Research theses present detailed work undertaken for a research degree, such as a PhD. They can help you explore a topic in depth, examine research methods and identify further sources.
Use the routes below to find Abertay theses or theses from other institutions. For a particular thesis, search by title or author. To find theses on a topic, use keywords describing the subject or research method.
Search theses in Abertay’s Research Portal. The collection includes PhD, Masters by Research (MbR) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) theses.
Many theses have a full-text file you can read and download. Some may be under a temporary embargo, which delays public access.
For older MbR and MPhil theses, also search LibrarySearch for print copies held by the Library.
Use EThOS, the British Library’s search service for UK doctoral theses.
EThOS provides thesis records rather than hosting the full-text files itself. Where available, follow the “Access thesis from university” link to the awarding university’s repository. You do not need an EThOS account.
If there is no full-text link, search the university’s repository directly. Its library may be able to advise on access.
These services can help you find theses and dissertations from different institutions:
Open Access Theses and Dissertations (OATD): an index of freely available postgraduate theses and dissertations from universities worldwide.
EBSCO Open Dissertations: searches thesis and dissertation records, with links to university repositories where available.
ProQuest: includes open access theses and dissertations previously available through PQDT Open. Not every result is freely available.
No single service covers all theses. If you know the awarding university, searching its repository directly can help you find material missing from a wider search.
Use the abstract and contents page to identify relevant chapters. Read the sections you use closely enough to understand the research, its methods and its limitations.
A thesis can also lead you to other sources. Follow up those sources if you want to use them in your own work, rather than relying only on the thesis’s account.
For fuller guidance, see Reading and Evaluate information.
Check your module or assessment guidance and use the referencing style it requires.
Use Cite Them Right Online for examples of how to cite and reference a thesis. Search for theses and select your required referencing style.
For wider guidance on referencing principles, when to cite and where to get help, see Referencing.
For help finding a thesis, email library@abertay.ac.uk. Include the title, author, awarding university and year if you have them.
For a query about an Abertay thesis record or access to its file in the Research Portal, email repository@abertay.ac.uk.
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