While different styles may give you advice for whether or not to include references in your Word Count (for example, APA recommends including everything - even the headers and footers), this is actually a matter for your markers to answer, as it is normally a decision made by the College.
Often (but not always) markers will count everything in the body of your assignment (including quotes and in-text citations), but will not include the reference list in their calculations. However, this might not be the case for your course.
Read your Subject Outline and check with your lecturer for a definitive answer for your course.
We acknowledge the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and acknowledge Traditional Owners of the lands where our staff and students, live, learn and work.
