10 Tips To Write A Dissertation Acknowledgement With Examples

You must have completed your dissertation, congratulations on that. Now you are all set to write a dissertation acknowledgement? Worry not, we can help you out!

This is a section of your dissertation where you acknowledge all the people who helped and encouraged you throughout the writing of your research. Though usually small, it carries an enormous weight in your life individually.

This part is far more personal and not so rigid in an academic sense. It’s difficult to write, ‌though, you have to and it is in a professional tone, yet with a sense of humanity

In this article, we share 10 useful tips to assist you in the process of the dissertation acknowledgement section, using examples. Stay with us as we move through the process of writing an amazing acknowledgement for your dissertation.

Mastering 10 Tips Of Acknowledgement Writing In Dissertations With Examples

Following are the best 10 tips for writing a dissertation acknowledgement: 

1. Get Clear on the Intent of the Acknowledgement

An acknowledgement section is included at the beginning of the dissertation in which you thank everybody who helped, supported, and inspired you while writing your dissertation. This is a way of honouring academic advisors, supervisors of work experience, peers, relatives, and friends. This section is actually showing a little feel of the authors.

Example:

I want to say Thank You with all my heart to my supervisor for the encouraging words and the hawk’s eye on eye on the loom from start to finish in this exhaustive dissertation.

2. Know Who to Thank First

Academic conventions typically require you to thank professional and academic contributors first. This should include your program (task supervisor, committee members, and another academic mentor who is related to the work). Now that you have recognized them, you can focus on constructing acknowledgement for others, such as family and friends, who supported you throughout the process.

Example:

I would like to thank my advisor, Professor John Doe, for his continuous support and helpful eye on the grindstone from beginning through end in this arduous dissertation project.

3. Be Concise and Sincere

The acknowledgement in your dissertation should be casual and sincere, but not too emotional and ornate. Make your sentences simple and succinct. Show appreciation without exaggerating a bunch of words behind it or exaggerating.

A polished and error-free acknowledgement section reflects your dedication to precision and respect for those who’ve supported you, ensuring that your gratitude shines through without distractions. If you need a third eye to better look at your assignments, then consider opting for services to write my dissertation and let the professionals proofread it for you!

Example:

My colleagues, I have to thank you so much your had been supported me and encouraging me, especially during the time of data collection.

4. Use Proper Tone and Language

Again, since this section is more personal than other parts of your dissertation, it is okay to use a slightly less formal tone. But be sure not to come across too casually. Maintain a professional, positive tone.

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Example:

A huge shout-out to my wonderful friend Sarah for listening and commiserating when the process felt like it was closing in on me.

5. Cite Schools or Organizations

Be sure to acknowledge any grant or institution/body that supported your research. It demonstrates your respect and appreciation for the part they play in your work, and it is an essential component of the dissertation acknowledgement page.

Example:

Financial support from the XYZ Foundation enabled me to carry out this dissertation research.

6. Personal & Emotional Support.

Of course, academic acknowledgements take precedence, but others who provide moral support mention them too. PhDs are incredibly stressful, long processes, so thank anyone who has just held your hand through yours.

Example:

Finally, thank you to my family for their infinite patience, love, and support through the several months I was obsessing over this dissertation.

7. Break the Acknowledgement to Sections

Try breaking your dissertation structure acknowledgement section into parts to emphasize its clarity and readability. Grouped together under professional acknowledgements (first), followed by personal. This is a good practice for keeping everything organized and ensuring that all the major contributors are credited properly.

Example:

Acknowledgements acknowledge the invaluable guidance of my supervisor, Associate Professor Alice Brown, and the support of my research group. I credit my family for being supportive and thankful to have friends who can be counted upon for their unremitting moral support.

8. Make Sure Not To Leave Out Key Teachers or Professors

If you have had more than a single advisor or mentor, acknowledge them all. The second category relates to people who have given you remarkable support over time and whose help has substantially influenced your academic development or writing the dissertation.

Example:

Acknowledgements would like to express my gratitude to Professor Emily White for her valuable guidance and feedback that improved this dissertation’s quality.

