Theses can be accessed from a variety of sources, both in hard copy and online. Generally, Doctoral (PhD) theses are easier to access than Masters-level theses. The paragraphs below detail ways in which to search for and access theses from LSE, the UK and the wider world.
To search across a number of theses databases simultaneously, you can use the Cross Searcher Theses & Dissertations search screen| (requires an LSE username and password).
LSE Theses
LSE has recently launched a database of full text versions of theses awarded by LSE. It is called LSE Theses Online|, and is continuing to have full text theses added to it.
For a full listing of LSE PhD and MPhil theses, use the Library Catalogue| and search for theses by title. To specify you wish to search for theses only, use the search filter "Dissertations, Academic" on the left-hand menu bar. In order to view a paper copy of an LSE thesis when you are at LSE Library, make a request for the thesis in question via the Fetching| service.
The EThOS |service, run by the British Library, is a UK-wide collection of PhD theses, includes a growing number of digitised versions of LSE theses - use the advanced search option|, and search by Institution Name for "London School of Economics".
Theses from the UK
EThOS|, mentioned above, contains a wide range of digitised theses awarded by UK universities. It is the best place to search for full text versions of UK theses.
Index to theses| is a database containing citations and abstracts for all theses awarded by UK universities.
Many institutions have their own openly accessible databases of theses awarded, similar to LSE Theses Online. The OpenDoar registry of open access repositories includes a list of UK repositories which contain theses.
Theses from the rest of the world
DART-Europe| is a Europe-wide portal containing nearly 150,000 full text theses, including theses from the UK.
Proquest Dissertations and Theses| contains PhD theses awarded in the USA and Canada. It contains both abstracts and full text versions.
Further help
If you are unable to access to the full text of a thesis you require from the sources listed above, you may be able to obtain access through our Interlending and Document Delivery (IDD)| team