How to Cite a Thesis/Dissertation in Vancouver Style
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
[#] Author. Thesis Title [dissertation/thesis]. Place: University; Year.
Citation Components
Reference Number
Numbered [1], [2], etc.
Author
Last name Initial(s).
Thesis Title
Sentence case. Not italicized.
Degree Type
[dissertation] or [thesis] in brackets.
Place: University
City: University; Year
Real-World Example
Example Source
1
Chen M
Immunological responses to novel vaccine platforms
dissertation
Stanford
Stanford University
2022
Formatted Citation
[1] Chen M. Immunological responses to novel vaccine platforms [dissertation]. Stanford: Stanford University; 2022.
In-Text Citation
[1]
[1], [2]
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
[1] Chen, M. (2022). Immunological Responses... [Doctoral Dissertation, Stanford University].
Right:
[1] Chen M. Immunological responses to novel vaccine platforms [dissertation]. Stanford: Stanford University; 2022.
Why: Use initials without periods, sentence case, [dissertation] designation in brackets, and Place: University; Year format.
Wrong:
[1]. M. Chen. PhD thesis. Immunological Responses. Stanford. 2022.
Right:
[1] Chen M. Immunological responses to novel vaccine platforms [dissertation]. Stanford: Stanford University; 2022.
Why: Use Last name Initial format, full thesis title, [dissertation] or [thesis] in brackets, and full university name.
Wrong:
[1] Chen M. 2022. Immunology thesis. Stanford University, California.
Right:
[1] Chen M. Immunological responses to novel vaccine platforms [dissertation]. Stanford: Stanford University; 2022.
Why: Include full thesis title, degree designation, and use Place: University; Year format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include the university location? ▼
Include the city in 'Place: University' format.
How do I distinguish between master's and doctoral theses? ▼
Use [thesis] for master's/general, [dissertation] for doctoral. Some contexts use [MSc thesis] or [PhD dissertation].
Can I cite an unpublished thesis? ▼
Yes, same format. Add '[unpublished]' if necessary: Title [unpublished thesis].
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