About Academic Misconduct at Queen Mary

Academic integrity is at the heart of your degree — it’s what makes your work yours, and what keeps a Queen Mary qualification respected around the world. The University plays its part by offering clear expectations, resources and support. You play yours by engaging with those resources and completing work honestly. 

Your Responsibilities (and the Uni’s) 

Queen Mary provides guidance, skills training and academic support so you know what’s expected. You’re responsible for your own learning - that includes using the support available and developing good academic practice. 

A great starting point? The “Academic Integrity at Queen Mary” course on QMPlus, there’s also fantastic study skills and referencing support from the Library’s Academic Skills service: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/library/academic-skills/ 

What Is Academic Misconduct? 

Academic misconduct is any action that undermines the fairness, purpose or integrity of an assessment - intentional or not. If it gives someone an unfair advantage or compromises academic standards, it can be treated as misconduct. 

Common examples include: 

• Plagiarism - using someone else’s words or ideas without proper referencing. 

• Collusion - working with others on work meant to be done individually. 

• Exam or online exam misconduct – accessing notes/phones, collaborating, sharing exam content, or trying to view the paper early. 

• Research ethics breaches – conducting research without the proper approvals. 

• Falsification - inventing or altering, sources, data or documents. 

• Ghost Writing - Using a third party to significantly rewrite or produce content that is then submitted as your own.  

• Unauthorised use of AI or text‑manipulation tools - using generators, paraphrasers or translators in ways not permitted by the assessment.  

Worried About Getting It Wrong? Talk to Someone Before Submitting. 

If you’re unsure whether something counts as academic misconduct - referencing, paraphrasing, using AI, group work boundaries, or research ethics - speak to your School support team or Library Services before you submit. They can help you understand expectations and build your confidence: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/library/academic-skills/ 

For in depth information about the University’s stance you can read Academic Integrity and Misconduct Policy 2025/26 – this policy explains how the University responds to concerns about academic integrity in students assessments. It outlines the procedure followed when academic misconduct is investigated, the possible outcomes, and the your rights during the process. 

What Happens If the University Has a Concern? 

• You are informed of the concern within the marking timeframe. 

• Evidence is collected (e.g., Turnitin reports, source materials, notes). 

• You may be invited to a VIVA‑style meeting to discuss your work. 

• You can submit a written response and provide your own evidence. 

• A decision is made by an Academic Misconduct Officer, a Chair, or for serious cases a full panel. 

Consequences can be serious so make sure you are getting it right and checking your work before submitting.  

If You’re Accused of Academic Misconduct 

The QMSU Academic Advice Service is here to support you - we can explain the process, help you understand the allegation, review your evidence and support you before meetings. 

Contact us via the online form: https://forms.office.com/e/j2b5M08HAS and we will reach out to you.