Plagiarism

Also called Malpractice, Collusion, AI misuse

Passing off someone else's work as your own. In assessed work it is malpractice, with real consequences.

What it is

Plagiarism is presenting another person's words, ideas or work as your own without acknowledgement. Collusion is working with someone else where the work is meant to be independent. Both are forms of malpractice under JCQ rules, as is undeclared use of generative AI.

Where it applies

All coursework, non-exam assessment, EPQs and BTEC assignments.

How it works

Candidates sign a declaration that the work is their own. Centres check, including with software, and must report suspected malpractice to the board.

Penalties range from losing marks for a component to disqualification from the whole subject or, in serious cases, from the whole series.

The rules on AI are specific rather than a blanket ban: using it to help you understand something is different from submitting its output. If any AI-generated content appears in the work, it must be acknowledged with the prompt and the output shown.

How to use it in your work

Reference everything, including images, data and code. See referencing.

Do not share a draft with a friend "to check". If their wording appears in your work it is collusion, and both of you are in it.

If you have used AI, ask your teacher what your centre requires BEFORE you submit. Declaring it is survivable; being found not to have declared it is not.

Where to get help

JCQ's guidance on malpractice and on AI use in assessments, and your centre's own policy. Ask your teacher early rather than guessing.