Professional and Academic Development

How to Write a non-scientific report

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Introduction
You may be asked to write a report that covers a case study or a group project.
This will most likely be a non-scientific report. This help sheet highlights some key
issues to consider.


Report structure

It is difficult to be prescriptive and state exactly how to structure a report because some
variation exists between different report types. Overall, the structure of a scientific report is
similar to a structure of academic articles, which include the following parts:

Title page
Summary / Executive summary
Contents page
Introduction
Main body
Conclusion


This list is not exclusive. Non-scientific reports may also include other parts, such as


Acknowledgements
Recommendations
References or bibliography
Appendices


As reports vary, check your own departments guidelines on structuring your report. The
following table details key points in relation to the basic structure of a non-scientific report.
Title page
On a separate page (must follow faculty guidelines)

Typically includes report title, your name, student ID number
and the unit code
Contents page
More typical of longer reports (check assignment brief)

Details sections and subsections (and page numbers)
including appendices (if appropriate)

May include separate list of graphs, figures and tables
(including their labels and page numbers)
Assignments Reports

How to - Write a non-scientific report


Professional and Academic Development
How to Write a non-scientific report
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Summary /
Executive
summary
A short statement (usually 100 150 words)

A brief explanation as to why the report was written (this may
include references)

Details of key issues / findings / conclusions
Introduction
Sets the scene for your reader (general statement about topic)

Builds on the themes (in general statement) with relevant facts
or statistics (referenced)

Leads into a rationale (why report is important and needed)

Provides an overview of how the topic is covered in the report

May be useful to revise once the whole report is written
Main Body
Divided into a number of key sections, which are

Presented in a logical order

Discussed one question at a time

All relate to the main topic of the report

Divided into sub-sections
Conclusion
Ties together the main points

Demonstrates how points collectively relate to report purpose

Does not simply repeat the already discussed areas

Suggests further steps
Recommendations
Appropriate but not always necessary (check guidelines)

Should be based on your findings

May be written in a list format (backed up by explanation)

Should be relevant, realistic and supported by evidence
Reference list and/
bibliography
Check your faculty guidelines and conventions

Reference list = all references you used in text

Bibliography = all references in text plus any additional reading
that is not featured in the main text


Professional and Academic Development
How to Write a non-scientific report
3 | P a g e

Appendices
Appropriate but not necessary

Include supporting material (for example, larger tables of data
that underpins your discussion)

Referred to in the relevant parts of text in the report

Clearly labelled

Named on the contents page




Please note

Not all reports follow this exact format and the information in this guide should only be
treated as a basic guide. Always follow the assignment guidelines in your unit handbook.






Find out more

To find out more about Writing an introduction, writing a conclusion and
Use of appendices refer to the Writing specific parts of an assignment
folder in the Assignments section of the Study Hub: Online (BREO
Community).

To find out more about Referencing refer to the Referencing / Avoid
Plagiarism section of the Study Hub: Online (BREO Community).

Further help

The Professional and Academic Development Team provide a range of
opportunities for you to enhance your academic skills (such as workshops
and drop-ins). For more information visit: lrweb.beds.ac.uk/pad

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