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Coursework

What is Coursework?

It is practically impossible nowadays to get through academic life without coming across ‘coursework’. The term is now so frequently used, in fact, that it is widely assumed that everyone knows exactly what it is, what it is for and how you should do it. However, as is frequently the case, something that ‘everyone knows’ is often not known as widely as is thought and everyone is too afraid to ask as they assume they are alone in their ignorance. Relax, this guide will help.

So what exactly is coursework?

Well, to put it bluntly, coursework is precisely what it says, ‘work’ that you complete on a ‘course’.

There is a great difference, however, between coursework that you complete for, say, GCSE or A Level, and coursework that you complete on a degree.

There is also an enormous difference between coursework carried out for a qualification in Maths and coursework carried out for English.

Basically, though, any coursework that you carry out in any subject will be used to help assess your competence in that subject and will count towards your final mark.

Indeed, in some cases, you may only be required to complete coursework to gain your qualification, if the course is modular, for instance, or simply has no examination. Usually, though, coursework forms a percentage of your final mark.

Whichever of these options applies to the coursework on your particular course, you will need to pay close attention to it, as it can make all the difference to your grade!

So, how should I begin?

When you are given a piece of coursework to complete, at whatever level, the first thing you should do is to look carefully at the question or assignment topic.

Understanding and adhering to instructions is the first – and most often ignored – principle of any academic work, coursework included. More students fail coursework (and examinations) because they do not read the question properly than for any other reason – so read the question thoroughly before you do anything else!

When you are reading your instructions, ask yourself the following questions:

  • What am I being asked to do?
  • How do I intend to do it?
  • Do I foresee any problems?

Let’s look at these one by one and find out just what coursework requires!

What am I being asked to do?

Firstly, you need to address very carefully what you are being asked to do. This is obviously the foundation to the successful completion of your coursework so pay it the attention it deserves.

If you are being asked a question, you should look for ‘key words’. These are words within questions which direct you as to the type of work you are being asked to carry out so they are very helpful.

There are many key words that you should look out for when starting your coursework, these include:

  • Compare – coursework that requires this of you will expect you to show equal knowledge of each topic you are being asked to compare and make a balanced judgement on it.
  • Contrast – this is sometimes twinned with ‘compare’ as they complement each other. However, if you are asked to contrast, you need to choose whether to put more stress on differences or similarities in your work.
  • Analyse – this word is very frequently employed in assessment, whether it be coursework or examination, as it helps the assessor to see just how well you can apply your skills to taking a text or topic apart. This means examining it critically i.e. supported by evidence from your reading and/or teaching on the subject. You need to show, when asked to analyse, just how well you can recognise key factors, words, phrases etc.

There are, of course, many more ‘key words’ and you should get used to recognising those which occur most frequently in your own field of study as learning to spot these words can be an invaluable aid to completing coursework successfully.

How do I intend to do it?

Or, to give it its correct name, what ‘methodology’ do I intend to apply? This is obviously related to the area of study that you are undertaking. You would use a very different approach for a Science topic, for example, from you would for one on Art.

Make sure that you know whether your proposed method of work fits with what is required, as using the wrong method can be as disastrous as misreading the question.

As with every aspect of your coursework, if you are unsure, check – never be afraid to ask for help and/or advice.

When you have decided on your methodology, assemble your data carefully.

Do I foresee any problems?

This is very important in the successful completion of your coursework and it is important that you realise that recognising problems is not an admission of failure it means, in fact, that you understand the importance of getting every aspect of your coursework right.

So, as has been said previously, if in doubt, ask.

What else should I know about coursework?

Well, much of what you will eventually find most useful in your coursework you will gain by experience but here are some final tips to help you complete the best coursework possible:

  • Read the instructions carefully and follow them
  • Decide on your methodology
  • Ensure that your methodology matches what is required
  • Assemble your data carefully and, if it is applicable, make sure that you know how to reference your sources of evidence in the style required by your school, college or university
  • Structure you work carefully and appropriately – whether it be the standard five paragraph essay or a piece of statistical analysis
  • Proof-read your work – however high up the ladder you rise you always need to check that you have not made foolish errors in grammar, spelling or punctuation – this is simply throwing marks away so don’t forget to check!

Follow this advice and you are well on the way to the successful completion of any piece of coursework at any level: ‘Good Luck!’