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Information about
Thesis Collection
- Overview of the Collection
- Searching for theses
- Theses from other universities
- Requesting copies of theses
- University regulations regarding theses
- See also Finding Theses guide
Overview of the Collection
The Thesis Collection comprises more than 2,200 University of Wollongong higher degree research theses (Doctoral and Masters by Research). Some Honours theses are also included, if their content pertains to the Illawarra region or if they have been recommended for inclusion by an academic staff member.
Some of these theses date from the early 1960s, when the University's predecessor, the Wollongong University College, was a division of the University of New South Wales.
Print theses
The print Thesis Collection is located on the ground floor, near the Research Help Desk. Physical access to the collection is restricted. UOW theses can be viewed within the Library during opening hours, but cannot be borrowed. To request access to a specific thesis please ask at the Research Help Desk.
The majority of the theses are in print (hard copy) format. A small number are held only on microfiche. These can be viewed using the microform reader/printers in the Special Collections area.
In addition to the main Thesis Collection, the Curriculum Resources Centre holds a small collection of Honours theses from the Faculty of Education.
Digital theses
The Library provides access to a growing number of UOW theses in fulltext electronic format via the Australian Digital Theses (ADT) Program. For more details refer to the ADT@UOW web page.
Embargoes and electronic restrictions
Some UOW theses may not be accessible for a specified period (usually 24 months), without written permission from the author, if at the time of submission they have been:
- embargoed by the author with the agreement of the supervisor and the Research Student Centre (this access restriction applies to both the print and digital copy of the thesis)
- electronically restricted by the author (this access restriction applies to the digital copy only)
For more details refer to the ADT@UOW's FAQs web page.
Searching for theses
All UOW theses held by the Library are listed on the Library Catalogue and are searchable by author, title and subject keyword. Since 2003 the higher degree theses are also included on the ADT@UOW database and provide the fulltext online.
Need help?
For tips on how to search for theses on specific topics etc. consult the Finding Theses guide.
Can't find a specific thesis?
If the Library doesn't hold a specific UOW thesis (eg. a Masters by Coursework or Honours thesis), you will need to check if a copy is available in the relevant faculty/school.
Theses from other universities
The Library holds a small range of theses completed at other universities. These have usually been acquired to support specific research and teaching programs, and all are available for borrowing.
Print copies of non-UOW theses are held in the Main Lending Collection. Microfilm or microfiche format copies are held in the Special Collections area and can be viewed using the nearby microform reader/printers.
Need help?
For tips on how to search for theses from other universities consult the Finding Theses guide.
Requesting copies of theses
Theses from other universities are sometimes available through the Library's Document Delivery service. Staff will try to arrange for the loan of a copy. If this is not possible, it may be necessary to purchase a copy instead. For more details check with Document Delivery Services.
To submit a request for purchase of a University of Wollongong thesis refer to the Request for copying of unpublished thesis web page. Copies of some UOW theses may be readily available on microfiche.
University regulations regarding theses
The University has strict policies and guidelines covering the preparation and submission of theses. These are available on the Research Student Centre's Thesis Submission and Graduation web page.
The University's General Course Rules require all UOW higher degree research students (ie. Masters by Research and Doctoral) to provide two bound copies and one digital copy of their thesis. The bound copies will be retained by the Faculty and the Library, and the digital copy will be made available for worldwide access via the ADT database and the Web.
Follow Me Printing
Everyone hates to queue. With this in mind, we have introduced Follow Me Printing. You can choose any free printer/copier in the Library or a printer in the Student Central labs to release your print job.
How does it work?