Plagiarism FAQs

In order to help you understand more about plagiarism, here is a list of the most frequently asked questions.

Coming to University is a new and different experience for a lot of people. Students can often find academic writing daunting because they are not very familiar with it, this may especially be the case for students where English isn't their first language, first years or direct entrants to second year. That is why it is very important to familiarise yourself with what is expected of you in terms of assessments, research and how to credit work correctly.

Plagiarism is considered to be the most common form of academic misconduct and is taken very seriously by the University. In order to help you understand more about plagiarism, below is a list of the most frequently asked questions. You can also check the Regulations on Assessment Offences, on the University website.

What is plagiarism?

Plagiarism is including or copying others’ work within your own work, intentionally or unintentionally, without properly crediting the original author(s).

What is Turnitin?

Turnitin is used by students to submit their assignments. It is a plagiarism software, which helps to identify any possible cases of plagiarism. This software extensively searches internet sources, along with books, journals and other previous submissions from its users (including student submissions). Once a student submits their work to Turnitin, it becomes part of a large database, which is continually-growing.

Any future submissions are checked against all previous Turnitin user submissions. Turnitin does not determine whether any work has been plagiarised by a student, however, it detects and highlights the part which may have been copied and provides the source of text where a match has been made. This software also helps lecturers to detect if something has been cited incorrectly or inappropriately.

Can you plagiarise your own work?

If you submit any of your previously assessed work, then this will be considered as ‘duplication’. Each piece of work you submit for assessment, must be your own work, along with this it should be a new piece of work. Submitting any assignment more than once, in part or fully, whether it is for a different course, year of study or degree is prohibited. While you are at University, you need to show progression within your work, you can only do this if you approach each assignment afresh – expanding your research skills.

What support is there?

It’s always a good idea to speak to your tutor or lecturer on what support departments can offer to students on academic writing, they may put on special workshops or know where to find useful resources. Also, CeDAS (Centre for the Development of Academic Skills) and the SU have collaborated on the Writing Café.

The Writing Café is held at the SU (in Tommy’s Lounge) every Wednesday, 2-4pm, where writing mentors are present to help you with your academic writing skills. You can bring any assignment you’re working on and a writing mentor will be able to read over it and give you feedback for improvements. It might also be helpful to check out the CeDAS page, on the university website, to see what other resources are available.

I’ve been accused of plagiarism, who can help?

Being accused of academic misconduct can be an intimidating experience and we are here to support you through the process. We are happy to accompany you to any panel or hearing, should you request so. If you would like to discuss anything in regards to an assessment offence, or correspondence from the University about plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct or need advice on this matter then please don’t hesitate to contact us on advice@su.rhul.ac.uk or call 01784 276704.

What about group work?

When it comes to group work, it’s vital to ensure that group members do not copy from one another. Care must be taken when working together and sharing ideas. It’s important to remember that there may be some overlap with points that are raised in assignments; however, it is expected that these are expressed in your own words to reflect your understanding of the assignment.

Even though, you will be making the same points as others in your group, they should be articulated in your own style. The problem will be if you have copied each other’s work and exactly the same points and language is used, so please be aware of this. 

Can I use external agents to correct my grammar?

No, these services should not be used and are likely to be considered as collusion. External agents correct your work and in the process alter the ideas you have put forward, thus, writing parts of your assignment for you. This puts you at an unfair advantage when your work it assessed. If you feel you struggle with academic writing, then you may find it helpful to look at what other support CeDAS can offer you on their website. Also, seek guidance from your course handbook and your course tutor on this.  

How should I reference?

Departments across the University will have a specific referencing style they use. Please refer to your course handbook for more information on this. Additionally, you can speak to your tutor on useful resources that will help break down referencing for you. You can find out the name of the referencing style, e.g. Harvard referencing style, from your course handbook or tutor and search online to find out more about it.  

What is collusion and falsification?

Collusion is considered to be a form of academic misconduct. According to Assessment Regulations collusion is “to act in agreement with another person in order to obtain an unfair advantage for oneself and/or for that person." Group working may constitute collusion where the discipline or the method of assessment emphasises independent study and collective ideas are presented as uniquely those of the individual submitting the work. Collusion may also include any attempt to impersonate another person, or to allow oneself to be impersonated, in an assessment.

Falsification is when someone attempts to present data, results, references and evidence which are altered or fictitious. This also includes the deliberate use of such materials.  

Please remember, all students are automatically registered on the Moodle course for plagiarism, it would be a good idea to go through it at least once to help solidify your understanding on this.