Universities' Past Dissertation Checks: How Strict Are They?

Students often seek examples of past dissertations to guide their own work. While universities may provide current students with examples of past dissertations, it is unclear if they check students' past dissertations. Some universities may make undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations public on their websites, but most are not publicly published. Students can also seek examples from lecturers, libraries, and students in higher years.

Lecturers may provide dissertation examples

The University of Leeds, for instance, offers a collection of dissertation examples from various schools and departments, including the Institute of Psychological Sciences, the School of Computer Science, the School of Media and Communication, and the School of Politics and International Studies. These examples are intended to showcase the best research projects and dissertations from undergraduate and taught postgraduate students.

It is important to note that the module requirements for research projects may have evolved since these examples were written. Therefore, students should refer to their current module guidelines to ensure they meet all the assessment criteria. Some examples may also be accessible only on campus, a restriction worth noting.

The dissertation examples provided by lecturers can be immensely beneficial to students. They can serve as a roadmap, illustrating the level of critical thinking, analysis, and writing skills expected at different grade levels. By studying these examples, students can gain a better understanding of what constitutes a high-quality dissertation and identify areas for improvement in their work.

Additionally, these examples can inspire students by exposing them to diverse research topics and methodologies. They can explore how their peers have approached similar subjects, gaining insights into structuring their arguments, incorporating evidence, and presenting their findings effectively.

University library services may have dissertations available

University libraries often have dissertations available, although they are not published in the same way as books. They can be hard to find, but many universities have online portals or catalogues where they are stored. Some universities, such as the University of Illinois, have an Interlibrary Loan Department that can help students obtain dissertations. If they are unable to find a circulating copy, they may offer a fee-based service to obtain the dissertation.

In the US, many universities require dissertations to be catalogued by Proquest, which used to be called University Microfilms. Reprints can be ordered from them, but they are not free. Libraries may be able to get you a temporary copy for free.

Many universities also require a physical copy of a dissertation to be printed for long-term preservation. Some universities may also have their theses and dissertations available in digital format only.

Google may show some dissertations

When it comes to finding past dissertation papers, it can be a challenge if you are not a current student at a university. While universities typically do not make undergraduate dissertations public, there may be some instances where dissertations can be found online. In this regard, Google may show a few dissertations that are available on the web. However, it is important to note that most dissertations are not publicly published, and your search may be limited to those that have been uploaded to publicly accessible repositories.

If you are a current student, your university is a great place to start. You can ask your lecturers if they can provide you with examples of past dissertations. Additionally, your university library service may have some dissertations available online.

It is worth noting that some universities do publish undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations on their websites. For example, Leeds University makes dissertations from various subjects accessible, while the University of Bristol shares its History department dissertations, and the London School of Economics (LSE) provides access to International Development postgraduate dissertations. These can be useful resources for those seeking exemplar dissertation work.

However, it is important to remember that each university will have its own specific requirements for dissertations, and the examples provided by other institutions may not align perfectly with your university's guidelines. Therefore, it is essential to use these external sources as a guide and be prepared to adapt them to meet your university's expectations. Proper citation of these external sources is also crucial when using them as a reference.

Students in higher years may share their dissertations

However, there are some instances where you might not want to share your work. If your thesis is in draft form, you may feel uncomfortable about sharing it, especially with those you see as competitors. You may be worried that they will take your ideas and use them as their own, or that they will publish similar results before you have a chance to. If this is the case, it is a good idea to speak to your advisor about your concerns. You could also make your work public by putting it on a personal website or university page, so that it has a timestamp and is officially yours.

It is important to remember that, in many schools, a good thesis will be put in the library for others to build upon. It is also worth noting that the school may own the rights to your work, and you may have to license it back from them if you want to use it in future.

Some universities publish undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations on their websites

Publishing Undergraduate Dissertations

Some universities do publish undergraduate dissertations on their websites. However, this is not a common practice, and there is no guarantee that a dissertation will be published, even if it receives a high grade. The decision to publish typically depends on factors such as the novelty and originality of the research, the relevance and timeliness of the topic, and the quality of the writing.

Undergraduate dissertations are often supervised by university faculty and can be a source of pride for the university. In some cases, universities may claim ownership of the intellectual property (IP) generated by the student during their research. This can complicate the publication process, as the university's permission may be required before the work can be published.

Additionally, publishing in academic journals usually requires significant revisions to meet word count and style guidelines. Journals often have strict requirements for content, language, and organisation, which may involve cutting out large portions of the original dissertation and rewriting to appeal to a broader audience.

Publishing Postgraduate Dissertations

Publishing a postgraduate dissertation, such as a master's thesis or doctoral dissertation, may be an important step towards an academic or research career. While some universities may publish exemplary postgraduate dissertations on their websites, the primary avenue for publication is typically through academic journals or conferences.

The process of publishing a postgraduate dissertation can be daunting, and it often involves significant revisions to transform the work from a dissertation format into a publishable article or book chapter. This may include cutting down the word count, changing the organisation and thrust of the manuscript, and adapting the content and style to fit the requirements of the target journal or publication.

Overall, while some universities may publish undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations on their websites, it is not a common practice. The publication of academic research typically involves a more formal process, including revisions, peer review, and acceptance by academic journals or other publications.

Frequently asked questions