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Thesis Acknowledgements Examples

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewers: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | May 2024

T he acknowledgements section of your thesis or dissertation is an opportunity to say thanks to all the people who helped you along your research journey. In this post, we’ll share five thesis acknowledgement examples to provide you with some inspiration.

Overview: Acknowledgements Examples

• The acknowledgements 101
• Example:  Formal and professional
• Example:  Warm and personal
• Example:  Challenge-centric
• Example:  Institution-centric
• Example:  Reflective and philosophical
• FREE Acknowledgements template

Acknowledgements 101: The Basics

The acknowledgements section in your thesis or dissertation is where you express gratitude to those who helped bring your project to fruition. This section is typically brief (a page or less) and less formal, but it’s crucial to thank the right individuals in the right order .

As a rule of thumb, you’ll usually begin with academic support : your supervisors, advisors, and faculty members. Next, you’ll acknowledge any funding bodies or sponsors that supported your research. You’ll then follow this with your intellectual contributors , such as colleagues and peers. Lastly, you’ll typically thank your personal support network , including family, friends, and even pets who offered emotional support during your studies.

As you can probably see, this order moves from the most formal acknowledgements to the least . Typically, your supervisor is mentioned first, due to their significant role in guiding and potentially evaluating your work. However, while this structure is recommended, it’s essential to adapt it based on any specific guidelines from your university. So, be sure to always check (and adhere to) any requirements or norms specific to your university.

With that groundwork laid, let’s look at a few dissertation and thesis acknowledgement examples . If you’d like more, check out our collection of dissertation examples here .

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Example #1: Formal and Professional

This acknowledgement formally expresses gratitude to academic mentors and peers, emphasising professional support and academic guidance.

I extend my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Professor Jane Smith, for her unwavering support and insightful critiques throughout my research journey. Her deep commitment to academic excellence and meticulous attention to detail have significantly shaped this dissertation. I am equally thankful to the members of my thesis committee, Dr. John Doe and Dr. Emily White, for their constructive feedback and essential suggestions that enhanced the quality of my work.

My appreciation also goes to the faculty and staff in the Department of Biology at University College London, whose resources and assistance have been invaluable. I would also like to acknowledge my peers for their camaraderie and the stimulating discussions that inspired me throughout my academic journey. Their collective wisdom and encouragement have been a cornerstone of my research experience.

Finally, my sincere thanks to the technical staff whose expertise in managing laboratory equipment was crucial for my experiments. Their patience and readiness to assist at all times have left a profound impact on the completion of my project.

Example #2: Warm and Personal

This acknowledgement warmly credits the emotional and personal support received from family, friends and an approachable mentor during the research process.

This thesis is a reflection of the unwavering support and boundless love I received from my family and friends during this challenging academic pursuit. I owe an immense debt of gratitude to my parents, who nurtured my curiosity and supported my educational endeavours from the very beginning.

To my partner, Alex, your endless patience and understanding, especially during the most demanding phases of this research, have been my anchor. A heartfelt thank you to my supervisor, Dr. Mark Brown, whose mentorship extended beyond the academic realm into personal guidance, providing comfort and motivation during tough times.

I am also thankful for my friends, who provided both distractions when needed and encouragement when it seemed impossible to continue. The discussions and unwavering support from my peers at the university have enriched my research experience, making this journey not only possible but also enjoyable. Their presence and insights have been pivotal in navigating the complexities of my research topic.

Example #3: Inclusive of Challenges

This acknowledgement recognises the wide range of support received during unexpected personal and academic challenges, highlighting resilience and communal support.

The path to completing this dissertation has been fraught with both professional challenges and personal adversities. I am profoundly grateful for the enduring support of my supervisor, Dr. Lisa Green, whose steadfast belief in my capabilities and academic potential encouraged me to persevere even during my lowest moments. Her guidance was a beacon of light in times of doubt.

I must also express my deepest appreciation for my family, who stepped in not only with emotional reassurance, but also with critical financial support, when unexpected personal challenges arose. Their unconditional love and sacrifice have been the foundation of my resilience and success.

I am thankful, too, for the support services at the university, including the counselling centre, whose staff provided me with the tools to manage stress and maintain focus on my academic goals. Each of these individuals and institutions played a crucial role in my journey, reminding me that the pursuit of knowledge is not a solo expedition but a communal effort.

Example #4: Institution-Centric

This acknowledgement succinctly appreciates the financial, academic, and operational support provided by the university and its staff.

