dissertation acknowledgements uk

• Acknowledgements for PhD Thesis and Dissertations – Explained
• Doing a PhD

The Purpose of Acknowledgements

The acknowledgement section of a thesis or dissertation is where you recognise and thank those who supported you during your PhD. This can be but is not limited to individuals, institutions or organisations.

Although your acknowledgements will not be used to evaluate your work, it is still an important section of your thesis. This is because it can have a positive (or negative for that matter) influence the perception of your reader before they even reach the main body of your work.

Who Should I Acknowledge?

Acknowledgements for a PhD thesis will typically fall into one of two categories – professional or personal.

Within these categories, who you thank will ultimately be your decision. However, it’s imperative that you pay special attention to the ‘professional’ group. This is because not thanking someone who has played an important role in your studies, whether it be intentional or accidental, will more often than not be seen as a dismissal of their efforts. Not only would this be unfair if they genuinely helped you, but from a certain political aspect, it could also jeopardise any opportunities for future collaborations .

Professional Acknowledgements

This may include, but is not limited to:

• Funding bodies/sponsorship providers
• Supervisors
• Research group and lab assistants
• Research participants
• Proofreaders

Personal Acknowledgements

• Key family members and friends
• Individuals who inspired you or directly influenced your academic journey
• Anyone else who has provided personal support that you would like to mention

It should be noted that certain universities have policies which state only those who have directly supported your work, such as supervisors and professors, should be included in your acknowledgements. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you read your university guidelines before writing this section of your thesis.

How to Write Acknowledgements for PhD Thesis

When producing this section, your writing style can be more informal compared to the rest of your thesis. This includes writing in first person and using more emotive language. Although in most cases you will have complete freedom in how you write this section of your thesis, it is still highly advisable to keep it professional. As mentioned earlier, this is largely because it will be one of the first things your assessors will read, and so it will help set the tone for the rest of your work.

In terms of its structure, acknowledgements are expected to be ordered in a manner that first recognises the most formal support before moving onto the less formal support. In most cases, this follows the same order that we have outlined in the ‘Who Should I Thank’ section.

When thanking professionals, always write out their full name and provide their title. This is because although you may be on a first-name basis with them, those who read your thesis will not. By providing full names and titles, not only do you help ensure clarity, but it could also indirectly contribute to the credibility of your thesis should the individual you’re thanking be well known within your field.

If you intend to include a list of people from one institution or organisation, it is best to list their names in alphabetical order. The exception to this is when a particular individual has been of significant assistance; here, it would be advisable to list them.

How Long Should My Acknowledgements Be?

Acknowledgements vary considerably in length. Some are a single paragraph whilst some continue for up to three pages. The length of your acknowledgement page will mostly depend on the number of individuals you want to recognise.

As a general rule, try to keep your acknowledgements section to a single page. Although there are no word limits, creating a lengthy acknowledgements section dilutes the gratitude you’re trying to express, especially to those who have supported you the most.

Where Should My Acknowledgements Go?

In the vast majority of cases, your acknowledgements should appear directly after your abstract and before your table of contents.

However, we highly advise you to check your university guidelines as a few universities set out their own specific order which they will expect you to follow.

Phrases to Help You Get Started

We appreciate how difficult it can be to truly show how grateful you are to those who have supported you over the years, especially in words.

To help you get started, we’ve provided you with a few examples of sentences that you can complete or draw ideas from.

• I am deeply grateful to XXX…
• I would like to express my sincere gratitude to XXX…
• I would like to offer my special thanks to XXX…
• I would like to extend my sincere thanks to XXX…
• …for their assistance at every stage of the research project.
• …for their insightful comments and suggestions.
• …for their contribution to XXX.
• …for their unwavering support and belief in me.

Thesis Acknowledgement Examples

Below are three PhD thesis acknowledgment samples from which you can draw inspiration. It should be noted that the following have been extracted from theses which are freely available in the public domain. Irrespective of this, references to any individual, department or university have been removed for the sake of privacy.

First and foremost I am extremely grateful to my supervisors, Prof. XXX and Dr. XXX for their invaluable advice, continuous support, and patience during my PhD study. Their immense knowledge and plentiful experience have encouraged me in all the time of my academic research and daily life. I would also like to thank Dr. XXX and Dr. XXX for their technical support on my study. I would like to thank all the members in the XXX. It is their kind help and support that have made my study and life in the UK a wonderful time. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to my parents, my wife and my children. Without their tremendous understanding and encouragement in the past few years, it would be impossible for me to complete my study.

I would like to thank my supervisors Dr. XXX and Dr. XXX for all their help and advice with this PhD. I would also like to thank my sisters, whom without this would have not been possible. I also appreciate all the support I received from the rest of my family. Lastly, I would like to thank the XXX for the studentship that allowed me to conduct this thesis.

I would like to thank my esteemed supervisor – Dr. XXX for his invaluable supervision, support and tutelage during the course of my PhD degree. My gratitude extends to the Faculty of XXX for the funding opportunity to undertake my studies at the Department of XXX, University of XXX. Additionally, I would like to express gratitude to Dr. XXX for her treasured support which was really influential in shaping my experiment methods and critiquing my results. I also thank Dr. XXX, Dr. XXX, Dr. XXX for their mentorship. I would like to thank my friends, lab mates, colleagues and research team – XXX, XXX, XXX, XXX for a cherished time spent together in the lab, and in social settings. My appreciation also goes out to my family and friends for their encouragement and support all through my studies.

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Dissertation Acknowledgement Examples - 8+ Examples

Thomas Babb

If you’re getting ready to write your dissertation acknowledgement, first of all, congratulations! Writing any thesis is an arduous process, one which you’re nearing the end of. Dissertation acknowledgement examples vary in length and style, mainly due to the fact that you can personalise them to whatever extent you want.

Your dissertation acknowledgement will likely be one of the very last things you write during your dissertation . After you’ve done the brunt of the hard work on actually getting everything down on paper, you now have the challenge of thanking people. Especially for us Brits, this can be a fairly awkward affair, as you don’t want to come off as too ridiculous.

If you’re looking for a helping hand, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll walk you through the main questions to ask yourself when writing your thesis acknowledgements. We’re going to touch upon what the acknowledgement is, different types you could write, who you should include, and even a few perfect dissertation acknowledgement examples to get you started.

You’ll be signing off on your dissertation in no time!

What is a Dissertation Acknowledgement?

An acknowledgement section of your thesis will include a personal thank you to anyone who has helped you along your writing process. This could include personal relations, like a partner or a friend. More commonly, a dissertation acknowledgement will focus on academic help that you’ve had along the way. From professors to lab technicians, this is your moment to give thanks for the hard work everyone has put in.

No one writes a dissertation completely by themselves. While you might have done the heavy academic lifting in coming up with an idea and carrying it through to the end, that doesn’t mean that you’ve been in isolation for the whole process. Normally, there’s someone - or many people - that you want to thank. Some famous dissertation acknowledgement examples even focus on someone’s dog or cat.

Remember, this is your dissertation, you can really thank whoever you want. Just a small warning before you begin writing, be sure to double-check your institution’s guidance. Some universities have specific guidelines for writing acknowledgements. Be sure to look out for anything you can’t include, as well as general guidance for word counts.

But, at the end of the day, this is your piece of writing. While we always suggest you follow recommended guidelines, you can do what you want with your dissertation. Just remember that you can’t change this once submitted, so it's good to be sure you’ve included everyone you want to be mentioned the first time around.

Professional and Academic Acknowledgements in a Dissertation

No dissertation is completed in isolation. From people who read through your work to academic supervisors who guided you through the project, there are plenty of people to thank. Use your dissertation acknowledgements to give thanks to these people. When naming, be sure to stick to full names and titles.

After a lengthy writing process, it’s likely that you’re on a first-name basis with your supervisor. However, it’s good practice to use their title and full name to credit them.

There is no hard or fast rule in this section, but be sure to give thanks to those people that really helped you out. Consider mentioning:

• Dissertation supervisors - These are the people that have guided you through the whole process. Without them and their help, you might not have ended up with such a strong final piece of work. Out of absolutely everyone, these people are the ones that are most commonly thanked in dissertation acknowledgement examples.
• Academic staff who directly contributed to the project, perhaps lab technicians or your research group - Don’t forget about people who were there for you. Not everyone has to be a fundamental piece of the puzzle, but the fact that they helped you should metric a line or two in your thesis acknowledgements.
• Colleagues that helped you in your research or proofread your project - Friends often help you in more ways than one during your academic research. From actively helping in your project by providing guidance or proofreading to maybe just being there when you needed it, friends go a long way. Be sure to name-drop those that were there for you.

One important factor to take into account is that if you have received any funding, you should credit them as well. Even if it’s only one sentence, it’s important to pay thanks to the benefactors of your project.

Consider concluding with, “I give additional thanks to X Foundation, which granted me the opportunity to undertake this study”. This also applies to the university that you’re working under, it’s always a good idea to give thanks to your own institution.

These are slightly more formal requirements, but will almost always appear in professional dissertation acknowledgement examples for this reason.

Personal Acknowledgements in a Dissertation

Your thesis also provides an opportunity to acknowledge your close circle, giving thanks to the important people in your life who got you through it. Although writing a master’s thesis, PhD thesis, or dissertation thesis is an academic process, the mental side also requires support.

Take this as an opportunity to thank the people who made the process any easier for you. Once again, it’s unlikely that you did the whole process in complete isolation. Even if these people didn’t actively help with your work, it’s important to note that they could have helped on the mental side.

From taking a break to go for a drink with your friends to talking through the emotional weight of completing your dissertation project with your partner, being around people can help in more ways than one. If you benefitted from their help, be sure to thank:

• Your partner
• Close friends that supported you through the process
• Your family

Across these categories, you should devote a paragraph or two to giving out some praise. Remember, these people were there for you. The least you can do is mention them by name in the final draft of your thesis!

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How to Write a Dissertation Acknowledgement

Now you know who you’re going to mention, it’s time to get writing! There are some key things to remember. First of all, the style of writing should be more informal than the actual dissertation. Make sure to use the first person (I) and employ emotive language where you can. You want to make sure you show your gratitude!

When mentioning names, there are two styles you can follow. The first of these is to move through alphabetical order. This keeps everything in an easy-to-read fashion, while also avoiding any semblance of bias.

However, you could also opt for giving thanks in order of importance. Of course, some people are more essential in your project than others. Your acknowledgements could reflect this by starting with the person who has helped you most. Your supervisor would be a good place to begin.

Although there is no hard and fast rule when discussing acknowledgement length, it’s a good idea to keep it under one page. This will be the first thing your examiners read when working through your thesis. Due to this, it’s best to get straight to the point, thank who you need, and move onto the project!

Once again, we want to make sure you know that you can structure or handle your dissertation acknowledgements in any way you would like. If you’re ready to show the love, make it a five-page letter. If you want to keep it short and sweet, a few sentences will do. It's always good to consult an English tutor to ensure your acknowledgements are clear, grammatically correct and well-written.

As we’ll show you now, dissertation acknowledgement examples come in all shapes and sizes.

Dissertation Acknowledgement Examples

Once you’ve worked out who you need to thank and the style you’re going to use, it’s time to get writing. If you’re still a little stuck, here are some examples from our senior Oxbridge tutors to get you going!

Dissertation Acknowledge Example One – Strictly Academic

I would like to give thanks to my supervisors, Dr. X and Prof. Y, for their enduring support and much-appreciated advice throughout my dissertation. Without their invaluable guidance, this project would not have been possible. The University of X Y Department also receives my deepest gratitude, with continual support, guidance and academic advice from the whole faculty, forming a treasured part of this dissertation. Finally, this project would not have taken place without the support of the X Foundation. I give my thanks to all involved.

