05.12.2 Word Limits

Owned by Susanna
Last updated: Aug 08, 2024 by Registrar Department
1 min read

Assignments must not exceed the stated word length

  1. The prescribed length of an assignment is both a guideline for the amount of work to go into the topic and part of the educational objectives for the unit. It is an exercise in self-discipline which involves the selection of the appropriate material to develop the argument of the essay or assignment and support its conclusions. For this reason, word length limits are taken seriously. 

2. If an assignment fails as a result of the word count downgrade, then the option of a re-submit will not be offered.

3. All written assignments must be kept to the prescribed word length.

The word length must not be exceeded. If written work exceeds the maximum length, it will not be returned to students but will be downgraded at 5% per 100 words or part thereof. For example, 1 to 100 words over the limit would attract a 5% penalty, 101 to 200 words over would attract a 10% penalty, and so on.

4. The prescribed word length (for all courses except PhD) excludes:

  • Title page,

  • Synopsis,

  • Bibliography,

  • Bibliographic references (e.g. Chavalas, “Did Abraham Ride a Camel?,” 64)

Any other text not specifically excluded is included.

Please Note: Bible references (eg. John 3:16) should be placed within the text of the essay and not relegated to a footnote, and will be included in the word count.

5. Only the references in footnotes are excluded from the word count, commentary and notes are included.

6. See Section 5.7 for information on downgrades for late submission.