This dissertation would not have been possible without the generous financial support from the University of Edinburgh Scholarship Programme, which enabled me to focus fully on my research without financial burden. I am profoundly grateful to my advisor, Professor Richard Miles, for his sage advice, rigorous academic guidance, and the confidence he instilled in me. His expertise in the field of microbiology greatly enriched my work.

I would also like to thank the staff at the university library, whose assistance was indispensable. Their patience and willingness to help locate rare and essential resources facilitated a thorough and comprehensive literature review. Additionally, the administrative and technical staff, who often go unmentioned, provided necessary support that greatly enhanced my research experience. Their dedication and hard work create an environment conducive to academic success.

Lastly, my peers’ encouragement and the intellectual environment at the university have been vital in completing my research.

Example #5: Reflective and philosophical

This acknowledgement reflects on the philosophical growth and personal insights gained through the support of mentors, peers, and family, framing the dissertation as a journey of intellectual discovery.

Completing this thesis has been not only an academic challenge but also a profound journey of personal and philosophical growth.

I am immensely grateful to my mentor, Professor Sarah Johnson, for encouraging me to explore complex ideas and to challenge conventional wisdom. Her guidance helped me navigate the philosophical underpinnings of my research and deepened my analytical skills. My fellow students in the Philosophy Department provided a supportive and intellectually stimulating community. Our discussions extended beyond the classroom, offering new insights and perspectives that were crucial to my thesis.

I am also deeply thankful for my family, whose intellectual curiosity and spirited philosophical debates at home sparked my interest in philosophy from a young age. Their continuous support and belief in my academic pursuits have been instrumental in my success.

This dissertation reflects not only my work but also the collective support of everyone who has touched my life academically and personally. The journey has taught me the value of questioning and the importance of diverse perspectives in enriching our understanding of complex philosophical issues.

FREE Acknowledgements Template

To help fast-track your writing process, we’ve created a free, fully editable template . This template covers all the necessary content for a generic thesis or dissertation acknowledgements section. If you’re interested, you can download a copy here .

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• How to Write an Acknowledgement for Your Dissertation

The acknowledgements section is a crucial part of a dissertation. It’s an excellent opportunity to express gratitude to people who made the dissertation possible, including your advisor, family, or friends. This article discusses the importance of the acknowledgements part, its structure, style, position, writing tips, and examples. It’ll give you a clear idea of how to write an acknowledgement for a dissertation that reflects your academic journey.

How to Write Meaningful Acknowledgements

The acknowledgement section enables students to show appreciation to the team of people who supported them while writing this complex work. In this part of the dissertation, you should avoid using an overly formal tone and sincerely thank everyone who kept you motivated. The aim is to give credit to everyone, from academic mentors to your nearest and dearest, who helped you complete the research. With this slight personal touch in your dissertation, you show readers that this hard work wasn’t done alone.

Making Plans for Your Acknowledgement

When writing acknowledgements in dissertation projects, reflect on the people who collaborated with you. If you want, prioritise the order of listing the individuals and organisations that contributed to your work. The list can include your academic advisor, committee members, family, friends, and organisations that provided funding or other resources.

For example, you may start with those directly impacting your research, then mention people offering emotional support. This section doesn’t have to be extended: write brief sentences showing genuine gratitude. Students seeking help structuring or phrasing their acknowledgements can delegate some tasks to the thesis writing service at StateOfWriting . We provide expert assistance to ensure this part of your dissertation is professionally crafted.

Structuring the Acknowledgement Section

There are several crucial aspects to do and avoid when writing your acknowledgements. If you need professional guidance crafting this essential part of your dissertation and need a high-quality acknowledgements dissertation example, consider using custom writing assistance . Expert writers will help you structure the acknowledgement section and refine your dissertation.

Things to Do:

• Begin with formal academic acknowledgements to supervisors, professors, and funding bodies.
• Continue with personal acknowledgements to your family and friends.
• Be concise but specific about the role each member played.
• Balance scholarly tone with personal sentiment.
• Include everyone crucial to your dissertation’s success.

Things to Avoid:

• Don’t make the acknowledgements section too lengthy.
• Avoid giving everyone equal recognition.
• Skip unnecessary details or vague references.
• Don’t add overly casual language or jokes.
• Avoid exaggerating contributions or being insincere.

