The acknowledgements section is a short, personal page where you thank the people and organisations who supported your dissertation. It is not marked academically, but it is read — and a well-judged acknowledgements page strikes the right professional tone. This complete UK guide explains what acknowledgements are, who to thank, the order to follow, the tone to use, and where the section goes.
What Are Acknowledgements?
Acknowledgements are a brief note of thanks to those who helped you complete the dissertation — supervisors, participants, funders, colleagues, friends and family. They appear near the front, after the title page and abstract.
Who to Thank, and in What Order
Move from most formal to most personal:
✓ Supervisor(s) and academic staff.
✓ Funding bodies or sponsors.
✓ Organisations or participants who gave access or data.
✓ Colleagues and peers.
✓ Family and friends.
Tone and Length
Keep it sincere, concise and professional — usually half a page to a page. It can be warmer than the rest of the dissertation, but avoid over-emotional or jokey content; this is still part of a formal academic document.
What to Avoid
Do not thank so many people it becomes a list, do not include inside jokes or anything unprofessional, and do not breach confidentiality by naming participants who should remain anonymous. Keep the focus on genuine, relevant thanks.
Where It Goes
The acknowledgements typically sit after the abstract and before the table of contents, though the exact order can vary by institution — check your dissertation guidelines.
Common Mistakes and Tips
✓ Too long or too informal.
✓ Forgetting funders or supervisors.
✓ Naming anonymous participants.
✓ Over-emotional content. Tip: keep it sincere, concise and professional, ordered from formal to personal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are dissertation acknowledgements?
A short section thanking those who supported your dissertation.
Who should I thank?
Supervisors, funders, participating organisations, colleagues, and family and friends.
What order should acknowledgements follow?
From most formal (supervisors, funders) to most personal (family and friends).
How long should acknowledgements be?
Usually half a page to a page.
Are acknowledgements marked?
No — they are not assessed academically, but they are read.
What tone should I use?
Sincere, concise and professional, slightly warmer than the main text.
Where do acknowledgements go?
Usually after the abstract and before the table of contents.
Can I thank family and friends?
Yes — usually at the end, kept brief and professional.
Related Study Guides
How to Write a Dissertation • How to Write an Abstract • How to Write a Dissertation Introduction • How to Write a Conclusion
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