Referencing

Referencing is an important skill which helps others trace the sources and ideas you have used in your assignment or research and ensures that you give proper acknowledgement to the work of others.

There are two elements which make up a reference:

• An indication within the text of your work where you have mentioned the ideas or works of others. This is the citation or "in-text citation".
• A full description of the source used, in your reference list or bibliography at the end of your work.

Accurate citation and referencing is one of the keys to maintaining your academic integrity. At university you are expected to reference your work as part of the process of scholarly research and this is an essential academic requirement.

By providing enough information for others to find the resources and ideas you have used the reader can check the accuracy and validity of the evidence and arguments you have presented.

Referencing also demonstrates that you have read widely and gives credit to the authors whose works and ideas you have used.

The University does not have a standard referencing style and there are a number of different conventions to choose from. It is therefore essential that you check with your department or tutor which referencing style you are required to use for your work. Information on this is often in your departmental handbook on LEARN.

You can find some information on preferred styles that are generally recommended by your School or department in the FAQ below. 

Do be aware though that there may be requirements for you to use a specific referencing style for a certain piece of work so always check the assessment guidelines. Good referencing is clear, careful, consistent and complete.

Once you know which style to use, check our referencing tutorial and refer to the referencing guide, Cite Them Right.

Referencing styles vary between schools, departments and modules. You should always consult your departmental handbook or assignment brief to confirm which style you are expected to use.

The tables below explain the general rules for each department. If in doubt, always refer to your assignment brief or speak to your module leader. 

School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical, and Materials Engineering

School of Architecture, Building & Civil Engineering

School of Design & Creative Arts

Loughborough Business School

Loughborough University London

School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering 

School of Science

School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences

School of Social Sciences and Humanities 

Reference management software

Reference management software enables you to create a personal database of references which can then be automatically formatted for use in your work. Mendeley is the referencing software that Loughborough University recommends and supports.

Quick referencing generators 

There are many reference generating websites that can help you create a quick citation and reference. These vary in quality and the references may differ from the official guidance. For example, some include Harvard style, but not Cite Them Right Harvard (which has differences). Please carefully cross check the referencing guide before including them in your work. You can learn more about quick generators from Coventry University's guidance.

Using AI to generate references

Tools like ChatGPT and Co-Pilot have been found to lack accuracy when generating references. An example can be found on Newcastle University's guidance. Remember to always check your assignment brief to confirm if your are permitted to use AI, and following the guidance to declare it appropriately.  

Your Academic Librarian offers support and guidance on good referencing practice and can help you apply an appropriate style to a particular reference. Please note that Academic Librarians are not able to proofread or check entire bibliographies.

You can contact or book an appointment with your librarian on the Academic Librarians page.