Thesis       A thesis and a dissertation are essentially two different expressions for one and the same thing. The term thesis is more commonly used in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, while in the American system, the term dissertation is used to distinguish this substantial piece of research writing from any other thesis requirements in postgraduate or even undergraduate degrees. For the purpose of brevity, we will be using the term thesis here.

A thesis is, on average, between 80,000 and 100,000 words in volume and should provide a complete report about the problem you have researched, your research findings, the existing knowledge in the field, your insights and of course your unique contribution to the subject, as well as an indication of how the topic can be advanced further. Always address your research problem within the thesis. The conception of an original contribution to a specific field should be at the core of your thesis. While it is important to keep in mind that you are writing for a panel of experts who you are trying to convince that your contribution is indeed novel and significant to the overall body of knowledge in the field, it is also crucial to maintain utmost clarity in your writing. Your thesis, if successful, will eventually become part of a larger body of knowledge and be used as a reference by experts and scholars worldwide. As such, a finished thesis contains:

1. a sound demonstration of your knowledge of and insights into the field

2. a comprehensive demonstration of your knowledge of related work and a critical analysis of it in light of your findings

3. your contribution and its significance

4. further work in the field

 As part of the core of your thesis you must also demonstrate that you have used sound, suitable and systematic methods in conducting your research, arriving at your findings and testing your hypothesis.

Writing such a voluminous piece of work is a daunting task. Writing styles tend to be unique and while some people may thrive on a (seemingly) disorganized approach to compiling the body of the thesis, others may do their best work when adhering closely to a given structure. Whichever approach suits you, make sure you are writing something. Start with those sections that you know best and allow yourself to write fragments as they present themselves to you in a moment of inspiration. The complete thesis should, however, be composed of the following structure:

1. Abstract

2. Introduction to the problem, the structure, the field

3. Background Information on the body of knowledge available in the field

4. Critical analysis of related work done in the field

5. The core of your analysis, your findings, your methods and your conclusions and contributions (THIS SHOULD BE THE HEART OF YOUR THESIS)

6. Analysis of your own work in context

7. Further work

8. Summary and Conclusion and a reiteration of the significance of your contribution

Although the content of your thesis is the central concern to the examiners in assessing your aptitude and originality, it helps if the writing is presented in an engaging and eloquent manner. Perhaps look at other, published theses before you get started with your own writing. This can sometimes help in finding a suitable writing style. The more evident your findings, the easier the writing will be, but be prepared to also find a clear way of communicating findings that are less obvious. Furthermore, make sure that your conclusions are indeed inferences you draw from the researched material, rather than re-stating your findings.

Lastly, always check that your thesis is free of grammatical and spelling mistakes. Keep in mind that this piece of work is to be published widely, so make spell-check and proofing a hobby for the time it takes to complete your thesis.

PhD by Portfolio:

In some instances, the submission of a portfolio of projects, accompanied by a written critical overview, may replace the thesis component of the PhD degree programme. The portfolio must represent a research output equivalent to what is commonly expected of valid doctoral research. This may be delivered as artwork, videos and works in other media and must be reflective of the discipline in which you are engaged in. The number of projects required varies but all portfolios should be focused, coherent and comparable in quality to a PhD thesis. Just like the thesis, such a portfolio must, at its core, demonstrate a substantial and original contribution to the existing scholarship in the field.

Portfolios are typically accompanied by a critical statement or overview, which serves to provide the scholarly framework for the contribution. The critical overview comments on the relationship of the work presented to the field, must present a critical reflection of research methodology and methods, assess critically the contribution the portfolio makes to the field and demonstrate that the work presented is equivalent to a thesis.

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