Ask Us: Academic Skills Team

Before you start to write up your assignment you should check the information provided in your module handbook or assignment brief on the required word count, or ask your tutor for guidance.

Generally speaking, the word count will include the following:

• All titles or headings that form part of the actual text.
• All words that form the essay (the main body of text).
• All words forming the titles for figures, tables and boxes, are included but this does not include boxes or tables or figures themselves
• All in-text (that is bracketed) citations
• All directly quoted material

It will not include:

• All words that form the title page
• All words that form the reference list
• Captions added to visual material (i.e. diagrams, tables, maps, and/or images)

Need more help?  Don't worry!  The Library and Academic Skills team can support you with all aspects of your academic work.  Search our subject guides for recommended resources and research tips.  For further support book an appointment with your Academic Librarian and Skills Tutor.