Word Count

Word Counts

The word count for written academic work (essays, case studies, dissertations) will include everything in the main body of the text but will not include footnotes or bibliographic information. 

The Department uses the Harvard referencing system and footnotes should be kept to a minimum.

Word counts for written academic work will be given either as a whole number s (1500 words) or as a range (8,000 – 10,000 words). Where the word count is given as a whole number students can submit work with a word count that is either 10% lower or higher than the target word count with no penalty. 

Where the word count is given as a range, students must produce work within that range.

Assessments made up of news stories or features  will have a word count range. Students must produce work within the word count range

Duration

Broadcast assessments (including radio, and television and podcasts) will be given a duration, usually in minutes.  Students must not produce work that is longer than the stated duration. Mobile and online journalism assessment that includes video will also have a duration limit. 

Pagination

Magazine based assessments must be produced to the required number of pages.

Penalty for exceeding limits

Words, duration or pagination that is in excess of the stated limit will not be marked.