Writing acknowledgements for your master's thesis: Tips and examples
Find out how to write the acknowledgements in your master's thesis and yourAppreciationfor received support.
When and why should you write an acknowledgement in your master's thesis?
The acknowledgement isnot a mandatory componentof your master's thesis, but can be a valuable addition in many cases. You should consider an acknowledgement if:
- you received special support during your master's thesis that goes beyond the usual.
- your supervisor provided you with exceptional help, for example through intensive supervision or the provision of exclusive research data.
- you conducted research in close cooperation with a company or organization that significantly supported you.
- you had access to special data or resources that are not generally accessible.
- you received financial support , such as through a scholarship or funding programs.
- you were supported by participants in experiments, interviews or field studies.
- Friends, family or colleagues who have provided significant assistance, for example through professional discussions or moral support.
If you are unsure whether an acknowledgment is appropriate, consider whether the support received went beyond the norm. It is also helpful toUniversity guidelinesto check or consult your supervisor.
Important elements and examples for the acknowledgement in the master's thesis
An effective acknowledgement should include certainkey elements that will make your appreciation clear. Here are some aspects you can include:
- Recognition for exceptional support from your supervisor or professor.
- Thanks to colleagues or team members for their cooperation and support.
- Mention of financial sponsors, such as foundations or research programs.
- Thanks to institutions or organizations that have given you access to important resources or facilities. have made possible.
- Appreciation to subjects or participants in studies and experiments.
- Recognition for personal support from family and friends, especially in challenging phases.
Remember tomention specific examplesto make your acknowledgement more personal and meaningful.
Structure and formatting of the acknowledgement in the master's thesis
When creating your acknowledgement, you should follow these guidelines:
| Aspect | Recommendation | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Length | About one page | A maximum of 1–2 pages, depending on university requirements |
| Placement | After the abstract or in the preface | Check your university's guidelines for the exact position |
| Writing style | Personal, but formal | The first person is acceptable; avoid overly informal or colloquial expressions |
| Structure | Clear and ordered | Start with the most important acknowledgments |
| Language | Precise and understandable | Avoid excessive clichés or flowery language |
| Formatting | Consistent with the rest of the work | Note font, size and line spacing |
For a comprehensive overview of the entire structure of your master's thesis, visit our page on Structure of the Master's Thesis.
If you would like to learn more about the preface in the master's thesis, you can find more information on our page about Preface of the Master's Thesis.
What you should avoid in the acknowledgment
Although an acknowledgment may have a personal touch, there are certain contents that you should avoid in order to Professionalism to maintain:
- Excessively private or emotional Messages, such as declarations of love or family matters.
- Mentions of trivial or humorous supports, such as thanking pets.
- Acknowledgments for paid services , such as professional proofreading, unless this is customary.
- Detailed personal problems that are not directly related to the work.
- General phrases without specific reference to the work or the supporters.
It is important that the acknowledgementremains focused and refers to the support that directly contributed to the completion of your master's thesis.
Tips for writing the acknowledgment: Who to thank and for what?
In order to create a balanced acknowledgement that is neither exaggerated nor inadequate, note the following points:
- Focus on people and institutions that have made a significant contribution. .
- Stay professional and avoid overly personal or informal language.
- Avoid listing too long a list of people; focus on the most important supporters.
- Make sure the acknowledgments are relevant to the work and don't distract from the content.
- Consider whether the assistance went beyond the obvious and is therefore worth mentioning. is.
If you are planning to write a doctoral thesis in the future, you may want to consider making the acknowledgments more detailed there, as they are often more extensive and an acknowledgment carries more weight there.
Example of an acknowledgment for a master's thesis
Acknowledgments
"At this point I would like to thank[Name of supervisor]for the intensive and inspiring supervision of my master's thesis. His/Her valuable suggestions and constructive feedback have contributed significantly to the success of this work. My special thanks also go to[Name of institution or company]for providing important data and resources. Without the support of [further persons or institutions]the implementation of this research would not have been possible. Finally, I thank my family and friends for their patience and encouragement throughout the research process."
Conclusion: Does an acknowledgment make sense in your master's thesis?
Ultimately, the decision is up to you. An acknowledgment can be a valuable addition if you feel that certain people or institutions have made a significant contribution to the success of your master's thesis. Make sure it is appropriately and professionally worded and complies with the guidelines of your university.