A doctoral thesis is a focused piece of original research which is performed in order to obtain a PhD. A dissertation is part of a broader post-graduate research project. ... So, a thesis will contain extensive citations and references to earlier work, although the focus remains on the original work that comes out of it.

Is a dissertation and thesis the same thing?

Perhaps the biggest difference between a thesis and dissertation is the intended purpose. A thesis, commonly required to obtain a master's degree, is supposed to test a student's understanding of his or her field of study. ... A dissertation is usually done by a doctorate student and focuses on original research.

Which is longer dissertation or thesis?

A dissertation is longer than a thesis. A dissertation requires new research. A dissertation requires a hypothesis that is then proven. A thesis chooses a stance on an existing idea and defends it with analysis.