Is a PhD a thesis or a research project?

A PhD is both a research project and a thesis, but in most universities it is primarily understood as a long, original research degree that you complete by carrying out a major research project and writing it up as a thesis or doctoral dissertation.

When you enroll in a PhD, the core requirement is to design and complete a substantial piece of original research that contributes new knowledge, theory, or methods to your field. This is the research project part. It usually involves formulating a research question, reviewing existing literature, choosing a methodology, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting your findings.

The written document that presents this work is your thesis or dissertation, depending on your country and institution. In many American universities, the term “dissertation” is used for the final PhD document, while “thesis” is more often used for master’s level work. In other regions, including many European systems, “thesis” is the standard term for the written work submitted for a doctorate.

You can think of the relationship like this:

• The PhD is the degree you are working toward.
  
  

• The research project is the work you do to generate new knowledge.
  
  

• The thesis or dissertation is the document that presents and defends that work.

Most PhD programs will not award the degree unless both elements are satisfied. It is not enough to simply take classes or pass exams. You are expected to complete a rigorous research project and then communicate it in a clear, well-structured thesis or dissertation that can be evaluated by examiners or a committee.

So, a PhD is not only a thesis and not only a research project. It is a full research degree that combines an extended, supervised research project with the production and defense of a substantial thesis or dissertation that becomes part of the academic record in your field.