Module: Academic writing: an introduction

Welcome

What is academic writing?

The writing process

Writing is an important part of university education, regardless of your field. Simply acquiring an abundance of knowledge throughout your studies is insufficient in today’s society; your knowledge and ideas must be communicated effectively, both in written and oral form. In this module, we explain what academic writing is, and why it is an important skill to master.

What is academic writing?

The specific requirements of academic assignments vary across faculties and subject areas, and they also depend on the type of assignment in question. From short essays and reports, to larger works such as bachelor or master’s theses, the breadth and depth of academic writing needed can vary significantly. Nonetheless, all academic texts have a number of points in common.

In order to write academic prose, you need to:

investigate and discuss an academic question or issue
think critically and analytically
evaluate and support ideas or opinions with evidence
demonstrate your ability to reflect on and evaluate complex issues
make appropriate use of the academic literature
satisfy formal requirements related to the layout, structure, and referencing style

Why is academic writing important?

Academic writing is an important skill to master in today’s society. It trains you to think critically and to substantiate your claims appropriately, thereby allowing you to be attentive to, and participate in, important societal debates.

Academic writing is also important beyond your university education. Many employers seek out competent writers, as it represents an increasingly important skill across all sectors. By making the most of writing opportunities during your studies, you will be better prepared to tackle a variety of tasks when entering the workforce.

By mastering the writing process, you also increase your chances of success at university. It allows you to deepen your understanding of your field, develop your own ideas and opinions, and participate in an academic dialogue in the community. It also allows you to document your expertise on a subject and your competence as a scholar, which ultimately affects your grades.

Do you want to learn more? Throughout this guide, we provide links to The Podcast about Academic Writing, which contains several episodes about several aspects of academic writing. The podcast was produced by the University Libraries of Nord University, the University of Stavanger, and Østfold University College.

Click on the image to listen to the podcast