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Whilst studying it is not unheard of for some students to become embroiled in on their course. The term cheating refers to an act of or deception.

Quite often students understand the term's and cheating to mean one and the same thing, but they are not. Even so there is one thing that cheating and plagiarism share in common, this is the fact that neither is condoned by or , and that there are harsh consequences associated with both. Look at the Plagiarism section for more information concerning plagiarism. This section looks at the various ways that students attempt to cheat as well as the possible consequences.

There are two main situations in which students attempt to cheat, as explained below:

This is the situation in which students attempt to cheat most. The majority of students who attempt to cheat in an never succeed, thus by attempting to cheat in an exam you are taking a huge risk. The following acts are considered as examples of cheating:

• Using a calculator in an exam for which use of a calculator is not allowed.
• Bringing pieces of paper into the exam.
• Writing on your hand or other parts of the body.
• Communicating with other students in the exam either directly, through bits of paper or hand signals.
• Making unnecessary trips to the toilet and cheating whilst inside.
• Obtaining a copy of the exam paper prior to the exam.

Students will on occasion attempt to cheat on using numerous means. This will be to provide a higher mark, or provide more time to complete the work. The methods used include:

• Pretending to submit work and then handing in the work when a second copy is requested, to provide more time to complete the work.
• Submitting another student's work as their own (normally this will be the work of a student in a later year).
• Copying another student's work and rewording it.
• Corrupting a copy of the work on file and asking for an extension to undertake a re-write.
• Using an illness or other form of extenuating circumstance to enable an extension to the deadline be provided.

If you are caught undertaking or participating in cheating of any type your place of study may act in the following ways.

• Award zero marks - You may be given zero marks for the piece of work that you have submitted. This can affect your overall mark for the , or .
• - In strong cases being caught undertaking cheating in a particular unit may mean being failed in that unit and more than likely having to repeat the unit again.
• Removal from the course - This is the strongest type of action that could be taken against cheating of any type. This will depend on how important the work was, and how seriously the matter is taken. Any students attempting to participate in cheating should be aware of this type of action, in view of the fact that it will be noted on your record, and may affect future applications for education.

In any case, any suspicion of cheating is dealt as a serious matter. Even if you are successful at undertaking it once, you may not be so lucky the next time. It is also possible that any previous work undertaken will be investigated for cheating.

The main reasons for not participating in cheating have been already stated but will be re-iterated below:

• Educational establishments have strong attitudes towards . A strong stance is taken in the battle to prevent cheating and thus there are serious consequences for students who attempt to plagiarise.
• Advanced learning - Students actually have more to gain by undertaking work themselves. By carrying out cheating you prevent yourself from learning new concepts and from developing the ability to think for yourself.
• Higher achievements - By not carrying out cheating you will have achieved so much more than those students who did plagiarise, typically the ability to take initiative, and work unaided. More importantly you will have gained enough knowledge for future work and exams.

If you are wrongly accused of cheating you should do the following:

• Gather up evidence to prove the work is your own. You should locate all the books that you have used along with references as well as any related information that you have made use of along with web addresses for each one. Also locate all the draft work undertaken to lead up to the final piece, and print a copy of the final piece itself.
• Talk to your - You should obtain useful advice on how to prove that you have not taken part in cheating of any type.
• Talk to a member of your - They will be able to advise what may happen and how you can put your case forward.
• Talk to your - You should make an to talk to your course director. During this interview you should present the facts and the proof that you have. If you are certain that someone has copied your work and that you know who they are, do not feel reluctant to tell your course director. It can be very useful to arrange a question/answer session whereby, you are interviewed on your knowledge of your submitted work. This can prove (up to a certain point) whether the work is your own, or not, as the case may be.

If you have provided enough evidence that the work is your own you should be able to have the accusation of cheating dropped. If possible you should make sure that you have this provided in writing and keep it safe in the event of any discrepancies.

If you have any doubts about what constitutes cheating and what does not, consult a lecturer who will advise you further. If you have already written a piece of work, you may be able to ask for a quick review to ensure that in principle it is okay. Other students, especially those in later years of study may be able to help on any other questions you may have. Remember that you can also consult your librarians, as they will be able to provide (almost specialist) help regarding this subject.

Cheating is strongly tied to plagiarism and to gain further insight into plagiarism please refer to the plagiarism content.