Mar 12, 2024 · A thesis should be around 50 pages long for a bachelor’s degree and 60-100 pages for a Master’s degree. However, the optimal length of a thesis project depends on the instructions from the faculty and the expectations of the supervising professor. The length also depends on the topic’s technicalities and the extent of research done. ... Jul 18, 2024 · An undergraduate thesis is likely to be about 20 to 50 pages long. A Master’s thesis is likely to be between 30 and 100 pages in length and a PhD dissertation is likely to be between 50 and 450 pages long. In the table below I highlight the typical length of an undergraduate, master’s, and PhD. ... The topic of study should reflect the 12 ECTs that stand for a bachelor thesis. Generally, a bachelor thesis does not include empirical data collection. The course guide of the bachelor thesis provides more information on what types of bachelor thesis exists. Read the BIN course guide before you start the thesis. 1.3 Length of a bachelor thesis ... The typical length of a bachelor’s thesis is around 12,000. The average cost of a master’s thesis is around $40,000. The typical word count for a Ph.D. dissertation is between 80,000 and 120,000. ... Sep 11, 2024 · A Bachelor's thesis is a research project or long essay that many students write as part of their undergraduate degree. In many European countries, it's customary for students to write a Bachelor's thesis, which typically ranges around 20-40 pages or approximately 10,000-18,000 words. ... Dec 5, 2024 · The thesis should fully develop ideas, present data, and discuss the implications of the work. Master’s theses are longer, ranging from 60 to 100 pages, while doctoral dissertations can be at least 90 pages and upwards of 200 pages. ... The bachelor’s thesis is often 40-60 pages long. However, a master's thesis includes 60–100 pages. On the other hand, a Ph.D. thesis writing must not exceed 80,000 words that makeup almost 100-250 pages. Remember, these pages contain all the text and referencing list except appendices. Nevertheless, in thesis writing, students should go for ... ... wording itself will not be graded. However, spelling errors will decrease the grade of the thesis up to 0.3 points. 4. It is important to learn concise writing. Hence, the thesis may not exceed 10,000 words (not including references). We generally recommend about 5,000 – 7,000 words for bachelor thesis and 9,000 – 10,000 words for master ... ... Sep 22, 2023 · A thesis paper should be at least 20 pages long and can go up to 100 pages depending on the research task and the institutional guidelines. Typically, a Ph.D. thesis can be longer than a master’s thesis. ... Jan 29, 2024 · The conclusion shold comprise 1,000 to 2,000 words on average. Here, you should reflect on your findings, discuss their significance, and suggest areas for future research. It’s essential to tie back to your research questions, demonstrating how your study has contributed to the field. How Long Should a Dissertation Proposal Be? ... ">
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how long should bachelor thesis be

How Long is a Thesis or Dissertation?

Thesis Dissertation Length

  • peachyessay
  • October 19, 2022
  • Blogs , Dissertation Writing Guideline , General

A thesis or dissertation is a long paper describing understanding and knowledge about an academic field of study. A thesis or dissertation paper is written with a lot of effort and hard work because it has to compete with other students’ academic papers from the same field of study. But the good thing is that there are some things they must have in common regardless of the area they present on. First, the thesis or dissertation should be factual, insightful and objective. If you’re worried yours is too long or too short, follow these guidelines to ensure you get it right.

What is a Dissertation?

An academic dissertation is an extended paper based on the author’s research. Students in dissertations not only critically appraise prior studies but also develop novel hypotheses and methods of investigation.

Using a dissertation to either debunk an existing theory or advance an established line of inquiry is possible. It’s a great study that is usually finished by the year’s end.

For a dissertation to progress, a student must first submit and approve a dissertation proposal from their advisor. The student then writes the research’s methodology, findings, evaluations, and conclusions.

Both graduate and undergraduate students can write dissertations . The typical word count for an undergraduate paper is between 5,000 and 8,000 words, and the typical word count for a graduate paper is between 10,000 and 15,000.

The typical word count for an undergraduate paper is between 5,000 and 8,000 words, and the typical word count for a graduate paper is between 10,000 and 15,000.

What is a Thesis?

Thesis papers are academic papers that provide a comprehensive overview of previous studies in a given field. There will be an academic argument, but the student is not expected to conduct any primary research. This argument is supported and evaluated by existing research.

Although a thesis is commonplace at the graduate and doctoral levels, it is not typically required at the undergraduate level.

This substantial research paper is typically submitted after a master’s program. Graduation from certain master’s programs requires the completion of a thesis.

How Long is a Thesis?

A thesis typically runs between 40 and 80 pages (not including the works cited or other appendices). The length, however, will vary depending on the topic and the analysis method, so you and your committee must figure out that.

How Long is a Dissertation?

Most dissertations theses run between 100 and 300 pages. Dissertations, like any other lengthy academic work, need to be broken down into manageable chunks, with longer dissertations potentially requiring chapters, main divisions, and subdivisions.

How Long is a College Thesis?

A college thesis is a research paper that you write for your final year of college. It’s a project that you will have to carry out for about two years, and it is usually based on a topic that the professor has given to you. When writing your thesis, it’s important to remember that it should be in-depth and detailed. You cannot just write about something briefly and expect people to understand what you are saying.

Thesis statement

A thesis statement is a sentence in an essay or research paper that states the main idea of your writing. It should not be a question or an informal statement; it should be a direct claim about what you will prove or explain in the paper. The thesis statement is what the rest of your paper is about. It is one of the first things readers see when they read your paper, so it needs to be meaningful and interesting to them.

