Academic Writing & Communication

Advice on academic writing, common principles, information about where to get more support and help, and information about referencing and plagiarism.

Academic writing

• What is ‘academic writing’? This resource helps to decode what is 'academic writing' means for your work.
• Organise and structure your writing: tips from the IoE.

UCL Academic Communication Centre

The UCL Academic Communication Centre (ACC) is a free service supporting you to develop critical thinking, writing and oral skills. The ACC offer: 

• one-to-one tutorials. 
• workshops.
• webinars.
• courses.
• writing retreats.
• online resources.

They work closely with academic departments and faculties to design this provision to develop your ability and confidence to communicate ideas and research in your discipline.

Other services

• Students’ Union UCL Language + Writing Support Programme: provides support to international students at UCL. 
• Survey of English Usage: the Survey of English Usage features a series of mobile apps, available for iOS and Android. They can help with academic writing, spelling and punctuation, and grammar.

UCL Library Services

UCL Library Services offers resources for research students. Postgraduate students often need to search for literature relevant to their work and write research papers for publication in journals as well as conferences. The resources available can help you with these:

• Library skills essentials.
• Information search skills.
• Information evaluation skills.
• Referencing and managing information.
• Communicating and sharing information.
• Training and support.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

Academic Integrity means being honest in your academic work. You need to formally recognise and reference the existing knowledge and ideas on which your work is based. If you do not acknowledge the work or ideas of others, you could be penalised for Academic Misconduct.

• Student webpage summarising academic integrity at UCL.
• UCL Plagiarism Guidelines.
• Engaging with AI in your Education and Assessment. 

Dissertation writing support

Each postgraduate taught programme will have a handbook which details on:

• Dissertation length.
• How to prepare.
• The dissertation writing process.

Make sure you follow the guidance provided by your department and in discussion with your supervisor. 

You can also find support using these links:

• Academic Communication Centre (ACC): provides dissertation writing courses, resources and tutorials.
• Library Guides: Support for dissertations and research projects.
• LinkedIn Learning: log in with your UCL ID and access free online video tutorials for courses ranging from research design to digital tools that support long-form writing projects, to statistical software for running quantitative tests.

Research and writing skills for dissertations and projects

This self-paced Moodle course can help you develop the skills associated with researching and writing an extended piece of work. It is helpful if you're working on a project or dissertation. The modules are standalone so you can study them in any order and when you need them. Each module is followed by a self-assessment quiz.

Access the Research and Writing Skills Moodle