How to reference a thesis or dissertation in APA 7
A thesis reference in APA 7 has 7 parts. See them labelled on an example, then build your own and copy it.
- In your essay: (Author, year)
- Checked 21 October 2026
Pip tip: in KanBananza, right-click any page and choose “Save as a source”. Most of this is filled in for you.
The 7 parts
Author (Year). Title [Degree, University]. Repository. Web address
2 · DATE(2023). 3 · TITLESleep, stress and study habits in undergraduates [4 · DEGREEDoctoral dissertation, 5 · UNIVERSITYUniversity of Northgate]. 6 · REPOSITORYNorthgate Research Repository. 7 · WEB ADDRESShttps://www.example.org/theses/wilson-2023
- 2 · DateThe year. In round brackets.The year it was finished or accepted, on the title page.
- 3 · TitleIn italics.On the title page.
- 4 · DegreeAs the source gives it.The degree it was for, like PhD thesis.
- 5 · UniversityAs the source gives it.The university it was written for.
- 6 · RepositoryAs the source gives it.The database or repository you found it in.
- 7 · Web addressThe full web address.Its page in the repository.
Two places, one source
Stress and poor sleep often go together for undergraduates (Wilson, 2023).
The author and the year, in brackets.Wilson, G. (2023). Sleep, stress and study habits in undergraduates [Doctoral dissertation, University of Northgate]. Northgate Research Repository. https://www.example.org/theses/wilson-2023
The full reference, in A to Z order by surname.Build your reference
Fill in what you have. Anything still missing is highlighted. Nothing you type leaves this page.
What if…
Made by an organisation
Give the organisation’s name where the author goes.
Riverside Media Bureau. (2023). Sleep, stress and study habits in undergraduates [Doctoral dissertation, University of Northgate]. Northgate Research Repository. https://www.example.org/theses/wilson-2023
In your essay: (Riverside Media Bureau, 2023)
No date
Write “n.d.” where the date goes. And add the date you looked at it, after “Retrieved”.
Wilson, G. (n.d.). Sleep, stress and study habits in undergraduates [Doctoral dissertation, University of Northgate]. Northgate Research Repository. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://www.example.org/theses/wilson-2023
In your essay: (Wilson, n.d.)
Two authors
Give both names, joined with “&”.
Green, A., & Patel, R. (2023). Sleep, stress and study habits in undergraduates [Doctoral dissertation, University of Northgate]. Northgate Research Repository. https://www.example.org/theses/wilson-2023
In your essay: (Green & Patel, 2023)
Four or more authors
Name all four in the reference list. In your essay, give the first author and “et al.”.
Green, A., Patel, R., Okafor, D., & Lee, H. (2023). Sleep, stress and study habits in undergraduates [Doctoral dissertation, University of Northgate]. Northgate Research Repository. https://www.example.org/theses/wilson-2023
In your essay: (Green et al., 2023)
Easy to get wrong
A web address in your essay
NOT QUITEStress and poor sleep often go together for undergraduates (www.example.org).
RIGHTStress and poor sleep often go together for undergraduates (Wilson, 2023).
The title not in italics
NOT QUITEWilson, G. (2023). Sleep, stress and study habits in undergraduates [Doctoral dissertation, University of Northgate]. Northgate Research Repository. https://www.example.org/theses/wilson-2023
RIGHTWilson, G. (2023). Sleep, stress and study habits in undergraduates [Doctoral dissertation, University of Northgate]. Northgate Research Repository. https://www.example.org/theses/wilson-2023
Check your university’s version
Some universities and departments make small changes to APA. Your module handbook always wins.
This guide follows the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th edition.
Questions
How do I cite a thesis or dissertation in the text?
Give the author and the year, in brackets: (Wilson, 2023). To point to one place in it: (Wilson, 2023, p. 81)
What if there’s no date?
Check the page or document again first. If there really is none, here’s how APA 7 sets it out: Wilson, G. (n.d.). Sleep, stress and study habits in undergraduates [Doctoral dissertation, University of Northgate]. Northgate Research Repository. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://www.example.org/theses/wilson-2023
Is APA 7 the same at every university?
Some universities and departments make small changes to APA. Your module handbook always wins.
Referencing is easier as you go
Our step-by-step guides show how to keep your sources in order while you research and write, so the reference list is ready when you are.
Skip the typing next time
In KanBananza, right-click any page and choose “Save as a source”. The details are filled in for you, anything missing is flagged, and your reference list is made in your style. Harvard is free; the other styles come with Full Bananza.
These guides and KanBananza’s references are here to help, but they don’t replace your course’s own referencing guide: check your references against your handbook, and ask your tutor or library if you’re not sure. You’re responsible for your own work. Style names belong to their owners, who aren’t connected with KanBananza and don’t endorse it. See our terms.