9. Create a Cultural or Religious Allusion

You may also include any cultural or religious acknowledgements that you feel are relevant. For example, students may choose to thank God invoke a cultural figure, or refer to a family tradition that motivated them. But remember to keep this within academic boundaries.

Example:

I dedicate the completion of this research to my willpower or determination, which God has gifted me with.

10. Edit for both clarity and grammar.

While the acknowledgement part may seem less serious than your dissertation, it is still a section you should carefully edit. Mistakes in spelling or grammar will make your acknowledgements look sloppy.

Sample Acknowledgements:

For additional examples of how an acknowledgement section can be displayed based on different scenarios, please visit this link.

Basic Example 1 – Acknowledgement

I am inspired to thank my supervisor, Dr. Mark Thompson, for his excellent support and advice throughout this dissertation. My committee members, Professor Jane Collins and Dr. Maria Lopez, also deserve special thanks; their critique was invaluable in the final examination of this piece of work.

Last but not least, I want to acknowledge my Department of History colleagues for never failing to cheer me on and assist in the most impossible situation that I found myself in. I would also like to thank the XYZ Foundation for their funding for this research.

Finally, my family and my friends are owed the biggest debt of thanks, as they have been a constant source of love, patience, and understanding through this long and arduous journey.

Example number 2 – With Institutional Support

This dissertation would not have been possible without the support and guidance of my supervisor, Professor John Harris, whose patience and expertise were invaluable throughout the process. I am also very thankful for my other dissertation committee members, Dr. Sarah Green and Dr. Michael Parker, again because of their suggestions and support.

Many thanks also to the ABC Research Grant without which fieldwork for this project would not have been possible. I am also deeply grateful to the National Archives staff,f who assisted me in my data collection.

My family, thank you for loving and holding me together when I was most broken. And I would be nothing without my friends (thank you, Laura and Peter, for the daily pep talks).

Example 3 – Personal Acknowledgement 

I am eternally grateful to my advisor, Dr. Elizabeth Brown, for her unending patience, mentorship, and steadfast support throughout this entire journey. Her wisdom and inspiration have guided me every step of the way through writing this dissertation.

And especially, thank you so much to my friends, and my colleagues like Anna there who I could just cry for you and ask for help. I would like to thank the staff of the University Library for helping me with access to invaluable resources.

Lastly, I would like to thank my loving parents for witnessing all the milestones on this doctoral journey and also want to thank David, my partner in life, who put up with everyone when they got out of hand during the final phases of this dissertation.

Example 4: Culturally or Personally Relevant Recognition

First, I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. David Clark, for his invaluable advice and support in this long study journey. His expertise and constructive comments have been important for the final version of this thesis.

Finally, I acknowledge the financial support of the XYZ Research Institute that made my fieldwork possible, too. Finally, I must acknowledge the support of my colleagues and friends who kept me motivated during my journey. Thank you!

Last but not least, thank my family, as they are my strength. Your unstoppable love and prayers have been with me in all forms. This thesis is dedicated to my grandma. She always believed in education.

Conclusion

The purpose of writing the dissertation acknowledgement section is to serve as a gesture of modesty and gratitude towards all those people who played their part during the preparation of the dissertation. We hope the above points will help you make your acknowledgements sincere, well put, and sound professional.

Bear in mind that while the tone can be a bit more informal than the rest of your dissertation, you are still writing an academic piece. Properly proofreading and structuring your acknowledgement will allow you to thank them more efficiently, giving your thank-you the clarity and heart necessary to truly impress those who have helped you along in your academia.

FAQS:

1. What to include in acknowledgements?

Include gratitude to academic advisors, mentors, institutions, and personal supporters in acknowledgements.

2. What is a good example of acknowledgement?

A good example of acknowledgement thanks supervisors, colleagues, family, and funding bodies.

3. What is a good sentence for acknowledgement?

I am deeply grateful to my advisor for their guidance and support throughout this project.

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

A dedication is a personal tribute, while acknowledgements formally thank contributors.

5. What are the components of acknowledgement? 

Components of acknowledgement include academic, institutional, financial, and personal support.