Thesis and Dissertation

A thesis (master’s) or dissertation (doctoral) is the final product of a student’s time in graduate school. Students should begin planning their thesis/dissertation from the very beginning of their degree program.

In general, a thesis/dissertation should reflect the writer’s ability to:

• Critically analyze the relevant literature
• Use and describe in detail the appropriate methodology for the research undertaken
• Conduct research and present findings
• Verify knowledge claims and sources meticulously
• Locate the work of the thesis and its findings within the broader field or discipline
• Communicate the research and analysis effectively

Information about the scope of a dissertation can be found in our policy manual.

The thesis/dissertation must be a coherent document that provides a complete and systematic account of the student’s research. It may incorporate work from submitted, accepted or published journal articles, which may or may not have co-authors.

Prospective or current graduate students who have questions about theses and dissertations that are not answered below, or are in need of additional support, are encouraged to contact the office by email (gradtheses.ok@ubc.ca).