English term (edited): thesis or disseration? (canada)

Thesis for PhD, dissertation for lower degrees.

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Note added at 2 hrs (2007-10-26 11:40:53 GMT)
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As I understand it, in terms of university degrees, the difference in definition between a dissertation and a thesis is a matter of scale. A thesis is a much longer document than a dissertation and is based on a longer period of in-depth study.

Here's a reference from Canada:

At English-speaking Canadian universities, writings presented in fulfillment of undergraduate coursework requirements are normally called papers, term papers or essays. A long paper presented for completion of an honours degree is sometimes called a major paper, or, more rarely, an undergraduate thesis or honours thesis. Major papers presented as the final project for a masters degree are normally called theses; and major papers presenting the student's research towards a doctoral degree are called theses or dissertations.

At Francophone Canadian universities, the procedure is roughly the same, however, the term applied to a study associated with masters work is referred to as a "mémoire," and one associated with doctoral work is referred to as a "thèse." Either work can be awarded a "mention d'honneur" (excellence) as a result of the decision by the examination committee, although these are rare.

A typical undergraduate thesis might be forty pages. Masters theses are approximately one hundred pages. PhD theses are usually over two hundred pages, and may reach nearly five hundred pages in exceptional cases.