Dissertation Acknowledge Example Two – Mixed Personal and Academic

First of all, I’d like to express my deepest gratuities to the X scholarship funded by the X for their ongoing support. I would also like to extend my thanks to Prof. X, who kept me on the right track while also ensuring the project was enjoyable and productive. I could not have done this without them. I have to also mention my family, without their constant love and support, I would not be in the position I am today.

If you need any help with crafting your acknowledgements section, be sure to reach out to one of our expert online tutors .

Dissertation Acknowledge Example Three

Thank you to Dr. X from the University of Y for their generosity during my project. I’m boundlessly thankful for their help and guidance throughout the toughest stages of this dissertation.

Big thanks to my partner Z, who often brought me coffee and snacks while I was sitting in my chair for what seemed like hours. There’s no better soundboard than you, and I’m eternally grateful for all your support throughout this project.

Dissertation Acknowledge Example Four

We are grateful for the prolonged support of Dr X, professor in Y at the University of Z. Without their help, guidance, useful comments, and suggestions, we would not have ended up with a well-versed piece of writing. To Mrs X, who helped to edit and critique our work, we extend a big thank you.

To all of the many colleagues that persuaded us to follow this line of inquiry and provided us with a continual course of constructive criticism. It would be difficult to name them all, but we extend our thanks to everyone that was involved in our project.

Of course, we cannot end our acknowledgements without thanking our partners. Their insight and guidance were the shining light that beckoned us through our research project.

Finally, we turn to the department of X at the university of Y for their countless hours of support across our extended education.

Dissertation Acknowledge Example Five - Itemised List of Contributors.

I am very grateful to the entire network of members that participated in this project:

Professor X (University of Y), Professor X (University of Y), Professor X (University of Y), Name Last Name (University of Y), Professor X (University of Y), Name Last Name (University of Y), and of course, Professor X (University of Y).

A special thanks goes out to Professor X (University of Y), who was the lead supervisor on my thesis and to whom I owe a great deal of gratitude for their shining advice and constant compassion.

Dissertation Acknowledge Example Six

I am grateful to the entire Collective of Departments and the X team for giving me access to the Y resources that made this project possible. A big thanks goes out to Name Last name and Name Last name in particular, for the opportunity to work together on such an exciting project, one that has been near to my heart for quite some time.

Thanks to the X department for facilitating access to the collections and granting me permission to use images 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, and 42 across this research project. The showcase of artefacts and documents from the Y collections were also vital in this study, with my thanks going out to the team for allowing me to spend hours in their facilities.

A very special thanks to Professor X for helping to meticulously check my work, pointing out new directions for research and guiding me to a stronger final conclusion. Finally, I turn to my partner Y, without who I would never have been able to finish this dissertation.

To all those mentioned and those that have slipped my mind, I thank you.

Dissertation Acknowledge Seven - Short and Sweet

I would like to thank all contributors that added to this project, especially Prof. X, who was my main supervisor.

Dissertation Acknowledge Example Eight

The research behind this project was funded by the XYZ Institution. My first thanks goes to them for giving me the opportunity to conduct such a detailed investigation of this topic. Equally, I acknowledge the support given to me by the University of X, including the head of the department of Y, Dr. X Y. Their guidance and ongoing support for the last three years have turned a turbulent period in my life into one that I treasure.

I’m eternally grateful to those that contributed to this project. To my close friends, Name Name and Name Name, both of which I turned to when I was struggling getting pen to paper, I extend my thanks.

Of course, I could not have finished this dissertation without emotional support from my partner, Name Name, who got me through the many ups and downs of the process.

Final Thoughts

No matter which dissertation acknowledgement example you end up using as your guide, the most important thing to remember is that you should fill the section with genuine gratitude. Whether you go all out or just write one or two lines, make sure to get in the people that really matter to you.

While finishing a dissertation is a time to rejoice and feel proud of yourself, you should also make sure you thank those that got you there. We also recommend that you check out our guide on how to write an acknowledgement for a dissertation , which includes some of the very best tips that you can turn to.

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Written by: Thomas Babb

Thomas is a PhD candidate at Oxford University. He served as an interviewer and the lead admissions test marker at Oxford, and teaches undergraduate students at Mansfield College and St Hilda’s College. He has ten years’ experience tutoring A-Level and GCSE students across a range of subjects.

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Dissertation Acknowledgements: A Comprehensive Guide

(Last updated: 5 April 2024)

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The journey of completing a dissertation is a monumental achievement that often involves a web of support and guidance. Acknowledging the contributions of those who have been instrumental in your academic endeavour is a meaningful way to express gratitude. In this guide, we will explore all aspects of dissertation acknowledgements you should know.

Where Do Acknowledgements Go in a Dissertation?

Dissertation acknowledgements typically appear after the abstract and before the table of contents. Placed in the preliminary pages, this section offers a heartfelt nod to the individuals and institutions that have played a role in the successful completion of your research.

Who to Thank in Your Acknowledgements

Supervisors and Advisors

Express gratitude to your dissertation supervisor and any other academic advisors who have provided guidance, mentorship, and constructive feedback throughout the research process.

Academic Peers and Colleagues

Acknowledge fellow researchers, classmates, or colleagues who may have contributed insights, collaborated on projects, or offered support during challenging times.

Family and Friends

Recognise the unwavering support of family and friends who stood by you during the highs and lows of your academic journey. Their encouragement and understanding deserve acknowledgement.

Institutions and Funding Bodies

Thank any institutions, universities, or funding bodies that provided financial support, resources, or facilities crucial to the successful completion of your dissertation.

Participants and Contributors

If your research involved participants, interviewees, or contributors, acknowledge their willingness to be part of your study. Respect their privacy and express gratitude for their valuable contributions.

Tips on How to Write Dissertation Acknowledgements

Write from the heart, expressing genuine gratitude for the support you've received. Avoid generic or overly formal language; instead, let your personality shine through.

Provide specific details about each person or group you're thanking. Highlight their contributions or the particular ways in which they supported you.

While acknowledgements allow for a personal touch, maintain a level of professionalism. Avoid overly casual language and ensure your expressions of gratitude align with the academic tone of the dissertation.

The tone of your acknowledgements can vary based on your relationship with the individuals mentioned. Strike a balance between formality and familiarity, ensuring your tone is appropriate for the context.

Dissertation Acknowledgements Examples

I extend my deepest appreciation to my dissertation supervisor, Dr. Smith, for their invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and constructive feedback throughout every stage of this research journey.

Special thanks to my family, whose encouragement and understanding provided the foundation for my academic pursuits. Your belief in me fueled the perseverance needed to complete this dissertation.

I would like to express my gratitude to the participants of this study, whose willingness to share their experiences added depth and richness to my research. Your contributions are truly appreciated.

Acknowledgements Best Practices

• Start Early : Begin drafting your acknowledgements early in the dissertation process. This allows you to update and refine them as your research progresses.
• Balance Inclusivity : Ensure a balanced and inclusive acknowledgement of all relevant contributors. Take the time to reflect on everyone who played a part in your academic journey.
• Maintain Clarity : Keep your acknowledgements concise and focused. Avoid excessive details that may distract from the primary purpose of expressing gratitude.
• Consider Professional Relationships : Acknowledge individuals based on their professional contributions rather than personal relationships. If someone significantly influenced your work, regardless of personal feelings, recognition is appropriate.
• Review and Revise : Seek feedback on your acknowledgements from mentors, peers, or advisors. This external perspective can help ensure that your expressions of gratitude are clear, appropriate, and impactful.

Unveil Your Gratitude With Your Dissertation Acknowledgements

Dissertation acknowledgements provide an opportunity to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the collaborative efforts that have contributed to your academic achievement. By following best practices and crafting sincere acknowledgements, you not only pay homage to those who supported you but also contribute to the overall tone and ethos of your dissertation.

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A Quick Guide to Your Dissertation Acknowledgements

• 2-minute read
• 25th November 2015

Unlike the rest of your dissertation , your acknowledgements section will not gain you marks and does not have to be written using rigorously academic language.

Despite this, many people find writing their acknowledgements stressful, simply because they’re not sure what to include. To help out, we’ve prepared this quick guide.

Your Journey

A good way to start an acknowledgements section is with a paragraph about your ‘dissertation journey’ (i.e. a brief reflective passage in which you recognise the challenges faced during your studies). This can help contextualise what follows, giving your reader a sense of why you are thanking particular individuals.

Don’t Worry (Be Thankful)

The most important advice we can offer here is not to worry ; the acknowledgements section of your dissertation is a chance to express gratitude to those who have supported you, not something on which you’ll be evaluated. Nevertheless, you should try to make your acknowledgements section thoughtful and well written.

People you might want to thank include funders, supervisors, colleagues, friends and family (maybe even your proofreader , if you’re feeling generous). It may be helpful to keep a rough ‘acknowledgements’ document updated throughout your studies to note people who have supported you, thereby ensuring you don’t forget anyone when you write up the final version!

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Personal and Professional Acknowledgements

Most people will have a range of individuals they want to thank for supporting their studies, so it makes sense to structure your acknowledgements section accordingly.

Conventionally, you should begin with the most formal support received (e.g. funders, institutions, supervisors and other academics) and end with the least formal/most personal (e.g. family and friends).

Vary Your Language

Beginning every sentence with ‘I would like to thank…’ can appear insincere or overly formal, so you should try to vary your language . Alternatives include:

• ‘I would like to express my gratitude to…’
• ‘Appreciation is due to…’
• ‘We are grateful to…’
• ‘I acknowledge the contribution of…’
• ‘I am indebted to…’

Leave Enough Time!

The acknowledgements section might be the final thing that you write in your dissertation, but you should still set aside enough time to do it justice. Rushing could mean you forget someone important.

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Dissertation acknowledgments [with examples]

What are dissertation acknowledgements?

What to consider when writing your dissertation acknowledgments, who to thank in your dissertation acknowledgments, what (and what not) to write in your dissertation acknowledgments, good examples of dissertation acknowledgments, a final word on writing dissertation acknowledgments: have fun, frequently asked questions about dissertation acknowledgments, related articles.

While you may be the sole author of your dissertation, there are lots of people who help you through the process—from your formal dissertation advisors to the friends who may have cooked meals so that you could finish your last chapter . Dissertation acknowledgments are a chance to thank everyone who had a hand in the completion of your project.

Dissertation acknowledgments are a brief statement of your gratitude to advisors, professors, peers, family, and friends for their help and expertise.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• the most important things to consider when you’re writing your dissertation acknowledgments
• who to thank in your dissertation acknowledgments
• what (and what not) to write in your dissertation acknowledgments
• short examples of dissertation acknowledgments

Once you’re at the stage where you’re writing your dissertation acknowledgments, you may be tempted to kick back and relax. After all, the hard part of writing the dissertation itself is over and a list of thanks should be simple to churn out.

However, the acknowledgments are an important part of your overall work and are something that most people who read your dissertation, including prospective employers, will look at.

Tip: The best dissertation acknowledgements are concise, sincere, and memorable.

Approach this part of the process, brief as it may be compared to the long haul of writing the dissertation, with the same high level of care and attention to detail. It’s an explicit and permanent statement of who made a real impact on your work and contributed to your academic success.

Plus, the people you thank are often deeply moved by being included—some even go so far as to frame the acknowledgments. Aim to make yours sincere, memorable and something that people will be touched by.

First things first: who should you include in your dissertation acknowledgments? If you’re not sure who to thank, try the brainstorming technique to generate some ideas. Consider these two approaches:

• Make a list of everyone, both professional and personal, who was involved at any point during your work on your dissertation, and then thin down the list from there.
• Make a list of the pivotal aspects of your process and think about who was involved and how they helped.

As you select the people and groups to include in your dissertation acknowledgments, keep in mind that it’s essential to acknowledge your supervisor and anyone else with a visible connection to your work.

