Academic integrity policy
This policy applies to every programme on this site. It is written in plain English, dated, and linked from the fees section of every course page. Last reviewed 23 October 2026.
What counts as a breach
- Plagiarism: presenting another person's words, data or ideas as your own without attribution, including from published sources, other learners or earlier work of your own submitted elsewhere.
- Collusion: working with others on an assignment that must be your own work.
- Contract cheating: paying or asking anyone, including an essay-writing service, to produce work you submit.
- Misuse of AI tools: submitting text generated by an AI tool as your own analysis. AI tools may be used for research and checking where the module brief allows it, and their use must be declared.
- Falsification: inventing data, references or workplace evidence.
How assignments are checked
Every submission is checked with text-matching software and read by a tutor who knows your earlier work. Where a concern arises, you are told what was found and invited to respond before any decision is made.
Outcomes
A first, minor breach normally results in a required resubmission with guidance. Serious or repeated breaches are referred to the awarding university under its academic misconduct regulations, which can result in a capped mark, a failed module or withdrawal from the programme. Decisions can be appealed through the complaints and appeals route.
Getting help before you submit
If you are unsure how to reference, how much help is allowed, or whether a tool may be used, ask your tutor before the deadline. Asking is never treated as a breach.