How do you write your acknowledgements letter in your thesis?

What is an acknowledgments letter?

An acknowledgement letter is not mandatory for your thesis, but it is often appreciated by readers. It is a text in which you express gratitude to individuals or organizations that have contributed to your thesis process. These may include your thesis supervisor, teachers, respondents, fellow students, or even family members. Usually, a PhD dissertation includes an acknowledgements letter. The acknowledgments are typically written in an informal tone and usually occupy about half to a full page.

Tips for writing your acknowledgments letter

If you choose to add acknowledgments to your thesis, here are some helpful tips:

• Use the appropriate tone and form, preferably informal but friendly. Thank only the most important individuals who provided essential help, such as your thesis supervisor, fellow students, respondents, and any organizations that offered financial support.
• Don’t forget to express gratitude towards friends, family, your partner, or acquaintances who supported you emotionally during the writing of your thesis. Additionally, thank any organizations that contributed to your research.
• Even if a person hindered you more than helped, it is wise to still acknowledge and thank them as a sign of respect and to avoid potential future conflicts.

Acknowledgments letter versus foreword

The acknowledgment letters seem very similar to the foreword, but there are some differences. In both parts, you thank people who have contributed to your thesis process. In the foreword, you briefly introduce your thesis to the reader. It is often advised to only include a foreword to avoid duplication, as a separate acknowledgments section can serve the same purpose. However, if you find that you do not have enough space in the foreword to express your gratitude to the people involved, a separate acknowledgments section is a good solution. Ultimately, it is your decision whether to include only a foreword or to also include an acknowledgments section in your thesis.