All Cambridge University PhD theses are held by the University Library, either on-site or at our Library Storage Facility. PhD theses from 1970 onwards can be found in iDiscover, with incomplete coverage for earlier years. Pre-1970 theses are listed in a card catalogue in the Manuscripts Reading Room at the University Library and are gradually being added to iDiscover. Digital copies of theses in Apollo are also listed in iDiscover.
You can search using names and keywords in the main search box:
You can then use the ‘Refine my results’ options:
For some theses you may find 2 or more entries. For example, Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell’s thesis is available as a physical and digital copy. If you click on the green ‘Online access’ button it will take you straight to the Apollo entry.
To request the Library Storage Facility copy you will need to login to iDiscover so that the blue ‘Request’ button appears.
Deliveries can take up to 2 days to arrive at the Library and there are no collections/deliveries at the weekend.
For further information see the Library Storage Facility LibGuide.
It is not currently possible to make an online request for theses still held at the University Library via iDiscover but you can order either:
- in person in the Manuscripts Reading Room, or
- by sending an email to mss@lib.cam.ac.uk, or
- by phoning 01223 333143
University of Cambridge theses are not available for inter-library loan. We can supply copies of theses to individuals for research. You can find information on how to order and image prices on the Cultural Heritage Imaging Laboratory web pages. If you have any questions please email photo@lib.cam.ac.uk.
To purchase a copy for library stock you will need the author's permission. You should ask them to write to the Digital Content Unit (signed PDF, fax or handwritten letter) giving their approval.
Self-service photography/scanning of theses is not permitted due to the conditions of deposit. To request copies from a thesis please complete the Cultural Heritage Imaging Laboratory’s order form.