Plan Ahead - Get information about assessment deadlines early and allow enough time to research, prepare, and write.

If you are attending an exam - make sure you know the rules of exam conduct. Information about sitting your exams can be found here.

Track your References: Keep a clear system for marking direct quotes and paraphrased content and include proper citations to avoid plagiarism.

Understand referencing rules: Follow the correct referencing style for your course and seek help if needed. Information on referencing styles can be found here.

Complete the academic integrity module: The Academic Integrity Module covers essential academic values, misconduct, and responsible use of sources, including AI. The link for this module can be found here.

Factor in time for your bibliography: Referencing can be time-consuming, so allocate time for it in your schedule.

Access original sources: Use primary sources rather than secondary citations to avoid concerns about your research. Guidance on finding and selecting references can be found here.

Paraphrase carefully: Avoid closely copying content; use your own words to prevent plagiarism.

Avoid collusion: While discussing ideas with peers is fine, your work must be independent to avoid academic misconduct.

Be cautious with proofreading: Having someone else proofread your work can lead to accusations of collusion.

Consider extenuating circumstances: If you’re struggling, apply for an extension or deferral through the University’s Extenuating Circumstances Procedure.

Seek support: If you are struggling because of your personal circumstances, illness or disability help is available. More information on Student Life Services can be found here.

Be aware of self-plagiarism: Reusing your previous work for new assessments is considered academic misconduct.

Use of Artificial Intelligence: Be sure to follow any guidance published by your School and be aware on then limitations. More information can be found here.

Plagiarism: Using someone else's work, ideas, or intellectual property without proper acknowledgment (e.g., improper referencing or lacking permission).

Self-plagiarism: Re-submitting your own previous work, whether from the same or a different institution, as part of a new assessment.

Collusion: Working with others on individual assignments, submitting others' work as your own, or allowing someone else to submit your work. This also includes copying data or answers from others, or communicating with others during exams.

Inappropriate use of AI: Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI can be a useful tool but can also produce unreliable or inaccurate information, such as false references or outdated/incorrect theories. Relying on AI without verification can lead to academic misconduct.

External Writing Services: Using services like essay mills or ghostwriters, paid or unpaid, to complete assignments instead of doing the work yourself.

Examination Misconduct: Violating exam rules, such as using unauthorized materials or communicating with others during the exam.

Dishonesty: Presenting false facts with the intent to deceive.

Breach of Research Protocol: Failing to follow ethical guidelines and research conduct standards.

Attempting to gain an unfair advantage: : Any other actions intended to gain an unfair advantage over other students in assessments.

In addition to the support provided by your Academic School, Cardiff University has an Academic Integrity Module. The University also provides Study Skills Resources and study skills classes can be booked here.

For more information about the University's Study Skills support, contact Student Connect.

If you have any concerns about a piece of work, contact your Module Lead or Personal Tutor to discuss.

Not at all, Academic Misconduct in coursework includes plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, using an external writing service such as AI or essay mill, or acting dishonestly.

Importantly, Academic Misconduct can take place irrespective of whether your actions or inactions were intended to gain an unfair advantage or not.

If concerns are raised about your work, the University will usually initiate an investigation under the Academic Misconduct Procedure. If academic misconduct is found in your work, the Chair of the Examining Board can:

• dismiss the concerns
• require you to engage with study skills support
• set your assessment mark to 0
• set your module mark to 0
• in more serious cases, refer you to an Academic Integrity Panel.

If you're facing an academic misconduct investigation, stay calm. Engaging with the process is not an admission of guilt and helps you respond to concerns.

If you have recieved a invite to an Investigation meeting, please reach out to Student Advice.

We can provide you with guidance and help you to prepare. We can also help you to understand the concern that has been raised against you.

We strongly advise you submit a written statement once you have attennded your Investigation Meeting. Your statement is your chance to explain the situation in detail and provide evidence.

Contact Student Advice for guidance on writing your statement and what evidence you can submit to support your case.

Structure your statement as follows:

1. Reflection on academic integrity
2. Apology
3. Intent
4. Context
5. Benefit
6. Mitigation and extenuating circumstances
7. Impact
8. Conclusion

The OIA Good Practice Framework outlines what the University should consider and how Academic Misconduct cases should be considered.

Write in a respectful, reflective tone, avoiding emotional language. You may use subheadings for complex cases.

If you disagree with the outcome, you can request a review within 14 days. You can use the University Review procedure to challenge the final decision once you have received this.

Contact Student Advice for support with this process.