The report should be A4 size, word-processed, and not longer than 10,000 words (about 30 pages of double-spaced text) It may, and indeed should, be illustrated with photographs and figures as appropriate. Two copies of the report should be submitted UNBOUND. We will bind the reports and add a standard NHFI cover. Please ensure that the text is double spaced, that pages are numbered, and that the left-hand margin is 4cm.

It is recommended that the report be structured along the following lines, although this may not be absolutely appropriate to all topics. Consult your tutor if in doubt.

Title page. This should include the title of the study and your name. It should also include the following statement: 'a report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of postgraduate certificate in Natural Hazards for Insurers at University College London'

Abstract. This should be a maximum of 1 page in length and should summarise the results of your study in succinct terms. The reader should be able to determine the gist of the report by reading the abstract alone. Write the abstract last, after the rest of the report has been completed.

Acknowledgments. Self-explanatory.

Content list. Self-explanatory. You may also provide a separate list of figures if you wish.

Introduction. This should address the aim(s) and objective(s) of the study, and the rationale underpinning your choice. As such it should set the scene for what is to follow in later chapters

Previous work. This will focus on research already undertaken on the problem or issue you are addressing, and should incorporate the findings of published works (books, articles, reports, scientific papers etc) relevant to the study. This will provide the background against which you will develop your ides and interpretations.

Data chapter. This will form the core of the study. Here you will dissect and analyse the problem or issue you are addressing. If you are using a data-set, this is where you will present the results of its evaluation or manipulation. If your chosen topic is more ideas/issues-centred, this is where you will describe these in detail.

Interpretation and discussion chapter. Whether you are analysing or manipulating data or critically evaluating ideas or models, your interpretation should be kept separate from the data chapter. This is a critical element of the report as it will (or should) reveal the reasoning behind your evaluation and the thinking underpinning your conclusions. Note: you may wish to keep interpretation separate and incorporate discussion into the conclusions chapter. This is equally acceptable.

Conclusions. Here you will summarise the conclusions of the study. This does not have to be a long chapter and often short, bullet pointed conclusions are far more worthy than several pages of waffle. It might also be useful here, to draw attention to possible future directions of research that might logically follow on from your work.

Bibliography. This should include full details of every book, report, article, or paper mentioned in the report. See Bibliography and refs for format.