Referencing

Proper referencing and acknowledgement of others' work is crucial to academic integrity. Learn how to avoid plagiarism while bolstering your own work.

Why do we reference?
What to reference
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What is referencing?

Referencing allows you to acknowledge and credit the contributions of other writers in your work through the citation of your sources. It is a key aspect of academic writing, and proper referencing of your sources showcases that your work is informed by credible research.

Drawing on the words, ideas and information of others not only supports your arguments, but it helps protect you against plagiarism, which is the act of copying someone else's work and presenting it as your own.

Plagiarism is a serious academic offence.

To avoid penalties, make sure to follow our guides on understanding and avoiding plagiarism.

There are several specific referencing styles, such as APA, Harvard, MLA, Chicago, IEEE and others. To make sure that you are using the right style for your discipline and/or course, check with your course convenor and lecturer.

More specific guidelines on each referencing style will be provided soon.
Learn more
Get a clear overview of referencing and how to do it right at UNSW.

This page includes:

  1. Why is referencing important?
  2. When to reference (and when not to)
  3. Referencing guides and resources

Why is referencing important?

Referencing isn’t just about avoiding plagiarism. It’s about giving credit where it’s due and strengthening your academic voice. By acknowledging and citing others' contributions and work, you'll build a solid foundation for your own ideas.

  1. Acknowledge intellectual contributions
    Citing sources shows respect for others' original work. It demonstrates your academic integrity and recognises the time, effort and expertise underpinning the research you're referring to.
  2. Back up your ideas
    Strong arguments need solid evidence. References show that your claims are supported by credible, established knowledge in your field.
  3. Map your work within the discipline
    Referencing helps place your ideas within the wider academic landscape. It shows that you’re engaging with relevant research and contributing to ongoing discussions.
  4. Stay accurate and organised
    Clear, consistent citations make it easy for others to trace your sources. Keeping track of your references also makes writing and editing more efficient.

What kinds of information do I need to reference?

ANY words, ideas or information taken from ANY source requires a reference.

  • Reference when you are using words or ideas from:

    • books and journal articles
    • newspapers and magazines
    • pamphlets or brochures
    • films, documentaries, television programs or advertisements
    • webpages and online documents
    • social media posts and online discussion forums
    • letters, emails and other electronic communications
    • podcasts and online videos
    • personal interviews
    • lecturers or tutors (Not always necessary but check with your lecturer or tutor about their preferences before you draw on their ideas.)

    You must also provide a reference when you reprint any diagrams, illustrations, charts or pictures.

  • There is no need to reference when you are:

    • writing your own observations or experiment results; for example, a report on a field trip
    • writing about your own experiences; for example, a reflective journal
    • writing your own thoughts, comments or conclusions in an assignment
    • evaluating or offering your own analysis
    • using 'common knowledge' (facts that can be found in numerous places and are likely to be known by a lot of people) or folklore
    • using generally accepted facts or information. This will vary in different disciplines of study. If in doubt, ask your tutor.

Referencing guides and resources

Annotated bibliography

Not sure how to start an annotation? This guide walks you through writing summaries, reflections, and evaluations for each source in your list.

Bibliography and footnote referencing

Working with footnotes or endnotes? Learn when and how to use them, how to format your bibliography, and follow clear examples to guide your referencing.

APA referencing

Need to cite in APA style? Follow step-by-step instructions on how to quote, paraphrase and reference sources the APA way.

Harvard referencing

Using Harvard style for your assignments? Get clear examples and practical tips on how to cite all kinds of sources - books, websites, journal articles and more.

Referencing AI

If you are permitted to use AI to assist you in your assessments, find out how you can reference it to avoid being penalised. 

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