Student Handbook 2023/24

Word count

The word count for essays will vary. You can go 10% +/- the word limit without penalty, markers will not mark anything that is beyond 10% of the word count.

Every word submitted is counted, with the only exception is a bibliography.

Examples of items which are included in the word count are:

• table of contents
• appendices
• footnotes
• endnotes
• wording under a diagram
• abstract
• words in graphs
• tables and diagrams

This is not an exclusive list, consequently you should keep in mind that all words count- use them wisely.

Whilst we appreciate it is difficult to reach exactly the required word count, you should aim to reach as close to this as possible without going over. 

At Masters Level, we would expect students to be able to edit their own work to produce an essay within the maximum word count.

There is no minimum word count.  However, essays that are considerably shorter than the maximum word count may fail to fully address the topic and will be marked accordingly.

Title page

Your submitted course essay should have a top sheet which should include the following information only.

• Module number (i.e. SOLMxxx)
• Module Title
• Final Word count
• Student I.D number (this is not username lcxxx, check your MySiS or Student I.D card)

Formatting

There is no official style guide for the essays.  However, although there are no specific requirements regarding format or font size, we recommend you use a 12 point font in a common font style, double space the main text and use margins of at least 2 cm.  Footnotes should be no smaller than 10 point, normally in the same font as the main text.

Your name should not appear anywhere on your essay.  There are no further rules with regards to the title page; you may use colour or graphics if you wish.