It’s an unfortunate reality that not every supervisor goes above and beyond to provide feedback and guidance to the students they are supposed to supervise. However, leaving them out, even if you personally felt disappointed by their involvement or lack thereof, could be seen as a snub.

You should end up with a fairly short list of people to thank. While being mindful of professional etiquette and personal feelings, be choosy about who makes the final cut since your acknowledgments should be limited to no more than a page.

Now that you have your list of people and groups to thank, it’s time to start writing. Before your first pen or keystroke, however, check your university’s guidelines as your institution may have specific rules around what can and cannot be included.

The standard practice is to begin with the formal and then progress to the informal, so the first people to mention would be:

• supervisors
• committee members
• other professional contacts

Use their full names and titles and go into brief detail about how they contributed to your work.

Once those are done, you can move on to the personal thanks, which can include friends, family, even pets. If you are so inclined, it is also considered appropriate to thank God or make mention of spiritual support.

You may also choose to inject a little humor at this point, but don’t get carried away and definitely don’t include sarcasm or critical comments of any kind, including self-critical ones. Remember that the acknowledgments precede your dissertation, so you want to be taken seriously.

A couple more basics that are essential when creating your acknowledgments:

• Position: Acknowledgments should be placed after the title page and before the abstract.
• Perspective: Write from the first-person perspective and speak in your own voice.

A really good way to get a sense of how to write your own dissertation acknowledgments is to read ones written by others. Notice which ones you respond particularly well to and use them as a model upon which to base your own.

Here are some good examples to help you get started:

I couldn’t have reached this goal without the help of many people in my life. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support.

First, my sincere thanks to my dissertation committee. The value of their guidance cannot be overstated. Dr. Elaine Gooding and Dr. Matthew Hunter provided much wisdom that helped me chart my course. I couldn’t have asked for a better supervisor than Dr. Fiona Moore, whose knowledge and experience guided me every step of the way.

Next, I’d like to thank my partner, Elliott. Your votes of confidence kept me going when my spirits dipped. I couldn’t have done this without you.

Last but not least, I’d like to acknowledge the emotional support provided by my family and friends. We made it to the top of the mountain! I look forward to celebrating with all of you.

This example is shorter, but still contains the key components:

Several people played a decisive role in my success and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them.

My chair, Dr. Ronald Saulk, provided invaluable support and infinite patience and I am truly grateful for all of his wisdom and guidance. I also owe the entire staff of the Wilhelm Library a debt of gratitude. From tracking down books and arranging for interlibrary loans to keeping the coffee maker in the lobby well-stocked and in good working order, they offered the practical help and kind gestures that made all the difference.

I’d also like to thank my family and God, for always being there for me.

One final piece of advice: enjoy this process. Writing a dissertation doesn’t happen every day, and the opportunity to acknowledge the important people in your life in a published format is as rare as it is wonderful.

What’s more, this part of your dissertation is unlike any other. It’s unbounded by the conventions that apply to the formal work. It’s a chance to really flex some creative muscle and let your personality shine through. So make the most of it and have fun!

In your dissertation acknowledgments, you thank everyone who has contributed to your work or supported you along the way. Who you want to thank is a very personal choice, but you should include your supervisors and anyone else with a visible connection to your work. You may also thank friends, family, and partners.

First, you need to come up with a list of people you want to thank in your dissertation acknowledgments. As a next step, begin with the formal and then progress to the informal, so the first people to mention would be supervisors, mentors, committees, and other professional contacts. Then, you can move on to the personal thanks, which can include friends, family, even pets.

Who you acknowledge in your dissertation is ultimately up to you. You should, however, thank your supervisor and anyone else with a visible connection to your work. Leaving them out, even if you personally felt disappointed by their involvement or lack thereof, could be seen as a snub. In addition, you can thank friends, partners or family.

There are many ways so you can acknowledge your dissertation supervisor. Some examples can be found in this article above. If you need more examples, you can find them here .

While acknowledgments are usually more present in academic theses, they can also be a part of research papers. In academic theses, acknowledgments are usually found at the beginning, somewhere between abstract and introduction. In research papers, acknowledgments are usually found at the end of the paper.

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Dissertation & Thesis Acknowledgements – A Guide with Example

Published by Alvin Nicolas at January 2nd, 2023 , Revised On February 1, 2024

The acknowledgements section of a thesis or a dissertation is your opportunity to express gratitude towards those who supported and helped you in a personal and professional capacity during the research and writing process.

Rules The acknowledgements page in a thesis or dissertation is positioned between the title page and the abstract. Its length should be one A4 page at maximum.

Unlike the other parts of a thesis or dissertation, you can use informal language and first-person nouns in the acknowledgements section. They are often not considered a part of the dissertation or thesis but rather an opportunity for the author to thank those who contributed personally.

Want to see a step-by-step acknowledgements template before getting started? Download our sample that uses simple sentence starters to help you build the acknowledgements page from scratch.

When to Write the Acknowledgments for a Dissertation

You will need to write the acknowledgements page for your thesis or dissertation after completing the paper’s fundamental chapters, including the introduction , research questions or objectives, literature review , research methodology , findings and analysis, conclusion, recommendations and references.

The acknowledgements page is generally left until all the more essential parts of the dissertation have been completed.

Who Do I Thank in the Acknowledgements

One of the first questions students have is about who they must thank in the acknowledgements section. Those who need to be thanked can be broadly split into two categories: personal and professional.

However, all students should read their dissertation handbook and the university’s guidelines, as it may contain rules or preferences about the acknowledgements’ structure, style and order.

Some academic institutes may require students to keep their acknowledgements strictly personal without any reference to the personal support they may have received.

Irrespective of the template you follow, start by thanking those who helped you professionally, followed by those who did personally. You can also rank who you want to thank first, from most important to least.

Here is an Example of the Recommended Thanking Order

• Dissertation defence committee, supervisors, mentors, and department chairs
• Funding bodies
• Colleagues, cohort members and other academics
• Proofreaders and editors
• Research participants, research assistants, librarians and laboratory staff
• Friends, family, pets, and more.

Refrain from referring to people who didn’t support you with your thesis or dissertation. Only those who directly helped you must get a mention in the acknowledgements.

However, remember that in some cases, you can include people who inspired you to conduct the research but didn’t directly participate in any way.

Professional Acknowledgments

Include everyone who helped you complete your dissertation or thesis project. No matter how small or significant the contribution was, it is important to mention those who were crucial to the success of your project.

For example, you can mention the name of a friend who helped you select a suitable and unique dissertation topic or a teacher who helped you proofread, edit, and polish your work.

The following tips will be helpful:

• Even if you had a forgettable interaction with your supervisor and you feel they didn’t help you much, it is essential still to mention their name.
• Follow accurate academic conventions, using full names with titles where appropriate.
• If several people of the same organisation assisted you, mention the collective name only. You don’t need to write the names of the individuals.
• Strictly ensure the confidentiality of those who wish to remain anonymous. Refer to them in the acknowledgements through general identifiers (such as “the participants”).

Personal Acknowledgments

While you do not need to mention all of your friends and family members, you should specifically thank those who were particularly helpful and inspiring.

Many students acknowledge their friends, partners, parents, siblings, pets, and those who positively influenced their research.

On the other hand, some students dedicate much of the available space in the personal acknowledgements section to a deceased and influential person who was instrumental in their personal life. It is perfectly okay to mention the dead person before professional acknowledgements.

Difference between Masters and PhD Acknowledgments

There is no difference between writing the acknowledgements for a Master’s and PhD thesis or dissertation. Always follow the dissertation writing guidelines provided by the university. If there is confusion, speak with your supervisor to be 100% certain they will accept the template you are following.

How to Write Acknowledgments

Once you have noted the people who played a significant role in your research, thank them in an order that fits the criteria provided by your university or school. When you have to thank several people, try and categorise them into three different lists of “minor thanks”, “big thanks”, and “major thanks”.

Major thanks – All the people without whom the project wouldn’t have been possible fall in this category. For example, you can include your close friends, partner and parents, and personal acknowledgements.

Big thanks – People who contributed significantly to help you complete your research and grow intellectually deserve “Big thanks”. You can also say “Big thanks” to the research assistants, classmates, laboratory assistants, peers and librarians who participated in your work.

Minor thanks – These people played a small but important role in your research. Most minor thanks acknowledgements fall under the professional acknowledgements category, such as the supervisor, mentor, and defence committee members.

Use of Appropriate Phrases in Acknowledgments

Rephrase, reorganise and restructure the writing of the acknowledgements to avoid being repetitive and boring. Here are some attractive and practical examples of sentence starters you can use for each category.

Example Acknowledgments Sentence Starters

You don’t need to end the acknowledgements with a conclusion or a summary. You can finish it once you have thanked the last person on the acknowledgement list.

Here is an example acknowledgements template showing how you can combine different typical sentence starters to create a focused acknowledgements page.

The text in the acknowledgements example is highlighted using three different colours to represent the three specific components of sentences, which are:

A sentence starter (Blue)

The person or group you are thanking (Red)

The reason you are thanking them for (Green)

Acknowledgements Example

I don’t have the words to express my respect and gratitude to the department chair and the Dean of the school of science engineering for their personal mentorship, support and regular feedback. The person or group you are thanking course teaching assistant for his humbleness and patience with me. Also, this journey and success would not have been possible without the monetary contribution from Mitchelin Farms INC.

Many thanks to my classmates and office colleagues I must also mention the dedicated librarians, research participants and laboratory staff for providing inspiration and support.

Lastly, I would like to thank my family members, especially my siblings, spouse, children and parents. They provided unwavering support to me and ensured I was in great spirits throughout the process. I would also like to remember my dog for his emotional support and interaction.

What the Acknowledgements Should Have

• Use of professional first-person language
• Appropriate grouping of acknowledgements mentioning organisations and research participants
• Strictly anonymising those who requested 100% confidentiality
• Acknowledgements mentioning financial sponsors
• Intangible and emotional support from parents, pets, family members and friends
• Recognise the professional contact first
• Every single acknowledgement includes full names, titles and the roles

What to Avoid in Acknowledgments

• Mention people or organisations who had little to no impact on your research work
• Foul or informal language
• Go over one page in length
• Use inappropriate titles or names

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Thesis or Dissertation Acknowledgments

Why do people thank god in the acknowledgements.

People thank God in the acknowledgements when they feel the need do so. If you have a close relationship with God, you can undoubtedly acknowledge Him. However, use the correct academic template and recognise the academia, friends, and family members who helped you.

Who should I acknowledge?

The acknowledgements section of a thesis or a dissertation should include those who helped you professionally, such as the supervisor, librarians, laboratory staff, research assistants and teaching assistants.

The one-page section should also acknowledge your parents, partners, family members, friends and organisations who supported you emotionally during the process.

How long should be the acknowledgements section?

The acknowledgements should be one-page at most unless advised otherwise by your supervisor.

Should I thank my supervisor for the acknowledgements?

The significance of your supervisor’s role in the process cannot be understated. Your supervisor can provide much-needed support through regular feedback to help you keep your research on the right path.

Even if you feel your supervisor didn’t offer any, you must acknowledge them. You could send a very wrong message to the Defence committee if you snub your thesis tutor.

Where to position the acknowledgements in the thesis or dissertation?

The acknowledgements page is positioned straight after the thesis or dissertation title page.

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How to Write an Acknowledgement for a Dissertation

Table of contents

Understanding the purpose of dissertation acknowledgements.

Dissertation acknowledgements play a significant role in recognizing the contributions of others towards your research. They provide an opportunity for you to express gratitude and show appreciation to those who have supported you throughout your academic journey .

When delving into the world of dissertation acknowledgements, it is essential to understand the depth of gratitude that can be conveyed through this humble section of your academic work. These acknowledgements serve as a testament to the collaborative nature of academia and the importance of acknowledging the support and guidance received along the way.

