Does anybody know how (and if) I can have access to theses that are not in ETHOS database?

Do they have a copy of them in British Library? (Sorry for being ignorant, but I am not British and I don't know these things)

Does your uni have access to ProQuest? If so, lots of full theses available there although for some, it's only the abstract.

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You might want to check also the national Libraries in Scotland or Wales, where some Universities in those countries prefer to put their theses.

If a thesis should be on Ethos, you will need to request it once you have logged in.  If the thesis is from a participating University, you should get it within 30 days for free if it's not immediately available for download (assuming you've opted to download).  If not, you may still get it, but have to stump up for digitisation costs.  For example, a thesis from Cranfield will cost you £40.85.

Other theses may not be available due to the former student as copyright owner deciding not to make the thesis publicly available or made a take down request to the British Library (copyright, non-disclosure for a limited period, or simply because it's their 'private' work).  In these cases, you might try contacting the library of the Uni. where they did the PhD.  They will either tell you it's not available or if you're lucky provide the hardbound copy on short term loan, or allow you to go to that Uni. by appointment to view it.

I see opting not to make a thesis available as pointless to be honest, as that means there's alot of original information just going to gather dust.  Copyright can be protected (establishing ownership) by publishing the main findings to journal.

Proquest demand a fee from the thesis author to make available on their website for download. It depends on the Uni. (normally North American) if they cover the cost of this.

For recent theses, you can also check to see if the University has an online Open Repository.

Thanks everybody...

Sadly though my university does not subscribe to ProQuest and ethos does not even mention the thesis that I need...

I guess the only solution is to contact the "thesis" university, and see if they can send it to me at my university when I will be there....Difficult.......:-(

I have access to ProQuest through my daughter's uni - if you want to tell the title I'll have a look for you. Pm me if you'd prefer