How can I avoid Academic Misconduct?

Introduction

Over the Summer 2025 we surveyed programme leaders on their advice on how to avoid academic misconduct. We have included the highlights below including our own tips from supporting students with allegations over the years.

The university have their own guidance, you can read this here Avoiding academic misconduct - student guidance

Top tips

Start your research through the reading list and start to draft a plan. Make notes and think about potential arguments
Keep a copy of this plan, even when you work develops and you have submitted this
Always save drafts and keep copies of these throughout your studies
Always use the OneDrive, this enables you to keep your work if your device stops working and you need to use another. Back your work up elsewhere if possible
Attend and engage in your lectures, seminars or dissertation meetings, this will build a solid foundation in your learning
Always attend tutorials if available, and take a draft assessment plan to seek feedback
Do not share your work with other students
Familiarise yourself with the academic misconduct policy
Check you are using the most up-to-date journal, there may be newer versions, and staff may expect you to use these. Could you explain why you used an older version if questioned? Especially if the version you have used is considerably older
Don’t copy literature to paraphrase or cite later, just in case this is missed later on and this leads to unintentional academic misconduct
Check all your references and ensure the links are working. If you have used AI tools to source journal articles, ensure you find the correct journal and this is real
Ensure you are using AI tools responsibly, further guidance can be found on the Student Portal Understanding academic integrity and academic misconduct and Using AI responsibly and ethically

If you are struggling with the assessment

Plan your work early and start with a good understanding of the assessment briefing
If you are struggling, do not rely on AI tools to help. Speak to the module tutor or your supervisor. Ask for their expertise help first, consider help from Skills Plus too. You’re at university to develop your skills, it would be better to reach for support from staff than relying on AI tools
Look at the learning materials on the blackboard, and the reading lists provided
All lectures should be recorded. Go back through these to see if you can have a better understanding

Useful links and policies

Understanding academic integrity and academic misconduct

Academic Misconduct Policy

Academic Misconduct Appeals policy

Skills Plus

Skills Plus one-to-one sessions and calendar of drop-ins

If you have any further questions or would like to speak to the Advice Team, please email su.advice@northumbria.ac.uk