Warnings around essay mills and content writers

Over recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of external companies offering their services to students, for example help with writing assessments and dissertations. These services are often shared via email, and we're asking you to report these to our Information Services team so they can block further emails.

If you receive an email from an unknown account offering services regarding academic dishonesty, please use the 'report message' button to report as spam and then delete the email. Do not click on any links as they may be a security risk.

Using such services - even where you think these will just enhance your own work - is against the University's academic regulations. If there is concern that you are presenting work that is not your own, you may be found guilty of academic misconduct. In serious cases, you may be permanently excluded from the University with the removal of credit. If academic misconduct is identified after you graduate, your award may be rescinded in line with our graduate academic integrity regulations.

Essay mills and content writers are sophisticated and manipulative in their attempts to attract students and can appear to have been endorsed by the University, which they are not. There are many cases of such services threatening to blackmail students, leading to significant academic, professional and personal consequences. Don’t let this happen to you - please use the sources of advice and support available to you.

• If you feel you are already a victim, please let us know as soon as possible via your PDT or Programme Leader, or through seeking support from ENSA Advice or our Keep on Track team.
• To avoid using such companies, please use the support available to you through official University services such as Academic Skills, Disability and Inclusion, English for Academic Purposes, and Subject Librarians.