Academic Writing unit (XAB021)

Online

Introduction

In this unit, you will develop the academic writing and research skills essential for university study across a wide variety of discipline areas. You will learn to write clearly and formally, engage critically with academic sources, and structure both research reports and essays effectively. The unit covers key aspects of academic style, paragraph structure, referencing, and argumentation. Through scaffolded assessments—including a short writing task, a research report, and an academic essay—you will build confidence in producing well-structured, evidence-based writing. Peer review and self-editing strategies will help you refine your work. By the end of this unit, you will be prepared to meet the various writing demands of university study.

Summary

Unit name	Academic Writing
Unit code	XAB021
Credit points	12.5
College/School	University College
Discipline	Pathways
Coordinator	Doctor Dominic Lennard
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Foundation or Enabling

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Online	Semester 1
Online	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Write in an academic style.
• Locate and use academic sources for writing at university.
• Communicate according to the conventions of academic formats.
• Demonstrate analytical thinking skills in relation to academic writing.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
091599	$592.00	$592.00	not applicable	$2,972.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Assessment	Peer Review (10%)|Short Writing Task (15%)|Research Report (35%)|Academic Essay (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.