Writing a PhD dissertation is an academic milestone, but one section consistently causes uncertainty even for experienced researchers: the acknowledgement page. While it may appear informal compared to methodology or results chapters, universities still expect a clear structure, appropriate tone, and consistent formatting.
This guide explains the PhD dissertation acknowledgement format in detail, covering placement, length, structure, tone, and common mistakes, so you can finalize this section confidently and correctly.
What Is a PhD Dissertation Acknowledgement?
A PhD dissertation acknowledgement is a formal section where the author recognizes individuals and institutions that contributed to the completion of the research. While the tone may be more personal than other sections, it remains part of an academic document and must follow formatting rules set by the university or graduate school.
Acknowledgements typically recognize:
- Academic supervision and guidance
- Institutional or departmental support
- Funding bodies or grants
- Colleagues and collaborators
- Personal support (family or close relations)
Despite its flexibility in tone, the acknowledgement section still follows conventions that affect acceptance and formatting compliance.
Although the acknowledgement section allows a more personal voice, it is still considered part of an academic document and should follow formal writing conventions commonly outlined in university writing guidelines, such as those provided by the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL).
Where Does the Acknowledgement Go in a PhD Dissertation?
The acknowledgement page is usually placed in the front matter of the dissertation.
Typical Placement Order
- Title page
- Abstract
- Acknowledgement
- Table of contents
- List of figures/tables
Some universities place acknowledgements before the abstract, while others require them after. Always check your institution’s thesis manual.
What Is the Standard PhD Dissertation Acknowledgement Format?
Although wording varies, formatting expectations are surprisingly consistent across institutions.
Common Formatting Rules
| ELEMENT | STANDARD EXPECTATION |
| Alignment | Left-aligned |
| Line Spacing | Double-spaced |
| Font | Same as dissertation body |
| Font size | Usually 12 pt |
| Page numbering | Roman numerals (e.g., iii, iv) |
| Length | 150-400 words |
| Heading | “Acknowledgements” (centered) |
Formatting errors—even in acknowledgements—can result in revision requests during submission.
Formatting requirements for acknowledgements, including spacing, placement, and page numbering, are specified in official graduate school manuals, such as the MIT Thesis Specifications, which outline all rules for submitting a compliant dissertation.
Who Should Be Acknowledged (and in What Order)?
Ordering matters more than many students realize. The acknowledgement section follows an academic hierarchy.
Recommended Order of Acknowledgement
- Primary supervisor/advisor
- Committee members
- Department or faculty
- Funding agencies or grants
- Research collaborators
- Administrative or technical support
- Family or personal support
This structure reflects professional norms and avoids appearing dismissive or inappropriate.
For comparison, you can see how acknowledgement structure differs in smaller academic works in this guide on acknowledgement writing for academic projects, which demonstrates how tone and hierarchy shift based on academic level.
How Long Should a PhD Dissertation Acknowledgement Be?
Length is one of the most common concerns.
Recommended Word Count
| DEGREE LEVEL | TYPICAL LENGTH |
| Bachelor’s project | 50-150 words |
| Master’s thesis | 100-250 words |
| PhD dissertation | 150-400 words |
Longer acknowledgements are acceptable only if required to list funding sources or multiple supervisors. Excessive personal storytelling is discouraged.
How Formal Should the Language Be?
PhD acknowledgements sit between formal academic writing and personal expression.
Language Guidelines
- Use full sentences
- Avoid slang or humor
- Avoid emojis or jokes
- Maintain a respectful, professional tone
- First person (“I would like to thank…”) is acceptable
Religious references or emotional language may be allowed but should be used cautiously and briefly.
PhD Dissertation Acknowledgement Format Examples
Below are examples that follow accepted formatting conventions.
Example 1: Formal Academic Acknowledgement
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Professor John Smith, for his guidance, expertise, and unwavering support throughout this research. I am also grateful to my dissertation committee members for their valuable feedback and constructive criticism.
This research was supported by the National Research Council under Grant No. XXXX. I would also like to thank the faculty and staff of the Department of Biology for their assistance and encouragement during my doctoral studies.
Example 2: Semi-Formal With Personal Thanks
I am deeply thankful to my supervisor, Dr. Maria Santos, whose mentorship and academic insight shaped this dissertation. I appreciate the support of my committee members and the Department of Economics for providing a stimulating research environment.
I am grateful to my colleagues for their collaboration and to my family for their patience and encouragement throughout this journey.
For more variations across tone and discipline, this guide on thesis acknowledgement thank-you examples provides structured samples that can be adapted for doctoral dissertations
What Are Common Formatting Mistakes to Avoid?
Many dissertations are returned for revision due to small but avoidable acknowledgement issues.
Common Errors
- Thanking friends before supervisors
- Using informal language
- Including jokes or inside references
- Exceeding recommended length
- Inconsistent spacing or font
- Misspelling names or titles
Always proofread acknowledgements with the same care as the main chapters.
Can You Use Templates for PhD Dissertation Acknowledgements?
Yes—templates are widely accepted as long as they are customized and aligned with institutional guidelines.
Benefits of Using Templates
- Saves time
- Ensures proper structure
- Reduces formatting errors
- Maintains academic tone
Templates should never be copied verbatim. They are frameworks, not shortcuts.
When Should You Write the Acknowledgement Section?
Most PhD candidates write acknowledgements last, after final revisions are complete. This ensures:
- All contributors are properly included
- Funding sources are finalized
- Committee composition is confirmed
Writing too early often leads to omissions or revisions.
Final Checklist Before Submission
Before submitting your dissertation, confirm the following:
- Heading matches the university requirement
- Font and spacing are consistent
- Names and titles are correct
- Acknowledgement order follows academic hierarchy
- Tone is professional and respectful
- Page numbering is correct
Final Thoughts
Understanding the PhD dissertation acknowledgement format helps ensure your work meets academic standards while appropriately recognizing those who supported your research. Though personal in nature, this section remains part of a formal academic document and should be treated with care.
Clear structure, appropriate tone, and correct formatting not only prevent submission delays but also reflect professionalism at the final stage of your doctoral journey.
I’m Ethan Richards, the guy running the show at “Acknowledgment Templates.” I’ve been playing with expressions and formats to make acknowledgment writing a whole lot of fun. Over at Acknowledgment Templates, we’re here to make your acknowledgment section incredible. Let’s add some professionalism and gratitude to your project together!
