Free Reference Generator for Students
Build accurate citations and reference lists in the style your university expects. Choose your style, enter the source details and copy the result straight into your dissertation, essay or assignment.
- Free to use
- Runs in your browser
- Built for UK coursework
How to use the reference generator
Most referencing mistakes come from rushing details at the last minute. Generating each reference as you read keeps your reference list accurate and saves hours before submission.
- Choose your styleUse the one named in your module handbook or dissertation guidelines.
- Select the source typeBook, journal article, website, report and so on.
- Enter the detailsCopy author, year, title and publisher from the source itself.
- Copy and checkPaste into your reference list, then compare with your university guide.
Which referencing style should you use?
Your department decides the style, not you. If your handbook does not say, ask your supervisor before you start. These are the styles most commonly linked to each discipline in UK higher education.
| Style | Type | Commonly used in |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard | Author-date | Business, management, social sciences, many UK universities |
| APA | Author-date | Psychology, education, health and social sciences |
| MLA | Author-page | English literature, languages, humanities |
| Chicago | Footnotes or author-date | History, arts and some humanities subjects |
| OSCOLA | Footnotes | Law |
| Vancouver | Numbered | Medicine, nursing and health sciences |
| IEEE | Numbered | Engineering, computing and technology |
Worth knowing: there is no single official Harvard style. Universities publish their own versions, so always match your institution's guide rather than a generic example.
Common referencing mistakes to avoid
Mismatched citations
Every in-text citation needs a matching entry in your reference list, and every entry must be cited in the text.
Missing web details
Websites usually need a URL and an access date. Journal articles should include a DOI where one exists.
Mixing styles
Switching between Harvard and APA formatting within one document is a frequent and avoidable error.
Copying from search results
Database and search engine citations often contain errors. Confirm details against the original source.
Always check the output. A generator formats what you type, so accurate input gives accurate references. Before submitting, compare a few entries against your university's referencing guide, especially for unusual sources such as legislation, datasets or social media.
Reference generator FAQs
Is the reference generator free?
Yes. The tool is free to use and you do not need to pay to generate references.
Can I rely on it without checking my university guide?
No. Referencing rules vary between institutions, particularly for Harvard. Use the tool to save time, then verify your references against your own department's guidance.
Do I need both in-text citations and a reference list?
In author-date styles such as Harvard and APA, yes. You cite in the text and list full details at the end. Footnote styles such as OSCOLA place the full citation in the footnote and may also require a bibliography, so check your handbook.
What is the difference between a reference list and a bibliography?
A reference list contains only sources you cited. A bibliography can also include sources you read but did not cite. Your department will specify which one it requires.
How do I reference a source with no author?
Most styles use the organisation or the title in place of the author. Enter what appears on the source and check your style guide for the exact rule.
Working on more than your references?
Once your sources are in order, the next hurdles are usually structure and analysis. Our guides on literature review help and dissertation methodology cover both, and you can browse dissertation topics if you are still choosing a direction.
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