , and you have to conduct the research and write the dissertation yourself (with some assistance from your supervisor).
Dissertation word counts vary widely across different fields, institutions, and levels of education:
However, none of these are strict guidelines – your word count may be lower or higher than the numbers stated here. Always check the guidelines provided by your university to determine how long your own dissertation should be.
At the bachelor’s and master’s levels, the dissertation is usually the main focus of your final year. You might work on it (alongside other classes) for the entirety of the final year, or for the last six months. This includes formulating an idea, doing the research, and writing up.
A PhD thesis takes a longer time, as the thesis is the main focus of the degree. A PhD thesis might be being formulated and worked on for the whole four years of the degree program. The writing process alone can take around 18 months.
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.
Caulfield, J. (2022, May 05). What Is a Dissertation? | 5 Essential Questions to Get Started. Scribbr. Retrieved 3 September 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/what-is-a-dissertation/
Other students also liked, how to choose a dissertation topic | 8 steps to follow, how to write a dissertation proposal | a step-by-step guide, what is a literature review | guide, template, & examples.
Definition of dissertation noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
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There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun dissertation , one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.
1750 | 4.1 |
1760 | 7.3 |
1770 | 5.5 |
1780 | 7.4 |
1790 | 7.0 |
1800 | 7.9 |
1810 | 7.4 |
1820 | 6.6 |
1830 | 4.4 |
1840 | 3.8 |
1850 | 3.5 |
1860 | 2.8 |
1870 | 2.7 |
1880 | 2.2 |
1890 | 2.1 |
1900 | 1.9 |
1910 | 1.7 |
1920 | 2.1 |
1930 | 2.9 |
1940 | 3.0 |
1950 | 4.6 |
1960 | 6.8 |
1970 | 11 |
1980 | 11 |
1990 | 10 |
2000 | 9.1 |
2010 | 9.1 |
British english, u.s. english, where does the noun dissertation come from.
Earliest known use
early 1600s
The earliest known use of the noun dissertation is in the early 1600s.
OED's earliest evidence for dissertation is from 1611, in the writing of John Speed, historian and cartographer.
dissertation is a borrowing from Latin.
Etymons: Latin dissertātiōn-em .
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Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for dissertation, n..
dissertation, n. was first published in 1896; not yet revised.
dissertation, n. was last modified in July 2023.
Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:
Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into dissertation, n. in July 2023.
Earlier versions of this entry were published in:
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Factsheet for dissertation, n., browse entry.
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(Definition of dissertation from the Webster's Essential Mini Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)
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DISSERTATION meaning: 1. a long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one that is done in order to receive…. Learn more.
In American English, a dissertation is a research paper that's required to earn a doctorate degree, while a thesis is a research paper required to earn a master's degree. Dissertations and theses (the plural of thesis) are often mixed up because they're both lengthy research papers written for higher education, especially as part of a ...
The meaning of DISSERTATION is an extended usually written treatment of a subject; specifically : one submitted for a doctorate. How to use dissertation in a sentence.
dissertation in American English. (ˌdɪsərˈteiʃən) noun. 1. a written essay, treatise, or thesis, esp. one written by a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. 2. any formal discourse in speech or writing.
A dissertation is a long-form piece of academic writing based on original research conducted by you. It is usually submitted as the final step in order to finish a PhD program. Your dissertation is probably the longest piece of writing you've ever completed. It requires solid research, writing, and analysis skills, and it can be intimidating ...
Dissertation definition: a written essay, treatise, or thesis, especially one written by a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.. See examples of DISSERTATION used in a sentence.
dissertation (on something) a long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one written for a university degree He wrote his Master's dissertation on rats. Students can either do a dissertation or take part in a practical project.
DISSERTATION meaning: a very long piece of writing done as part of a course of study: . Learn more.
A dissertation is a long piece of writing that uses research to bring to light an original idea. Don't go to grad school unless you're prepared to write, say, a 300-page dissertation on some topic.
DISSERTATION definition: 1. a long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one that is done in order to receive…. Learn more.
A dissertation is a paper explaining the individual research that a student has conducted to earn a degree. It usually consists of several sections or chapters and follows the rules of formal academic writing. The degree candidate chooses the research topic. In the United States, a graduate student writes a dissertation to earn a doctorate degree.
1 ENTRIES FOUND: dissertation (noun) dissertation /ˌdɪsɚ ˈ teɪʃən/ noun. plural dissertations. Britannica Dictionary definition of DISSERTATION. [count] : a long piece of writing about a particular subject that is done to earn an advanced degree at a university. He wrote his dissertation on an obscure 16th-century poet.
Revised on 5 May 2022. A dissertation is a large research project undertaken at the end of a degree. It involves in-depth consideration of a problem or question chosen by the student. It is usually the largest (and final) piece of written work produced during a degree. The length and structure of a dissertation vary widely depending on the ...
Dissertation definition: A lengthy, formal treatise, especially one written by a candidate for the doctoral degree at a university; a thesis.
Definition of dissertation noun in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
2 meanings: 1. a written thesis, often based on original research, usually required for a higher degree 2. a formal discourse.... Click for more definitions.
dissertation - WordReference English dictionary, questions, discussion and forums. All Free.
early 1600s. The earliest known use of the noun dissertation is in the early 1600s. OED's earliest evidence for dissertation is from 1611, in the writing of John Speed, historian and cartographer. dissertation is a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: Latin dissertātiōn-em.
DISSERTATION definition: a very long piece of writing done as part of a course of study: . Learn more.
dissertation meaning: a very long piece of writing done as part of a doctorate (= advanced university course): . Learn more.
A typical dissertation runs between 250 and 300 pages, divided into four or five chapters, often with a short conclusion following the final full-scale chapter.There is no set minimum or maximum length, but anything below about 225 pages will likely look insubstantial in comparison to others, while anything over 350 pages may suggest a lack of proportion and control of the topic, and would ...
University of Alabama. This database is a companion to ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, featuring current research from the University of Alabama with citations and abstracts for dissertations and theses. Full text can be downloaded by authorized University of Alabama users.
DISSERTATION definition: a very long piece of writing done as part of a doctorate (= advanced university course): . Learn more.