The role of acknowledgements in academic writing

Academic writing is a collaborative process, and acknowledgements allow you to acknowledge the help and guidance you have received along the way. It is a way to recognize the intellectual and practical input provided by others, such as your supervisor, colleagues, or peers.

Furthermore, acknowledgements in academic writing serve as a beacon of appreciation, shining a light on the individuals who have contributed to the intellectual growth and development of your research. By acknowledging their efforts, you not only honour their support but also uphold the values of academic integrity and collaboration.

The emotional and professional significance of acknowledgements

Writing acknowledgements is not only a professional requirement but also an emotional one. It is a chance to express your heartfelt thanks to those who have been there for you during the challenging times of your dissertation journey. Acknowledgements often hold sentimental value and can strengthen professional relationships .

Moreover, the emotional resonance of acknowledgements extends beyond mere words on a page; it reflects the interconnectedness of the academic community and the bonds forged through shared experiences and mutual respect. In essence, dissertation acknowledgements encapsulate the ethos of academic camaraderie and the enduring impact of collaborative efforts in scholarly pursuits.

Preparing to write your acknowledgements

Before you begin writing your acknowledgements, take some time to gather your thoughts and reflect on the individuals who have made a significant impact on your dissertation. Consider the guidance they provided, their support through personal or professional challenges, and their contributions to your research.

When embarking on the task of writing acknowledgements, it is essential to delve deep into the journey that led you to this point. Reflect on the countless hours spent researching, writing, and refining your dissertation. Think about the moments of self-doubt overcome, the breakthroughs celebrated, and the growth experienced throughout this academic endeavour.

Gathering your thoughts

Start by reflecting on your dissertation journey. Think about the people who have consistently been there for you, offering advice and encouragement. It may be your supervisor, research colleagues, or family members. Identify those who have gone above and beyond to help you succeed.

Consider the late-night conversations with peers, the insightful feedback from mentors, and the unwavering support from loved ones. Each interaction, no matter how small, has played a part in shaping your dissertation and deserves recognition in your acknowledgements.

Identifying the individuals to acknowledge

Make a list of the people you want to acknowledge in your dissertation. Consider their specific contributions and how they have influenced your research. Remember to include both academic and non-academic individuals who have played a significant role in your work.

From the academic advisors who provided invaluable guidance to the friends who offered a listening ear during moments of stress, each person has left an imprint on your academic journey. Acknowledging their efforts not only shows gratitude but also highlights the collaborative nature of academic research.

Structuring your dissertation acknowledgements

When it comes to structuring your acknowledgements, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Begin with expressing gratitude and organizing your acknowledgements in a logical manner.

Writing acknowledgements for your dissertation is a significant aspect that allows you to show appreciation for the support and assistance you have received throughout your academic journey. It is an opportunity to recognise the contributions of those who have helped you reach this milestone.

Beginning with gratitude

Start your acknowledgements by expressing your sincere gratitude to those who have supported you. You may choose to use a general statement or mention each person individually. Be sure to acknowledge the funding organizations, if applicable.

Expressing gratitude in a heartfelt manner can create a lasting impact on the individuals mentioned in your acknowledgements. It is essential to convey your appreciation genuinely and authentically, reflecting on the specific ways in which each person has contributed to your academic endeavours.

Organizing your acknowledgements

To ensure clarity and readability, organize your acknowledgements into paragraphs. Group individuals together based on their roles or contributions. You can also consider arranging them alphabetically or in order of importance.

By organising your acknowledgements thoughtfully, you can provide a structured and coherent overview of the individuals you wish to thank. This approach not only enhances the readability of your acknowledgements section but also demonstrates your attention to detail and appreciation for each person's unique contribution.

Writing the acknowledgements

When writing your acknowledgements, it is crucial to use appropriate language and tone. Strike a balance between being formal and expressing genuine appreciation.

Writing acknowledgements is a significant part of any academic or professional work, as it allows you to recognise and thank those who have supported and influenced your research or project. It is a reflection of your gratitude towards individuals who have contributed in various ways to the completion of your work.

Using appropriate language and tone

Acknowledgements should be written in a formal tone, reflecting your academic professionalism. Avoid slang, colloquialisms, or overly casual language. Use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

When selecting the language for your acknowledgements, consider the audience who will be reading them. Tailor your tone to suit the context of your work, ensuring that your appreciation comes across as sincere and respectful.

Balancing brevity and depth

While it is important to express your gratitude, keep in mind that acknowledgements should not be overly long. Find a balance between providing enough detail to acknowledge each individual's contribution and being concise to avoid overwhelming the reader.

Consider categorising your acknowledgements to group individuals based on their roles or contributions. This can help in maintaining a structured and organised approach while ensuring that every person deserving of recognition is mentioned.

Common pitfalls to avoid

When writing your acknowledgements, it is essential to avoid common pitfalls that may diminish their impact.

Overlooking important contributors

Ensure that you acknowledge all individuals who have significantly contributed to your research. Double-check your list to avoid unintentionally omitting someone who has played a crucial role in your dissertation journey.

Being overly personal or informal

While acknowledgements allow for a personal touch, they should still maintain a professional tone. Avoid sharing overly personal stories or using informal language that may detract from the academic nature of the acknowledgements.

Writing acknowledgements for your dissertation is a crucial task that pays tribute to those who have supported you throughout your research. By understanding their purpose, preparing thoughtfully, and structuring them effectively, you can create acknowledgements that reflect your gratitude and honor the contributions of others.

Exploring the Historical Significance of Acknowledgements in Academic Writing

The tradition of acknowledging those who have contributed to academic work dates back centuries, with roots in the practice of giving thanks to patrons and supporters in scholarly manuscripts. In medieval times, scholars would include expressions of gratitude in the colophons of their works, recognising the individuals and institutions that had facilitated their research and writing.

As academic writing evolved, acknowledgements became a formalised section in dissertations and research papers, serving not only as a gesture of appreciation but also as a way to establish scholarly networks and acknowledge the collaborative nature of knowledge production. Today, acknowledgements play a vital role in recognising the diverse contributions that enable academic research to flourish.

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Thesis & Dissertation Acknowledgements | Tips & Examples

A dissertation acknowledge section is a notable part of the entire research project where the researcher thanks all the people and the organization who contributed directly or indirectly to the dissertation writing process. A researcher generally gives his or her credit to the ones who helped in any way possible which led to the completion of the dissertation project. It is an important part of a dissertation or a thesis and carries emotional and ethical values rather than analytical.

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Is Acknowledgement Considered a Part of a Dissertation or Thesis?

This can be a long-heated debate and in fact, it has remained one of the most heated debates in the research world. Several researchers and scholars have focused on declaring the acknowledgement section a crucial part of the official published papers while others have denied and stated the dissertation acknowledgement an unnecessary formality. One of such examples are the esteemed European scholars Adèle Paul-Hus and Nadine Desrochers who emphasized on convincing the intellect society that dissertations are more than just thank you notes . Another example is of the scholars Cronin and Weaver who debated on the importance and the role of thesis and Masters dissertation acknowledgements in a paper. However, it’s still a debate in contemporary academic and students are required to consult their instructor regarding it.

Importance of Dissertation Acknowledgements

Students are often concerned with the importance of the acknowledgement section of any thesis or dissertation. Since they are already stressed out, they mistake this part by thinking of it as same as with the rest of the parts with strict format and heading. The following figures are generally included in an acknowledgement section.

• Professors and Instructors
• Laboratory assistance
• The finding bodies
• Colleagues or university fellows
• Proofreaders and editors
• The Libraries and its employees
• People who participated in the research completion. (For example, surveys and focus groups)

The Best Guide for Writing Acknowledgements of Dissertation

The following is a simple and easy guide on how to write acknowledgments for a dissertation.

Checking the Requirements from Your Institution

It is important to ask the instructor of your institution about the acknowledgment section. Even though he is most likely to advise on writing it, there are certain universities and colleges in the UK with limited on wither the number of words to write in the acknowledgement section or in the type of people or institutional bodies to thank, for example, some do not allow mentioning personal relations. However, it is very less likely for you to be faced by some limitations in the acknowledgements. Most universities would encourage crediting by mentioning those who made the dissertation possible.

Adding Humour in the Dissertation Acknowledgement Section

Balanced humour can add a bit of spice and excitement in the acknowledgement part as often they are dry and derived of any interest. The only interesting they sound is to the instructor or anyone who is mentioned in the acknowledgement. The acknowledgement section is the only aspect of It is better to consult your instructor first and review the research guidelines of your university or college whether they consider a bit of humour permissible.

The Length of Acknowledgements

You can check different dissertation samples in various online journals and will notice how drastically the length varies from paper to paper.

When Should You Write the Dissertation Acknowledgements?

The acknowledgements are best when written at the end of the dissertation when it has reached its climax. This is because a researcher or a student can sum up all the people and the organizational bodies at one time while preparing for the section. It is less likely that someone will be forgotten. Many higher educational institutes advise on avoiding preparing this section from the initial days as it is also the least important part of the research. It is the most lenient part of the research with no headings or a format or citations. So, it’s better to note and think carefully about who helped you and who did not right after you have finished your dissertation.

Where to Put the Acknowledgement Section

I was also stuck in the same dilemma regarding the acknowledgment as well as the whole dissertation but managed with dissertation proposal writing service , otherwise, it would’ve been a serious hassles.

Some Best Dissertation Acknowledgement Examples

According to one of the best dissertation writing services in the UK, the DP dissertation service, the following are ideal examples of how the dissertation acknowledgements should be written.

“I would like to thank Mr Wilson from the Office of National Statistics , the United Kingdom for providing insightful knowledge and participating for the required data analysis of my survey. His professional advice, expertise, and positive criticism on my report enabled me to improve and re-analyze my problem statements. The research would not have landed to the conclusion without the participation and the knowledge of Mr Wilson to whom I am entirely grateful. I also appreciate his willingness and his consent for letting me access to the databases.”

“I would express my deep gratitude to my instructors and the faculty of Kingston University , London for guidance and support in my dissertation. I would also like to thank my classmates Jim, and Noah who volunteered in helping me conduct my survey. My project wouldn’t have been completed without the help of the staff of London Museum who engaged and participated with positive response during the surveys.”

“Firstly, and foremost, I’d like to give a big thanks to my supervisor Mr Tao for helping me out throughout the entire course of my dissertation. His industry knowledge, expertise, and sound knowledge of my selected field assisted me beyond measures and I was able to carry out my research project and complete it successfully and within the deadline.”

“Giving all thanks to the Almighty God for providing me with the opportunity to learn and educate myself and become a skilled person so that I can contribute to my society’s progress. I also present my utmost appreciation to my mother and father for raising me and supporting me financially so that I may pursue my higher education and become a better man. Not forgetting my little sister Emily for bearing with me in the late nights while I write my report with lights on.”

“This dissertation could not have been completed without the brains of my friend Henry who was with me throughout every step of my research preparation. From conducting surveys to researching for the literature review, Henry has been with me throughout every thick in thin and his high enthusiasm and pertinacity enabled me to move forward and attempt to complete this research which was seeming very difficult in the beginning.”

NOTE : There can never be the best acknowledgements for thesis or a dissertation. It principally depends upon the number of participants and can range from a simple 150 words to more than 600 words.

How to Write dissertation Acknowledgements; The Gist of All

One surely can’t ignore either a thesis or a PhD dissertation acknowledgements in your project. Even though there have been serious debates in the past about its significance, the acknowledgement section continues to be not that important, yet a prominent part of the research. The above guide highlights how easy it is to pen down some “Thanks” and “Gratitudes” for the ones who engaged with your project. Hence it carries immense emotional and moral importance.

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The best and the most common place to put the acknowledgement section is after the Title and before the Abstract, although some universities and colleges in the UK suggest placing after the abstract. But that is a small number and one will be majorly selected to place before the abstract of the dissertation.