Body paragraphs

Body paragraphs support your thesis statement with specific examples and evidence from your research. They should follow a logical order, with each paragraph building on information in previous paragraphs and leading up to your conclusion.

Conclusions are important because they help readers understand how all of your evidence fits together into one big picture or argument. Many things go into writing a thesis, but this article will focus on one aspect of it:

  • What is a thesis statement?
  • What are the different types of thesis statements?
  • How can I make sure my thesis statement is effective?

The length of your college thesis depends on the number of pages it covers. The standard length for a thesis is 15-20 pages, but you can write more than 20 pages if you want to include all the necessary material.

10,000 and 20,000 words (excluding notes, citations, and appendices) are required. Following the title page, there should be a word count page that specifies the exact length of the main body text. The student’s advisor should check with the Director of Studies if the thesis is expected to be longer than 20,000 words.

Students must make arrangements with their mentors in early February if they need to request permission to go over 20,000 words. The nature of the topic or sustained excellence in treating the subject, or both, must justify a lengthier thesis than the maximum. Even if a thesis is given special permission to be longer than 20,000 words, readers may still give it a lower grade if they feel the extra words are unnecessary.

The Acknowledgments

In the final version of the thesis, thank-you notes are not required. Once your thesis has been presented, you can include an acknowledgments section . Most readers would rather not be told who helmed your thesis for fear of being swayed by that fact.

Then Illustrations

Photographs, advertisements, maps, and charts are all examples of illustrations, also known as figures. The thesis’s illustrations can be integrated into the main text or placed in a separate appendix. Sometimes authors will include a brief mention of a relevant illustration within the text, directing readers to the appropriate page or appendix to view the visual they’re referring to.

Tips to Write the Right Length of a Thesis

Here are some tips that will help you write the right length of thesis:

Make sure that your thesis statement is clear right away

When writing an essay of five to fifteen pages in length, the thesis statement should typically be placed at the end of the introductory paragraph. Since these typically appear at the end of introductions, readers will pay closer attention to what you say there. This is not a hard and fast rule, but it is a good one to follow when writing any academic essay .

Primarily examine the sources

Seek out instances of complexity, intrigue, ambiguity, controversy, and the like. Is there any internal coherence crisis in the work? Can an argument be made and then disproven? Where does the author’s argument go from here? If you can provide a convincing explanation for one or more of these questions (or related questions), you will have taken a significant step toward formulating a thesis. (Without explaining why, all you have is an observation—that there are many different metaphors in such-and-such a poem—which is not a thesis.)

Plan for the opposition’s responses

After developing a working thesis, the next step is to consider potential criticisms. Doing so will assist you in honing your thesis statement and prompt you to consider the counterarguments you’ll need to include in your essay. (There is always a way to disprove an argument. Yours is not an argument if it does not (it could be a statement of fact or personal opinion, but it is not an argument).

Get your working thesis down on paper

Losing focus after coming up with a brilliant thesis is the single most frustrating thing that can happen to a student. The act of putting pen to paper will help you formulate your thesis in a way that is both clear and concise. Your first attempt at writing your thesis will likely not be your final draft, but it will get you started in the right direction.

Most students think formatting is one of the most important things to consider when w riting a thesis paper, but this is not true. It is essential to use proper formatting because it will make your paper look more professional and also help you make it easier for readers to understand. Some of the most common formats students use are APA format, MLA format and Chicago Style format.

Another tip is structure; ensure that your paper has a good structure before writing it. You should have an introduction paragraph which summarizes the chapter and gives an overview of what will be discussed in your paper; body paragraphs which discuss each point separately using evidence from sources; conclusion paragraph which summarizes everything discussed in your paper so far and gives recommendations based on the research done by you

5 Differences Between a Thesis and a Dissertation

Here are some differences between the two:

1. Counting Words

The required length of a thesis or dissertation is a good indicator of the level of study to which it is addressed. The typical length of a bachelor’s thesis is around 12,000. The average cost of a master’s thesis is around $40,000. The typical word count for a Ph.D. dissertation is between 80,000 and 120,000. PhDs in fine art that focus on practice rather than theory are typically shorter because they are timed to coincide with an artist’s exhibition.

Keep in mind that academic publishers favour publishing new academic writing toward the Ph.D. as they seek potential authors. If getting published is on your list of postdoc goals, don’t go overboard, or you’ll waste years revising your work.

2. Assessment and Accessibility

Dissertations and theses are both common names for extensive essays written by undergraduates. These are evaluated privately and are not available to the general public. You can only access them by borrowing them from previous students or requesting them from your professor.

Master’s theses are also evaluated in-house and are kept in the relevant departmental or university library. These are items that patrons typically need to visit a library to view physically. Requesting master’s theses is made easier by the UK’s Interlibrary loan agreement.

Once a doctoral dissertation has passed its external review, copies are kept in the collections of both the home institution’s library and the British Library. The ETHOS catalogue, accessible online from the British Library, is the best place to look for theses.

The general rule is that the greater the accessibility, the greater the significance or importance of the thesis or dissertation. The same can be said for hiring contractors. Courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels use both internal and external marking and moderation. The quality of the external review of prominent Ph.D. theses is guaranteed.

Only undergraduate degrees are categorized and graded. Master’s and Doctoral degrees are graded on a simple pass/fail scale.

3. Research that Breaks New Ground

An original idea can come from any student, regardless of academic level, and it is always exciting to read about when this happens.

