How To Write Dissertation Acknowledgements (With Examples & Common Mistakes)

Finishing a dissertation is no small feat. After months (or years) of research, writing, and endless edits, you finally arrive at the last few pages. Hidden in there is something many students underestimate, the acknowledgements section. It’s short, it’s personal, but it’s also one of the most-read parts of your dissertation. Think of it as your chance to step away from academic jargon and simply say, “thank you” to the people who helped you along the way.

But here’s the catch: too many acknowledgements read like rushed shopping lists of names. Others swing the other way and end up sounding like award show speeches that go on forever. The sweet spot lies somewhere in the middle. This guide will show you exactly how to nail it, what to include, how long it should be, examples you can borrow structure from, and common pitfalls to avoid.

What Dissertation Acknowledgements Really Are

At its core, the acknowledgements page is a formal note of thanks. Unlike your introduction, conclusion, or literature review, it isn’t marked or graded. But it still matters because:

• It humanises your work. Examiners and readers get to see the real person behind the research.

• It shows gratitude. Academia is collaborative, and acknowledging support is professional courtesy.

• It leaves an impression. Whether it’s brief or heartfelt, it’s the final personal note in a long academic journey.

Think of it as the bridge between your professional research and the people who carried you through it.

Who You Should Thank (In Order)

Yes, even gratitude has structure. A logical order keeps things professional while making sure you don’t miss anyone. A common sequence looks like this:

1. Supervisors and advisors
   Always start with the people who directly guided your research. Name your dissertation supervisor, co-supervisors, and any committee members who provided crucial feedback.

2. University staff and faculty
   This includes librarians, technicians, or administrators who made your life easier (those who helped with lab access, paperwork, or special permissions).

3. Funding bodies or organisations
   If you received a grant, scholarship, or research support, this is where you credit them.

4. Peers and colleagues
   Fellow students, research partners, or anyone who brainstormed ideas with you.

5. Family and friends
   The emotional backbone. Parents, siblings, partners, close friends, they deserve a mention for moral support.

That’s it. Keep it neat, keep it relevant. You don’t need to thank your childhood pet (unless it genuinely contributed).

How Long Should Dissertation Acknowledgements Be?

Here’s where many students overthink. Your acknowledgements don’t need to be pages long. A single page, roughly 300–500 words, is usually perfect.

• Under 200 words? Feels rushed.

• Over 800 words? You’ve gone full Oscars acceptance speech.

Remember, brevity plus warmth equals impact.

Step-by-Step: Writing Your Acknowledgements

If you’re staring at a blank page, follow this structure:

1. Choose the Right Tone

This isn’t the place for dry academic writing, but it’s not a diary entry either. Aim for formal but personal. Think respectful gratitude with a touch of warmth.

Bad example:

“Big shoutout to my supervisor for putting up with me.”

Better example:

“I am sincerely grateful to my supervisor, Dr. Smith, for their guidance, patience, and invaluable insights throughout this research.”

2. Start With the Formal

Begin with your supervisor(s), committee, and faculty. This sets a professional tone.

3. Transition to the Personal

Gradually move toward friends and family. This shift lets you end on a heartfelt note.

4. Structure in Paragraphs

Avoid dumping everyone into one paragraph. Divide into logical groups (academic, institutional, personal).

5. Edit Ruthlessly

Check for repetition, awkward phrasing, or unnecessary detail. “Thanks to my mum for making me tea” is fine in your head, not in your dissertation.

Good Examples of Dissertation Acknowledgements

To make this less abstract, let’s look at three models you can borrow structure from.

Example 4: Emotionally Supportive

“First and foremost, I would like to thank my supervisor, Professor Laura Hughes, for her patience and constructive criticism throughout this journey. I am equally grateful to the examination committee for their helpful suggestions and guidance. My research would not have been possible without the funding from the Wellcome Trust, and I appreciate their generous support.
On a personal note, I wish to thank my parents for their unwavering belief in my abilities, even during moments when I doubted myself. To my brother, who constantly reminded me to keep perspective, and my closest friends, who provided laughter when I needed it most—I am truly indebted. Finally, to my late grandmother, whose love for learning inspired me from childhood, this dissertation is dedicated to you.”

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Example 5: Collaborative Research Project

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my supervisor, Dr. Thomas Wright, for his consistent guidance, insightful feedback, and encouragement during this research project. I am also grateful to the technical staff at the university laboratories, particularly Sarah Williams and James Reed, whose assistance with data collection was indispensable.
This dissertation benefitted greatly from the collaborative support of my peers in the Environmental Research Group, whose thoughtful discussions sharpened my arguments and provided fresh perspectives. Special thanks to the National Science Foundation for funding, which made fieldwork possible.
On a personal level, I am deeply grateful to my partner, Daniel, for his endless patience and kindness, and to my circle of friends who reminded me that life outside of research still exists.”

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Example 6: Concise but Heartfelt

“I owe my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Maria Lopez, for her exceptional mentorship. I also wish to thank the staff at the university library for their constant assistance in locating rare sources.
To my colleagues, who provided encouragement and lively debates during writing sessions, I am truly thankful. Finally, my heartfelt appreciation goes to my family for their continuous love, support, and encouragement throughout the course of my studies.”

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Example 7: Professional Yet Warm

“My sincere thanks go to my supervisor, Professor Richard Allen, whose expertise and constructive feedback shaped this dissertation at every stage. I would also like to thank the Department of Economics for their valuable workshops and seminars, which offered me fresh insights and ideas.
I am grateful to the Economic Policy Research Council for financial support, without which this work would not have been possible.
Lastly, to my friends and family—thank you for your unconditional encouragement, for listening to my frustrations, and for celebrating each milestone along the way. This dissertation is as much yours as it is mine.”

Notice the difference? The first is strictly professional. The second balances professionalism with personal warmth. The third is minimalistic. Choose what fits your style and project.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Even acknowledgements can go wrong. Here are traps to sidestep:

1. Being overly casual
   Avoid slang, jokes, or sarcasm. This isn’t Twitter.

2. Forgetting key people
   Missing out a supervisor or funding body looks careless. Make a checklist before writing.

3. Overloading with detail
   Don’t recount inside jokes, weekend trips, or specific meals. Keep it broad and relevant.

4. Excessive length
   Acknowledgements should complement your work, not overshadow it.

5. Using clichés
   “Last but not least” or “words cannot express” are tired phrases. Be genuine instead.

Tips for Polished Acknowledgements

• Draft it early, then revisit at the end when emotions have cooled.

• Read it aloud, does it sound natural and professional?

• Ask yourself: if this was read aloud in a lecture hall, would I still be comfortable?

• Proofread for names and titles (misspelling a supervisor’s name is not the legacy you want).

Quick FAQ

What is an example of an acknowledgement in a dissertation?
A professional note of thanks to supervisors, staff, peers, and family, usually in 300–500 words.

What is a good example of an acknowledgement?
One that balances formal recognition (supervisors, funding) with personal gratitude (family, friends) without being too long.

How long should dissertation acknowledgements be?
Typically one page or less, around 300–500 words.

What are some common mistakes in acknowledgements?
Being too casual, forgetting key people, overloading with detail, and writing an overly long section.

Conclusion

The acknowledgements page may not affect your grade, but it leaves a lasting impression. Done well, it’s a chance to express sincere gratitude and end your dissertation on a personal, human note. Keep it balanced, formal where needed, warm where it matters, and you’ll strike exactly the right chord.

And if you’re still struggling with phrasing? Tools like Spinbot can help refine your draft by smoothing clunky sentences without losing your authentic voice.