When working on academic assignments, it's essential to get the referencing style right. The first step is to check your course documents or consult a tutor to confirm which referencing style is required for your specific course. Each discipline may have its own preferences, so it’s important to ensure you're following the correct guidelines.
Falmouth Harvard is the most widely used referencing style across the University. However, some courses and assignments may recommend that you use another style such as MHRA, APA or IEEE, (or Popular Harvard rather than Falmouth Harvard) so always check with your course team which referencing style your course requires you to use.
Once you know the required style, find the appropriate referencing guide. It's crucial to use the right one that aligns with your course's expectations, as incorrect or inconsistent referencing can affect your marks.
Falmouth Harvard is the most widely used referencing style across the University.
Other style guides
Learning to use these referencing guides effectively is also important. It's unrealistic to remember every detail, so don’t worry if it feels overwhelming at first—help is available. While apps and online tools like MyBib or Zotero can be incredibly helpful in managing your references, they are not foolproof. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring your references are accurate and properly formatted.
When taking notes from texts, make a habit of recording page numbers. This will save time and improve accuracy later. Additionally, try to insert references as you write your draft rather than waiting until the end. This approach reduces the chance of forgetting where information came from and makes final editing easier.
Reference management software tools like MyBib or Zotero can make this easier. Make sure to select the right style from their referencing style library - in this case, search for Falmouth Harvard.
Finally, allow plenty of time to get the referencing details right. Rushing through citations at the last minute can lead to mistakes, so plan ahead to ensure your work meets academic standards.
Reference management software tools like MyBib or Zotero are very helpful, but not perfect, so remember to human-check what they generate with the guide.
