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Copyright for Students

Are you unsure what is permitted from a copyright perspective when it comes to use of resources in your academic work? This guide will answer questions you might have and point to you in the direction of further sources of information and support.

Using Quotations in Essays, Reports and Dissertations


You can include brief quotations and/or short extracts from copyright works in your assignments, without seeking permission of the rights holder. This makes use of an Exception for the purpose of Quotation, criticism and review.  

The source of these extracts must be sufficient acknowledgement and attribution (e.g. in the bibliography of a finished essay or report) and the extent of the quotation must be limited to what is required for the specific purpose. More help is available at UEA Learning Enhancement Team - Referencing

The only exception to this is where it would be impossible in practice to acknowledge the source of your extract – for example, in a sound recording, film or broadcast. 

Correct and consistent referencing of other people's work not only demonstrates you respect intellectual property rights; it can also help you avoid plagiarism. For more information on plagiarism, see the UEA Learning Enhancement Team - Referencing