The definition of originality is often stretched at the undergraduate level. Even if it doesn’t meet the strict definition of original thinking, a thoughtful synthesis of existing ideas is often evaluated as such.

A master’s thesis is a common place to find innovative ideas. Nonetheless, the integration of prior research remains a central focus. Students at the master’s level are expected to be well-read and knowledgeable in their chosen fields of study. They must show that they have a thorough understanding of its supporting evidence. This is the primary criterion for their grade.

But a Ph.D. thesis’s original contribution to the field is what ultimately matters. The chapter of the literature review in which the experts’ knowledge is most likely found in the first one. A truly original idea drives the rest of the thesis, and this idea emerges from the review.

Some undergraduate theses may even be publishable. Comparatively, the publication goals of a Ph.D. thesis are much loftier. They are the first rung on the academic and professional ladder, and their completion signifies a new beginning.

4. Time Spent in School

A master’s degree can be earned in the United Kingdom after one or two years of full-time study. The master’s thesis is a major part of that program. However, this is not always the case, especially in “master’s by research degrees,” also known as “special MRes,” in which the dissertation is given a more central role in the curriculum.

A Ph.D., on the other hand, requires a minimum of three additional years of study. A doctoral candidate’s dissertation is, in effect, their sole academic contribution. In comparison, the study requirements for anything else are minimal.

Bottom Line

After reading this article, many students will be able to grasp the importance of starting right away and planning their research and writing. This article is sure to give valuable advice to both students and instructors. The article is rather straightforward and provides the best guidance on how long a thesis or dissertation ought to be.

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How to Write Your Bachelor's Thesis (+ Tips and Examples)

In this article we'll share how to write your Bachelor's thesis, the structure you should follow, and tips and examples to perfect your paper.

  • Student Tips

How to write your Bachelor's thesis

Page Content

Writing your Bachelor's thesis can be an exciting but daunting task—one that signifies the culmination of your undergraduate studies.

Whether you're just starting your undergraduate journey or nearing the end, understanding what a Bachelor's thesis entails and the steps to tackle it effectively can make a world of difference. Let's dive into this ultimate guide to help you succeed!

What is a Bachelor's thesis?

A Bachelor's thesis is a research project or long essay that many students write as part of their undergraduate degree.

In many European countries, it's customary for students to write a Bachelor's thesis, which typically ranges around 20-40 pages or approximately 10,000-18,000 words. These theses serve as an opportunity for students to explore a topic in-depth and contribute original findings or insights.

However, in the United States, Bachelor's theses are less common. Instead, many US Bachelor's programs culminate in a capstone project . Honors programs might still require a thesis, but this depends on the university and the program, so make sure to check on your university website.

Step 1: Choose a topic for a Bachelor's thesis

Choosing a topic is the first and one of the most important steps in writing your thesis. Your topic should align with your field of study and be something you're passionate about.

Think about the courses or specific areas that have intrigued you the most. Your topic should be specific enough to allow for in-depth research but broad enough to ensure you can find ample resources.

💡 Pro tip: How to find a perfect thesis topic

When I was choosing my Bachelor's thesis topic, I did lots of research, and ended up finding a topic that (to my knowledge) had never been studied academically before. So, my thesis became the first ever academic study on that topic!

Here are some tips which helped me find a unique Bachelor's thesis topic:

Brainstorm several ideas and discuss them with your advisor or professors. Your professors have had many different topics proposed by students over the years, and they'll be able to tell you if your topic has credence or if you should choose something else.

Analyze the current existing academic research on the topic. You can use Google Scholar for this. See what similar studies have been published already, and try to identify gaps in existing research.

Aim to choose a topic that you won't lose interest in easily. The best way to do this is by choosing a topic you've been interested over a longer period of time, or something related to the future job you'd like to do.

Be careful with scope of your research. You'll have a limited amount of time and resources to complete this research, therefore it's important to narrow down the topic enough so that you can complete the thesis successfully in a reasonable timeframe.

Step 2: Conduct preliminary research

Once you've settled on a topic, it's time to dive into preliminary research.

Start by reading existing literature to grasp what has already been written on the subject. This will help you identify gaps in the knowledge that your thesis could fill. Take detailed notes and bookmark essential resources for easy reference later.

  • Use academic databases like JSTOR, Google Scholar, and your university library . You can even get access to premium sources and databases through your university.
  • If your topic is in IT, design or other "practice-based" majors, find books written by reputable practicians of the field (those either working as professors or if they've had an extensive experience in the field).
  • Keep a research journal to track your sources and thoughts. When I wrote my thesis, I originally tracked all of my sources in Notion, because it's good for creating solid databases of documents.

Step 3: Develop a thesis statement

A strong thesis statement is crucial for your Bachelor’s thesis. It should succinctly summarize the central argument or main point of your thesis.

Your thesis statement will guide your research and writing, so make sure it is clear, concise, and arguable .

✍️ Example:

"This thesis explores the impact of social media on academic performance, arguing that excessive use negatively affects students’ grades and overall educational outcomes."

Step 4: Structure your Bachelor’s thesis

Understanding the structure of a Bachelor's thesis can help you organize your thoughts and plan your writing.

While the exact structure can vary depending on your institution's guidelines, a typical structure includes:

Introduction

Literature review, methodology.

  • Results and/or analysis

Bibliography

Your title page should include the title of your thesis, your name, your institution, your department, and the date of submission.

Every university has specific rules on how their title page should look. Ensure that you follow your institution's formatting guidelines carefully .

