All students are encouraged to take the short online Moodle module Understanding & Avoiding Plagiarism (DP1025). This module can be taken at any stage of study.
The Student Learning and Advisory Service has also produced a guide on avoiding plagiarism, which includes tips on the correct way to quote, paraphrase, summarise and reference academic material within your work.
Referencing
Referencing involves clearly indicating which ideas, hypotheses, quotes or data originate from other people's work. The aim of referencing is to:
- Acknowledge your sources by using appropriate referencing.
- Demonstrate your reading and understanding of the relevant subject matter to the tutor.
Cloud-based reference management tools can also be a useful way to keep track of your citations, organise your information and save time when compiling your bibliography. The Student Learning and Advisory Service guide on Referencing Management Tools contains further information on using referencing software, and includes a list of recommended web-based platforms.
Top Tip: Plan to Meet Your Deadlines
A common reason for plagiarism is a lack of time management. If you find you are frequently spending the night before your assignment deadline in the library or rushing to meet an essay word count, it can be tempting to save time by using material from other sources as your own.
To avoid this, plan ahead to ensure you can meet your deadlines in good time. This can help to ensure the academic standard and integrity of your work, allow you to get more sleep and benefit your mental health.
The University has study services available to help you plan your workload and set a manageable plan for meeting deadlines. Book an in-person or online appointment with an Academic Advisor via the Student Learning and Advisory Service.