Harvard referencing is the most common citation style used across UK universities. This quick guide covers the essentials so you can reference confidently and consistently.
In-Text Citations
Harvard uses author-date citations in the body of your text, such as (Smith, 2024), placed immediately after the relevant point or quotation.
Formatting the Reference List
List every source alphabetically by author surname at the end of your document, with full publication details formatted consistently throughout.
Referencing Books, Journals, and Websites
Each source type follows a slightly different format. Books require author, year, title, edition, and publisher, while journal articles need volume and issue numbers, and websites require an access date.
Handling Multiple Authors or No Author
For three or more authors, use the first author’s name followed by et al. If no individual author is listed, cite the organisation responsible for the publication instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harvard referencing the same at every UK university?
No, small variations exist between institutions, so always check your specific department’s referencing guide alongside general Harvard rules.
Can I use reference management software for Harvard style?
Yes, tools such as Zotero, Mendeley, and EndNote all support Harvard style, though you should still manually check formatting before submission.
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