If your advisor hasn't shared any specifics, make sure to double-check on the university website and with the student office.

An abstract is a brief summary of your thesis , usually around 150-250 words.

It should outline your research question, methodology, results, and conclusion.

💡 Pro tips:

  • Write the abstract last, after completing your thesis.
  • Focus on the purpose, methods, results, and implications of your research.

Table of contents

The table of contents should list all the sections of your thesis along with their page numbers.

The easiest way of generating an accurate table of contents is to use word processing software to generate a table of contents automatically.

For example, Microsoft Word will auto-generate the table if you've been using proper heading and text formatting. You can find the option Table of Contents option in References :

Screenshot: How to create a Table of Contents in Microsoft Word

Note: Make sure to update the table of contents as you make changes to your document (update the entire table, not just page numbers).

The introduction is incredibly important part of your thesis as it sets the stage for the rest of the paper.

Here are key things you should do in the introduction :

  • Introduce your topic.
  • Provide background information needed for understanding the topic.
  • State your research question and thesis statement.
  • Clearly outline the scope and significance of your research.

In the literature review, you'll summarize and evaluate existing research on your topic. This section demonstrates your understanding of the field and helps to establish the context for your own research.

🧮 Number of pages

There's no specific number of pages you need to have for this section, but it's important that you show the depth of your research and your understanding of the topic.

When I wrote my thesis, the literature review section was 5 pages long, but anything between 3-6 pages is standard for a Bachelor's-level thesis.

📑 Organizing the sources

When you're writing your literature review, make sure to organize the review thematically rather than chronologically.

Think about how you want to present information, cluster topics together, and then add the sources to that existing structure.

Make sure to break up the text with relevant headings to make it easier for the reader to follow your line of thought.

✂️ Maintain a critical stance

No scientific paper is perfect. Even the best existing research in the world can be improved in some way.

So, you must critically analyze the sources , highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses.

Explain what they did right, how they're relevant to your topic, and why you included them in your thesis (there should always be a reason). Then make sure to also analyze their weaknesses, oversights, gaps in scope, and similar critiques to maintain a balanced view.

The methodology section explains how you conducted your research.

This section will differ greatly depending on your major, university or even advisor. Therefore it's crucial that you ask your advisor if they have any guidelines or suggestions on how you should carry out your research efforts .

If they say it's up to you, make sure to do a lot of research on the best practices and options for the outcome you're looking for.

But to give you an idea, common methodologies include:

  • Qualitative research
  • Quantitative methods
  • Mixed methods
  • Case studies
  • Experiments
  • And many more

Whatever method you end up following, it's important to justify your choice of methods and how they align with your research question .

The results section presents the findings of your research.

Depending on the method you used to collect and analyze the data you're working with, you can use tables, figures, and charts to illustrate your data clearly.

Graphs and figures for a Bachelor's thesis

When it's time to write this part of your thesis, make sure to always start with the most important findings . This will pique your reader's attention and give them an overall context for more specific findings.

The discussion section is where you'll:

  • Interpret your results
  • Explain their significance
  • Relate them back to your research question
  • Discuss any limitations of your study
  • Suggest areas for future research

At a Bachelor's level, you won't be expected to present groundbreaking research, but you should analyze the results you presented in the previous section . This means you should remain objective and present both the strengths and the weaknesses of your research.

You'll also be expected to discuss your results in the larger context of existing research , and mention if those result confirm or contradict previous studies on the topic.

The conclusion should summarize your main findings and restate the significance of your research.

A good conclusion:

  • Is concise and to the point
  • Does not introduce new information
  • Highlights the broader impact of your findings

Your bibliography section should list all the sources you cited in your thesis.

Depending on the citation style and your university's requirements, this section can be called:

  • References : A widely used term in academic writing. It lists all the sources directly cited in the thesis.
  • Bibliography : Used interchangeably with references, but sometimes denotes both works cited and other materials consulted, even if not directly cited in the thesis.
  • Works cited : Often used in the humanities, especially in Modern Language Association (MLA) style, this section lists only the sources that have been referenced in the thesis.
  • List of references : Another variation that is formal and straightforward, often seen in technical fields.

This section should include resources you used for the thesis and should begin on its own page.

Different citations styles will have different formatting requirements, so it's a good idea to double-check that you've adhered to all the necessary rules.

If you have additional material, such as questionnaires or raw data, include them in the appendices.

Appendices are the material that supports your research but would clutter the main text.

Refer to the appendices at appropriate points in your thesis.

Writing a Bachelor's thesis doesn't have to be overwhelming. By choosing a relevant topic, conducting thorough research, and following a clear structure, you can successfully complete your thesis and make a meaningful contribution to your field.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Seek support from your advisors, professors, and peers.

Good luck, and happy writing!

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how long should bachelor thesis be

Sara Evans Author

Sara is the Content Manager at Keystone Education Group, in charge of creating and managing editorial content for students across the globe. After getting a Bachelor's in Interactive Media Design, she pursued a career in Content and UX. She's been involved in the international education industry since her high school years.

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Thesis Writing

Caleb S.

Thesis Writing - An Ultimate Writing Guide With Tips & Examples

13 min read

thesis writing

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Writing a thesis paper is a major milestone in your academic journey. 

A thesis is a research paper that allows you to explore a specific topic in-depth, demonstrate your expertise, and contribute to the body of knowledge in your field.

And yes, it is as difficult and challenging as it sounds!

