Guide to Plagiarism, Research and Referencing

Why Do Students Plagiarise?

Why Do Students Plagiarise?

Students may plagiarise for many reasons, including poor time management, lack of confidence, misunderstanding the rules, or even feeling overwhelmed by their workload. However, plagiarism is never acceptable. It undermines your learning, damages your academic integrity, and can have serious consequences.

Submitting your own work shows your understanding and knowledge. Well-researched assignments that are properly referenced with credible sources not only meet academic standards but also improve your learning experience and can lead to higher marks.

Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty and, in some cases, breaches copyright laws in Australia. Instead of taking shortcuts, students should focus on learning strategies to manage their workload and develop their research and writing skills. The section ‘Strategies to Avoid Plagiarism’ provides guidance on how to prevent plagiarism in your work.

Common Reasons Students Plagiarise – and Why They’re Not Valid

“I ran out of time and got desperate!”

Poor time management is one of the most common reasons students resort to plagiarism, but it is not a valid excuse. Managing your time effectively is part of being a responsible learner. Planning ahead allows you to break down your assignment into manageable steps, giving you time to research, write, and revise your work.

If you struggle with time management, refer to the ‘Strategies to Avoid Plagiarism’ section for practical tips.

“I couldn’t keep up with my workload.”

We understand that balancing studies with work and personal commitments can be challenging. However, struggling with coursework is not a reason to plagiarise—it could result in receiving a not satisfactory grade.

At Veterinary Nurse Solutions (VNS), we provide extensive student support, including live chat and Educators who are available to answer your questions. If you are falling behind, reach out before your submission deadline. We are here to help, and we may be able to arrange extensions or alternative solutions to assist you.

“I wasn’t confident in my knowledge on this topic.”

It’s normal to feel unsure about new topics, but copying someone else’s work won’t help you understand the material. We don’t expect students to have the knowledge of an experienced professional, but we do expect you to engage with your studies and ask for help when needed.

If you’re struggling with a topic, reach out to your Workplace Supervisor or Student Assist at VNS. Asking for clarification or additional resources is part of the learning process, and we encourage you to seek support.

“I didn’t know how to reference.”

Not knowing how to reference correctly is not an excuse for plagiarism. Just as not knowing the law doesn’t excuse breaking it, failing to learn how to reference doesn’t justify omitting citations.

If you are unsure about referencing, ask for help. Referencing is a key academic skill, and all assignments that require references will clearly state this. Our referencing guide and Student Assist team can support you in learning how to cite sources properly.

“I can’t express my ideas as well as the author can.”

Researching different viewpoints and developing your own ideas is an essential skill in any field, including animal care. Your work does not need to be written at an expert level, but it should reflect your understanding.

Instead of copying, use references to support your ideas. This strengthens your arguments, demonstrates critical thinking, and improves your academic work. Engaging with a variety of sources also helps you develop a well-rounded perspective on the topic.

In summary, there is never a justifiable excuse for plagiarism.