Quick Answer
SACE Research Project: 2,000 words (compulsory)
Stage 2 subject essays range from 800–1,500 words depending on the assessment type.
SACE Research Project Word Count
The Research Project is the only compulsory Stage 2 subject in SACE. Every South Australian student must complete it to earn their SACE.
| Component | Word Count / Length |
|---|
| Research Outcome | 2,000 words (written) or equivalent |
| Folio (planning) | 1,000 words or equivalent |
| Evaluation | Written: 1,500 words / Oral: 12 minutes / Multimodal: 10 minutes |
The Research Project can be submitted as a written outcome, oral presentation, or performance — but the written option at 2,000 words is the most common choice.
How SACE Assessment Works
SACE Stage 2 subjects have three Assessment Types (AT1, AT2, AT3). AT1 and AT2 are school-assessed, while AT3 is externally assessed (exam or investigation submitted to the SACE Board).
Word counts for AT1 and AT2 are set by the SACE subject outline and must be followed. Your school can’t change the published limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words is the SACE Research Project?
The SACE Research Project written outcome is 2,000 words. The Folio component is approximately 1,000 words, and the Evaluation is 1,500 words (written) or 12 minutes (oral). The Research Project is compulsory for all SACE students.
Is the SACE Research Project compulsory?
Yes. The Research Project is the only compulsory Stage 2 subject in SACE. Every student must complete it to earn their South Australian Certificate of Education, regardless of their other subject choices.
What are SACE assessment types?
SACE Stage 2 subjects have three Assessment Types: AT1 and AT2 are school-assessed tasks (essays, investigations, presentations), and AT3 is externally assessed by the SACE Board (exam or externally submitted investigation).
How long should a SACE English essay be?
SACE Stage 2 English essays are typically 800–1,000 words for text analysis (AT1) and 1,000–1,500 words for creating texts (AT2). English Literary Studies critical essays are 1,000–1,500 words.
