Thesis and Dissertation Writing in a Second Language: a handbook for Supervisors

Differences between master’s and doctoral theses
An important point for students to consider before they write their research
proposal is the degree they are writing it for, and what that degree requires
of them.
A number of writers have discussed differences in expectations between
master’s and doctoral theses, and their characterizing features (e.g. Madsen
1992; Elphinstone and Schweitzer 1998; Tinkler and Jackson 2000). It is
important for students to understand these differences at the outset of their
research project, as this will impact on the focus and scale of the project they
plan to undertake, and, in turn, the research proposal they write.
As Madsen (1992) points out, generally a doctoral thesis has greater
breadth, depth and intention than a master’s thesis. Below is a summary of
the distinction he makes between a master’s dissertation and a doctoral thesis.
Chapter 4