How to Format Coursework According to University Guidelines

Depending on the assessment, rules may differ regarding:

• Quotations
• In-text citations
• Footnotes
• Tables
• Captions
• Appendices
• Bibliographies
• Reference lists

Never assume that material outside the main paragraphs is automatically excluded.

Your module handbook should explain the calculation. If it doesn't, ask your tutor rather than relying on assumptions.

The Open University also recommends checking the word count and ensuring that the submitted work has answered every part of the question before submission. (Open University Help)

Use the Correct Referencing Style

Referencing is not simply a formatting exercise. It allows your reader to identify the evidence behind your claims and shows where you have drawn on other people's ideas.

Your course might require Harvard, APA, MLA, Chicago, OSCOLA or another system. Use the version specified by your department.

When you research, record your source details immediately. For a book, that might include the author, title, edition, publisher and year. For an online source, you may also need the URL and access date, depending on the referencing system.

Then check that:

• Every source cited in the text appears in the reference list where required.
• Every reference is formatted consistently.
• Quotations are clearly identified.
• Page numbers are included when your referencing style requires them.
• Paraphrased ideas are still attributed to their original source.

A useful rule is to avoid changing a few words from an original passage and calling it your own writing. Oxford's plagiarism guidance specifically distinguishes genuine academic writing from superficial paraphrasing and stresses the need to acknowledge other people's ideas and material. (Oxford University)

Format Quotations, Tables and Figures Properly

Additional material needs to be presented clearly.

If you use a table, chart, photograph or diagram, check your course instructions for the required numbering and caption format. If the material comes from another source, provide the appropriate attribution.

The same applies to quotations. Don't simply paste a long passage into your coursework and expect the reference at the end to solve the problem. Follow your required referencing system for quotation marks, indentation, page numbers and citations.

There is also a practical reason for keeping this material tidy: badly formatted tables and figures can make an otherwise strong assignment difficult to read.

Add Page Numbers and Required Information

Page numbers are particularly helpful once your coursework extends beyond a few pages.

Your assignment may also require information such as:

• Module code
• Assignment number
• Candidate number
• Student identifier
• Coursework title
• Word count

However, don't add personal information automatically. Some assessments use anonymous marking and may tell you to omit your name.

The Open University's proofreading guidance, for example, includes checking page numbers, the title, word count, line spacing and references before submission. (Open University Help)

The safest approach is therefore to copy the identification requirements from your own assessment instructions.