Which system to use?
While citations and references all have the same function, they can appear in different styles. There are various referencing styles out there and the subject you are studying will often determine which one you use. One of the most common is Harvard, which is classed as an author-date style, but there are other styles though such as APA, MHRA, MLA and OSCOLA. Some universities/departments may have their own referencing style and journals might specify a particular style for articles submitted for publication.
Your school may have a preferred referencing system and guidance on how to do it so always make sure you check with your teacher or library first.
If your school doesn't specify a particular style then we recommended you use Harvard which is the most popular referencing style. In the Harvard style, the author and year the source was published are cited in-text and full details of the source are given in the reference list at the end of the assignment.
If you are an FE student studying at our Buxton and Leek College you will have access to Cite Them Right, an online comprehensive referencing tool which helps you cite and reference your sources. Click here to access (please note: you will need your Buxton and Leek student username and password to use this resource).