But don’t fret! You can make thesis writing easier and more effective with this complete guide. This guide will take you through the writing process step-by-step, while also addressing everything you need to know for crafting a cohesive research document.

So read on!

Arrow Down

  • 1. What is a Thesis?
  • 2. Thesis Writing Format 
  • 3. How to Start a Thesis Paper?
  • 4. Thesis Writing Steps 
  • 5. Thesis Writing Examples
  • 6.  Thesis Topics 
  • 7. Tips for Writing an Improved Thesis

What is a Thesis?

A thesis paper is a well-researched piece of academic writing that presents an original analysis of a specific topic. It is typically required for completion of a master's or doctoral degree.

It is a complex project that requires you to conduct original research, analyze data, and present your findings in a coherent way. It demonstrates a student’s ability to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field and prepares them for their future career.

In addition, a thesis is supervised by a committee of experts in the field and has to be defended in an oral examination. Due to its strict academic standards, it is considered one of the most challenging and rewarding academic tasks. 

Sometimes, a thesis is also called a dissertation, but are these two really the same? Learn more about their differences in our dissertation vs. thesis blog!

How Long Should a Thesis Be? 

The length of a thesis typically varies from project to project. It largely depends on the department, faculties, and fields of study. 

The bachelor’s thesis is often 40-60 pages long . However, a master's thesis includes 60–100 pages . On the other hand, a Ph.D. thesis writing must not exceed 80,000 words that makeup almost 100-250 pages. 

Remember, these pages contain all the text and referencing list except appendices. 

Nevertheless, in thesis writing, students should go for brevity rather than length. The main goal is to come up with the shortest possible paper that contains all the required data. Also, avoid including unnecessary and repetitive information.

Thesis Writing Format 

Before we can go into the writing steps for a thesis, you should know about the sections and parts that make up a thesis. Here is the most common thesis format that is used for most major disciplines.  

How to Start a Thesis Paper?

Thesis writing is a complex process containing several parts. So, you can’t jump right into the writing phase before some prewriting preparations. 

Here are the preliminary steps you should take before getting into writing.

Establishing a Framework for Your Thesis

Here are the 5 steps to start a thesis successfully.

  • Choose a Thesis Topic

Selecting the right topic is the foundation of your thesis. Follow these steps to make an informed choice.

  • Consider your interests and the relevance of the topic to your field, and the availability of resources. 
  • Talk to your professors or advisors about your topic ideas. They can provide valuable insights and may suggest refinements to your research focus.
  • Ensure your chosen topic is feasible within the scope of your academic program, resources, and timeframe.
  • Conduct Preliminary Research

Start with a literature review to understand existing research on your topic. Here's what you should do:

  • Research credible sources. It may include online journals, periodicals, and books. This will help you identify gaps and formulate your research question.
  • Take detailed notes as you review the literature. Record key findings, methodologies, and areas where your research can contribute.
  • Develop a Working Thesis

A working thesis is a preliminary statement of your research question or hypothesis. It serves as a guide for your research and may evolve as you gather more data. Here's how to create a working thesis:

  • State Your Research Question: Clearly articulate your research question or problem statement. Make it concise and specific.
  • Provide a Rationale: Explain why your research question is important and what it aims to achieve in the context of your field.
  • Hypothesis (if applicable): If your research involves hypothesis testing, state your hypothesis. This is a testable prediction based on existing knowledge.
  • Stay Open to Revision: Remember that your working thesis is not set in stone. It may evolve as you collect and analyze data. Be open to refining it as your research progresses.
  • Revisit Guidelines & Instructions

Before you dive deep into your research, revisit any guidelines and instructions provided by your institution or advisor. 

Pay attention to formatting requirements, deadlines, and specific expectations for your thesis. These guidelines will help you maintain a structured and organized approach to your work.

  • Make an Outline to Structure Your Points 

Creating an outline is a fundamental step in organizing your thesis. It provides a roadmap for your research and writing. 

Thesis Proposal

Before starting to write a final thesis, the supervisors require the students to submit a well-planned proposal. It provides a detailed summary, outline, and layout of your research work. Moreover, it identifies the problem statement, questions, and methods used to carry out the study.

Follow the given pattern for writing a thesis proposal .

  • Introduction
  • Literature review
  • Theoretical framework
  • Research question
  • Methodological designs

Thesis Writing Steps 

After getting your proposal approved, the actual writing process begins. Here are the major steps and sections you have to cover. 

Understanding the Assignment

Before you start writing, ensure you have a clear understanding of your thesis assignment. Review the guidelines provided by your institution, advisor, or department. Pay attention to:

  • Word count and formatting requirements.
  • Specific research question or problem statement.
  • Expectations for literature review and methodology.
  • The citation style (e.g., APA, MLA) to be used. h

Thesis Title Page 

The title page is the first page of your document that provides essential information such as the title of the thesis, writer’s name, institution, etc. 

The formatting of the title page depends on the formatting style you are using. Include the following elements in your title page. 

Elements of a Thesis Title Page - MyPerfectWords.com

However, remember that the precise information you need to include in the title page is determined by your professor/institution. So, always follow their instructions and formatting guidelines.

Acknowledgments 

In the acknowledgments section, you can express gratitude and recognition for individuals or organizations who contributed to your thesis. This may include: 

  • Advisors and professors who provided guidance and support.
  • Peers, colleagues, or friends who assisted in your research.
  • Funding sources or institutions that provided financial support.
  • Family and loved ones for their encouragement and understanding.

