Standard University Word Count Rules

Going over your word count limit can result in serious marking penalties (often a 10% deduction of marks if you exceed the +10% leeway). Knowing exactly what counts and what doesn't is critical before submission.

What Usually COUNTS Towards Your Limit

• The Main Body Text: Your introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
• Headings and Subheadings: Standard structural headings are almost always included.
• In-text Citations: Unless explicitly stated otherwise in your module handbook, (Author, Year) citations usually count.
• Direct Quotes: Even if you are quoting someone else, those words count toward your limit.

What Usually DOES NOT Count

• The Title Page: Titles, your student ID, and module codes are usually excluded.
• The Abstract: Most dissertations exclude the abstract from the main text word limit (though it may have its own separate limit).
• Reference List / Bibliography: This is universally excluded.
• Appendices: Raw data, interview transcripts, and code snippets placed in appendices do not count (but markers are not obligated to read them).
• Tables and Figures: The numerical data inside tables is often excluded, though you shouldn't use tables to hide prose.

How to Check Your Count Accurately

Relying on Microsoft Word's default counter is dangerous if your rubric has strict exclusion rules (e.g., excluding tables, equations, and footnotes).