Student Handbook 2025/26

Word Count Guidelines for Course Essays

Essay word counts may vary depending on the module. You are allowed a 10% margin above or below the stated word limit without penalty.
However, please note that markers will not read or assess any content beyond the 10% upper limit.

What Counts Towards the Word Limit?

All words are counted except for the bibliography.
The following are examples of content that do count towards your word total:

• Table of contents
• Appendices
• Footnotes and endnotes
• Wording under diagrams
• Abstracts
• Words within graphs, tables, and diagrams

This list is not exhaustive. As a general rule: if it’s written, it counts — so use your words wisely.

Meeting the Word Count

While it’s understood that hitting the exact word count can be challenging, you should aim to get as close as possible without exceeding the maximum.
At Master’s level, students are expected to be able to edit and refine their work to meet word count requirements.

There is no minimum word count, but essays that fall significantly short may fail to fully address the topic and will be marked accordingly.

Title Page Requirements

Your submitted essay must include a title page (or top sheet) with the following information:

• Module number (e.g. SOLMxxx)
• Module title
• Final word count
• Student ID number (not your username — check MySIS or your student ID card)
• Do not include your name anywhere on the essay

You may use colour or graphics on the title page if you wish, but this is optional.

Formatting Recommendations

There is no official style guide, but we recommend the following:

• Font: 12-point, in a standard readable style (e.g. Times New Roman, Arial)
• Line spacing: Double-spaced
• Margins: At least 2 cm
• Citations: Required — either inline or in footnotes
• Footnotes: No smaller than 10-point font, ideally matching the main text font