Theses
The Library has a full set of Imperial PhD theses. All theses submitted for examination from 1 July 2007 are available online, on open access, from the Spiral repository.
We also provide access to some Imperial Master's dissertations and online theses from other universities in the UK and worldwide.
Access to theses
Imperial PhD theses
theses SUBMITTED FROM 1 July 2007
Imperial PhD theses submitted for examination from 1 July 2007 are available on open access in the Spiral repository.
Spiral repository
theses SUBMITTED BEFORE 1 July 2007
Use Library Search to find Imperial PhD theses submitted for examination before 1 July 2007.
Library Search
For Imperial students or members of staff
- If a thesis is available in the Spiral repository you will be able to download it - sign in with your College username and password
- If a thesis is not available in the Spiral repository you can:
- visit the Central Library to consult it - complete a Thesis request form prior to your visit
- place a Document Delivery request for a digital copy of the thesis. The time scale for digitisation is currently 2 weeks.
For external users including alumni
- If a thesis is not available in the Spiral repository you can visit the Central Library to consult it - complete a Thesis request form prior to your visit
- If you are unable to visit the Library we may be able to provide an electronic copy if the author gives their permission.
Full details are available upon application.
Contact our Document Delivery Service - If you require a thesis to be digitised please email the Document Delivery Service ill@imperial.ac.uk. Library Services will pay for the digitisation.
Imperial Master's dissertations
The Library provides access to the Master's dissertations of some departments - check the table below for details. If your department is not listed there are no Master's dissertations available.
Master's dissertations
| Department/subject | Dates | Location | Loan period / access restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bioengineering | 2005 onwards | Online via Spiral |
Access restricted to Imperial College London members |
| Biology | Current 5 years |
Silwood Park Campus Library open shelves |
As for book loan |
| Biology | 2013 onwards (selected titles from 2008) |
Online via Spiral |
Access restricted to Imperial College London members |
| Business | 1971-2005 (selected titles) | Store Service | Reference only, access restricted to Imperial College London members - complete a Store Service thesis request form |
| Business | 2006 onwards | Online via Spiral | Access restricted to Imperial College London members |
| Business Joint Honours and Incalated BSc projects | Current 5 years | Core Text room, level 1, Central Library | Core Text |
| Chemical engineering - Advanced Chemical Engineering | 2007-2008 | Online via Spiral | Access restricted to Imperial College London members |
| Earth science and engineering | Current 5 years | Online via Spiral | Access restricted to Imperial College London members |
| Electrical and electronic engineering | 2010 onwards (prizewinning projects only) | Online via Spiral | Access restricted to Imperial College London members |
| Environmental technology |
2010 onwards |
Online via Spiral |
Access restricted to Imperial College London members |
| Environmental technology |
1971 - 2013 |
Reference only - complete a Store Service thesis request form |
|
| Mechanical engineering | Online via Spiral | Access restricted to Imperial College London members | |
| Science communication |
2006-2008 |
Reference only - complete a Store Service thesis request form |
|
| Science communication |
2009 onwards (Distinctions only) |
Online via Spiral |
Access restricted to Imperial College London members |
| Sustainable energy futures MSc | 2008 | Online via Spiral | Access restricted to Imperial College London members |
Theses from other universities
UK universities
Search for theses from UK universities using the British Library's EThOS service.
To see the full text of a thesis you will need to register for EThOS.
- If a thesis has already been digitised it will be available for immediate download.
- If a thesis has not been digitised and there is no charge, you can order it from within EThOS. Complete the form and you will receive it in 30 days.
- If a thesis has not been digitised and there is a charge, request a copy through the Document Delivery Service. We will order a copy and notify you when it is available for download (usually 4-5 weeks).
Overseas universities
Most overseas theses are now available online via Library Search. If the thesis you are interested in is not available, you can request it using the Document Delivery Service.