Middlesex University is aware of the discussions and debates currently taking place around tools such as ChatGPT and other AI apps.

You may be aware of such tools, but you should be aware that their use could breach university regulations. Assessments need to be your own work, based on your own learning. Guidance regarding Academic Integrity can be found on Unihub.

Academic Writing and Numeracy Support is available from the Learning Enhancement Team – you can book workshops, tutorials and drop-ins with the team. Your librarians have put together a useful subject guide for referencing and plagiarism. 

Academic integrity is a set of guiding principles that should underpin your studies while at MDX and your professional life. The simple definition of integrity means to act with honesty.

Acting with integrity at university involves many behaviours. Following these behaviours will help you develop strong academic skills. Here are some of the ways you can demonstrate integrity at university:

 Acknowledge any material that has been included in your assignments from other sources or through collaboration

 Produce your own work unless your tutor has asked you to collaborate with others

 Complete online assessments and exams on your own and carefully follow your tutors’ instructions

 Develop research skills and look at a range of sources produced by experts in your subject

 Keep your assignments safe and avoid sharing your work with others

 Create assignments that are your own original work

Acting with academic integrity can be difficult when you feel stressed, particularly around assessment time. As a result, some may engage in dishonest behaviour which is referred to as academic misconduct

Below are some examples of academic misconduct. 

Self-plagiarism is reusing some or all of your old assignment in a new assignment without acknowledging that you are using the work you previously submitted. 

Plagiarism is defined as copying someone's work and pretending it’s your own. This also includes presenting others' ideas as your own without giving credit to the original author. 

Collusion involves working with and submitting the same or similar work as other students when the assignment should be completed individually.  

Purchasing or commissioning work is defined as buying an assignment or getting someone to do your assignment for you. 

Failing to demonstrate academic integrity whilst at university can have serious consequences. You may be expelled, your degree revoked, excluded from practice in certain professions like Law, awarded a low degree qualification, or have to repeat your module or assignment. If you repeat your module or assignment no matter how well you do you will only be awarded a pass.

There are resources and support available to help you. Please visit UniHub to learn more.