Exam misconduct: academic integrity and exam offences
Academic integrity is central to your studies and the value of your qualification. Every piece of work you submit must be your own and completed honestly. This page explains what academic integrity means, examples of misconduct, and what happens if an academic offence is reported.
What is academic integrity?
Academic integrity means behaving honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. It ensures that your achievements truly reflect your own learning and effort.
All students are expected to:
- Complete exams independently and truthfully.
- Reference other people’s ideas and work correctly.
- Follow the rules and conditions set for each exam or assessment.
Acting with integrity protects both your reputation and the credibility of your degree.
What counts as academic misconduct?
Academic misconduct refers to any action that gives a student an unfair academic advantage.
Common exam offences include:
Using another person’s words, ideas, or work without proper acknowledgement.
Examples: Copying from a website or book, reusing another student’s work, or using AI-generated text without citation.
Using unauthorised materials or assistance during an exam or assessment.
Examples: Bringing notes or electronic devices into an exam room, receiving help during an online test, or accessing prohibited resources.
Working with others when the assessment must be completed individually.
Examples: Sharing answers, jointly writing an individual assignment, or submitting similar work.
Breaking exam rules or attempting to influence your results unfairly.
Examples: Communicating with other candidates, impersonating another student, or continuing to write after time is called.
Each offence is taken seriously and investigated under RCL’s Academic Misconduct Policy.
How to prevent offences
You can reduce the risk of academic offences by planning ahead and using the support available to you.
Simple ways to stay compliant:
- Reference all sources correctly using the recommended referencing guides.
- Ask your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) if you’re unsure about collaboration or citation rules.
- Manage your time – last-minute work increases the risk of mistakes.
- Read the Code of Conduct for Exams Policy for your university partner.
- Never share or copy work, even with good intentions.
- Switch off your phone and smart devices before every exam.
- Attend study skills workshops in your calendar to improve your writing and referencing confidence.
Investigation and outcomes
If an academic offence is suspected and reported, the following process will apply.
Investigation process:
- The incident will be reviewed by Student Services.
- You may be invited into a meeting to explain your perspective and provide any relevant evidence.
- The case is then reviewed under the Academic Misconduct Policy.
- You’ll receive written confirmation of the outcome.
Possible outcomes include:
- A formal warning
- A reduced grade or mark of zero for the affected assessment
- Requirement to resubmit the work
- Suspension or withdrawal in serious or repeated cases
If you disagree with a decision, you have the right to appeal following RCL’s Appeals Procedure.
