Guides to writing

If there are no guidelines for the work you are preparing, you should make sure that you write in a consistent and understandable way, or you could consult one of the published guides listed below.  Special care needs to be taken with citing literature references.

Many guides to writing and managing research projects are available. Here are just a selection - use the Library Catalogue (https://www.lib.bris.ac.uk/ALEPH/) to find more details, and others:

• MHRA style guide: a handbook for authors, editors, and writers of theses
  Also available in print at PN147 MHR in the Arts & Social Sciences Library.
• Chicago manual of style
  Ref. Z253 CHI in the Arts & Social Sciences Library
• MLA handbook for writers of research papers
  PN147 MLA (earlier editions at PN147 GIB) in the Arts & Social Sciences Library or LB2369 MOD in the Queens Buildiing Library
• Becker, H.S. Writing for social scientists: how to start and finish your thesis, book or article
  H91 BEC in the Arts & Social Sciences Library, and an eBook version can be accessed via the catalogue
• Bell, J. Doing your research project
  LB1028 BEL in the Arts & Social Sciences and Education Libraries, AA7a BEL in Medical Library, and an eBook version can be accessed via the catalogue
• Howard, K. and Sharp, J. The management of a student research project
  LB2371 HOW in the Arts & Social Sciences Library, and an eBook version can be accessed via the catalogue. For postgraduate projects.
• Phillips, E.M. and Pugh, D.S. How to get a Ph.D.
  Available in print in a number of branches and an eBook version can be accessed via the catalogue - check catalogue.

Details of guidelines recommended for your subject may be available from the Subject resources & support pages (see the 'Referencing help' section in your subject).

Note: some of the documents on this page are in PDF format. In order to view a PDF you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader