Finding theses
This guide outlines ways of identifying theses and dissertations published in your discipline.
Reading University theses/dissertations
The Library receives a copy of all theses accepted for the degrees of PhD and MPhil by the University. All theses held by the Library can be found on Unicorn. Masters theses can usually be consulted in the relevant school or department.
For more information go to Theses
Finding theses from other institutions
The following sources index theses produced elsewhere.
Please note: British theses traced using these sources can usually be obtained via the EThOS service. Overseas theses are harder to obtain, so please allow plenty of time when requesting these.
- Index to Theses - covers doctoral and masters theses from a large number of British universities in all subject areas
- EThOS service - covers PhD theses from a large number of British universities. Allows you to access the full-text of digitised theses, and request paper theses for digitisation from participating institutions.
- Dissertations & Theses - also covers doctoral and masters theses but with an American bias
- WorldCat - a union catalogue which includes doctoral and masters theses submitted to member libraries (mostly North American)
- Australasian Digital Theses Program - search and access full text of digital versions of Australian theses
- DART-Europe E-theses Portal - provides access to around 100,000 full-text research theses from 12 European countries
- Register of Commonwealth Research - a listing of higher research dissertations, realting to the Commonwealth and its member countries completed or in progress at UK Higher Education Institutions
You may also find that databases in your subject area also index theses. Find out which ones are relevant for you by consulting our list of Databases by subject.
Finding theses in progress
It isn't easy finding out about research currently taking place. For some ideas on finding details of theses in progress take a look at Lancaster University Library's theses and dissertations page.
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