The abstract is a concise summary of your entire thesis, typically ranging from 150 to 250 words. Writing a good abstract requires: 

  • A brief introduction to the research problem.
  • A summary of your research methods.
  • A concise presentation of your key findings.
  • A statement of the broader significance of your study.

Need a comprehensive guide on writing an abstract? Check out our blog on how to write an abstract to learn more.

Thesis Introduction

The introduction of your thesis paper serves as the gateway to your research work. It aims to provide background information about the topic and introduce the main questions or hypothesis.

You should include the following aspects to write an impressive thesis introduction .

  • A problem statement
  • Background information
  • Research questions
  • Scope of the study
  • Significance of the research
  • Structure of the thesis

Literature Review

The literature review section is where you summarize, critique, and synthesize existing research related to your topic.

You should conduct thorough research to review the relevant literature on the topic. When writing the literature review section of your thesis, you should keep the following points in mind:

  • Provide a review of the relevant literature.
  • Identify gaps or areas where your research can contribute.
  • Do a critical analysis of the methodologies used in previous studies.
  • Present a well-organized presentation of the literature.

Wondering how to write a literature review? Here’s a detailed guide to writing a literature review to help you out.

Research Methodology

After you’ve introduced your questions and presented a comprehensive literature review, you need to turn towards your own work. The research methodology section presents the methods and techniques that you used to conduct your study.

There are various qualitative and quantitative methods that are used to find answers and test hypotheses. This section aims to clarify these methods to enhance the credibility of your conclusions.

It should include:

  • A clear description of the research methods used.
  • An explanation of the rationale behind your chosen methods.
  • Details on data collection and analysis procedures.
  • Addressing any ethical considerations or limitations.

Findings / Results

This section showcases the outcomes of your research. It should present data, facts, and observations clearly and objectively. 

Here's how to present your findings in this section:

  • Use tables, charts, and figures to display data.
  • Report your findings objectively without interpretation.
  • Ensure your presentation aligns with the research questions.

Discussion 

The Discussion section is a critical part of your thesis where you make sense of the findings presented in the "Results" section. 

This is where you delve into the meaning and implications of your research, relate your findings to existing knowledge, and address the broader significance of your study.

Here’s what you need to address in this section:

  • Analyze your findings in the context of your research questions.
  • Argue for and convince the reader of your interpretation.
  • Explain how your results contribute to existing knowledge.
  • Address any limitations or potential sources of bias.

Thesis Conclusion

The thesis conclusion section is the closing chapter of your research, and it plays a vital role in tying together all the elements of your thesis.

  • Begin by summarizing the most significant findings from your research. Reiterate the main results and their relevance to your research question.
  • Restate your thesis statement, which should align with the research question you posed at the beginning of your thesis.
  • Discuss the broader significance of your research. How does it relate to the larger context of your field or the world at large?
  • Similarly, highlight the practical implications of your research. How can your findings be applied to real-world situations, policy decisions, or practical solutions?
  • Finally, suggest specific areas for future research based on your findings. 

References 

The references section is where you list all the sources, including books, articles, and other materials, that you have referenced in your thesis. 

Moreover, this section should be organized according to a specific citation style, such as APA , MLA , or Chicago , as required by your institution or field of study.

Appendices 

This section provides readers with easy access to additional information, allowing them to delve deeper into your research. The Appendices section typically includes a variety of materials, the most common of them are:

  • List of Tables: This is a list that catalogs all the tables you've included in your thesis. 
  • List of Figures: Similar to the list of tables, the list of figures provides an inventory of all the figures, charts, graphs, and visual elements included in your thesis.
  • List of Abbreviations: If your thesis makes extensive use of abbreviations, acronyms, or initialisms, you can provide a list of these terms and their corresponding full forms or explanations in the appendices.

Thesis Writing Examples

Here is a good thesis example for you to better understand the process of writing a thesis. This thesis is the complete and final output reached after following the step-by-step writing process. 

Thesis Sample

APA Format for Thesis Writing

Bachelors Thesis Example

Masters Thesis Example

PhD Thesis Example

 Thesis Topics 

Below given are some interesting topic ideas for writing a thesis paper.

  • The Impact of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Programs on Anxiety Levels in High School Students.
  • Assessing the Efficacy of Sustainable Farming Practices in Mitigating Soil Erosion in Agroecosystems.
  • Exploring the Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Effectiveness and Team Performance.
  • The Influence of Online Learning Platforms on Student Engagement and Academic Achievement in Higher Education.
  • Enhancing Cybersecurity in the Internet of Things (IoT) Ecosystem: Vulnerabilities and Solutions.
  • The Socioeconomic and Cultural Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Urban Communities in 19th Century Europe.
  • An Investigation into the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Obesity on Cardiovascular Health in Adulthood.
  • The Role of Social Media in Shaping Political Opinions and Civic Engagement Among Millennials.
  • A Comparative Analysis of the Theme of Identity in the Novels of Toni Morrison and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
  • Design and Optimization of Renewable Energy Microgrids for Rural Electrification in Developing Countries.

Need more unique ideas for your thesis? Check out our list of creative thesis topics to help you out!

Tips for Writing an Improved Thesis

Follow the thesis writing tips given below to write a well-researched thesis.

