PGR plagiarism FAQ's
If you are accused of plagiarism in your research proposal:
Your Postgraduate Research Tutor will be informed. They will appoint a specialist within the School to screen your work to determine the existence/extent of the plagiarism.
The investigation may include electronic detection methods, e.g. Turnitin. If the investigation determines that the work has been plagiarised, your application will be rejected.
If you've got questions or concerns about this contact LUU Advice.
If you’re accused of plagiarism in your final thesis :
Then the oral examination/academic assessment of the work will be postponed pending the outcome of the plagiarism investigation.
No award of the University can be made until the case is resolved. A PGR can't have a degree conferred or an award presented while any allegation against them remains unresolved.
If it is found that serious plagiarism has taken place, the usual penalty will be exclusion from the University with no award. Less serious cases (first offence, not aggravated), reduced penalties are applied.
You will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations and be supported in making your case by LUU Advice, so please get in touch with us if you'd like help.
You can read more about the procedures as of April 2017 here.
Where plagiarism is suspected in a transfer report
Annual Progress review submission or in a UAPP submission the case will first be investigated by the School/Faculty Graduate School. You will be invited to a meeting to discuss the work and have the opportunity to put forward your case.
Your case will be handled differently, depending on whether it is a first offence and based on the seriousness of the allegation. A range of penalties are available, depending on the type of case.
The transfer will be postponed pending the outcome of the plagiarism investigation. No award of the University may be made until the case is resolved. A PGR cannot have a degree conferred or an award presented while any such allegation against them remain unresolved.
LUU Advice can help at every stage of the process so please contact us if you need help.
Plagiarism in non-assessed work
This is classed as a learning issue, rather than a disciplinary issue, so you won’t be penalised in the same way as assessed work.
However, you’ll still get a serious warning which will stay on your file if it happens again.
Take a look at study skills and the University's guidance on avoiding plagiarism for information on how to avoid plagiarism and referencing help.