Library Services
Whenever you refer to another author’s work in an assignment or thesis, it is essential that you acknowledge them and provide full details of the source used.
Referencing correctly helps you avoid being accused of plagiarism and allows you to demonstrate how your ideas have built upon the research of others.
Cranfield has two different referencing sytems - Author-Date and Numbered. Please check with your supervisor or lecturer before you start collating your references, as they may have a preference for which system you use. If they don't mind, pick one and use it consistently throughout your assignment.
In September 2021 we changed our guidance for the Author-Date Style to APA7. However, students who started with us before this date are welcome to continue using the previous Cranfield Author-Date Style they are familiar with.
Similarly, in August 2023 we updated the Numbered Style for new students. However, students who started with us before this date can continue to use the previous Numbered Style they are familiar with.
Links to the previous versions are provided below.
Our online eLearning module, Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism explains the role and importance of citing bibliographic references, and how you incorporate the work of other authors into your assignments and literature review correctly, and without plagiarising. You can find it on your Canvas VLE dashboard. Please talk to your Librarian if you have any trouble finding it. The library also runs workshops through the year on topics such as Referencing and reference management software. For further details and to sign up, please see our Research and Academic Skills Development events.
Learn more about the APA7 Author-Date style:
The Concise APA Handbook : APA 7th Edition
APA style blog
APA style tutorials and webinars
Avoiding common errors when you're referencing with APA7
Learn more about the NLM Numbered style: