Doctoral or master’s students must submit a dissertation, which is a written summary of their research findings on a chosen topic or question as a part of their studies. Dissertation is crucial as it showcases the student’s understanding of their subject. As well as their proficiency in using research methods to explore a topic. Furthermore, an integral part of the dissertation writing is the acknowledgement section.
Acknowledgements are often overlooked in dissertations and theses, but they are essential as they provide extensive details about your topic and add a personal touch to your work. They furthermore allow you to be grateful to others. The function and significance of acknowledgements can vary significantly among different fields. However, it often recognises individuals who have assisted the author in their academic endeavours rather than just citing sources in the reference section. In this blog, we will share some tips on how to write acknowledgement for dissertation, including what to include and offer tips and examples for dissertation acknowledgements.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR DISSERTATION
An acknowledgement for the dissertation is written to acknowledge all individuals and your academic departments who have helped you while writing a dissertation. In this section, you thank funders, dissertation supervisors, other academic writers, and colleagues. You can even include your family and friends who helped in the research and writing process. The acknowledgement section is written after the title page of the dissertation and is of one-page maximum.
WHY IS DISSERTATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT SO IMPORTANT?
Many students failed to add an acknowledgement part to their dissertation projects because they found it difficult. But that is the wrong way to look at it. If many individuals have helped you over the years, think about them to express your thanks. Now the question is, who are these individuals? In dissertation acknowledgements, it’s common to see:
- Fellow students
- Advisors
- Colleagues
- Family
- Possible respondents
- Friends
The main objective of acknowledgement for the dissertation is to express gratitude to people who helped you during your research.
PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A dissertation can never be completed alone. It involves many people, from those who read your work to your academic supervisors. acknowledgement for dissertation, express your gratitude to these individuals. Remember to use their full names and titles even when your supervisor knows you by your first name after a long writing process. It’s best to acknowledge them with their full name and title. While there are no strict rules for this section, it’s important to appreciate those who significantly helped you. Consider including the following:
- Supervisors of dissertations
- Academics who worked on the study directly, such as lab workers or your research group
- Colleagues who assisted you with research or proofread your work
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR DISSERTATIONS EXAMPLES
You can find examples of acknowledgement dissertation below. The following information you will read is directly taken from the public domain. However, any mention of specific individuals, departments, or institutions has been scrubbed from the text for confidentiality reasons.
EXAMPLE 1
I want to express my deepest gratitude to Professor XXX and Doctor XXX, who have been my advisors and mentors. Their dedication, effort, and understanding have been instrumental in my academic success. Their profound knowledge and extensive experience have constantly inspired me throughout my journey.
Furthermore, I am grateful to Dr. XXX and Dr. XXX for their invaluable technical support during my research. Their expertise has contributed significantly to the progress of my work.
I also wish to extend my thanks to everyone in the XXX community. Their kindness and encouragement have made my time studying and living in the UK an enriching experience. This journey would not have been possible without them. Their support has been my guiding light, leading me towards completing my studies. I am eternally grateful for their love and support.
EXAMPLE 2
The successful completion of my dissertation’s journey is a testament to the guidance and support I received from my advisors, Dr. XXX and XXX. Their expertise and mentorship have been invaluable in this academic work. In addition, I owe a debt of gratitude to my sisters. Their assistance and unwavering belief in me have been instrumental in reaching this milestone. Their support has been a constant source of strength and motivation.
Lastly, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to XXX. The studentship they provided was a significant enabler in completing this thesis. Their financial support facilitated my research and underscored their belief in my potential.
EXAMPLE 3
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. XXX, my respected advisor, for his guidance, support, and mentorship. His expertise and wisdom have been instrumental in shaping my academic path.
I am also thankful to the Faculty of XXX at University XXX for equipping me with the necessary resources to undertake my graduate studies in the XXX Department. Their support has been a critical factor in my academic progress.
Moreover, I am deeply grateful to Dr. XXX, whose constructive feedback and encouragement significantly influenced my experimental approach and interpretation of results. I also owe a debt of gratitude to Drs. XXX, XXX, and XXX, who have been exceptional mentors throughout this journey. Their contributions have been pivotal in my academic journey, and I am eternally thankful for that.
HOW TO WRITE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR A DISSERTATION
Writing acknowledgement for a dissertation is not rocket science. You can craft your acknowledgements however you see fit. What you add and how you write it is up to you.
After you’ve picked a list of who you’d like to thank, the next step is to sort your list into rank order. Separate everyone you listed into “major thanks,” “big thanks,” and “minor thanks” partitions.
- “Major thanks” are given to those without whom your project would be impossible, such as your advisor, chair, committee, and funders.
- “Big thanks” is for those who helped you along the way or helped you grow intellectually, such as classmates, peers, or librarians.
- Lastly, “Minor thanks” to those who offered moral support or encouragement. Such as parents, partners, friends, or even pets.
DISSERTATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT SAMPLE
To avoid acknowledgement dissertation that sounds dull. Consider changing up your phrasing. Here are some dissertation acknowledgements sample starters you can use for each category.
| MAJOR THANKS | BIG THANKS | MINOR THANKS |
| I am deeply indebted to | Many thanks to | I’d like to acknowledge |
| I would like to express my most profound appreciation to | Special thanks to | I had the pleasure of working with/collaborating with |
| Want to express my deepest gratitude to | I am also thankful to/for | I’d like to recognize |
| I’m incredibly grateful to | Also thankful to/for | |
| This endeavor would not have been possible without | Thanks, I should also go to | I would be remiss in not mentioning |
| I could not have undertaken this journey without | Like to extend my sincere thanks to | Lastly, I’d like to mention |
| Words cannot express my gratitude to |
HOW LONG SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR THE DISSERTATION BE?
Before writing an acknowledgement for a dissertation, you need to know the length of the acknowledgements. The size of your acknowledgement can vary. The number of people you want to thank will decide its length. As a rule, keep your thank you section to one page. Even if there’s no limit to the number of words, a lengthy thank you section can lessen the impact of your gratitude, especially towards those who helped you the most.
WHAT IS THE POINT OF THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS SECTION?
Take some time while writing the acknowledgements section and think carefully about the people who helped and influenced you. Your examiners will read this section with curiosity, but it won’t factor into the final grade for your dissertation defense. You are free to share as much or as little information as you would like about the individuals assisting you in obtaining your Ph.D. Remember, you can use the dissertation dedication to thank friends and family.
HOW DO YOU CORRECTLY WRITE THE DISSERTATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS?
Sometimes, this section has no strict rules about what must be included. However, it’s still a good idea to double-check the regulations of your particular institute. The acknowledgements are typically part of a thesis or dissertation where you can exercise some independence from strict research protocols and guidelines.
Many students add an acknowledgements section at the end of their papers to show appreciation toward those who helped them. Give credit where credit is due and mention any people or things that helped shape your work. Moreover, you can benefit from making a list of people you want to thank so you don’t forget anyone.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS EXAMPLES
acknowledgement for the dissertation should include a list of people who help you during the research or writing process. Those deserving faces have technical contributors, financial backers, and emotional supporters. However, when it comes time to compose an acknowledgement for a project, follow these guidelines:
TAKE CARE OF TONE
The final page of any formal document is designated as the acknowledgement page. You have to avoid adding any illogical opinions or observations. If the paper deals with a highly technical topic, you can write the acknowledgement more formally.
THANKS, WHO HELPED YOU
Make sure to give this section of your paper lots of thought. In some situations, people who helped you would feel awkward if their contributions were downplayed in favor of others. Listing the names alphabetically lets you quickly rule out that possibility.
DESCRIBE GRANTS OR SCHOLARSHIPS YOU’VE BEEN AWARDED
Some organizations offer financial assistance if you need help paying for your education. These groups give out grants, scholarships, and fellowships to cover your expenses. When you receive their support, it’s a good idea to thank them by name and share—any interactions you’ve had with their representatives.
SAVE MOST HEARTFELT THANKS FOR LAST
Lastly, in acknowledgement for dissertation examples is your appreciation to family and friends. Naturally, this does not mean they did not contribute at all; rather, it implies that their contributions were more symbolic than meaningful. Don’t divulge personal information about yourself here. It’s always possible that it will take longer to hold up.
BEST PRACTICES AND HINTS FOR WRITING ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR DISSERTATION
DOS:
- Check if the university provides you with guidelines to write an acknowledgement
- Remember that you include individuals who helped you in the process.
- Do keep the tone informal and personal.
- Use full name and appropriate titles and qualifications.
- Remember to keep the acknowledgement at a proper length.
DON’TS:
- Only thank the members of your family that are an inspiration to you.
- Take notice of everybody, especially people you know who have helped you professionally.
- Remember to revise the acknowledgement and remove any redundancies.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In the dissertation, the acknowledgement section is where you thank the people who helped you. There are no strict rules for how it should look, so you have some freedom. Take your time to think about those who supported you on your journey. You can send them a note or invite them to dinner—it’s a great idea. But remember, the acknowledgement in your dissertation is more than just a polite gesture. It’s a way to recognize these people’s impact on your life and future. Some people even frame the acknowledgement page as a special keepsake. So, put effort into it because it reflects who you are and how much you appreciate their help.