The differences between the undergraduate and postgraduate theses is one of degree2 rather than kind. They share a common structure and need for logical rigour. It is only in the substance and the emphasis placed on it that the differences arise. Specifically, UWA requires that:
A PhD thesis shall be a substantial and original contribution to scholarship, for example, through the discovery of knowledge, the formulation of theories or the innovative re-interpretation of known data and established ideas [2].
An undergraduate thesis is, at present, graded on the quality of research, the significance of the contributions and the style of presentation. Thus, the undergraduate thesis is judged on a similar basis to the postgraduate one. Indeed, the three most commonly cited qualities that earn an undergraduate thesis the first class grade are originality, independence, and mastery [3].
Candidates writing a higher degree thesis—and the PhD thesis in particular—are required to present their research in the context of existing knowledge. This means a thorough and critical review of the literature, not necessarily limited to the narrow topic of research, but covering the general area. The PhD candidate should also show clearly what original contributions she or he has made [2]. Although neither of these requirements
applies strictly to undergraduate work, the candidate should demonstrate familiarity with previous relevant work in his or her thesis.
In short, a thesis—whether undergraduate or postgraduate—is evidence of the candidate’s capacity to carry out independent research under the guidance of a supervisor, and to analyse and communicate the significant results of that work. The candidate for higher degrees must demonstrate, in addition, mastery of the literature and indicate clearly which is his or her original work, and why it is significant3.
A PhD thesis shall be a substantial and original contribution to scholarship, for example, through the discovery of knowledge, the formulation of theories or the innovative re-interpretation of known data and established ideas [2].
An undergraduate thesis is, at present, graded on the quality of research, the significance of the contributions and the style of presentation. Thus, the undergraduate thesis is judged on a similar basis to the postgraduate one. Indeed, the three most commonly cited qualities that earn an undergraduate thesis the first class grade are originality, independence, and mastery [3].
Candidates writing a higher degree thesis—and the PhD thesis in particular—are required to present their research in the context of existing knowledge. This means a thorough and critical review of the literature, not necessarily limited to the narrow topic of research, but covering the general area. The PhD candidate should also show clearly what original contributions she or he has made [2]. Although neither of these requirements
applies strictly to undergraduate work, the candidate should demonstrate familiarity with previous relevant work in his or her thesis.
In short, a thesis—whether undergraduate or postgraduate—is evidence of the candidate’s capacity to carry out independent research under the guidance of a supervisor, and to analyse and communicate the significant results of that work. The candidate for higher degrees must demonstrate, in addition, mastery of the literature and indicate clearly which is his or her original work, and why it is significant3.
