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Developing Level 6 academic skills

Referencing at Level 6

Is referencing at Level 6 different to referencing at other levels? The principles are the same, but expectations are that referencing will be more accurate. You'll be working with a wider range of sources, so you may come across some different elements of referencing, such as more complex synthesis of literature (bringing together ideas from multiple sources and citing/referencing them correctly).

Why do we cite and reference?

Think about why we cite and reference. What reasons are there? Compile a list of reasons, and then review the reasons outlined as part of this page: About UON Harvard referencing

Harvard: UON and others

The Harvard referencing system is used in many countries and each institution has its own version. Therefore, versions of Harvard differ slightly. Using the UON Harvard guides enables you to tailor your referencing and citation to UON. There are a few guides on the Skills Hub, but perhaps the most useful one for you at Level 6 is the online guide: UON Harvard online guide

This has examples for a wide range of sources. The 'citing' section has advice, including how and when to use et al., what to do if publication details are missing, and how to cite when you are synthesising. 

Getting support

Two teams in Library and Learning Services can support you with referencing and citing. Learning Development and Academic Librarians both offer tutorials where you can discuss referencing and get support with your own referencing. You can also email both teams to ask quick questions: learningdevelopment@northampton.ac.uk and librarians@northampton.ac.uk. Alternatively, pop to Learning Development's Drop-In sessions for advice on a quick referencing query.

Tips and advice

- Use UON's own guide to support your citing and referencing. Follow examples precisely - use italics, bold and punctuation where the examples do.

- Get support from Learning Development and the Academic Librarians when you need to.

- If you need a refresher, or would like to have a go at referencing, try this activity: Interactive referencing tutorial