How To Write A UK Cheque: A Step-By-Step Correctly Guide

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 1: Formal and Professional

“I wish to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Professor James Parker, whose expertise and encouragement have been invaluable to this study. I am also grateful to the faculty at the Department of Social Sciences, particularly Dr. Helen Carter, for their insightful feedback. Special thanks to the research librarians for their assistance in accessing critical resources. This work was supported by the British Academy Postgraduate Scholarship, whose financial assistance made this research possible.”

Example 2: Balanced (Formal + Personal)

“I would like to sincerely thank my supervisor, Dr. Patel, for their unwavering support and guidance throughout my research. I am also indebted to the university library staff for their help in sourcing rare materials. This research was partially funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, and I am grateful for their support. On a personal note, I would like to thank my friends and fellow PhD candidates for their encouragement during long writing sessions, and my family for their patience and belief in me. To my partner, Emma, thank you for your love and for reminding me to take breaks when I needed them most.”

Example 3: Short and Concise

“I am grateful to my supervisor, Dr. Roberts, and the faculty members who supported this project. I also thank the library staff and research assistants for their practical help. Finally, I extend my love and appreciation to my family and friends for their encouragement.”

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.