The acknowledgements are prepared as a gesture of gratitude and respect towards the contributing figures. Therefore, they have been considered best when put in the beginning portion of the research. Though it's not that big issue as your instructor will most probably already tell you, another reason is that since it’s the least favourite part of the dissertation, its position will not matter that much unless it hampers the structure of the important parts of the project.

There is no definite or fixed length of the paragraph body of your acknowledgement section. The length can be varied depending on the people to thank and acknowledge as long as its in one page. As long as you do not cross that one-page limit, its ala good to go. One can Google for dissertation acknowledgements examples UK websites have, they will be around 400 words on average.

According to a majority of scholars, PhD, Masters, or even undergraduate dissertation acknowledgements do not carry any sort of qualitative value. They symbolize moral and emotional values as they express gratitude and honour to the contributing figures whether people or organizations. It can be seen as a sign of respect for the student as he or she fulfills her moral responsibility by paying regards.

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How to Write Dissertation Acknowledgements

Published by Owen Ingram at August 13th, 2021 , Revised On July 29, 2024

Acknowledging someone means thanking them. The acknowledgement section in a dissertation is used to express gratitude towards all those who have helped you prepare the dissertation.

Both professional and personal acknowledgements can be included in it. The acknowledgement section comes in between the title page  and the  abstract page . It is best suited to be on one page.

The writer has the liberty to use  personal pronouns (I, we, my, etc) in this section, as this section allows more of an informal way of writing. Here is a quick guide to help you understand how to write acknowledgements for your own dissertation .

Dissertation Acknowledgement Example

Let’s start with an example, so you have an idea of the basics, to begin with.

You can use the following examples of common sentences in acknowledgements to get you started:

• I want to thank my supervisor, ABC (their name here) for his/her guidance through each stage of the process.
• I want to acknowledge Professor S. Jobs for inspiring my interest in the development of innovative technologies.
• My research partner, Dr Jane Goodall, was instrumental in defining the path of my research. For this, I am extremely grateful.

If you are really stuck and still unsure about writing dissertation acknowledgements, begin each sentence with “I would like to thank…”, and elaborate on how each person or group contributed.

Similarly, it would help to go through some other small as well as big acknowledgement samples to help get you started with this brief, stress-free section of your dissertation

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Whether you need help with your dissertation writing service , essay writing service, assignment writing service , poster , or just the research process, our expert writers can do the hard work for you so you can sit back and relax. To place your order, please head to our online order or contact us via email – [email protected] or telecom – +44 141 628 7786 to discuss your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of a dissertation acknowledgement.

“I am deeply grateful for the guidance and support of my supervisor, Dr. Smith, whose insights and feedback were invaluable throughout this journey. I also extend my appreciation to my family for their unwavering encouragement and to my friends for their understanding during this endeavor.”

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How to Write a Dissertation | A Guide to Structure & Content

A dissertation or thesis is a long piece of academic writing based on original research, submitted as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.

The structure of a dissertation depends on your field, but it is usually divided into at least four or five chapters (including an introduction and conclusion chapter).

The most common dissertation structure in the sciences and social sciences includes:

• An introduction to your topic
• A literature review that surveys relevant sources
• An explanation of your methodology
• An overview of the results of your research
• A discussion of the results and their implications
• A conclusion that shows what your research has contributed

Dissertations in the humanities are often structured more like a long essay , building an argument by analysing primary and secondary sources . Instead of the standard structure outlined here, you might organise your chapters around different themes or case studies.

Other important elements of the dissertation include the title page , abstract , and reference list . If in doubt about how your dissertation should be structured, always check your department’s guidelines and consult with your supervisor.

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Table of contents

Acknowledgements, table of contents, list of figures and tables, list of abbreviations, introduction, literature review / theoretical framework, methodology, reference list.

The very first page of your document contains your dissertation’s title, your name, department, institution, degree program, and submission date. Sometimes it also includes your student number, your supervisor’s name, and the university’s logo. Many programs have strict requirements for formatting the dissertation title page .

The title page is often used as cover when printing and binding your dissertation .

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The acknowledgements section is usually optional, and gives space for you to thank everyone who helped you in writing your dissertation. This might include your supervisors, participants in your research, and friends or family who supported you.

The abstract is a short summary of your dissertation, usually about 150-300 words long. You should write it at the very end, when you’ve completed the rest of the dissertation. In the abstract, make sure to:

• State the main topic and aims of your research
• Describe the methods you used
• Summarise the main results
• State your conclusions

Although the abstract is very short, it’s the first part (and sometimes the only part) of your dissertation that people will read, so it’s important that you get it right. If you’re struggling to write a strong abstract, read our guide on how to write an abstract .

In the table of contents, list all of your chapters and subheadings and their page numbers. The dissertation contents page gives the reader an overview of your structure and helps easily navigate the document.

All parts of your dissertation should be included in the table of contents, including the appendices. You can generate a table of contents automatically in Word.

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If you have used a lot of tables and figures in your dissertation, you should itemise them in a numbered list . You can automatically generate this list using the Insert Caption feature in Word.

If you have used a lot of abbreviations in your dissertation, you can include them in an alphabetised list of abbreviations so that the reader can easily look up their meanings.

If you have used a lot of highly specialised terms that will not be familiar to your reader, it might be a good idea to include a glossary . List the terms alphabetically and explain each term with a brief description or definition.

In the introduction, you set up your dissertation’s topic, purpose, and relevance, and tell the reader what to expect in the rest of the dissertation. The introduction should:

• Establish your research topic , giving necessary background information to contextualise your work
• Narrow down the focus and define the scope of the research
• Discuss the state of existing research on the topic, showing your work’s relevance to a broader problem or debate
• Clearly state your objectives and research questions , and indicate how you will answer them
• Give an overview of your dissertation’s structure

Everything in the introduction should be clear, engaging, and relevant to your research. By the end, the reader should understand the what , why and how of your research. Not sure how? Read our guide on how to write a dissertation introduction .

Before you start on your research, you should have conducted a literature review to gain a thorough understanding of the academic work that already exists on your topic. This means:

• Collecting sources (e.g. books and journal articles) and selecting the most relevant ones
• Critically evaluating and analysing each source
• Drawing connections between them (e.g. themes, patterns, conflicts, gaps) to make an overall point

In the dissertation literature review chapter or section, you shouldn’t just summarise existing studies, but develop a coherent structure and argument that leads to a clear basis or justification for your own research. For example, it might aim to show how your research:

• Addresses a gap in the literature
• Takes a new theoretical or methodological approach to the topic
• Proposes a solution to an unresolved problem
• Advances a theoretical debate
• Builds on and strengthens existing knowledge with new data

The literature review often becomes the basis for a theoretical framework , in which you define and analyse the key theories, concepts and models that frame your research. In this section you can answer descriptive research questions about the relationship between concepts or variables.

The methodology chapter or section describes how you conducted your research, allowing your reader to assess its validity. You should generally include:

• The overall approach and type of research (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, experimental, ethnographic)
• Your methods of collecting data (e.g. interviews, surveys, archives)
• Details of where, when, and with whom the research took place
• Your methods of analysing data (e.g. statistical analysis, discourse analysis)
• Tools and materials you used (e.g. computer programs, lab equipment)
• A discussion of any obstacles you faced in conducting the research and how you overcame them
• An evaluation or justification of your methods

Your aim in the methodology is to accurately report what you did, as well as convincing the reader that this was the best approach to answering your research questions or objectives.

Next, you report the results of your research . You can structure this section around sub-questions, hypotheses, or topics. Only report results that are relevant to your objectives and research questions. In some disciplines, the results section is strictly separated from the discussion, while in others the two are combined.

For example, for qualitative methods like in-depth interviews, the presentation of the data will often be woven together with discussion and analysis, while in quantitative and experimental research, the results should be presented separately before you discuss their meaning. If you’re unsure, consult with your supervisor and look at sample dissertations to find out the best structure for your research.

In the results section it can often be helpful to include tables, graphs and charts. Think carefully about how best to present your data, and don’t include tables or figures that just repeat what you have written  –  they should provide extra information or usefully visualise the results in a way that adds value to your text.

Full versions of your data (such as interview transcripts) can be included as an appendix .

The discussion  is where you explore the meaning and implications of your results in relation to your research questions. Here you should interpret the results in detail, discussing whether they met your expectations and how well they fit with the framework that you built in earlier chapters. If any of the results were unexpected, offer explanations for why this might be. It’s a good idea to consider alternative interpretations of your data and discuss any limitations that might have influenced the results.

The discussion should reference other scholarly work to show how your results fit with existing knowledge. You can also make recommendations for future research or practical action.

The dissertation conclusion should concisely answer the main research question, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of your central argument. Wrap up your dissertation with a final reflection on what you did and how you did it. The conclusion often also includes recommendations for research or practice.

In this section, it’s important to show how your findings contribute to knowledge in the field and why your research matters. What have you added to what was already known?

You must include full details of all sources that you have cited in a reference list (sometimes also called a works cited list or bibliography). It’s important to follow a consistent reference style . Each style has strict and specific requirements for how to format your sources in the reference list.

The most common styles used in UK universities are Harvard referencing and Vancouver referencing . Your department will often specify which referencing style you should use – for example, psychology students tend to use APA style , humanities students often use MHRA , and law students always use OSCOLA . M ake sure to check the requirements, and ask your supervisor if you’re unsure.

To save time creating the reference list and make sure your citations are correctly and consistently formatted, you can use our free APA Citation Generator .

Your dissertation itself should contain only essential information that directly contributes to answering your research question. Documents you have used that do not fit into the main body of your dissertation (such as interview transcripts, survey questions or tables with full figures) can be added as appendices .

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Trapped in dissertation revisions?

How to write acknowledgments for a dissertation, published by steve tippins on april 23, 2020 april 23, 2020.

Last Updated on: 22nd May 2024, 04:22 am

If you are wondering how to write your dissertation acknowledgments, that means you are basically finished. Congratulations! You have done the hard work and are just putting the finishing touches on your masterpiece and deciding who to thank.

Seriously though, deciding whom to acknowledge and how to do it is important.

How to Write Dissertation Acknowledgements

There are a few things to keep in mind when writing your dissertation acknowledgements:

• Know your school’s requirements
• Thank the right people from your institution
• Thank the right people from your personal life
• Add a touch of humor (when appropriate)
• Keep it the appropriate length

Jump to: Dissertation Acknowledgements Example

Know Your School’s Requirements

The first thing to do is check with your university to see if there are any requirements for or limitations on what to write in the acknowledgments for your dissertation. Some schools have page or word limits. 

Others may limit the types of things that you can say, but for the most part I have seen few limitations. Universities recognize that it takes a village, so to speak, and they want to give you ample opportunity to recognize those who’ve played a part in your success.

Who Should I Thank in My Dissertation Acknowledgments?

Finishing a dissertation is a celebration. Go ahead and tell those who are meaningful that you appreciate them. 

It is generally best to start with the most formal relationships and move from there to the personal. Keep in mind that there is a certain political aspect to your list of acknowledgements, so be careful to avoid leaving out anyone at your institution who made a contribution. These are some of the people to consider thanking as a courtesy:

• Committee members
• Supervisors
• Librarians (generalists and specialists)
• Other academics
• Professional colleagues
• Classmates who contributed in some way
• Research participants

The acknowledgement section of your dissertation is also a great place to thank those in your personal life who contributed to your ability to go to school and take the time to write this tome. These can include:

• Past teachers
• Family — parents, spouses, children, extended family members
• If you are religious, thanking God (using whatever name is appropriate to your religion) is acceptable as well
• Pets (I saw a student thank her cat for keeping her company during the many long nights of writing in her office)

I once had someone ask about thanking a therapist. This is fine, but I would suggest asking their permission first.

