Blog · January 8, 2026 · 5 min read
PhD thesis vs master's dissertation: what really changes
Target keyword: PhD thesis vs masters dissertation · Search intent: informational
A PhD thesis isn't just a longer dissertation. It's judged against a different standard, and edited with a different mindset.
The five real differences
Originality (PhD must contribute new knowledge), scope (PhD covers the whole problem), word count (typically 80–100k vs 15–25k), defence (viva vs no viva), and editorial intervention (PhD edits are deeper and stricter).
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Frequently asked questions
Do you charge differently for PhDs?
We quote per document, not per degree. PhDs cost more because they take longer to edit properly.
Do master's students need editing?
Master's dissertations benefit enormously from proofreading. Editing is usually optional but recommended for distinction-grade work.
Right-sized editing for your level
Whether master's or PhD, we match the editor and depth to your document.
dissertation proofreading service →Continue reading
- Thesis editing services in the UK: a 2026 buyer's guide
How UK thesis editing actually works — what's included, what isn't, typical costs, turnaround, and how to vet an editor.
- 10 PhD thesis editing mistakes — and the fix for each
Ten avoidable mistakes we see in nearly every PhD thesis we edit — and the concrete fix for each.
- The dissertation structure UK examiners actually expect
Chapter-by-chapter breakdown of a UK dissertation: what each section should contain, typical word counts, and where students lose marks.