How to Reference ChatGPT: UK Guide

Knowing how to reference ChatGPT correctly matters if you have used it for brainstorming, drafting, or checking your work. This guide explains how to reference ChatGPT in the UK referencing styles most commonly required by universities.

Check Your University’s AI Policy First

Before citing ChatGPT, confirm whether your department allows AI tools at all, and for which tasks. Policies vary significantly between institutions and even between modules.

Referencing ChatGPT in Harvard Style

Treat ChatGPT as a personal communication, citing OpenAI as the author, the year, the name of the tool, and the date you accessed it, since the output cannot be retrieved by others later.

Referencing ChatGPT in APA 7

APA recommends citing OpenAI as the author in your reference list, with the model name and version, and describing the specific prompt in your text or an appendix. If you need the full APA 7 rules for other source types too, see our complete APA 7 referencing guide.

Keeping a Record of Your Prompts

Save screenshots or transcripts of your ChatGPT conversations, since some universities require you to submit these as an appendix alongside your citation. Jisc, the UK higher education technology body, publishes sector-wide guidance on generative AI use that many universities base their own policies on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ChatGPT to write parts of my assignment?

This depends entirely on your university’s policy, which can range from a full ban to permitted use with disclosure, so always check before relying on it.

What details do I need to record when citing ChatGPT?

Record the date of use, the exact prompt, the model version, and a copy of the response, since this information is often required alongside your citation.