How Long Should a Dissertation Be?
Quick answer: In the UK, an undergraduate dissertation is typically 8,000–12,000 words, a master’s dissertation 15,000–20,000 words, and a PhD thesis 70,000–100,000 words. These are typical ranges — your exact word count is set by your university and department, so always check your handbook.
Typical word counts by level
| Level | Typical word count |
|---|
| Undergraduate (BA/BSc) | 8,000–12,000 words |
| Master’s (MA/MSc) | 15,000–20,000 words |
| MBA | 15,000–20,000 words |
| PhD thesis | 70,000–100,000 words |
These are common ranges only. Your department’s handbook is the authority, and word limits are usually strict.
How words split across chapters
A rough guide for a master’s dissertation:
- Introduction — ~10%
- Literature review — ~25–30%
- Methodology — ~15%
- Findings — ~15%
- Discussion — ~25%
- Conclusion — ~10%
What counts toward the limit?
Usually the main body counts; the title page, abstract, reference list and appendices are often excluded — but rules vary, so confirm with your department. Exceeding the limit can incur penalties.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a master’s dissertation?
Typically 15,000–20,000 words in the UK, though it varies by university and subject.
How long is an undergraduate dissertation?
Usually 8,000–12,000 words, depending on the programme.
How long is a PhD thesis?
Commonly 70,000–100,000 words, with the exact limit set by the university and discipline.
Does the word count include references?
Usually not — references and appendices are often excluded, but you must check your department’s rules.
What happens if I exceed the word limit?
Many universities apply penalties for going over (or significantly under) the limit, so stay within the stated range.