APA 7
APA 7th Edition is the most commonly used referencing style here at the University of Portsmouth. Below you will find general guidance on how to reference and cite using APA 7th Edition, as well as examples for the specific sources you are likely to use in your assignments.
Your department or lecturer may prefer you to reference sources differently from the guidance given here. Always follow the requirements of your department or lecturer.
External visitors are welcome to use this guide, but note that your institution's requirements may differ from those suggested here.
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Your past assignments are not considered to be a scholarly source. You should not use these as sources in your work unless you have been explicitly asked to do so (e.g. for a reflective assignment).
Instead, even when writing about a similar topic, you should update your research and conclusions from the past assignment, and use new words to express your thoughts rather than referring to or citing your earlier work. Self-plagiarism is specifically mentioned as an example of academic misconduct in the Code of Student Behaviour, and you should be careful to avoid this - the best way to do so is to ensure that you do not use material from one assignment in another.
If you believe you need to refer back to a previous assignment in your work you are advised to check with your lecturer before doing so.
In instances where it is required, you should follow this format:
Parenthetically cite your name, the name of the assessment/assignment, and the date of submission in the format Month Day, Year in your main text only.
In-text citation
During a later discussion it was accepted that an error had been made (P. Smith, Reflective Essay 1, March 7, 2022).
The previous assignment is NOT included in your Reference List.