Completing a dissertation is no small task. But acknowledging the people who helped you along the way is equally important. Whether you’re writing for an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD course, knowing the correct acknowledgement format can shape a professional impression.
In this blog, I will guide you through the proper acknowledgement format for dissertations, especially in line with UK university standards. Written with clarity and simplicity, this guide is your complete solution for writing a strong, respectful, and well-formatted acknowledgement section.
What Is a Dissertation Acknowledgement?
The dissertation acknowledgement is a short, formal section where you thank those who supported your academic journey. This could include supervisors, peers, institutions, family, and funding bodies. It appears right after the abstract and before the table of contents.
Role of the Acknowledgement Section in Academic Writing
- Reflects your gratitude
- Highlights professionalism
- Shows your academic conduct
Dissertation Acknowledgement vs. Thesis Acknowledgement
While often used interchangeably, a dissertation (usually for PhDs) and a thesis (often at master’s level) may vary in structure. However, the acknowledgement for thesis and dissertation follows the same tone and format.
Acknowledgement Format – What Should Be Included?
Understanding the acknowledgement format ensures your thanks are expressed appropriately. UK universities prefer a formal tone, with a clear structure.
Standard Elements of an Acknowledgement Page
- Academic acknowledgements (supervisors, faculty, advisors)
- Institutional acknowledgements (libraries, labs, universities)
- Personal acknowledgements (family, friends)
- Financial acknowledgements (grants, scholarships)
Acknowledgement Page Format in UK Dissertations
- Placed after the abstract
- One page only (usually)
- Formal and respectful tone
- Written in first person (e.g., “I would like to thank…”)
Dissertation Guidelines UK Universities Expect
Each university may offer specific formatting rules. However, most UK dissertation guidelines recommend the following:
- Font: Times New Roman or Arial, 12pt
- Spacing: 1.5 or double spaced
- Margin: 1 inch on all sides
- Section title: Bold or underlined – “Acknowledgements”
Tips from Dissertation Formatting Rules UK Standards
- Never include humour or casual language
- Avoid over-praising any individual
- Keep it concise and to the point
How to Start Writing Your Acknowledgement Section
Getting started is often the hardest part. Here’s a natural order to follow when drafting your dissertation acknowledgement:
- Begin with academic acknowledgements
- Add institutional support
- Mention financial contributors
- End with personal thanks
Acknowledgement Wording Examples for Formal Use
- “I am sincerely grateful to Professor Smith for her guidance…”
- “This research was supported by funding from the XYZ Scholarship…”
- “I would like to thank my parents for their emotional support…”
Professional vs Personal Acknowledgement
While professional acknowledgements focus on academic contributions, personal acknowledgements show your human side. The key is balance.
Acknowledgement Sample for Students UK Format
Here’s a short sample to help UK students get started:
“I would like to express my sincere thanks to my supervisor, Dr. Jane Doe, whose expertise and patience greatly supported my research. I also thank the University of Oxford for providing library access and research tools. Special thanks to my parents, who stood by me throughout.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Dissertation Acknowledgements
- Using overly emotional language
- Forgetting key contributors
- Writing in passive voice
- Making it too long or too short
Research Project Acknowledgement – When It’s More than a Dissertation
If your dissertation is part of a larger research project, acknowledge the broader team. This may include co-authors, labs, or organisations that contributed.
Academic Acknowledgements in Group Work
For group-based dissertations, make sure to:
- Mention all group members by name
- Acknowledge shared responsibilities
- Clarify any external help
Importance of Acknowledgements in Dissertation Structure UK Standards
UK universities take structure seriously. The acknowledgement is not just a thank-you note – it reflects your academic discipline.
- It sets the tone of the dissertation
- It shows respect for academic support
- It can affect impressions during dissertation review
Formal Acknowledgement Writing Tips from Experts
As a leading provider of dissertation writing UK services, Uni Assignment advises students to:
- Keep the tone formal
- Avoid over-personalising
- Focus on clarity and sincerity
- Ensure the format matches university guidelines
Advanced Acknowledgement Format Tips for PhD Students
PhD candidates often have longer research journeys. Their acknowledgements can be more detailed but must still follow academic decorum.
- List all committee members
- Thank academic reviewers
- Mention conferences or academic events attended
Acknowledgement Examples from Top UK Universities
Here are some real acknowledgement wording examples (edited for privacy):
“I would like to express my deepest appreciation to Professor Alan Smith at King’s College London for his critical insights.”
“My heartfelt thanks go to my lab team at Imperial College for their support and encouragement.”
Final Checklist – Before Submitting Your Acknowledgement
- Is the tone formal?
- Are names spelled correctly?
- Did you follow the correct order?
- Is the formatting correct?
- Is it plagiarism-free?
Get Expert Help with Dissertation Writing UK
We help students across the UK with complete academic support – from dissertation structure UK advice to formal acknowledgement writing.
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Conclusion – Write with Gratitude, Submit with Confidence
Your acknowledgement section is more than just a formality. It’s a chance to express your appreciation with grace and professionalism. Whether you’re writing for a bachelor’s thesis or a PhD dissertation, follow this guide to create a strong and structured acknowledgement page.
Need help? Visit University Assignment Helper to get expert dissertation help today.