Should I Add Humor in my Dissertation Acknowledgements?

Dissertations can be somewhat dry, so adding a little bit of humor may make it more fun for both you and the reader — and a degree of humor is appropriate in the acknowledgements section. I once read an acknowledgement that said, “And now that I will have time to tend to relationships, I want to thank my three unborn children for being patient.” 

Another student recounted a cute family story in one sentence that captured the sacrifices his family made to support him.

With regard to humor, remember to maintain a level of professionalism and avoid straying too far into the weeds. Avoid critical (including self-critical) humor or presenting anyone in a bad light. Remember that prospective employers will likely be perusing this document.

How Long Should Dissertation Acknowledgments Be?

I have never seen an acknowledgement section go beyond one page. Keep it to those who really helped you through the process.

How Do You Write an Acknowledgment for a Dissertation: Example

The best way to learn how to write acknowledgements for a dissertation is by reading the acknowledgements section in dissertations previously published by your institution. However, to help you get started, here is an example of an acknowledgement for a dissertation.

Acknowledgements

There are many who helped me along the way on this journey. I want to take a moment to thank them.

First, I wish to thank my dissertation committee . Without their guidance, I would not have made it. Dr. Betty Rubble and Dr. Colin Slate served as wise committee members, and Dr. Barney Rubble, my Chair, went above and beyond to help me reach my goal.

To my friends, my parents, and my siblings: you put up with me being distracted and missing many events. I am forever grateful for your patience and understanding. I hope to have time now to reconnect with each of you.

Finally, to my wife, Charlotte, and my daughter, Jane: your love and understanding helped me through the dark times. Without you believing in me, I never would have made it. It is time to celebrate; you earned this degree right along with me.

When to Write Dissertation Acknowledgements

I’ve seen a surprising number of students turn in drafts of their proposals with the acknowledgements section already written. I suppose the thinking goes, “the more sections I complete now, the less I’ll have to do later.” And it must be tempting to fill out a section that doesn’t require any citations.

While there’s nothing wrong with drafting the acknowledgements section ahead of time, it’s best to keep it saved separately from the draft of your proposal. Acknowledgements are supposed to be written retroactively, and your Chair and committee members may find it strange to be thanked before they’ve finished the work of guiding you through the dissertation process. 

How to Write Dissertation Acknowledgements: Summary

The acknowledgement section of your dissertation is the least controlled area of the document. There are no special headings needed or word counts. I suggest you take your time and really think about those who helped you complete this journey and give them the thanks they deserve.

You can give them a card or take them out to dinner, and that’s a great idea. But an acknowledgement in your dissertation is a permanent reminder and an announcement to the wider world that these people really made a difference in your life and your future. Some proud parents have framed their child’s acknowledgement page! Try to make yours worthy of framing. 

And remember, though this is your opportunity to thank others, the way that you do so (and the care you put into it) is a reflection of who you are. As much as you might be tired of writing, it’s worth putting genuine effort into this section, as it will speak to everyone who reads it about who you are as a person.

Wondering what’s next after you have your PhD? As a PhD coach, I help recent graduates reach their goals , whether that’s landing their dream job at a university, diving into research, creating your own business, or beginning a career outside of academia.

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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Overview: Acknowledgements Template

This template provides a basic structure for the acknowledgements section of a typical dissertation, thesis or research project.

In line with academic best practice , the acknowledgements are structured from most formal (supervisor, committee, etc.) to least formal (family and friends). Each section has easy to use placeholders that allow you to create your acknowledgements section in just a few minutes. 

The cleanly formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX.

PS – if you’d like a high-level template for the entire thesis, you can we’ve got that too .

Dissertation & Thesis Conclusion FAQ

What format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).

The acknowledgements section template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

Is this template for an undergrad, Master or PhD-level thesis?

This template can be used for a dissertation, thesis or research project at any level of study. As always, be sure to check your university’s requirements and norms in terms of document structure.

What types of dissertations/theses can this be used for?

The acknowledgements section template template follows the standard format for academic research projects, which means it will be suitable for the majority of dissertations, theses and research projects (especially those within the sciences).

Keep in mind that the exact requirements for the conclusion chapter/section will vary between universities and degree programs. So, be sure to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalize your structure.

How long should the acknowledgement section be?

Typically, the acknowledgements section comprises a few paragraphs at most. Keep it short and sweet.

Can I share this template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template in its original format (no editing allowed). If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, please reference this page as your source.

Do you have templates for the other chapters?

Yes, we do. We are constantly developing our collection of free resources to help students complete their dissertations and theses. You can view all of our template resources here .

Enjoy a completely custom, expertly-written dissertation. Choose from hundreds of writers, all of whom are career specialists in your subject.

Thesis & Dissertation Acknowledgements

Acknowledging those who support your graduate work is an important, yet often overlooked, component of a thesis or dissertation. While the focus is rightly placed on the research and writing itself, taking time to recognize those who helped make it possible is a meaningful gesture of gratitude. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to crafting effective and thoughtful acknowledgments.

We’ll first define what acknowledgments are and explain their purpose within a graduate paper. Next, we’ll offer tips for including the right people and expressing your appreciation in a sincere yet polished way. Examples will illustrate how to structure and format your acknowledgments properly. We’ll also discuss common dos and don’ts to help you avoid any missteps. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your ability to acknowledge all those who supported you throughout your graduate journey.

What Are Dissertation Acknowledgments?

Dissertation acknowledgments provide an opportunity to thank the key individuals who supported and guided the completion of doctoral research. This formal yet personal section allows the author to recognize those who offered invaluable expertise, feedback, encouragement, and more throughout the dissertation journey.

According to recent research studies on dissertation acknowledgments:

• They help to recognize the extensive support network that was invaluable in helping the student complete their research project. This network is often overlooked despite playing a big role.
• Including acknowledgments helps to personalize the dissertation and shows the human/personal side of the work, rather than just seeing it as an academic document. This can help examiners engage with the thesis.
• It creates positive feelings and goodwill towards the student from those acknowledged. Supervisors especially appreciate public recognition of their efforts and guidance.
• Expressing appreciation has well-documented mental health benefits for students during the stressful thesis writing process. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the support received.
• For professional master’s students, acknowledgments can strengthen industry connections and partnerships that may benefit future career opportunities.

How To Write Dissertation Acknowledgments

Here are the basic steps on how to write dissertation acknowledgements:

• Thank your committee members. Be sure to thank your advisor, committee chair, and other committee members for their guidance and support throughout your dissertation journey.
• Acknowledge any funding sources. If you received financial support through grants, scholarships, or a teaching/research assistantship, thank the organization or department that provided these resources.
• Appreciate friends and family. Express gratitude to loved ones for their encouragement, understanding, and patience as you dedicated long hours to your research and writing.
• Cite any additional mentors. If other faculty, colleagues, or professionals provided valuable advice or expertise, acknowledge their contributions here as well.
• Proofread carefully. Have someone you trust review your acknowledgments to catch any errors before final submission. Make sure information is formatted and presented professionally.

Dos And Don’ts Of Dissertation Acknowledgments

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Express deep gratitude and appreciation for your supervisors’ guidance and support throughout your PhD journey. A heartfelt thank you goes a long way.
• Acknowledge any funding sources that enabled your research. This is important for them to see the impact of their investment.
• Thank friends and family for their encouragement, patience, and for believing in you. Their support was invaluable.
• Keep it concise yet meaningful. One well-written paragraph is sufficient to acknowledge all contributors.
• Proofread your acknowledgments to ensure the correct spelling of names and appropriate language. This shows respect for those thanked.

DON’Ts:

• Forget to acknowledge anyone who significantly helped your research and writing. Leave no stone unturned to show appreciation.
• Use overly casual language or be too brief that it comes across as insincere. Strike the right tone of gratitude.
• Exceed one paragraph length which may distract readers from your actual dissertation work.
• Include any negative comments no matter how you felt at times during your PhD journey. Keep it positive!

Examples Of Effective Dissertation Acknowledgments

Here are some examples of dissertation and thesis acknowledgements. They demonstrate gratitude to people who provided thesis help or had any impact on your dissertation:

“I would like to thank my supervisor, Dr. Mitra, for his invaluable guidance and feedback throughout this research project. His expertise in the field of cognitive psychology helped shape the direction of my study. I am also grateful to my committee members, Dr. Jones and Dr. Williams, whose insightful comments and questions about my proposal and defense helped strengthen my work. Finally, I wish to acknowledge the financial support of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.”

“I am deeply grateful to my family for their unwavering love and encouragement during my graduate studies. To my parents, Jane and John, thank you for your emotional support and for believing in me. To my partner Sam, thank you for your patience, for keeping me fed on late nights of writing, and for always reminding me to take breaks. I could not have done this without all of you in my corner.”

“I wish to thank my advisor Professor Johnson for her guidance and feedback throughout this research. I am also grateful to my committee members Dr. Smith and Dr. Williams for their insightful comments. Finally, I want to acknowledge the support of my friends and family who encouraged me every step of the way.”

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my advisor Professor Jennifer Smith for her invaluable guidance, feedback, and support throughout this research. I am also thankful for the insightful contributions of my committee members, Dr. Michael Jones and Dr. Samantha Williams, who provided thoughtful comments and challenges that helped strengthen my work. Finally, I wish to acknowledge the unwavering encouragement of my friends and family, who motivated me throughout this lengthy process. I could not have completed this endeavor without the assistance of these important people.”

Difference Between A Thesis And Dissertation Acknowledgement

Here are the key differences between a dissertation acknowledgement and a thesis acknowledgement:

• Purpose: A dissertation acknowledgement thanks those who helped with a doctoral degree, while a thesis acknowledgement recognizes support for a master’s degree. The dissertation generally requires more extensive research.
• Tone: A dissertation acknowledgement is more formal since a Ph.D. is a higher academic achievement. Thesis acknowledgements can be slightly less formal.
• Length: Dissertation acknowledgments tend to be longer since doctoral research often spans several years. Thesis acknowledgements are typically 1-2 paragraphs.
• People thanked: Dissertation acknowledgements often recognize a wider network of supporters over many years, including committee members, program directors, funding bodies, colleagues, friends, and family. The thesis acknowledgements focus more on academic advisors, committee members, and peers who directly contributed to the research project.
• Placement: Both usually come after the abstract or preface/foreword and before the table of contents. Dissertation acknowledgements may also appear after the dedication page. Thesis acknowledgements are usually placed earlier in the document.
• Language: Dissertation acknowledgements use more sophisticated vocabulary to reflect the advanced academic level. The thesis acknowledgements have simpler language.
• Detail: Dissertation acknowledgements may provide brief details about how different individuals specifically supported the research journey. The thesis acknowledgements focus more on general thanks.

Get Dissertation Assistance

We hope this comprehensive guide has equipped you with the knowledge and examples for how to write acknowledgement for dissertation. Remember that acknowledgments serve as an opportunity to express gratitude to those who supported your academic journey.

With the tips provided, you can be sure to properly recognize all those who helped make your research possible. It is also important to recognize that the support of others extends beyond the immediate needs of your research. Mentors, advisors, friends, and family provide invaluable emotional support during the challenges of graduate study. Their encouragement helped sustain your efforts and motivated you to persevere, even during frustrating periods.

This support network is truly worthy of recognition for helping you achieve this important academic milestone. We encourage you to draw upon the eloquence of your writing to sincerely convey how grateful you are for the contributions, both tangible and intangible, of all those who played a role in helping you reach this significant point in your career.

To take your work to the next level, consider engaging the skills of professional dissertation writers. Our team of experts has assisted countless graduate students in completing their theses and dissertations through superior research, writing, and dissertation editing help . Whether you need assistance with specific sections or would like us to handle your entire project, our dissertation writers can help you produce outstanding work efficiently and effectively.

