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Academic integrity
As a student of the University, you are responsible for taking part in your education in an honest and authentic manner.
Academic integrity
Academic integrity is a core value of the University of Sydney, in both education and research. By joining the University community, you have agreed to uphold this value and to proactively contribute to the University’s culture of academic integrity.
Acting with academic integrity means doing the 'right thing' even when things seem difficult and taking a shortcut to academic success seems easier. There is no such thing as achieving genuine academic success without first putting in hard work and effort.
Behaving with academic integrity also means that you must acknowledge where other people or tools have contributed to your work in some way. This could include acknowledging words, ideas, images, computer code, or artistic or musical creations. It can also mean acknowledging any assistance provided in relation to your work, including any feedback, proof-reading or editing.
Acting with academic honesty also means you do not try to benefit academically by misleading others or being unfair to others, including gaining any kind of unfair advantage over others.
When you act with academic honesty and integrity at university, having applied the proper effort, you can be proud that you have truly earned your qualification. You can be proud that you have developed your mind and skills to the tertiary level and be confident in your ability to succeed in your career.
We expect you to be familiar with the policies and codes covering academic honesty and conduct at the University.
- Academic Integrity Policy (pdf, 376KB) (updated 2023)
- Academic Integrity Procedures (pdf, 320KB) (updated 2023)
- The Student Charter (pdf, 221KB)
- University of Sydney (Student Discipline) Rule (pdf, 163KB)
- Research Code of Conduct (pdf, 484KB) (for honours and research units of study)
- Student responsibilities
Transitional arrangements
The former policy and associated procedures, which were superseded in February 2023, are the Academic Honesty in Coursework Policy 2015 (pdf, 417KB) and the Academic Honesty Procedures 2016 (pdf, 438KB). These will apply for any breaches related to submissions prior to 20 February 2023
Studying with integrity: the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)
- The Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) is mandatory for all commencing coursework students. It takes about an hour to complete.
- You need to complete it by the census date of your first semester. Your academic record can be suppressed if it isn't completed.
- It will set you up with knowledge and support services so you can study with academic integrity.
- If you have any problems accessing or completing the module, contact the Office of Educational Integrity at educational.integrity@sydney.edu.au.
Completing the AHEM means you won't have to retake it for up to five years, even if you change courses.
New students
- The module is mandatory for all new coursework students.
- You will be automatically enrolled when you begin your course.
Continuing students
- Your unit of study outline will state if you need to complete the AHEM as a continuing student.
- You can complete or revisit the module voluntarily at any time during your studies.
Workshops, services and resources
At university there is a different style of learning – with less focus on memorising knowledge delivered by teachers and more focus on locating and interpreting knowledge, and developing critical thinking skills.
While this can be an adjustment at first, university is designed this way intentionally. If you are ever struggling, remember that there are a wide range of workshops and online resources to assist you with your studies.
- The Learning Hub (Academic Language and Learning) offers workshops, online resources and individual consultations on study and writing skills. For example, the Using evidence and Avoiding Plagiarism modules helps you practice strategies to avoid plagiarism and identify the differences between quoting, paraphrasing and summarising.
- The Learning Hub (Mathematics) offers bridging courses, drop-in services and online resources.
- The University’s Student wellbeing offer a range of confidential and free health and wellbeing support, including self-help resources on time management, exam preparation among other things.
- For information about referencing and online guides to different citation styles, visit the Library's referencing page.
- The University has teamed up with Studiosity to provide additional learning support 24/7 for postgraduate coursework students to get writing and referencing feedback on a draft and connect online with a subject specialist.
Academic integrity and working with other students
When you are being assessed for a group assignment, you need to contribute your own original work to the group and properly acknowledge any outside sources in your work. If you don’t, you put everyone in a group at risk of being accused of an academic integrity breach.
Acting with academic honesty in group work also means that you have to commit fully to participating in group discussions and meeting agreed deadlines. It is unfair to leave your group members feeling like they need to complete work you were supposed to complete. It is even more unfair (and dishonest) to accept marks for group work if you have let others do your work for you.
Last updated: 13 November 2024
