Writing Centre
Write with more confidence
Twenty practical guides to the writing tasks university students meet most, from first essays to thesis chapters. Each explains what markers look for, walks through the process and shows illustrative examples.
Essays & Assignments
Plan, structure and argue with confidence.
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Essays & Assignments
How to Plan, Structure and Write a University Essay
From unpacking the question to final revision: a practical process for planning, structuring and writing university essays.
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Essays & Assignments
How to Write an Argumentative Essay That Persuades Markers
Build an arguable thesis, support it with evidence, handle counterarguments fairly and write a conclusion that convinces.
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Essays & Assignments
How to Write a Case Study Analysis at University
Find the real problem, apply frameworks with care and make grounded recommendations in business, health, law or education.
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Essays & Assignments
How to Plan Coursework and Manage Multiple Deadlines
Read briefs and marking criteria properly, break assignments into stages and schedule several deadlines without panic.
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Essays & Assignments
How to Write a Discussion Essay or Seminar Position Paper
Explore perspectives fairly, weigh the evidence and still reach a clear judgement, in discussion essays and seminar papers.
Research & Thesis
From research question to final chapter.
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Research & Thesis
How to Structure and Write a Student Research Paper
What goes into each section of an IMRaD research paper or report, and the order that makes it easiest to write.
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Research & Thesis
How to Structure Thesis and Dissertation Chapters
What each thesis chapter does, how chapters connect, and how to plan your structure before you write a word.
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Research & Thesis
How to Write a Clear and Feasible Research Proposal
The sections of a research proposal, what reviewers check, and how to turn a broad interest into a focused, feasible plan.
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Research & Thesis
How to Write a Literature Review That Synthesises Sources
Move from summarising sources to synthesising them: search, organise, structure and write a review that leads to your question.
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Research & Thesis
How to Write a Scientific Lab Report, Section by Section
Aims, method, results, discussion of error and valid conclusions: how to write each part of a scientific lab report.
Skills & Style
Clearer sentences, sharper thinking, better talks.
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Skills & Style
How to Write Reflectively Using Gibbs, Kolb and Rolfe
Move beyond description: use Gibbs, Kolb or Rolfe to turn an experience into analysis, learning and a plan for action.
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Skills & Style
How to Plan and Deliver an Academic Presentation
Structure your argument, design clear slides, manage your time and handle questions in assessed university presentations.
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Skills & Style
How to Show Critical Thinking in Your Academic Writing
Question claims, test evidence and assumptions, compare sources and build your own reasoned position in your writing.
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Skills & Style
Academic Vocabulary: Reporting Verbs, Hedging and Signposting
Reporting verbs, hedging and signposting phrases that make your writing precise, formal and easy to follow, with tables to adapt.
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Skills & Style
Grammar and Clarity in Academic Writing: Common Fixes
The grammar issues that most often blur academic writing, plus practical techniques for clearer, more concise sentences.
Referencing & Editing
Cite accurately and polish your own draft.
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Referencing & Editing
APA 7th Edition Referencing: In-Text Citations and References
APA 7 in-text citations and reference list formats for articles, books, chapters and webpages, with clear placeholder examples.
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Referencing & Editing
MLA 9th Edition: Core Elements, Containers and Citations
The MLA core elements and container concept explained, with in-text citations and Works Cited format examples you can follow.
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Referencing & Editing
Harvard Referencing: How It Works and Why Versions Differ
Why Harvard referencing varies between universities, the common pattern for citations and references, and how to stay consistent.
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Referencing & Editing
Citation Management: Reference Managers and Reading Logs
How reference managers and a simple reading log keep sources organised and help you avoid accidental plagiarism.
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Referencing & Editing
How to Edit Your Own Academic Writing, Step by Step
A layered self-editing process, the difference between editing, proofreading and rewriting, and where ethical support begins and ends.
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