In general, academic writing at postgraduate level will involve using clear, formal and appropriate language, avoiding colloquialisms and generalisations, and structuring your writing in a logical and objective way. It is crucial that you attribute ideas accurately, reference effectively and in an appropriate style, and demonstrate a deep and critical engagement with the ideas you are studying.

The precise format of the writing might vary depending on what you are producing: the style of an essay, for example, will differ slightly from a report or a presentation. But regardless of what you are writing, the core features are the same: clear language, attribution of ideas, an objective and analytic approach.

Everyone wants to see EXAMPLES of good academic writing. TOP TIP! Go to your subject library and ask how to find exemplars of good writing in your subject.

Other resources on subject-specific academic writing include:

• A complete and brilliant guide to academic writing by the team at the Language Centre here in Cambridge.
• Online resources from the University of Newcastle's Writing Development Centre. In particular, their information on the features of academic writing might be helpful.
• Useful resources on essay writing from the Harvard Writing Center
• Developing your academic English - a short and free course from the Open University