Rely on the leaders in the industry to help you cross the finish line with a dissertation that truly reflects your highest abilities. Contact us today to discuss how we can support the final steps of your academic journey.

Who should I acknowledge in my thesis or dissertation?

You’ll want to acknowledge anyone who provided meaningful support during your graduate studies and research. This typically includes your advisor(s), committee members, lab mates, friends, and family who supported you emotionally, and funding sources. Be sure to obtain permission from individuals before acknowledging them.

How do I properly word my acknowledgements?

Acknowledgements should be heartfelt but formal in tone. Address individuals by their full names and titles or roles (e.g. “Dr. John Smith, my academic advisor”). Express your sincere gratitude for their contributions while maintaining a professional tone. Avoid fluff and hyperbole.

Is there a standard format for acknowledgements?

While formats vary, acknowledgements commonly have an introduction thanking all contributors, followed by paragraphs organized by relationship (advisor, committee, friends/family). Consider a brief introduction thanking all who supported your work, then address advisors together thanking them for their guidance, then the committee thanking them for their time and feedback, then any funding sources or departments, and finally friends and family.

How long should acknowledgements be?

Acknowledgements pages are typically one paragraph or one short page. Keep it concise while still recognizing all meaningful contributors. Edit out redundant or less important acknowledgements if it exceeds one page. Your thank you to each individual or group should be one to three sentences max.

What if I accidentally leave someone out?

Mistakes happen, so don’t stress if you realize a minor omission after submission. For important contributors, contact your advisor to discuss options like submitting an addendum page. In the future, have others review your acknowledgements to catch any other oversights before the final submission. A thoughtful acknowledgement shows gratitude, even if not perfectly comprehensive.

Richard Ginger is a dissertation writer and freelance columnist with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the writing industry. He handles every project he works on with precision while keeping attention to details and ensuring that every work he does is unique.

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Dissertation acknowledgements

Dissertation acknowledgements.

The acknowledgement section is the shortest section of your entire dissertation and does not contribute to your overall mark. It also does not have to be written using strict academic writing structures or academic languages so you can put yourself at ease. It is probably the only section where you can allow the reader to know a bit about your personal life.

Why should I write acknowledgements?

Other than being a requirement for most universities the acknowledgements does have some benefits for you.

Firstly, it forces you to think more deeply about how people assisted you with your work process and possibly forcing a small part of your brain to remember a useful piece of passed-on information that may have otherwise been forgotten. It also shows the teacher that you have taken the time to reflect on your progress of creating academic papers.

Secondly, it is useful as a reflective tool. Without getting into too much detail yet into how you go about writing your acknowledgments, you are encouraged to write how people close to you provided aid with your academic strengths and weaknesses. As you are putting the final touches to your acknowledgement page you can reflect on how the journey through your thesis improved or created certain strengths and/or diminished certain weaknesses. It is also easier to trace the sources of these improvements to a particular person or moment in time more easily and add this to your acknowledgement page (opps we are getting ahead of ourselves).

Lastly, it is a way of letting your reader/lecturer know where you got help from, what things you needed help with in the future and what things you can confidently do on your own.

So enough about the reason. Now we want to give you a bit of an idea of how to go about doing this section and thus have prepared a detailed guide that will make the process of writing the acknowledgements simple and easy.

Where does the acknowledgements go in a dissertation?

Like the acknowledgement in a fictional novel, the acknowledgements of a thesis go after the abstract page but before the note on transliterations and list of abbreviations or before the first chapter of your work.

How long should the acknowledgements be?

It can be as long or as short as you want. Some authors have written 3 pages but you may choose to do less than 100 words or more. The standard is about half a page.

What do I write if nobody helped me?

Some people will write “none” but we highly discourage this. There may be times when you are convinced that you received no help with your thesis. We encourage that you take a few minutes to really take an honest accounting if this is the case as you will probably find that there was at least one person who helped spark a thought in your mind.

How to write acknowledgements for your dissertation

The overall purpose of this section is express your gratitude for those individuals or groups or people who have contributed academic support, food and shelter, guidance, etc. towards your dissertation. So best make sure you thank the lecturer who both taught you the subject material and/or will be the one marking your work.

First, we would encourage you to start by taking the reader through the journey of the dissertation writing, highlighting some of the challenges faced in your ‘quest for knowledge’. This is a great way to give your readers some context as to who helped you overcome a given challenge.

Next we come to the executive order of importance of the people who helped you from the “most important/biggest contributor to the least important. Obviously you do not write it as blatantly as that. We would advise that you acknowledge your main academic supervisor and then lecturer first. Put a comma between the names of each person or the moments in life that helped you (one lady even wrote how the eclipse in 2017 helped her overcome writer’s block).

After writing the order of people who helped you, the next part is to write about their specific contribution/s to the thesis. As mentioned at the beginning this allows for the reader to connect the contributors to the problems that were solved. It is also possible to combine the executive order with the people individual contributions into individual paragraphs with the person’s name and their contribution in order of importance.

Another structure to employ is based on the three moves which is basically a three-paragraph structure which is as follows:

• Announcement

The reflective section is where you write a little bit about your journey, what challenges you came across, what you did to overcome then and what was learnt as a result.

In the thanking section you write the name of the person who help you and how they helped you.

The announcement section is not used very often by students but is used by those who want to dedicate the work to a close someone or take personal responsibility for their dissertation. However, with most universities you are required to declare and sign that the work is yours before submitting the documents so this section is normally pointless.

We stress that many people, who you don’t know, will be reading your acknowledgements as well so avoid being too personal.

Tip: As you are writing your dissertation, maintain a list of those who have supported you in your work. This will reduce the time spent trying to remember who contributed to a given sector or provided some very insightful information.

What mustn’t I include in the acknowledgements

Acknowledgements do not include any cited material or resources. These come in subsequent sections of your thesis. It is also important to be as specific as possible about the level and kind of help that you received and not just the names of those who helped you.

What kind of language can I use in the acknowledgements?

Avoid using the popular ‘I would like to thank…’ and instead use a variety of discourse markers. We have a few suggestions below for you:

• I am grateful to…
• I am indebted to…
• Let me first acknowledge… without whom this…

As you can see you are permitted to write in the third person. You could also include a famous quote, a few jokes or sentences from another language you know, Latin is a popular choice.

On a final note

Avoid rushing this section as you may leave someone out who made a small or big contribution to your work.

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How to write an acknowledgment for a dissertation?

Acknowledgement represents the act of acknowledging something, and in the case of dissertations, acknowledgement plays a significant role. In contrast, a student recognizes the contribution of others in completing their dissertation. The dissertation acknowledgement contains the thanking note by the students for those who have helped in preparing the research work and guiding the process of dissertation completion. The dissertation acknowledgement appears right after the title page and before the abstract page, where a student should be e adhering to those involved in their research work. There are services like dissertation help uk, that help students to develop their dissertation and acknowledgement their PhD dissertations .

Who should be acknowledged in a dissertation acknowledgement?

As a mandatory matter of fact, a researcher or a student needs to place a professional acknowledgement within the dissertation to abide by the norms of political aspects involved in a dissertation. The general format of a declaration starts with the standard rule involving the most formal addresses and ends with the nominal bore in the east address in individuals but is not included in any strict control. The thesis writing services are fully equipped to help students to prepare an appropriate acknowledgement for your dissertation.

In some cases, universities are observed with the rule of a non-acknowledgement within a research work. At the same time, only academic or other direct professionals can be acknowledged in due course. In other words, an acknowledgement should be clearly stated but simply while manifesting an individual’s gratitude for thanking each and every individual who contributed to the research work by helping, guiding and mentoring them.

Professional form of acknowledgement:

While acknowledging in research work by a student or a researcher, it is of utmost importance that the individual would recognize the help or guidance they received from the professional people during research work. The researcher needs to use the full name of the contributors while acknowledging their help and advice. There are professional services like dissertation help UK that can help you generate a good piece of acknowledgement. At the same time, some might maintain privacy regarding someone’s name designation or role in their research work. It is also possible that the researcher mentions only the first name of the contributor for an institute or organization from whom they have discussed the research work or gained knowledge. Therefore, the members of the academic body or an institute can be acknowledged that including the following members.

• Funding bodies
• Industry experts

It is a mandatory fact that a research order student should mention the supervisor’s contribution in the acknowledgement, irrespective of their contribution. A short note or brief discussion over thank you is always expected.

The basic formation of acknowledgement in a dissertation

The thesis acknowledgement can start with some common sentences and disclosure of the potential contributors.

 For example:

 I want to declare the contribution of my supervisor, ——-, who has guided me in conducting my research work in a specific field and helped me select the relevant topic for my dissertation. I would also like my professor, ——, for helping me with his precious suggestions. I would like to admit the support of my classmates, family, and friends in my journey, who believed in my capability and delivered mental support and their insights. Finally, I would convey my prayers and thank you to God, who gave me the knowledge, strength and wisdom to achieve the goal of my dissertation.

Dissertation Acknowledgements examples that will inspire you

Following are some dissertation acknowledgement examples gained from the thesis writing services, especially for UK students covering a range of various academic subjects, and they vary in style, matter and length.

I am highly grateful, and I would like to thank Mr Morgan I. for stimulating encouragement and excitement in me and providing unique questions on automation and artificial intelligence. I would also like to thank him for guiding me through his own publications through meetings and conversations, which were very important. They pushed me to think out of the box, covering varied perspectives to form concrete, objective and comprehensive critique.

Thank you, and I am grateful to my supervisor, Dr Stewart A., for providing me feedback and guidance throughout my project. I would also like to concede my wife, Maria, for providing constant guidance and sound advice when required and putting up with me for hours on the project.

I want to thank the following people for helping me out on my research project:

The conversation officers and heritage team took their valuable time to take up my questionnaire. They even allowed me to interview them and further helped me with comments and emails.

The representatives of Historic Scotland, Historic England, the Society for Scottish buildings and Sustainable Buildings Alliance for comprehensive cooperation and impart their knowledge to my project.

My tutor, Bairstow C., for guiding me and encouraging me throughout the project by emphasizing my belief in my own abilities.

Dr Juan W, for his vital help and cooperation in statistics.

I want to thank and am grateful to supervisors Prof Livingstone D. and Butler J. for their constant and consistent guidance and support during my project. I would also like to thank my research team for its cooperation and collaboration while collecting vital data. I want to appreciate the contribution of the Bradford school for its cooperation and participation in this study.

I want to express my sincere acceptance of the Marshall Scholarships, the UK government scholarship programme. It is financially supported by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and other partner organizations, providing me with the chance to be a part of this remarkable leaders’ group and network. I would also like to thank my supervisor Dr Juan W., and mentor, Mark B., for their constant guidance, support and cooperation. I would also thank the XYZ School of Engineering and its representatives, members, and staff for their cooperation and guidance.

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Academia Bees

Best Acknowledgement for Dissertation (10 Samples and Guide)

January 15, 2024

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By Mohsin Khurshid

Embark on a journey through the art of crafting heartfelt acknowledgments for your dissertation. Explore examples and a comprehensive guide on acknowledging those who made your project possible. Uncover the best practices in expressing gratitude, from family to mentors.

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Acknowledgement for Dissertation
• 1.2 Dissertation Acknowledgement Sample
• 1.3 Acknowledgement for Dissertation Paper
• 1.4 Acknowledgement Sample for Dissertation
• 1.5 Acknowledgement in Dissertation to Family
• 1.6 Acknowledgement for Masters Dissertation
• 1.7 Undergraduate Dissertation Acknowledgements
• 1.8 Dissertation Acknowledgements Funny
• 1.9 Example of Dissertation Acknowledgement to God
• 1.10 Sample Acknowledgement for Dissertation File
• 2 How to Write Acknowledgement for Dissertation:
• 3 Conclusion

Ten Best Samples of Acknowledgement for Dissertation Project

Discover diverse examples showcasing gratitude in dissertation acknowledgments. Explore samples ranging from traditional expressions to unique acknowledgments for family, masters, and even humorous takes. Find inspiration for your own heartfelt acknowledgment.

