What is Academic Integrity?

Academic Integrity is a commitment to approaching your academic work honestly.

Annex 10 of the Credit Framework sets out the University's expectation that students have a responsibility to act with honesty, integrity and fairness in completing assessment requirements in relation to their course of study. 

You can ensure that your work upholds academic integrity standards by;

  • Completing your own original work
  • Attributing and acknowledging your sources when necessary
  • Not relying on dishonest means to gain advantage

As a student, this means making a commitment to engage with good academic practice and skills training, whilst also familiarising yourself with the University’s policy on Academic Misconduct. This standard of academic practice is expected of all students and staff across the academic community at the University of Kent.

Academic Misconduct

When you submit work that is not your own, this is known as academic misconduct. This can relate to any form of assessed work, including;

  • Item of coursework
  • Formal examination
  • Practical assessment

Academic misconduct can affect students’ academic potential, professional opportunities, and personal wellbeing.  

Academic staff at the University of Kent are committed to designing assessments that foster academic integrity and equip students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to complete their own work.

The International Centre for Academic Integrity (ICAI) outline six fundamental values that help to create a culture of academic integrity. 

They define Academic Integrity as the expectation that teachers, students, researchers and all members of the academic community act with:

  1. Honesty
  2. Trust
  3. Fairness
  4. Respect
  5. Responsibility
  6. Courage

Students and staff can find out more by viewing the full ICAI report on the Fundamental Values of Academic Integrity

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) also offer helpful information and resources informing students about the importance Academic Integrity standards. 

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