Writing a thesis is one of the most important milestones in any academic journey. It is the culmination of years of study, research, and commitment. Yet, there is one section that is often written in a rush—the acknowledgement. Many students underestimate its importance, but it holds significant value. It is where you formally thank the people and institutions that helped you along the way.
In this in-depth guide, uniassignmenthelp explains how to write an acknowledgement for a thesis in the correct UK format. You will learn who to thank, the right order of thanks, how to balance formal and personal tone, and how to format it properly. To make things easier, we will also provide acknowledgement samples and templates for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD theses.
- What Is a Thesis Acknowledgement? (Definition + UK Context)
- Who to Thank: The Correct Acknowledgement Order of Thanks
- Tone and Style: Formal vs Personal Acknowledgement Language
- Step-by-Step: How to Write an Acknowledgement for Thesis
- Samples You Can Learn From
- Templates You Can Use Today
- Formatting and Submission
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- UK-Focused Notes
- Downloadable Resources
- Final Thoughts
What Is a Thesis Acknowledgement? (Definition + UK Context)
A thesis acknowledgement is a dedicated page where you recognise individuals and organisations that contributed to your research. This section is more than a formality; it reflects your gratitude and professional integrity.
Thesis Acknowledgement vs Dissertation Acknowledgement
In the UK, the term ‘dissertation’ is often used for undergraduate and master’s work, while thesis is more common for PhD research. Regardless of the level, the acknowledgement section follows the same principles.
Acknowledgement Section in Research Paper: How It Differs
Research papers usually have a short acknowledgement limited to funders or institutions. In contrast, a thesis allows space for both academic and personal thanks.
Placement of Acknowledgement in Thesis
Most universities place acknowledgements before the abstract and after the title page. It should appear in the table of contents.
Acknowledgement Page Format
- Title the section “Acknowledgements.”
- Keep it on its own page.
- Use the same font and spacing as the main text.
- Avoid decorative language or unusual formatting.
Who to Thank: The Correct Acknowledgement Order of Thanks
Writing acknowledgements is not about listing names at random. The order should show academic respect.
Acknowledgement for Supervisors, Advisors, and Professors
Your supervisor should always come first. Thank them for their mentorship, feedback, and encouragement. If you had co-supervisors or advisors, mention them too.
Acknowledgement for Mentors and Examiners
If senior academics guided you or examiners provided feedback, this is the next logical step.
Academic Support Acknowledgement: Research Team and Colleagues
If your research involved teamwork, mention colleagues, lab partners, or collaborators.
Acknowledgement for Participants and Funding Bodies
If you conducted interviews, experiments, or surveys, acknowledge participants. If your work was funded, name the funding council or institution.
Acknowledgement for Institutions, Libraries, and Resources
University departments, archives, and libraries often provide crucial support. They deserve recognition.
Personal Thanks: Parents, Family Support, and Friends
Finally, thank the people closest to you. While this part may be warmer in tone, keep it professional.
Tone and Style: Formal vs Personal Acknowledgement Language
Tone plays a vital role.
Formal Acknowledgement Writing for Dissertations
Use formal language when addressing academic figures, institutions, and funders. Keep it polite, concise, and respectful.
Informal Acknowledgement Writing: Where It Fits
You may use a slightly personal tone when thanking friends and family. However, avoid being casual or humorous.
Acknowledgement Language Style
Keep sentences active and direct:
- “I thank Professor Clark for his guidance.”
- “I appreciate the support of my parents.”
Read more: how to write a case study seven steps
Academic Writing Etiquette and University Guidelines
Always check your university’s formatting guide. Some universities provide specific rules for acknowledgement wording, order, or length.
Step-by-Step: How to Write an Acknowledgement for Thesis
Follow these steps to ensure you do not miss anyone important.
1. Plan Your List
Write a draft list of everyone you intend to thank. Include names, roles, and correct spellings.
2. Draft with Clear Verbs
Avoid vague wording. Use verbs like thank, appreciate, recognise, acknowledge.
3. Keep It Concise
Most acknowledgements are one page long.
4. Be Professional
Do not use jokes, casual phrases, or emotional exaggerations.
5. Edit and Review
Read it aloud. Does it sound respectful and professional?
6. Use a Checklist
- Supervisor named first
- Academic and institutional thanks covered
- Participants and funders acknowledged
- Personal thanks kept brief
Samples You Can Learn From
Here are real-style samples tailored to UK academic settings.
Undergraduate Thesis Acknowledgement (Short Sample)
“I would like to express my gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Evans, for his support. I also thank the university library staff for their assistance. Finally, I appreciate the encouragement of my family.”
Master’s Dissertation Acknowledgement (UK Sample)
“I am grateful to my supervisor, Professor Patel, for her patience and expertise. I also thank the Research Council for providing financial support. My family’s support throughout my studies has been invaluable.”
PhD Thesis Acknowledgements (Formal Sample)
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Professor Lewis, for his outstanding guidance. I also acknowledge the support of my examiners, my colleagues in the laboratory, and the UK Research and Innovation Council for funding. Lastly, I thank my parents, whose encouragement and love made this possible.”
Templates You Can Use Today
General Acknowledgement Template
“I would like to thank [Name/Title] for [support/guidance]. I am grateful to [Institution/Organisation] for resources and funding. I also extend my appreciation to [Family/Friends] for their encouragement.”
Bachelor’s Thesis Variant
“I thank my supervisor for guidance, the department for resources, and my family for encouragement.”
Master’s Thesis Variant
“I am grateful to my supervisor for support, my colleagues for their collaboration, and my parents for their patience.”
PhD Thesis Variant
“I acknowledge the expertise of my supervisor, the feedback from my examiners, the financial support from [Funding Body], and the constant encouragement of my family.”
Formatting and Submission
- Keep the acknowledgement aligned with your thesis formatting.
- Use one page only.
- Ensure names and roles are correct.
- Insert it before the abstract.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting key people such as examiners or funders.
- Writing overly long acknowledgements.
- Using a casual or humorous tone.
- Mis-spelling names.
- Breaking confidentiality agreements
UK-Focused Notes
British universities value professionalism in acknowledgements. Keep these tips in mind:
- Use British English spelling.
- Thank funding bodies by their official name.
- Avoid informal tone when addressing academics.
Downloadable Resources
At uniassignmenthelp.co.uk, students can access free templates, checklists, and formatting examples. These resources help you structure your acknowledgements in line with UK academic standards.
Final Thoughts
Acknowledgements may seem minor compared to chapters of research, but they carry symbolic weight. They show gratitude, professionalism, and awareness of academic etiquette. By following the correct order, style, and format, you can write acknowledgements that make your thesis more polished.
If you are preparing a dissertation and want professional guidance, dissertation help UK experts at uniassignmenthelp.co.uk can ensure your work meets academic expectations.
