Word Count A maximum of 6000 words for each 30 credit module (3000 words for 15 credit modules) is standard for Anglia Ruskin University, and for the Learning, Technology & Research modules we have added the words "or equivalent"  because there is the opportunity to present your work in different formats from the traditional written report.  The key is to make sure that you have met the learning outcomes, by whatever medium you use. This might be achieved in less than the maximum.  Here we look at word counts, because this is an area for which studemts and tutors have offered helpful suggestions. Note: For all modules the penalty for exceeding the maximum is 10 marks Extracts from the ARU Academic Regulations, available from http://web.anglia.ac.uk/anet/students/ : Exceeding word limits 6.56    A written assignment must not exceed the maximum word limit set for that assignment. Students are required to enter an accurate word count on the University Assignment Cover Sheet. Any University Assignment Cover Sheet which does not contain an accurate word count is not accepted.    6.57    Any assignment exceeding the word limit is penalised by the deduction of 10% of the maximum marks available for the assignment. If an assignment submitted for re-assessment exceeds the word limit, the deduction is applied to the actual fine graded mark (i.e. prior to capping the module result at 40%), the consequence of which may be an overall fail in the re-assessed assignment. The Module Definition Form for a module which is graded on a pass/fail basis must specify whether submission of a written assignment exceeding the word limit results in failure in the module. 6.58    In determining the text to be included within the maximum word limit, the following items are excluded: abstracts indented quotations (of more than 50 words) tables figures diagrams footnotes/endnotes used for reference purposes and kept within reasonable limits list of references and/ or bibliography appendices. 500 Words This is about one page of text, and it is useful to bear this in mind before you start to write. It's a guide to give you an idea of the 'size' of the task - a little more or less is fine. We're aware that researchers are very committed to their work and can easily end up producing much more than this - we wouldn't want you to unknowingly do lots more than is necessary. The  '500 words or equivalent'  applies to your original words. So if you added a copy of your job description in it's original form or a copy of a web page from a website, these would not normally be part of the word count. Suggestions -When writing a paragraph, imagine you are writing an advert to help focus on the essentials. -Appendices are often data or source documents.  You can refer to appendices in the main text, for example by quoting key phrases.  Consider whether you need to add an appendix - often it is unnecessary, just list the document in your bibliography. -I did a short job intro, kept the lists brief (like a job advert) and commented on the web-sites I use for reference. The only thing I've got to do is a summary of my findings. -my first draft was too big so I have just done a summary and put lists and resourses as appendices to the summary -Would strongly advise all to keep any sections that you might cut out. Apparently they could prove useful later on. -have a list of bullet points, with a few lines of elaborated text below each one -My original report was almost double the number, so I thought  "if it isn't needed don't include it" - so, I deleted text that didn't directly relate to the required learning objectives.  In parts I had gone into too much detail, things that could be used later.  I did find the example on the Portfolio page very useful.  It gave me an idea of what was expected. -I have tried to use a PowerPoint for my LA1 after having used too many words in my Word Document. I think it has helped as I could write info in point form instead of sentences which cut down on needless words. Many thanks to the students and tutors who have asked questions and offered advice - this document would not exist without you! Updated January 2009