Referencing
What is a reference?
A reference - also known as a citation - is an exact note of the source of a piece of information. A typical reference or citation for a journal article, for example, would include the following elements:
- author(s) name(s)
- title of the article
- journal title
- year, volume or part when published
- page numbers
How do I create a reference?
There is no single system within the university for creating a reference. You should consult your course handbook or speak to tutors in your school to find out the system used in your school.
When a piece of coursework or an assignment is assessed, you may be penalised if you quote a piece of information without including the reference - and there may also be a penalty for using an incorrect reference! Remember: quotation without citation = plagiarism.
To find out more about plagiarism and the consequences of doing it - innocently or otherwise - click the Avoiding plagiarism link in the left-hand menu bar.

