Write a preface for your thesis

What is a preface?

Your preface is the first piece of text that readers encounter in your thesis. It should be placed immediately after the title page and before the summary. The purpose of the preface is to provide readers with an understanding of the author’s identity. Additionally, it serves as an opportunity to express gratitude towards those who have assisted in the process. Within the preface, you can elaborate on the reasons behind writing the thesis, further establishing your personal motivation. By emphasizing your individual passion for the topic, the preface leaves a lasting personal impression. Therefore, writing a preface is crucial and serves as a valuable addition to your thesis or report.

Difference preface and introduction

Writing a preface is quite different from writing an introduction, although we often notice that they are sometimes confused. An introduction reveals the main themes and objectives of your thesis, providing an overview of your research for the readers. On the other hand, a preface allows you to share more about your personal journey, such as why you chose this topic and your experience during the writing process. While the introduction sets the context in which your research takes place, the preface offers a glimpse into your identity as a writer.

What should be in a preface?

In a preface you should at least describe the following parts:

Always begin with a personal background explaining the purpose of writing your thesis.
Describe your writing experiences, including the challenges you faced and what you are proud of accomplishing.
The preface is a great opportunity to express gratitude towards those who supported you throughout this process, such as your thesis supervisor, course instructor, internship or mentor, friends, family, and fellow students.
Conclude the preface by adding your full name, place, and date, and optionally, the sentence “I wish you a pleasant reading experience.”
Remember, keep the preface concise, personal, and easy to read; avoid writing lengthy texts, and refrain from including the reading guide.
Typically, the preface should not exceed one page. The structure of the preface may vary depending on the specific course, so it is advisable to consult the graduation manual for guidance and ensure that the preface is included in the formal requirements.

In terms of structure, you can use the following classification:

A brief introduction of your topic in a maximum of 2 to 3 sentences.
Your studies.
Your interests that are relevant to your thesis.
Your personal experiences that have driven your thesis.
Your internship/work that forms the foundation for your thesis.
The target group for whom the thesis is intended.
Specific experiences encountered during the writing process.
The distribution of tasks (in case the thesis is written by multiple individuals).
Expressions of gratitude to the people and institutions that assisted you in writing and revising your thesis.

Where do I put the word of thanks?

Your expression of gratitude is typically included in the foreword. Occasionally, you may be requested to write a separate thank you letter, but this is only necessary if you require additional space to thank individuals, such as in the case of writing a dissertation. When writing a thesis, it is adequate to include your appreciation within the foreword.