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General Requirements for Assignments - Bible/Theology and Counselling/Chaplaincy

This guide outlines the College’s expectations for written assessments in Theology, Counselling, and Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care.

File Formats

All assignments will be submitted on Moodle using Turnitin, and need to be compatible with these systems.

  • Written assignments should be submitted as PDF (preferred) or Word (.docx) files. Please note that assignments submitted using Pages cannot be read in Moodle or Turnitin.
  • Other assignments may require PowerPoint or audiovisual recordings. Please check with your lecturer regarding acceptable formats.

Please name your file clearly with your name or student number, the unit code and assessment number.

e.g. 2023475691 – PS003 – Ass. 1

Font and Format

Assignments should be typed in a standard font (e.g. Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri), using 11pt or 12pt font size. Text should use 1.5x or 2x spacing.

Generally, all assignments should be in full sentences and paragraphs. In some assignments, it may be appropriate to use bullet points and diagrams, but this will be outlined in the assessment instructions.

It may be appropriate to use subheadings, especially if the assignment has a number of sections or themes to discuss. A subheading is not needed for the Introduction or Conclusion.

Layout

  • student name or number should be included in the page header
  • page numbers should be included in the page footer
  • include a left-hand margin of 3cm for marker's comments

Other Considerations

Keep a copy of your assignments readily available, in either digital or printed format. It is also advisable to keep copies of notes and research; again, this can be digital or printed.

Proof read assignments carefully for spelling, punctuation and layout. Do not over-rely on SpellCheck, as it will not pick up on incorrect words. Where possible, ask a friend or mentor to read assignments for a second opinion.

Word Counts: The 10% Rule

All assignments should be kept within 10% of the set word limit, above or below. Assignments that are longer or shorter than the 10% leeway may be penalised or not accepted.

e.g. for an assignment of 3000 words, the range is 2700 (-10%) to 3300 (+10%)

According to ACT policy, "If an essay exceeds the prescribed number of words by more than 10%, a penalty of 10% of the total possible marks will normally apply."

Elements Included in the Word Count

The word count includes the body of your assignment and any direct quotations.

Your cover page, abstract, bibliography/reference list and footnotes are not included in the word count.

Footnotes, endnotes and appendices are not include in the formal word count; however, the word count of these elements should not exceed 25% of the assignment word limit. This includes citations and supplementary information.

According to ACT policy, "If footnotes exceed the prescribed word limit by more than 25%, a penalty of 10% of the total possible marks will normally apply."

Appendices may exceed this restriction only where they are a required part of an assignment, as indicated in the Assessment Task description.

e.g. a verbatim report or annotated list of resources.
© 2016 Morling College. Morling College is an affiliated institution with the Australian College of Theology (CRICOS Provider 02650E). Morling College Counselling (CRICOS Provider 03265F).