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Online Study Skills Hub: Assessment Types

Competencies essential for academic and professional success

Assessment Types overview

Whilst at University, you may encounter various types of assignments, each serving a different academic purpose:

  1. Dissertations and Theses: Extended research papers written at the end of a degree program, requiring original research, and often featuring a literature review, methodology, analysis, and conclusion. Dissertations are typically for undergraduates and master's students, while theses are usually for doctoral candidates.

  2. Report Writing: A structured document presenting information clearly and concisely, often used in science, business, or technical fields. It includes an introduction, methodology, findings, and recommendations.

  3. Reflective Writing: A personal account where students analyse their experiences, thoughts, and learning processes. It encourages self-assessment and critical thinking.

  4. Literature Reviews: A comprehensive summary of existing research on a specific topic. It involves analysing, comparing, and synthesising various sources to identify trends, gaps, and debates in the field.

  5. Lab Report: A detailed account of experiments conducted in a laboratory setting. It typically includes an introduction, methods, results, and a discussion of the findings.

  6. Annotated Bibliography: A list of sources with accompanying summaries and evaluations. It helps students organise research and demonstrate understanding of relevant literature.