Writing at university

In writing university assignments, students are required to think clearly and critically, use valid evidence and produce well-structured and coherent pieces of writing. This applies broadly in all academic fields of study (disciplines).

Writing at university is different from some workplace writing. For example, at work a concise listing of points may be required but, at university, students are expected to elaborate on points with argument and explanation.

Tertiary writing requirements also differ from the writing students are expected to do in secondary school. University students are usually expected to research more widely and in more depth. Assignments set at university also tend to be longer. As well, university students may be expected to take a more critical and questioning attitude to knowledge than may have been required in secondary school.

The writing university students are required to do for their subjects can involve a range of text types - essays, reports, papers based on case studies, literature reviews and short answers/problem solving of tutorial questions.

Writing at university must be based on reading and investigation. It is expected to present more than the writer's 'opinion' based solely on past experience and general knowledge.

Though all academic disciplines share a common core and require intellectual rigour and skills, they have different traditions of scholarship. Writing and research in business subjects is quite different from writing and research in psychology, for example.

(Source: www.deakin.edu.au)