Thesis types and structures

Traditional PhD Thesis

Traditional PhD theses involve substantial formal research around a specific topic and are structured like a monograph of about 80,000 – 100,000 words. They are presented as a series of chapters that outline the research journey, and usually include separate chapters for the Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology and Conclusion, along with body chapters that address the central research questions within the conventional parameters of the discipline. This type of thesis can be done in any discipline and is one of the most usual ways to approach the PhD.

Thesis with Publications

Theses with Publications have become increasingly popular, especially among disciplines within the social, health and hard sciences. They involve a series of published journal articles and some additional framing material that contextualises and brings together the overall significance of the research that produced the publications. The publications themselves can be co-authored, although the candidate is expected to have a leading and substantial role in both the research and writing of the publication. One advantage of this approach is that your examiner knows that your research has already been peer-reviewed and deemed important by experts in your field.

Professional Doctorate

As the name suggests, the Professional Doctorate is closely linked to the professional practice of the candidate. It usually has some requirements to complete taught subjects, and the thesis is usually shorter than a PhD thesis. Candidates are often part-time and concurrently practicing in their field of expertise. The nature of the research in a Professional Doctorate generally emerges from and informs the practice of the discipline and is tied to specific professional issues, although candidates are often still required to theorise their research.

Practice-based Thesis

A thesis that combines the creation of some kind of artefact with a critical explication of how that artefact is developing and producing knowledge. At La Trobe, the artefact is often some form of creative work, such as a novel, a film, a theatrical performance, but it doesn’t have to be conventionally located in the Arts and Humanities. The two components are conceived of as a whole and examined together. The focus is on how this mode of thesis contributes new research and knowledge to the field in which it resides.

Honours and Masters Theses

Honours and Masters theses are similar in conception to the PhD, but the research is much more limited and the written requirements of the thesis involve far fewer words. These theses are structured around a research question, and still require appropriate research methodology and consideration of the literature. All Honours degrees include coursework and a minor thesis, as do most Masters degrees, although it is possible to complete a research only Masters degree.