  • Plan Your Timeline: Begin your research and writing well in advance. A thesis is a lengthy project, and starting early will give you time to refine your ideas, gather data, and address any unexpected setbacks.
  • Maintain a Logical Flow: Ensure that your thesis flows logically from one section to the next. Use clear transitions between ideas, and each section should contribute to the overall argument.
  • Quality over Quantity: It's not about how many pages you write but the quality of your content. Avoid unnecessary repetition and aim for concise, well-structured arguments.
  • Use a Consistent Style: Adhere to a consistent writing style (e.g., APA, MLA) and formatting guidelines. Consistency in citation and formatting makes your thesis appear more professional.
  • Seek Feedback: Share your work with peers, mentors, or advisors. Constructive feedback from others can help you refine your arguments and enhance your writing.
  • Edit and Proofread: Carefully edit and proofread your work for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Consider seeking feedback from peers or advisors to catch errors and improve readability.
  • Don't Fear Revision: Expect to revise and rewrite extensively. Few people get everything perfect on the first try. Revision is an essential part of the writing process.
  • Persevere: Writing a thesis can be challenging, and you may encounter obstacles. Stay resilient and seek support when needed. Take breaks to recharge your mind.

In conclusion,

Writing a thesis is a challenging task that demands dedication, critical thinking, and effective time management. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can navigate the thesis-writing process with confidence. 

Remember that while the path may be filled with revisions, the ultimate goal is to contribute meaningfully to your field. So don’t get overwhelmed and take it step-by-step. 

Need professional help with writing your thesis? We’ve got your back!

MyPerfectWords.com is the best essay writer service in the USA. We guarantee high-quality and well-researched thesis for multiple academic levels and subjects.

You can buy a thesis from us at affordable rates. Simply contact our 24/7 customer support and specify your requirements, and we will assign a writer to work on your thesis. 

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How long is a Thesis Paper: for Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD

Best Thesis Paper length

Best Thesis Paper length

A thesis statement is a sentence that declares your stand on a particular issue that you are handling in your research paper. Typically, such a statement can be both arguable and specific.

As a rule of thumb, we place the thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph.  The remaining part of your paper will be carrying facts to back up your thesis statement.

How long is a Thesis Paper?

A thesis paper should be at least 20 pages long and can go up to 100 pages depending on the research task and the institutional guidelines. Typically, a Ph.D. thesis can be longer than a master’s thesis. Also, there is no particular limit since it is about the quality. The author should make it as efficient and concise as possible.

how long should bachelor thesis be

The best approach is to avoid filler materials to help you attain a certain number of pages.

You can check with your supervisor for official requirements, including the higher and the lower bounds.

Some institutions give the word limit to indicate how far you can go.

Generally, you can choose to exceed by a few words as shown in the instructions without exaggerating your ability. Meeting the page limit would be better here.

Factors determining the Length of a Thesis Paper

Your thesis paper could either be long or standard according to several factors we want to discuss in this section. You should strive to be on the safe side when writing your thesis paper to ensure you stay within the word limit. The following variables will determine the overall length of your research paper.

1. Professional Instructions

As stated above, you should liaise with your advisor before you begin to write your thesis paper. You must be keen to adhere to the professional instructions that your institution gives you.

Some instructions can prompt you to write more pages than others. For example, if you are handling a Ph.D. thesis, it is obvious that you can write more papers than at any other level. Such papers tend to be longer than others.

For the other academic levels below the Ph.D., you can write a thesis with a few pages. Unless instructed well, you should write within the given limit. If you are struggling to attain the word count, you should add more examples and evidence to the paragraphs.

Let every paragraph focus on each argument without meandering. Every sentence should relate to the paragraph’s point by being concise and clear. You can also exceed the suggested length if your instructor allows that.

2. The Topic you are writing about

The type of topic you select will determine the length of your thesis paper. You can choose to broaden the topic and provide more details.

We have a complex research topic which one should expand by breaking into smaller subtopics to assist the reader in understanding it well.

When you begin to broaden the topic, it becomes apparent that your thesis paper will be longer. You will be covering more details within your thesis paper hence causing your thesis paper to be a tad longer.

On the contrary, if there is an easy topic that you can handle in your thesis paper opt to go straight to the point without elaborating with many details for the audience to understand. Such an easy topic can make your document shorter.

3. Depth of the Research

You can choose to go deeper in your research and dig additional details to support your arguments. If you want to widen the topic, you will employ different research methods to help you focus on what you want to explore.

thesis research depth

When researching a new topic, you are likely to discover more issues concerning the same topic.

As such, you would want to capture such issues and make your topic exciting.

The more you incorporate new items in your research topic, means that the paper will belong.

It can be inadequate if you fail to put the right things in your thesis paper to support your argument.

You should document your research well. When the panel challenges you with a question; you should give a detailed answer based on what you captured.

Again, when you perform shallow research, it is apparent that you will have tiny details to capture about the topic. The length of the study is bound to the number of details that you carry after research.

For this case, it will be a short thesis paper because you have a few facts to back your arguments.

4. The Technicality of the Research

A certain topic can dictate the type of research you have to do to discover certain details. The author can only convince the audience by widening the research to impress the audience. Here, you have to develop more evidence and back up what you want to put across.

As captured above, it is evident that when you find more facts to prove your points, you will have to write more, causing the thesis paper to be longer. The topic outline will be expansive hence prompting you to put more information to make it sensible.

On the other hand, the length of the thesis paper will be reduced if you did shallow research before you could capture the most important items to use in your arguments.

5. Your Writing Skills

Some authors who have impeccable writing skills have fun expressing their points creatively and articulately. They can develop convenient and vital phrases to create situations with the right emotions to enable the reader to follow them keenly.

