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How to Write a Dissertation Dedication – Types & Examples

Published by at August 30th, 2024 , Revised On September 2, 2024

Imagine you’re writing a research paper, a thesis, or a dissertation. You instantly feel that you should thank those people in your life who are not even helping you in your writing process, but who you are pleased and honoured to have in life. This is when you would consider writing a dedication dissertation. It helps you to thank and show love to the people you value and cherish in your life.

Moreover, dedication also allows the person to add personal and emotional value to their esteemed work. It significantly impacts the motivation and inspiration of the person to work hard and achieve their goals efficiently. A dedication at the start of the dissertation significantly also adds to the appeal of the dissertation and makes the readers think about the writer’s generosity and ingenuity.

This blog comprehensively discusses what a dissertation dedication is, dedication dissertation examples, and the effective steps to write one. You can write a dissertation dedication efficiently by understanding all these important steps.

What is Dissertation Dedication?

A dissertation dedication is a line, paragraph, or page at the start of a master’s or PhD thesis or dissertation. It is a personal type of acknowledgement and appreciation to the people in the writer’s life who provided him with sufficient motivation and inspiration to keep up with his dissertation.

By adding a dedication section to their book, writers show their love and obligation to those who supported them and cheered them up during their work. This makes them not just academic geniuses but also emotionally vulnerable and generous people.

Moreover, when dedicatees read their names and the love writer shows them in the dissertation, they feel pleased and honoured. It also provides them with the fulfilling sensation that their support and prayers have led to a beneficial fruit of success.

Examples:

  • I dedicate this book to my wife…
  • I dedicate this project to my supervisor….

Dissertation Dedication and Poem

Dedication in a dissertation does not always have to be a line or a paragraph; it can also be a poem. Sometimes, writers add a poem to dedicate their dissertation to anyone. They can write the poem themselves in their own words or select a line or two from famous poems by reputable poets and writers.

Adding a poem in the dedication section shows not only the writer’s emotional vulnerability and softness but also their creativity and devotion to literacy pieces.

Can You Dedicate Your Dissertation to Someone?

Yes, you can dedicate your dissertation to anyone by naming them and appreciating their presence in your life and by your side. There are many amazing ways that you can dedicate your dissertation to someone. Whether you want to dedicate your dissertation to your parents, colleagues, classmates, teachers, or husband, you can effortlessly add their names and the part they played in your life.

This blog brings you different types of dedication you can add to your dissertation.

Types of Dissertation Dedication

Here are the types of dissertation dedication given in the following:

  • Dedication to Family

Dedication to the family is added under the dedication when writers want to appreciate and cherish the presence of their parents, siblings, and cousin.

Examples:

  • I would like to dedicate this dissertation to my parents [names], who were there when no one was.
  • I dedicate my dissertation to my sister [name], who supported me through thick and thin.
  • Dedication to Friends 

Sometimes, writers want to thank and dedicate their work to their friends who supported them and helped them through thick and thin.

Examples:

I dedicate my dissertation to my best friend [name], who stood up for me during the process.

  • Dedication to Special Person

Dedication to a special person or loved one can also be added to the dissertation to show love and dedication to that person.

Examples:

I would like to dedicate this dissertation to my girlfriend [name], who supported me at my lowest.

  • Dedication to Mentor or Advisor

Students also tend to dedicate their theses or dissertations to their mentors and advisors, who advised them and helped them address issues promptly.

Examples:

I dedicate my dissertation to my advisor [name], who advised me and helped me make this successful.

  • Dedication to Colleagues or Peers

When writers complete their dissertations with the assistance of their colleagues and peers, they also tend to dedicate their projects to them.

Examples:

I dedicate my dissertation to my colleague and good friend [name], without whose support this would never have been completed.

  • Dedication to Institution

Being and working in a particular institution also compels the writers to dedicate their dissertations to that institution.

Examples:

I dedicate this dissertation to this amazing institution [name] that made me feel at home, nurtured me, and sprouted this seed.

  • Dedication to Additional People

Sometimes writers give dedication to those additional people who were there around them during work who maybe haven’t cheered them up but their presence meant a lot.

Examples:

I would also like to dedicate this dissertation to [name1] and [name2]…. Whose presence meant a lot to me.

  • Dedication to the Deceased One

If a loved one has recently or in the past died, the writers also tend to dedicate their dissertation to that person.

Examples:

I dedicate this dissertation to my grandmother [name], who is not with us but is always with us in our memories.

  • Dedication to the Almighty

Dedication to the Almighty allows the writers to be thankful to God and divine forces that help them and remove any hurdles from their lives.

Examples:

To the God Almighty, who is most beneficial and most merciful, who blessed me with the power to fulfil this task.

  • Dedication to Inspirational Personality

Sometimes writers also dedicate their dissertations to inspirational personalities who inspired them by adding their famous quotes to the dedication.

Examples:

I dedicate my dissertation to Martin Luther King whose endurance and patience brought the emancipation of the Black.

Dedication Vs. Acknowledgements in Dissertation

Here is the difference between dedication and acknowledgement in a dissertation:

Dedication Acknowledgement
Dedication is the writer’s personal acknowledgement and appreciation for the people he values in life. Acknowledgement is the recognition and appreciation of those people who supported the writer in completing his dissertation.
It contains appreciation for family, friends, colleagues, and special people. It contains thanks to the members, advisors, and individuals who helped complete the dissertation.
It has an emotional and personal value. It has a professional value.
It comes before the acknowledgement. It comes after the dedication.

How to Write a Dedication for a Dissertation?

Here are the steps that will significantly help you to write your dissertation dedication efficiently:

Step 1: Choose the Person You Want To Dedicate To

The first step to writing a dissertation dedication is to choose the people you want to dedicate to. This could be your family, friend, colleague, or personal mentor. Remember to think about who was there for you during your writing process. Make a list of people if you want to add multiple dedicatees.

Step 2: Describe the Person

The second step of writing a dissertation syndication is describing the person that you have chosen to give dedication to. You should describe the relation that you have with that person and what he/she did to make your dissertation successful.

Step 3: Name the Person

After describing the person, name the person you chose to dedicate your dissertation. Naming the person will let readers know about the identity of the dedicatees, no matter if they have met them or not.

Step 4: Keep the Tone Honest and Sincere

It is also important to be honest and sincere while writing the dedication for your dissertation. The people who were there for you, who supported you through everything deserve to be cheered and appreciated in the most sincere and loving way possible.

Step 5: Maintain the Order for Multiple Personnel

When you have chosen multiple personnel to dedicate your life to, it is essential to appreciate their order according to their relation to and association with you. The person who is closer comes at the start. This also lets the readers know whose presence you cherish the most.

Step 6: Maintain the Length

It is essential to maintain the length of the dedication. Avoid overwriting and over-explaining in the deviation. It will unexpectedly lose the interest of readers to read the extensive paragraph of appreciation for someone. Write in a length that makes a powerful impact.

Step 7: Review, Revise, and Finalise

When you have successfully written the dedication for someone you chose to dedicate to your dissertation, it’s time to review it. Review to identify any mistakes and ensure the appropriate use of words. After making the necessary changes, finalise it.

Dissertation dedication Sample

Here is a sample of the dissertation dedication:

[Title]

[Opening Sentence]………………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Dedicatee 1…………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Dedicatee 2…………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Dedicatee 3…………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

[Explanation]

[Closing Sentence]…………………………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

Dedication Dissertation Examples

These are the examples of dissertation dedication that can significantly help you write an amazing dedication your dissertation:

Example 1:

DEDICATION

I dedicate this dissertation to my beloved family. I love you all too much. I especially thank and appreciate my parents, Martha and George Johansson, who supported me in this course and made me believe that I dream well and I can achieve well. Their spiritual and mental strength helped me and guided me through everything. I also thank my sister Kloe, who always made me believe that I am enough. I just have to believe in myself, and everything will come my way.

I also dedicate this dissertation to my best friend Josh, who was always there for me when no one was, who taught me how to swim through deeper waters and how to stand when you have no strength left in your limbs.

I also dedicate this dissertation to my therapist, Mr.Henry Neilson, who was always there through thick and thin. He made me realise that ups and downs are inevitable in life. You have to accept both sides in order to make peace with yourself and with the world.

Finally, I dedicate this dissertation to God Almighty, who granted me all my strengths and weaknesses, all sickness and health, and all happiness and sorrow.

Example 2:

DEDICATION

I dedicate this dissertation to my parents, Henry Alwyn and Taylor Hathaway, who were always there for me every step of the way. Their advice of resilience and hard work made me believe I can do and achieve everything in my life if I am determined and believe in myself. To my brother Abernathy, who always made me laugh with his silly jokes and made me realise that whatever happens in life, the most powerful move that you can make is to smile.

I also dedicate this dissertation to my talented sister Catherine, who taught me that creativity is within you; you just have to pull it out by using her exquisite textile designs.

I also dedicate this dissertation to my best friend and colleague, Elijah Benjamin, who embodies true devotion and love for his work. He believed perfection is not about controlling something; it’s about letting go.

Last but not least, to my girlfriend Emily, who was there to love me, pamper me, and provide her gentle touch and warmth. I love you, darling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can dedicate your dissertation to someone by naming and describing their part in supporting and completing your research process.

  • Choose the Person
  • Describe the Person
  • Name the Person

You should dedicate 300-400 hours to a dissertation

About Alvin Nicolas

Avatar for Alvin NicolasNicolas has a master's degree in literature and a PhD degree in statistics. He is a content manager at ResearchProspect. He loves to write, cook and run. Nicolas is passionate about helping students at all levels.