BGS 39/08-09 (Revised)
UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
For the meeting of the Board of Graduate Studies to be held on 15 January 2009
Guidance on Dissertation Word Lengths and Credit Tariffs
The maximum word length for a Masters Degree by Research, with a credit value of
180 credits at level 4/M is 40,000 words. Departments should set maximum word
lengths for assessments relating to specific modules based on their credit weightings
that are approximately proportionate to this figure. It is suggested that:

For modules/dissertations/projects rated 10 - 19 credits, a maximum word
length of 4,000 words be adopted

For modules/dissertations/projects rated 20 - 39 credits, a maximum word
length of 7,000 words be adopted

For modules/dissertations/projects rated 40 - 59 credits, a maximum word
length of 12,500 words be adopted

For modules/dissertations/projects worth 60 - 89 credits, a maximum word
length of 20,000 words be adopted

For dissertations/projects worth 90 - 119 credits, a maximum word limit of
25,000 words be adopted
Where a maximum word length is specified above these limits, it is expected that
there will be a reasoned justification for this clearly set out in the course
approval/revision documents.
Departments should also consider introducing a recommended word-limit to be set
on a case-by-case basis to take account of the nature of the assessment and its
intended audience.
Departments may also wish to consider introducing a student “self certification”
procedure to invite students to confirm that assessed work submitted by them
conforms to the prescribed word-length and to use this as a means both to dissuade
students from submitting work that is overly-long and readily to identify those pieces
of work exceeding maximum limits.