Q. How should private communications be referenced in a thesis?

Assuming that you are using Harvard as your referencing style, private communications should be referenced as follows.

In-text citation:

• Williams (2011) has a different explanation.

Examples of references

• Williams, J. (2011) Conversation with Michael Barnes, 7 December
• Williams, J. (2011) E-mail to Michael Barnes, 14 December

It would be advisable to seek the other person’s permission before including a private communication in your bibliography. For more information and examples, please see: p.61 of Pears, R. and Shields, G. (2010) Cite them right. 8th edn. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Shelved at PN171.F56P43 2010 (and also available as an e-book).