GUIDELINES FOR WRITING THE WINCHESTER WAY

It is possible for you to write from different perspectives in different scenarios whilst still being true to our guiding tone of voice principles. Writing from a student perspective does not mean that the language needs to be overly trendy; the voice of the course leader or University of Winchester should not be laden with academic buzzwords or jargon.

1. Be clear – short and succinct, avoid three-letter acronyms

INSTEAD OF SAYING…

Policing and Criminal Investigation at Winchester has been specifically designed for police student officers who are enrolled within the Police Degree Apprenticeship Scheme, students who have an interest in a policing career as a police officer or member of police staff, or those who have an interest in police-related subjects such as criminology, forensic science, psychology and sociology.

… SAY…

We now offer a new Policing and Criminal Investigation course. If you are enrolled on a Police Degree Apprenticeship Scheme or looking for a career in the police force, this course is ideal for you. If you are interested in criminology, forensic science, psychology or sociology, this new, specialist programme will provide new perspectives for you to consider.

2. Be personal – true to our personality, active language, use ‘we’ and ‘you’

INSTEAD OF SAYING…

Support and encouragement is given at University of Winchester to all UGs and PGs.

University of Winchester offers outstanding courses in Primary Education.

Students on this course will learn…

… SAY…

We encourage and support all our students. We offer outstanding Primary Education courses. On this course, you will learn….

3. Be direct – use fresh and distinctive language, relevant to target audience and channel

INSTEAD OF SAYING…

Creative Writing with English Language Studies at Winchester allows you to explore language via workshops designed to encourage your development as writers in new and individual ways.

… SAY…

If you dream of becoming a professional writer, our new Creative Writing with English Language Studies course is perfect for you. In this course, you will be encouraged to actively participate in workshops that will help you craft and develop your own uniquely personal style of writing.

4. Be specific – bring to life with real stories, sparing use of most recent statistics

INSTEAD OF SAYING…

Our students are highly employable, with many starting work immediately after their graduation.

…

SAY…

Over 94% of our students are either employed or in further study within the first six months after their graduation. Becca Radcliffe, who is in her third year studying Criminology with us, tells us: “My course has been amazing, really world class. My tutor helped me organise a summer placement with the Met Police. This experience has secured me a job with them straight after I graduate.”

5. Be consistent – everything we produce should read in the same style, stick to the editorial style

An A-Z of our editorial conventions (dates, numbers, departments, job titles and so on) is available in an editorial guide from the Communications and Marketing section of the Intranet.