While writing could be your hobby, you may put more details in sentences than the standard ones, prompting the length of the research paper to be extensive.

Since the author has a wide experience in writing, most of the phrases will flow naturally, thereby making the paper longer.

Another scenario could be the author could be inexperienced in writing. For that matter, this writer can be struggling to express his points well hence failing to go further into explaining more issues articulately. Automatically, the thesis paper, in this case, will be shorter than the former.

Thesis writing costs

Some people prefer to hire a reputable essay writing firm to craft decent essays.

These firm have their pricing according to the number of pages that your essay could have.

Due to budgetary constraints, the client may instruct the writer to minimize the number of pages while summarizing some paragraphs to fit into a certain length.

For this case, the thesis paper will be shorter. Not all students will be working on limited funds.

One can be willing to pay for more so that the hired writer could capture more details after research and make the paper as long as possible. These students will later edit and retain the ones that could be relevant to the topic only.

7. Academic Level

Lastly, the academic level will also determine the length of the paper. You cannot expect a Ph.D. student to have fewer pages than the one below it.

It is the highest level; hence one expects you to go in-depth in your research and come up with convincing facts to showcase your skills about your topic mastery.

It is automatic that the higher the level, the more the details you will need to provide to more your points; hence your thesis paper will increase.

What a bachelor’s student can handle is less than what a Ph.D. student will be handled based on the related topics. For our case, the information that a bachelor student will capture can make the thesis paper shorter than the one on a higher level.

Check the optimal length of a dissertation to understand the factors that determine the length of each of the different academic levels.

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Josh Jasen or JJ as we fondly call him, is a senior academic editor at Grade Bees in charge of the writing department. When not managing complex essays and academic writing tasks, Josh is busy advising students on how to pass assignments. In his spare time, he loves playing football or walking with his dog around the park.

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  1. How To Write a Thesis Statement: Effective & Expert Tips

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  2. How Long Should a Thesis Statement Be?

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  3. How Long Should A Thesis Statement Be

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  4. Master's Thesis Length: How Long Should A Master's Thesis Be?

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  5. How Long Should a Thesis Statement Be and Other Questions Answered

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COMMENTS

  1. How Long is a Thesis or Dissertation: College, Grad or PhD

    Mar 12, 2024 · A thesis should be around 50 pages long for a bachelor’s degree and 60-100 pages for a Master’s degree. However, the optimal length of a thesis project depends on the instructions from the faculty and the expectations of the supervising professor. The length also depends on the topic’s technicalities and the extent of research done.

  2. How long is a Thesis or Dissertation? [the data] PhD, Masters

    Jul 18, 2024 · An undergraduate thesis is likely to be about 20 to 50 pages long. A Master’s thesis is likely to be between 30 and 100 pages in length and a PhD dissertation is likely to be between 50 and 450 pages long. In the table below I highlight the typical length of an undergraduate, master’s, and PhD.

  3. How to write a bachelor thesis - Wageningen University & Research

    The topic of study should reflect the 12 ECTs that stand for a bachelor thesis. Generally, a bachelor thesis does not include empirical data collection. The course guide of the bachelor thesis provides more information on what types of bachelor thesis exists. Read the BIN course guide before you start the thesis. 1.3 Length of a bachelor thesis

  4. How Long is a Thesis or Dissertation: College, Grad or PhD

    The typical length of a bachelor’s thesis is around 12,000. The average cost of a master’s thesis is around $40,000. The typical word count for a Ph.D. dissertation is between 80,000 and 120,000.

  5. How to Write Your Bachelor's Thesis (+ Tips and Examples)

    Sep 11, 2024 · A Bachelor's thesis is a research project or long essay that many students write as part of their undergraduate degree. In many European countries, it's customary for students to write a Bachelor's thesis, which typically ranges around 20-40 pages or approximately 10,000-18,000 words.

  6. Exploring: How Long is an Undergraduate Thesis ...

    Dec 5, 2024 · The thesis should fully develop ideas, present data, and discuss the implications of the work. Master’s theses are longer, ranging from 60 to 100 pages, while doctoral dissertations can be at least 90 pages and upwards of 200 pages.

  7. How to Write a Thesis Paper: A Complete Guide for 2024

    The bachelor’s thesis is often 40-60 pages long. However, a master's thesis includes 60–100 pages. On the other hand, a Ph.D. thesis writing must not exceed 80,000 words that makeup almost 100-250 pages. Remember, these pages contain all the text and referencing list except appendices. Nevertheless, in thesis writing, students should go for ...

  8. General Theses Guidelines Bachelor and Master Theses

    wording itself will not be graded. However, spelling errors will decrease the grade of the thesis up to 0.3 points. 4. It is important to learn concise writing. Hence, the thesis may not exceed 10,000 words (not including references). We generally recommend about 5,000 – 7,000 words for bachelor thesis and 9,000 – 10,000 words for master ...

  9. How long is a Thesis Paper: for Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD

    Sep 22, 2023 · A thesis paper should be at least 20 pages long and can go up to 100 pages depending on the research task and the institutional guidelines. Typically, a Ph.D. thesis can be longer than a master’s thesis.

  10. How Long Should a Dissertation Be? | Oxbridge Essays

    Jan 29, 2024 · The conclusion shold comprise 1,000 to 2,000 words on average. Here, you should reflect on your findings, discuss their significance, and suggest areas for future research. It’s essential to tie back to your research questions, demonstrating how your study has contributed to the field. How Long Should a Dissertation Proposal Be?