Referencing
A referencing style is a set of rules for acknowledging the thoughts, ideas, and works of others in a particular way. Referencing is crucial for successful academic writing, avoiding plagiarism, and maintaining academic integrity in assignments and research.
Referencing style guides
Check with course coordinator, tutor or your Learn.UQ course site about which referencing style you need to use.
We have referencing style guides available for styles commonly used at UQ, including APA 7th, Vancouver, MLA and Chicago.
Style and essay guides for particular schools and disciplines
The following schools have their own official referencing guides or preferred styles.
Note: You should still check which referencing style your lecturer prefers.
- Journalism — Use the ABC Style Guide with the preferred copy edit style for your School
- Music — School of Music Academic Writing Guide (Style Sheet) (PDF, 1.6MB)
Referencing software
EndNote referencing software is available for UQ students and staff to help with your referencing. Visit our detailed guide on how to use EndNote.
The software is free to download and install on your personal device as current UQ students.
Using generative AI in your assignments
Any permitted use of generative AI for assessment must be acknowledged appropriately. Your course coordinator will provide guidance on how to reference the use of AI tools. Some examples include:
- an assignment coversheet
- citing or referencing in the text or list of references
- inclusion in your methodology
- an appendix including a full transcript of any prompts and AI-generated responses.
You should only use artificial intelligence (AI) for your assignments when it is permitted. Using AI tools in your studies has information on when and how you might appropriately use AI.
If you are unsure whether you are allowed to use AI, check the course profile or ask your course coordinator. Using AI in your assessment without permission or acknowledgement can be considered academic misconduct.
Check the course profile or with your course coordinator for what information is required. Find information on how to correctly format your reference on the Generative AI tools for assignments referencing guide.
Academic Integrity modules
Every new UQ student must complete our Academic Integrity modules (AIM) during their first semester. They are designed to help you understand your obligations and responsibilities as a UQ student.
Visit Academic Integrity Modules to access and for more information including due dates.