How to write a PhD Dissertation or Thesis

The length of a PhD thesis can vary depending on the subject, university, and specific guidelines۔ PhD theses typically have a word count range set by the university, often falling between 70,000 and 100,000 words. Most theses are around 80,000 words.

Variation by Field:

Theses in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields tend to be slightly shorter than those in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences: These theses may be longer due to the nature of qualitative research and the inclusion of extensive literature reviews.

Universities and departments may have specific policies regarding what counts toward the word count. It’s essential to clarify these policies with your supervisor. Some universities include references, the bibliography, and appendices in the word count, while others do not. Some fields may have unique expectations for thesis length based on disciplinary norms. Always consult with your department or supervisor for specific guidelines.

In summary, the length of a PhD thesis typically falls within the range of 70,000 to 100,000 words, with variations based on the subject and university policies. Clarify the word count guidelines and expectations with your supervisor to ensure you meet the requirements for your specific program.

Beginning your PhD thesis involves several stages, with the initial focus on the dissertation outline and literature review:

1. Literature Review:

   • Start with a comprehensive review of existing literature relevant to your research area, including papers, articles, books, and data.
   • Rather than mere summarization, critically assess and analyze the arguments made by other scholars.
   • The literature review typically serves as the first part or chapter of your dissertation, showcasing your knowledge of the field.

2. Thesis Progression:

   • Following the literature review, you’ll delve into the core research of your doctoral thesis.
   • Conduct original research, gather data, and perform analysis to contribute new insights or findings to your field.

3. Continuous Literature Review:

   • Keep the literature review up-to-date throughout your research journey.
   • Incorporate any new material or insights you encounter during your research into the literature review.

Remember that your PhD thesis is a significant undertaking, and the literature review serves as the foundation for your research, demonstrating your understanding of the existing scholarship in your field.

Steps to write PhD Dissertation/Thesis

Writing up your PhD thesis is a crucial stage in your doctoral journey, and it involves several key steps:

Writing Process

After conducting your research and defining your thesis, you’ll enter the “writing up period.” This phase involves producing your final dissertation, which will serve as the basis for your viva voce examination.

Approaches to Writing

Your approach to writing may vary depending on your research and field. In some cases, you may have chapter drafts and materials that require re-drafting and assembly into a final dissertation. This is common in Arts and Humanities. Alternatively, if you’ve focused on data collection and analysis, you’ll “write up” your findings and conclusions. This approach is more typical in STEM subjects.

Feedback from Supervisor

Your supervisor will provide feedback on your written proposal and each chapter draft and the overall completed dissertation before submission. This feedback helps ensure your research is on the right track and addresses any concerns. Your supervisor is not responsible for editing grammatical or spelling mistakes or meeting word count requirements.

Finishing and Submission

When your final draft is complete and approved by your supervisor, you’ll submit it for examination. Ensure you print enough copies for examiners and the university’s repository, allowing ample time for any printing issues. The viva voce examination usually takes place within three months of submission.

Viva Voce Outcomes

Following the viva, examiners provide a report with potential outcomes:

• Pass: You’ve earned your doctoral qualification.
• Minor Corrections: Small edits and improvements with a three-month deadline.
• Major Corrections: Substantial changes, possibly involving rewriting or additional research, with a six-month deadline.

Most PhD students need to make some corrections; outright failure is rare.

Final Submission

After making necessary corrections, you’ll submit your thesis one last time, often electronically. Consider requesting an embargo if you plan to publish your work, which temporarily restricts public access to your thesis.

Completing your PhD thesis is a significant accomplishment, marking the culmination of your research journey. It’s essential to follow university guidelines and timelines during this process to ensure a successful outcome.