Plagiarism and referencing at UCT


Plagiarism is a serious academic offence at the University of Cape Town.  It is basically referred to as the practice of using someone else’s work or ideas and presenting them as one’s own.  This does not mean that you are not allowed to use somebody else’s work.  You are permitted to do so provided that the source of the information is acknowledged and referenced, and that only minor parts of the original work is utilised as is.  For a better guide on this, 2 documents have been identified from the university website whereby some clear and basic guidelines regarding plagiarism and referencing have been given.  The links to these documents are subsequently given.  Alternatively, you may also contact Dr Laxmee Sobhee-Beetul for a pdf version.

Throughout your postgraduate journey at UCT, you will be required to submit assignments, projects or your dissertation.  You are strongly encouraged to read about plagiarism and the respective consequences of plagiarising.  Please note that for each of your submissions, it is compulsory that you attach a plagiarism statement whereby you confirm that you have not plagiarised within the work.  This can be obtained through any member of the geotechnical group or from the Vula group of the particular course that you are undertaking.

Access the UCT plagiarism and referencing guidelines online.