What is referencing?

Every resource you use has key information. For example: the author, title, date of publication etc…

When you reference a resource, you write out the key information in a clear and consistent way.

For example: this is a reference for a printed (hard copy) book, written in Harvard style:

Cottrell, S. (2019) The study skills handbook. 5th edn. London: Red Globe Press.

Different subject areas use different reference styles. You can find the reference style for your course in our citing and referencing guide.

When you refer to a resource in your assignment, you should include an in-text citation. For example:

According to Cottrell (2019, p. 23) …

When you submit your assignments, you will need to include a reference list and / or bibliography.

Reference lists are lists of all the resources you have mentioned in your assignment. Each in-text citation should have a longer reference in your reference list.

Bibliographies are lists of all the resources you have read for your assignment (including ones that you haven’t cited).