Acknowledgement for Dissertation

I express my deep appreciation to my advisor for their unwavering guidance in shaping this dissertation. Their expertise and encouragement were vital throughout the research journey. Gratitude extends to my family, whose unwavering support made this academic endeavor possible.

I also acknowledge the contributions of colleagues and friends, creating a collaborative atmosphere that enriched my work. This acknowledgment is a heartfelt tribute to those who played a pivotal role in the success of this dissertation.

Dissertation Acknowledgement Sample

My sincere gratitude goes to all who contributed to this dissertation. Special thanks to my advisor, whose mentorship was invaluable. The support from family, friends, and colleagues created an uplifting environment. This acknowledgment is a token of appreciation to those who stood by me.

Each contributor, whether big or small, has left an indelible mark on this academic journey, and for that, I am truly thankful.

Acknowledgement for Dissertation Paper

In expressing gratitude for this dissertation, my heartfelt thanks go to my advisor for their continuous support and guidance. The collaborative efforts of colleagues and friends added depth to the research. Special acknowledgment is due to family, whose unwavering support sustained me.

This dissertation acknowledgment is a tribute to the combined efforts that made this academic endeavor possible.

Acknowledgement Sample for Dissertation

This acknowledgment is a sincere expression of gratitude to my advisor, mentors, and peers who contributed significantly to the completion of this dissertation. Their unwavering support, valuable insights, and encouragement have been pivotal in shaping the project.

I extend special thanks to [Advisor’s Name] for their guidance and patience, which made this journey a rewarding experience. This acknowledgment is a token of appreciation for the collaborative effort that made this dissertation possible.

Acknowledgement in Dissertation to Family

In the completion of this dissertation, my family has been a pillar of support and encouragement. Their unwavering belief in my capabilities and understanding during challenging times were instrumental. This acknowledgment extends heartfelt thanks to [Family Members’ Names] for their constant encouragement and unwavering support. Their role in this academic endeavor goes beyond words, and I am deeply grateful for their presence throughout this journey.

Acknowledgement for Masters Dissertation

Completing this master’s dissertation wouldn’t have been possible without the support and guidance of [Advisor’s Name]. Their mentorship and expertise played a crucial role in shaping this academic work.

I also extend my thanks to [Mention Other Contributors] for their contributions. This acknowledgment is a reflection of the collaborative effort that went into the successful completion of this master’s dissertation.

Undergraduate Dissertation Acknowledgements

Completing my undergraduate dissertation was a journey marked by invaluable support from various corners. I express my deep gratitude to my advisor for their guidance and patience throughout the process. Thanks are also due to [Mention Other Contributors], whose insights enriched my research.

The support from friends and family played a crucial role in navigating the challenges. This acknowledgment is a tribute to the collective effort that made my undergraduate dissertation a reality.

Dissertation Acknowledgements Funny

Embarking on the serious task of dissertation writing, a touch of humor lightens the load. Special thanks to my caffeine companion, coffee, for being a constant ally during those late-night writing sessions. Gratitude to my computer for not crashing during critical moments.

Humorous acknowledgment goes to [Include Something Funny], who brought laughter to the stressful times. This funny dissertation acknowledgment is a lighthearted nod to the quirks and challenges that made the academic journey memorable.

Example of Dissertation Acknowledgement to God

In completing this dissertation, I humbly acknowledge the divine guidance of God. My gratitude extends to the Almighty for providing strength, wisdom, and inspiration throughout this academic journey.

The acknowledgment to God is a heartfelt expression of faith, recognizing the unseen hand that guided me in moments of doubt and challenge. This dissertation stands as a testament to the divine support that made the impossible possible.

Sample Acknowledgement for Dissertation File

As I present this dissertation file, I express my sincere appreciation to all who contributed to its creation. Special thanks to my advisor and mentors for their guidance. This acknowledgment extends to family, friends, and colleagues whose support shaped this document. The acknowledgment for the dissertation file is a recognition of the collaborative effort that turned ideas into written words.

It’s a token of gratitude to those who played a role, big or small, in bringing this document to completion.

How to Write Acknowledgement for Dissertation:

Crafting an effective dissertation acknowledgment involves thoughtful consideration of those who contributed to your academic journey. Begin with a genuine expression of gratitude to those who played significant roles:

1. Primary Advisor:

Start with your primary advisor. Acknowledge their guidance, support, and mentorship.

2. Thesis Committee:

Extend gratitude to other committee members . Recognize their valuable insights and contributions.

3. Academic Mentors:

Acknowledge mentors, professors, or colleagues who provided guidance and support.

4. Fellow Students:

Include fellow students for their camaraderie and shared academic experiences.

5. Family and Friends:

Express appreciation for the unwavering support of family and friends. Acknowledge their understanding and encouragement.

6. Institutions or Funding Sources:

If applicable, acknowledge any institutions, organizations, or funding sources that supported your research.

7. Colleagues or Collaborators:

Recognize any collaborators or colleagues who contributed to the project.

8. Professional Contacts:

If relevant, include professionals in the field who provided assistance or insights.

When structuring your acknowledgment, consider starting with the most influential contributors, such as your primary advisor and committee members. Progress to those who played supporting roles, ensuring that each acknowledgment is sincere and specific. Use warm and appreciative language, keeping the acknowledgment concise and focused on those directly related to the dissertation.

In crafting your dissertation acknowledgments, draw inspiration from these examples. Express gratitude thoughtfully to create a meaningful acknowledgment section that reflects the collaborative spirit of your academic journey.

Acknowledgement for PhD Thesis (5 Samples and Guide)

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• Thesis & Dissertation Acknowledgements | Tips & Examples

Thesis & Dissertation Acknowledgements | Tips & Examples

Published on May 3, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on July 18, 2023.

The acknowledgements section is your opportunity to thank those who have helped and supported you personally and professionally during your thesis or dissertation process.

Thesis or dissertation acknowledgements appear between your title page and abstract  and should be no longer than one page.

In your acknowledgements, it’s okay to use a more informal style than is usually permitted in academic writing , as well as first-person pronouns . Acknowledgements are not considered part of the academic work itself, but rather your chance to write something more personal.

To get started, download our step-by-step template in the format of your choice below. We’ve also included sample sentence starters to help you construct your acknowledgments section from scratch.

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Table of contents

Who to thank in your acknowledgements, how to write acknowledgements, acknowledgements section example, acknowledgements dos and don’ts, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the acknowledgements section.

Generally, there are two main categories of acknowledgements: professional and personal .

A good first step is to check your university’s guidelines, as they may have rules or preferences about the order, phrasing, or layout of acknowledgements. Some institutions prefer that you keep your acknowledgements strictly professional.

Regardless, it’s usually a good idea to place professional acknowledgements first, followed by any personal ones. You can then proceed by ranking who you’d like to thank from most formal to least.

• Chairs, supervisors, or defense committees
• Funding bodies
• Other academics (e.g., colleagues or cohort members)
• Editors or proofreaders
• Librarians, research/laboratory assistants, or study participants
• Family, friends, or pets

Typically, it’s only necessary to mention people who directly supported you during your thesis or dissertation. However, if you feel that someone like a high school physics teacher was a great inspiration on the path to your current research, feel free to include them as well.

Professional acknowledgements

It is crucial to avoid overlooking anyone who helped you professionally as you completed your thesis or dissertation. As a rule of thumb, anyone who directly contributed to your research process, from figuring out your dissertation topic to your final proofread, should be mentioned.

A few things to keep in mind include:

• Even if you feel your chair didn’t help you very much, you should still thank them first to avoid looking like you’re snubbing them.
• Be sure to follow academic conventions, using full names with titles where appropriate.
• If several members of a group or organization assisted you, mention the collective name only.
• Remember the ethical considerations around anonymized data. If you wish to protect someone’s privacy, use only their first name or a generic identifier (such as “the interviewees”)/

Personal acknowledgements

There is no need to mention every member of your family or friend group. However, if someone was particularly inspiring or supportive, you may wish to mention them specifically. Many people choose to thank parents, partners, children, friends, and even pets, but you can mention anyone who offered moral support or encouragement, or helped you in a tangible or intangible way.

Some students may wish to dedicate their dissertation to a deceased influential person in their personal life. In this case, it’s okay to mention them first, before any professional acknowledgements.

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After you’ve compiled a list of who you’d like to thank, you can then sort your list into rank order. Separate everyone you listed into “major thanks,” “big thanks,” and “minor thanks” categories.

• “Major thanks” are given to people who your project would be impossible without. These are often predominantly professional acknowledgements, such as your advisor, chair, and committee, as well as any funders.
• “Big thanks” are an in-between, for those who helped you along the way or helped you grow intellectually, such as classmates, peers, or librarians.
• “Minor thanks” can be a catch-all for everyone else, especially those who offered moral support or encouragement. This can include personal acknowledgements, such as parents, partners, children, friends, or even pets.

How to phrase your acknowledgements

To avoid acknowledgements that sound repetitive or dull, consider changing up your phrasing. Here are some examples of common sentence starters you can use for each category.

Note that you do not need to write any sort of conclusion or summary at the end. You can simply end the acknowledgements with your last thank you.

Here’s an example of how you can combine the different sentences to write your acknowledgements.

A simple construction consists of a sentence starter (in purple highlight ), followed by the person or entity mentioned (in green highlight ), followed by what you’re thanking them for (in yellow highlight .)

Acknowledgements

Words cannot express my gratitude to my professor and chair of my committee for her invaluable patience and feedback. I also could not have undertaken this journey without my defense committee, who generously provided knowledge and expertise. Additionally, this endeavor would not have been possible without the generous support from the MacArthur Foundation, who financed my research .

I am also grateful to my classmates and cohort members, especially my office mates, for their editing help, late-night feedback sessions, and moral support. Thanks should also go to the librarians, research assistants, and study participants from the university, who impacted and inspired me.

Lastly, I would be remiss in not mentioning my family, especially my parents, spouse, and children. Their belief in me has kept my spirits and motivation high during this process. I would also like to thank my cat for all the entertainment and emotional support.

• Write in first-person, professional language
• Thank your professional contacts first
• Include full names, titles, and roles of professional acknowledgements
• Include personal or intangible supporters, like friends, family, or even pets
• Mention funding bodies and what they funded
• Appropriately anonymize or group research participants or non-individual acknowledgments

Don’t:

• Use informal language or slang
• Go over one page in length
• Mention people who had only a peripheral or minor impact on your work

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In the acknowledgements of your thesis or dissertation, you should first thank those who helped you academically or professionally, such as your supervisor, funders, and other academics.

Then you can include personal thanks to friends, family members, or anyone else who supported you during the process.

Yes, it’s important to thank your supervisor(s) in the acknowledgements section of your thesis or dissertation .

Even if you feel your supervisor did not contribute greatly to the final product, you must acknowledge them, if only for a very brief thank you. If you do not include your supervisor, it may be seen as a snub.

The acknowledgements are generally included at the very beginning of your thesis , directly after the title page and before the abstract .

In a thesis or dissertation, the acknowledgements should usually be no longer than one page. There is no minimum length.

You may acknowledge God in your dissertation acknowledgements , but be sure to follow academic convention by also thanking the members of academia, as well as family, colleagues, and friends who helped you.

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Dissertation examples

Listed below are some of the best examples of research projects and dissertations from undergraduate and taught postgraduate students at the University of Leeds We have not been able to gather examples from all schools. The module requirements for research projects may have changed since these examples were written. Refer to your module guidelines to make sure that you address all of the current assessment criteria. Some of the examples below are only available to access on campus.

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