Why you need to reference?
- Anything you use from a source that is written or produced by another author should be cited in the main text of your work and referenced in a list at the end of your work.
- Consistency and accuracy of referencing is important to verify quotations, enable readers to follow up and read cited author’s arguments.
- Referencing correctly is part of demonstrating your academic integrity and it's necessary to avoid accusations of academic offences, particularly plagiarism which is a serious offence.
This online guide recommends how to cite and reference according to BU’s version of the Harvard style, which is Author Date:
- In the Harvard system all cited publications are referred to in the main body of text by giving the author’s surname/family name and the year of publication.
- Each cited publication must have a corresponding full reference in the list of references at the end of your work. The references are listed in alphabetical order by author surname / name of organisation.
Which referencing style should I use?
All students should use BU Harvard unless they are studying on the following programmes:
