Cambridge theses are a valuable record of the University’s research. This page explains how to find and request a thesis, whether it is available online or in print.
Search for theses in iDiscover
Most Cambridge theses are listed in the University's library catalogue, iDiscover. This includes:
- PhD, MSc, MLitt and Divinity MPhil theses approved after 1970
- MD and MChir theses approved after May 2006
- some earlier theses, which are being added gradually
Older theses that are not yet in iDiscover are listed in a card catalogue in the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library.
Access theses in Apollo
Since October 2017, all PhD, Doctor of Business, Doctor of Engineering, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine under Special Regulations students are required to deposit their thesis in order to graduate. Therefore, these theses are available in Apollo, the University’s open access repository.
Some earlier theses are also included, although not all of the records have immediately accessible files. There is information on how to request a copy of a printed thesis below.
Request a printed thesis
If a thesis is not available in Apollo, you can request a copy of the original printed thesis from the University Library.
The Library will supply the copy in line with UK copyright law and guidance from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).
Please note:
- printed theses cannot be borrowed or requested through inter-library loan
- the copyright remains with the author
- we cannot supply a copy for a library collection or wider distribution without the author's permission
- you may need to pay a fee
Further help and support
If you have questions, or need help accessing a thesis, please contact the Thesis team.