Academic Malpractice

The University defines five main types of academic malpractice: 

• Cheating in examinations 

• Plagiarism, including submitting AI‑generated content as your own 

• Collusion, where students work together when individual work is required 

• Fabrication or falsification of data or evidence 

• Impersonation, including the use of essay mills, ghost‑writing services, or having work completed by friends or family 

This Confidentiality Policy applies to all academic work you submit and to any materials you use both within and outside the University. 

It explains: 

• What is and is not considered a breach of confidentiality 

• What happens if a possible breach is identified 

This policy applies to all students and programmes across the University. 

Maintaining academic integrity is a key part of your studies. You are strongly encouraged to use the following resources to help you: 

• A Guide to Academic Integrity and How to Avoid Malpractice 

• Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism 

• Using Generative AI Responsibly 

These resources will help you develop accurate referencing skills and understand how to use AI tools appropriately in your academic work. 

Initial Investigation 

If malpractice is suspected: 

• Your tutor will inform you that your work is under investigation 

• Your mark will be withheld until the process is complete 

Minor Malpractice 

If the issue is considered minor malpractice, you may be invited to meet with the Module Leader. Outcomes may include: 

• A requirement to resubmit the work within a set timeframe 

• A reduction in marks 

Repeated instances of minor malpractice may be treated as major malpractice. 

Major Malpractice 

If the issue is considered major malpractice, you will be invited to attend a Major Malpractice Panel of Inquiry. 

A Malpractice Panel of Inquiry is a formal meeting, usually held online. 

• You may bring a support person (for example another student or a Students’ Union Advisor) 

• If you choose not to attend, a decision may still be made 

• You will receive further guidance via the email invite  

The panel usually includes: 

• Two independent academic staff members 

• A member of the Assessment & Awards team who acts as secretary and advises on procedures 

During the meeting: 

• You will be asked to respond to the allegation 

• You can accept or contest the claim 

• You may be asked questions and can ask questions yourself 

In some cases, the panel may request a viva or exam to assess your understanding of the work. 

The panel will make a recommendation to the University Assessment & Award Board (UPAB). The next steps will be explained to you and confirmed in writing. 

Turnitin is a system used by the University to compare submitted work with online sources and previously submitted student work. 

• Turnitin does not decide whether plagiarism has occurred 

• It highlights text matches and links to original sources 

You can use Turnitin Test Areas to check your work before submitting and help avoid unintentional plagiarism. 

When you submit assessment work, you must confirm that the work is your own. 

If you do not complete the intellectual ownership declaration, staff may refuse to mark your work until this is done. 

Further details are available in Academic Regulations – Appendix 3d. 

As a student, you are responsible for: 

• Ensuring all submitted work is your own 

• Accurately citing and referencing all sources used 

• Following the approved referencing system (usually Cite Them Right, unless advised otherwise).  See the Referencing webpage for information and guidance). 

• Understanding the rules for group work, where applicable 

Submitting work (or substantial parts of work) that has already been assessed for another module also counts as academic malpractice. 

We are committed to supporting your wellbeing throughout your studies. 

• Mental Health and Wellbeing support is available to help you manage difficulties and get the most from your university experience. 

• Student Support Services can also help with finance, academic skills, safeguarding, and library support. 

To help you follow good academic practice, support is available from: 

• Your Course or Programme Handbook 

• Blackboard and Skills@Cumbria resources 

• Online referencing tutorials 
• Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) 

Using these resources early can help you avoid mistakes and submit your work with confidence.