Academic Misconduct

What is academic misconduct?

 

Academic misconduct is when a student gains, or attempts to gain, an unfair advantage in an assessment. This could be intentional or accidental – the University looks at the action rather than the intention.

Being investigated does not automatically mean you have committed academic misconduct. The University must consider the evidence before making a decision.

Receiving an academic misconduct allegation does not mean you have been found responsible. The process allows you the opportunity to explain what happened before a decision is made.

 

Types of academic misconduct

 

Some common examples include:

• Plagiarism – Using someone else's work, ideas or words without properly referencing the original source.
• Self-plagiarism – Reusing your own previously submitted work without permission.
• Collusion – Working with another person on an assessment that should be your own, or allowing another student to copy your work.
• Unauthorised use of AI – Using Generative AI or paraphrasing software where it is not permitted for the assessment.
• Contract cheating – Paying, asking or allowing someone else to complete your assessment for you.
• Falsifying data – Making up or changing research, results or evidence.
• Exam misconduct – Breaking the University's examination rules, such as taking unauthorised materials into an exam or communicating with another student.
• Other misconduct – In some circumstances, the University may investigate other actions that could give an unfair academic advantage.

 

What happens if I am accused of academic misconduct?

 

If a member of staff believes academic misconduct may have occurred, they will report their concerns and provide evidence.

An Academic Misconduct Officer (AMO) will review the information and decide whether:

• There is no case to answer
• It is poor academic practice, meaning you will normally be given advice and support
• There is enough evidence for the case to be considered at a formal hearing

If your case goes to a hearing, you will receive information explaining the allegation and the evidence being considered.

 

What should I do?

 

1. Read the email or letter carefully
2. Be honest and open about what happened.
3. Read the evidence the University has provided.
4. Book an appointment with the Students' Union Advice Centre as soon as possible.

 

You will normally have the opportunity to: attend a hearing, submit a statement or do both

Submitting a statement allows you to explain your version of events in writing, while attending the hearing gives you the opportunity to answer questions from the panel.

 

What happens at a hearing?

The hearing gives you the opportunity to respond to the University's concerns before a decision is made.

At a School-level hearing, those present usually include:

For more serious or repeated cases, your case may be referred to a University Student Misconduct Panel, which has the power to apply more serious sanctions.

Most students will attend a School Academic Misconduct Hearing. However, more serious cases, repeat offences, or some postgraduate research cases may be referred to a University Student Misconduct Panel. Students on professionally regulated courses may also be subject to separate Fitness to Practise procedures where appropriate.

 

How can the Students' Union help?

 

• Explain the academic misconduct process
• Help you understand the allegation against you
• Review the evidence with you
• Help you prepare a written statement
• Discuss what to expect at your hearing
• Attend the hearing with you as a supporter (buddy)

We cannot speak on your behalf during the hearing, but we can support you throughout the process. Students' Union Advisor.

 

Possible outcomes

 

After considering the evidence, the University may decide:

• There is no case to answer
• Your work demonstrates poor academic practice, and you will be directed to academic support
• Academic misconduct has occurred

If academic misconduct is found, possible outcomes include:

• Receiving 0% for the assessment
• Being required to complete academic skills support
• More serious penalties in repeated or severe cases

 

Can I appeal the decision?

 

If academic misconduct is found, you have 10 working days from the date of your outcome letter to request a review.

A review can only be requested if:

• You have new evidence that could not reasonably have been provided earlier; or
• There was a significant procedural error that may have affected the outcome.

You cannot request a review simply because you disagree with the University's decision.

If you are thinking about requesting a review, we recommend speaking to the Students' Union Advice Centre as soon as possible so we can discuss your options.