Writing Acknowledgement for Dissertation: Style and Tone

The acknowledgements section requires a unique combination of formal and informal writing. It ensures you sound professional when showing your genuine gratitude. Thanking scholars, mentors or institutions, you must maintain academic professionalism. As you move to the family and friends section, you can employ a more personal tone without being overly casual. This section gives a little glimpse into your personality, so don’t sound cold and distant. Stay professional, even when giving personal thanks, and avoid clichés and colloquialisms. Here are some valuable tips if you are bothered about how to write acknowledgement in dissertation projects to achieve the right tone and style:

• Use active voice: To sound more engaging and sincere, use direct language in acknowledgements, such as "I thank" or "I am grateful to."
• Be specific: Acknowledge specific contributions from each person or organisation.
• Stay professional: Keep the tone academically appropriate and avoid casual language.
• Avoid overused expressions: Use your words instead of generic phrases to make your gratitude personal and unique.

With these pieces of advice, you can balance heartfelt thanks and formality in your acknowledgements.

Many students have trouble choosing the right style and time for this dissertation section. That is why they buy dissertation writing from qualified authors who ensure the acknowledgements meet formal standards and express genuine gratitude.

Where to Place the Acknowledgement in Your Dissertation

Most British universities require the dissertation acknowledgement page placed at the beginning of your work. It allows students to express their gratitude before delving into the academic content. The acknowledgement section usually goes immediately after the title page and before the abstract or table of contents. It highlights the contributions of people who supported your research. You should always check the specific guidelines of your university before writing this section. However, the general rule is to place it early and format it consistently. For additional assistance, you can get professional help with writing dissertation chapters online. Experts can provide valuable support in crafting the acknowledgement part, ensuring your work meets academic standards.

Steps on How to Write Acknowledgement for Dissertation

Writing your acknowledgement section may seem simple, but by following a step-by-step guide, you can make this section structured and meaningful:

1. Start with formal thanks: Firstly, thank institutions, organisations, or funding bodies supporting your research.

Example: "I am grateful to [University/Organization] for their financial and academic support throughout my research."

2. Acknowledge academic mentors: Express gratitude to your supervisors, advisors, and professors who contributed to your work.

Example: "I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Professor [Name] for their continuous support."

3. Thank peers and colleagues: Mention colleagues, lab partners, or fellow students who provided practical or intellectual assistance.

Example: "I appreciate the support of my fellow researchers, [Names], for their valuable feedback."

4. Conclude with personal thanks: The best dissertation acknowledgements end with thanks to family and friends for emotional support.

Example: "Finally, I am deeply thankful to my family and friends, especially [Name], for their endless encouragement."

When writing your acknowledgement in the dissertation, you must appreciate those who supported you throughout the research process. Start by thanking institutions and academic mentors, then mention colleagues, family, or friends. Make sure to keep the tone formal while also being personal, specific, and sincere. When done correctly, the acknowledgements show appreciation and add a personal touch to your academic paper.

Acknowledgement Example

It's essential to balance formal expressions of gratitude and personal thanks in your dissertation’s acknowledgement section. Look at an acknowledgements sample that meets the rules of traditional academic discourse:

"I am greatly indebted to [University Name] and [Funding Organization] for their financial and academic assistance with my project. Most of all, I acknowledge my supervisor, Professor [Name], for their valuable comment and directions. This work would not have been possible without their support. I also want to give special thanks to my colleagues [Names] for their feedback and supportive remarks throughout the challenging phases of this project. Finally, I want to thank my family and friends, especially [Name], for their encouragement and patience, without which this process would have been far more complex."

1. What is the format of writing an Acknowledgement?

If you wonder how to write dissertation acknowledgements, follow a clear structure. It starts with a formal gratitude to some essential academic institutions, funding bodies, and educational supervisors. Thanks to peers and colleagues should be followed by genuine appreciation to family and friends. Your acknowledgement section should be short, clear, precise, and well-organised.

2. How long can dissertation acknowledgements be?

A dissertation acknowledgement should be one page in length. As with any length associated with a written work, quality is more important than quantity. It needs to be long enough but not too detailed. Don’t be verbose but include every person who contributed to your success.

3. How do you start an acknowledgement paragraph?

If you are a student seeking an answer on how to write acknowledgements for dissertation papers, begin with thanks to formal entities. These can be public institutions or funding bodies involved in your research. For example, “I would like to express my gratitude to [Institution/Organization] for their support throughout my research” .

4. What is the difference between dedication and acknowledgement in a dissertation?

Dedication is an optional section where you emotionally devote your work to someone significant. On the contrary, the acknowledgement section is used to formally thank those who have supported your academic journey. These sections are both placed at the beginning of a dissertation but differ in tone and aim. The dedication is personal and emotional, while the acknowledgement is formal and appreciative.

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