Plagiarism student expelled

A University of Sheffield Masters student has been expelled after it was discovered that they had paid someone to write their dissertation, as well as having plagiarised several other pieces of assessed work.

The decision was taken by the University’s Disciplinary Appeals Committee, after meeting to consider the case. The University states that penalties for unfair means are judged on an individual basis, and are according to each academic department.

Plagiarism and collusion are viewed as grave offences, and both undergraduate and postgraduate students are regularly warned about dishonesty in submitted work.

A Student Services Department spokesperson said: "This student will not be able to graduate with a Masters degree from this University, which will have serious implications for their career."

A spokesperson for the University said: "The University provides guidance to academic departments on developing sound academic practice among students, including how to avoid the use of unfair means.

"We consider that individual student issues are a matter between the student and the University and we are therefore not in a position to comment on a particular case."

Amy Taylor