Referencing

Acknowledging the work of others is essential to academic integrity. Proper referencing helps you avoid plagiarism and demonstrate respect for original ideas.

What to reference

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What is referencing?

Referencing is a key feature of academic writing. It’s a system that allows you to acknowledge the contributions of other writers in your work by citing your sources. When you draw on the words, ideas and information of others in your assessments, referencing your sources demonstrates that your work is informed by credible research.

Referencing not only supports your arguments but also helps guard against plagiarism, which is the act of copying someone else's work and presenting it as your own.

Plagiarism is a serious academic offence.

To avoid penalties, make sure to follow our guides on understanding and avoiding plagiarism.

Learn more

Get a clear overview of referencing and how to do it right at ��¼�.

This page includes:

Why is referencing important?
When to reference (and when not to)
��¼� referencing guide and resources

Why is referencing important?

Referencing isn’t just about avoiding plagiarism - it’s about giving credit where it’s due and strengthening your academic voice. By citing others, you acknowledge their contributions and build a solid foundation for your own ideas.

Acknowledge intellectual contributions
Citing sources shows respect for original work. It reflects your academic integrity and recognises the time, effort, and expertise behind the research you use
Back up your ideas
Strong arguments need solid evidence. References show that your claims are supported by credible, established knowledge in your field
Map your work within the discipline
Referencing helps situate your ideas within the wider academic landscape. It shows you’re engaging with relevant research and contributing to ongoing discussions
Stay accurate and organised
Clear, consistent citations make it easy for others to trace your sources. Keeping track of your references also makes writing and editing more efficient.

What kinds of information do I need to reference?

Printed books are not the only sources that require acknowledgement. ANY words, ideas or information taken from ANY source requires a reference.

Reference when you are using words or ideas from:

books and journal articles

newspapers and magazines

pamphlets or brochures

films, documentaries, television programs or advertisements

webpages and online documents

social media posts and online discussion forums

letters, emails and other electronic communications

podcasts and online videos

personal interviews

lecturers or tutors (Not always necessary but check with your lecturer or tutor about their preferences before you draw on their ideas.)

You must also provide a reference when you reprint any diagrams, illustrations, charts or pictures.
There is no need to reference when you are:

writing your own observations or experiment results; for example, a report on a field trip

writing about your own experiences; for example, a reflective journal

writing your own thoughts, comments or conclusions in an assignment

evaluating or offering your own analysis

using 'common knowledge' (facts that can be found in numerous places and are likely to be known by a lot of people) or folklore

using generally accepted facts or information. This will vary in different disciplines of study. If in doubt, ask your tutor.

��¼� referencing guides and resources

At ��¼�, APA and Harvard referencing are the two accepted referencing frameworks. You can learn more about each below, along with helpful tips for structuring your bibliographies and footnotes.