Integrity is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as: “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles”. (lexico.com)

Academic integrity involves showing honesty in how you study and produce assessments:

1. Following the assessment requirements
2. Referencing where ideas/information came from
3. Clearly identifying your own work

The University will act whenever the rules of academic integrity appear to have been broken regardless of whether this was on purpose or accidental.

Why is Academic Integrity Important?

Employers may consider that a student who demonstrates academic integrity in their academic work will also show integrity in the workplace, and vice versa.

As a student, your work is your property upon which your final award is based. You would not want someone else to achieve an award based upon your work, and you should ensure that your award is gained based upon your own work, ideas and efforts.

Universities may be asked to demonstrate how they maintain academic integrity, and how they ensure that grades are not awarded for work where a breach of academic integrity is evident. The University of Bedfordshire considers this important to protect its students and to ensure that it's awards have value.