Many cases of plagiarism are committed each year as a result of misunderstanding.

But even though confusion and uncertainty is quite natural, especially at the beginning of a new course of study, misunderstanding is not accepted as an excuse or as a defence against an allegation of plagiarism. It is therefore important that you understand what is considered to be 'good academic practice' so that you can avoid all risk of committing plagiarism. And you need to understand now. Right from the beginning of the first term.

This tutorial will provide you with important information about authorship and plagiarism. Please work through it carefully before you submit any work for assessment.

Each page is very short and should only take a minute to read.