Referencing your work
An essential element of your academic writing will be to include references to the information, ideas and materials you have used. If you are using quotations, ideas or information from other people’s work in academic writing, you need to acknowledge the source. This is known as referencing or citing.
Why should I include references in my work?
You should include references in order to:
- acknowledge the work of others
- provide evidence of your own research
- illustrate a particular point
- support an argument or theory
- allow others to locate the resources you have used
- avoid accusations of plagiarism
Download our guide to referencing your work.
What's so bad about plagiarism?
Plagiarism is considered cheating, as you have taken the words or ideas of other people and passed them off as your own. The University treats cases of plagiarism very seriously. If you are caught plagiarising you will face disciplinary procedures which could ultimately result in your expulsion. For more information on plagiarism and other assessment offences, visit the Academic Conduct webpage or seek advice from your tutor.
How do I know if I’m plagiarising?
A tutorial on how to use expert sources properly and avoid plagiarism is available on Blackboard, via the 'Plagiarism Tutorial' tab. Further guidance on academic writing is available via the Learning and Study Skills Support webpage.
The best advice is, if in doubt cite.Further information is available for referencing your work:
