Referencing
Properly citing and referencing information sources at a postgraduate level is essential for upholding academic integrity, avoiding plagiarism and demonstrating a thorough engagement with existing research.
There are many Reference Management Software Tools, like RefWorks, EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley that can help you manage citations and generate references.
Types of Sources to Reference
Here is a range of different sources you may consult throughout your academic studies.
- Books: Monographs, edited volumes, and textbooks.
- Journal Articles: Peer-reviewed articles, reviews, and editorials.
- Conference Papers: Published proceedings and presentations.
- Theses and Dissertations: Unpublished or published academic work.
- Online Sources: Websites, blogs, online articles, and digital databases.
- Media: Videos, podcasts, interviews, and other multimedia.
Common Referencing Styles
Each piece of academic work at the postgraduate level will require evidence and for you to generate a reference list. The referencing style used varies across different disciplines, so it is important to check your module handbook for guidance on the requirements of your School of Faculty.
If you are submitting an abstract or manuscript to a Journal, you will be required to follow their referencing style which will be detailed in the instruction to authors.
Here are some common referencing styles.
- APA (American Psychological Association): Common in social sciences, education, and psychology.
- MLA (Modern Language Association): Common in humanities, especially literature.
- Harvard: Author-date style used across various disciplines.
- Vancouver: Common in medical and scientific fields.
Write and Cite Facility in Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word offers a robust "Write and Cite" facility that helps streamline the process of writing and referencing academic work and ensures your work adheres to the specific referencing styles for your discipline.
You can easily insert in-text citations as you write. Word integrates seamlessly with reference management tools like RefWorks, EndNote, Zotero, and Mendeley. This allows you to import your reference library and manage citations more effectively.
If you need to make changes to a source or add new information, Word will automatically update all instances of that citation and the bibliography, ensuring consistency throughout your document.
Always double-check your citations and bibliography for accuracy before submitting your assignment. Reference management tools are extremely useful in academia, but they are not always guaranteed to be 100% correct.
In Summary
Effective referencing is a critical skill at the postgraduate level, reflecting academic diligence and contributing to scholarly communication.
Always consult the assignment brief in the module handbook for specific instructions on citing and generating a bibliography, to ensure you comply with your discipline's procedures.
Mastering this skill will enhance the quality of your research and writing, ensuring that your work is both credible and respected.