In accordance with current University regulations, one bound hard copy of a student's thesis is now lodged with the University Library once it has been accepted for a higher degree (such as a PhD, MSc, MPhil or MLitt).
Keywords: Theses
Strengths: All subjects across arts, sciences and social sciences.
Languages:English
Identifier: Th. Also A Th (Agriculture) - agricultural theses; F Th (Foresterhill) - medical theses, Older archival copies bear the shelfmark Ref, e.g. Ref Th, A Ref Th, F Ref Th
Physical characteristics: c. 11,500 volumes and accruing
Accumulation date range: 1883-present
Contents date range: 1883-present
Associated Publications: Aberdeen University, Abstracts of theses accepted by the University for higher degrees (Aberdeen: Aberdeen University Press, 1933). For some historical background, see: Johnstone, James F. K., The Lost Aberdeen Theses (Aberdeen: University Press, 1916). Available on Library OPAC or WebPAC
Accrual Status: Active
Custodial history/provenance: As with other British universities, it was not until the late nineteenth-century that the University of Aberdeen introduced formal regulations for the submission of theses for a higher degree. Prior to 2009, two copies of a thesis were lodged with the University Registry once it had been accepted. From the 1970s, one of the two submitted copies was lodged at either the former Queen Mother Library (closed and superseded by the Sir Duncan Rice Library in 2011) or the Medical School Library, Foresterhill. This copy was eligible for discretionary borrowing. The second copy was permanently retained in Historic Collections (now the Special Collections Centre within Library, Special Collections & Museums), and was for reference-use only. After 2009, students were required to submit one electronic copy and one hard copy of their thesis. The latter is currently held within and administered by the Special Collections Centre.
Access Control: Closed access - please request. Non-borrowable.