Referencing and avoiding plagiarism
Guidance and tips on how to avoid plagiarism by citing and referencing.
Referencing
At university you are expected to read and research, and then to use ideas, information, data and a range of other sources in your own academic work and assignments. However, it is important to make absolutely clear where each idea or piece of information comes from by referencing it (giving your sources) in your own work.
What is referencing? (PDF) What is referencing? (Word rtf)
Tips for accurate referencing (PDF) Tips for accurate referencing (Word rtf)
What is plagiarism?
In very simple terms, plagiarism is creating the impression that something is your own idea or your own work when it is not. Plagiarism is a form of academic misconduct. It can be deliberate or unintentional so it is important to learn how to reference properly.
What is plagiarism (PDF) What is plagiarism? (Word rtf)
Submitting work you have previously turned in for credit is known as self-plagiarism, and is viewed in the same way as using another author’s work without proper reference.
You should also read the University of Edinburgh’s official guidance on plagiarism:
Referencing styles
Different academic subjects all require students to acknowledge sources and you need to make sure you know how you are being expected to do this. Referencing styles may differ between assignments, courses and programmes.
You should be able to find this information in your Course information but if you are unsure, ask someone who teaches you.
A useful guide to referencing a wide range of source material using the main styles can be found online at:
Information Services provide access to Cite them right online via a subscription and you may need to login using EASE.
A referencing management tool can help you to collect and organise and your source material to produce a bibliography or reference list. The University’s librarians have produced a guide to these.
Referencing and reference management (IS)
If there is anything you are not clear about in relation to how you use and cite sources in your own work, it is very important that ask your School’s Student support team, Personal Tutor / Student Adviser, or one of the academics who teaches you.
Find out more
To find out more about how you can develop your academic reading and writing skills, look at our Study Hub resources to help you develop effective strategies for learning and studying.