Academic Writing

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

   
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Effective Term: 2026/05
Institute / School :Institute of Education, Arts & Community
Unit Title: Academic Writing
Unit ID: FASTP1015
Credit Points: 15.00
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Co-requisite(s): Nil
Exclusion(s): Nil
ASCED: 120103
Other Change:  
Brief description of the Unit

After successfully completing this unit, students will have a greater knowledge of the structure and uses of academic writing. Students will be introduced to a range of writing skills and practice the skills required to successfully complete written academic assessments. They will develop the skills to engage with the differing and complex academic writing conventions required at university. They will also learn to effectively communicate their knowledge to others.

Grade Scheme: Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)
Work Experience Indicator:
No work experience
Placement Component:
Supplementary Assessment:Yes
Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment
Course Level:
Level of Unit in CourseAQF Level(s) of Course
5678910
Introductory                                        
Intermediate                                                
Advanced                                                
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge:
K1.

Explore the nature and structure of academic writing for university studies

K2.

Identify the requirements and components of academic writing, including interpretation of assessment criteria

K3.

Demonstrate technical knowledge of academic writing specifically for assessment at university

Skills:
S1.

Analyse and investigate an academic topic

S2.

Develop a written argument using relevant and credible academic sources, appropriate academic conventions and accurate referencing

S3.

Evaluate feedback on assessments to identify strengths and areas for improvement

Application of knowledge and skills:
A1.

Produce and submit tertiary level assessment tasks, revising work based on feedback

A2.

Communicate and transmit ideas about academic writing through: formal and informal discussion, written assessments, and effective use of online learning platforms

A3.

Analyse and reflect on the nature of academic writing and the writing process

Unit Content:

Academic Writing covers various aspects of researching, writing and producing tertiary level written communication. It contains continuous and iterative assessment that enables students to practice editing, re-drafting and incorporating feedback into their written work. Content covered will include: research for writing, summarising and paraphrasing, referencing, using evidence, writing in a range of academic genres, editing and proofreading, and making use of feedback.

Graduate Attributes:
 Learning Outcomes AssessedAssessment TasksAssessment TypeWeighting
1.K1, K2, K3, S1, S2, A1, A2

Essay plan, demonstrating research and planning for an academic essay

Essay outline

10 - 30%

2.K1, K2, K3, S1, S2, S3, A1, A2

Essay body paragraphs, reference list and feedback consultation

Essay draft

35 - 45%

3.K1, K2, K3, S1, S2, S3, A1, A2, A3

Final revised essay plus introduction and conclusion, combined with reflection on learning to write academically

Final essay

35 - 45%

Adopted Reference Style:
APA  ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:
 Standard / Competency