In brief

01Original research article

Reports original empirical research, qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, that clearly contributes to citizenship studies and civic education.

Length	5,000–8,000 words.
Review	Double-anonymous. Two files: the anonymised manuscript and a title page.
Structure	Introduction, with a required subheading for the theoretical or conceptual framework; Method; Results and Discussion; Conclusion.
Abstract	200–250 words: purpose, design and method, findings, and originality or value.
References	More than 25, at least 80% from peer-reviewed journals published in the last 10 years.
Ethics	Research with human participants requires ethics approval and informed consent.

02Systematic literature review

Synthesises existing research on a clearly defined question, using a transparent and replicable method. Narrative overviews without a systematic method are not accepted.

Length	5,000–8,000 words.
Method	Follows PRISMA 2020.
Review	Double-anonymous. Two files plus the PRISMA checklist.
Title	Identifies the article as a systematic literature review.
Structure	Introduction, with the theoretical or conceptual framework; Method (protocol and registration, eligibility criteria, search strategy, selection, quality appraisal, synthesis); Results; Discussion; Conclusion.
Abstract	200–250 words, following the PRISMA 2020 abstract guidance.
Required elements	A PRISMA flow diagram in the text, and the completed PRISMA 2020 checklist as a supplementary file.

03Book review

A critical assessment of a recent scholarly book relevant to citizenship, civic education, democracy, or related fields.

Length	1,000–1,500 words.
Review	Editorial review. One file.
Book	Published within the last three years. Contact the Book Review Editor before writing.
Structure	Full bibliographic details, then continuous prose covering context and aims, overview, critical evaluation, contribution, and a concluding assessment. No abstract, keywords, or headings.
Closing sections	Reviewer details, a Disclosure Statement, and a Declaration of Generative AI Use.

04Requirements for all manuscripts

Language	English, in British spelling.
Referencing	APA 7th edition. See Reference Style & Manager.
Similarity	Maximum 20% overall, with no single match above 1%. See the Plagiarism Policy.
Generative AI	Any use must be declared. AI cannot be listed as an author.
Declarations	Complete the Author Declaration Form. For research with people, see the Ethical Clearance Statement.

05Not accepted

• Manuscripts outside the journal’s scope.
• Purely descriptive reports without theoretical framing or analysis.
• Narrative literature reviews without a systematic method.
• Opinion pieces.
• Work already published or under review elsewhere.