Academic and Non-Academic Sources

Academic sources are produced to contribute to research, learning or scholarly discussion. They are usually written for researchers, students or professionals working in a particular subject.

Common features include:

• an author with relevant subject or research expertise
• evidence, analysis or a clearly explained method
• references showing where information and ideas came from
• detailed discussion of a focused topic
• publication by an academic journal, university press or scholarly organisation
• formal or specialist language appropriate to the subject

Examples include:

• research journal articles
• academic books and book chapters
• conference papers
• dissertations and theses
• some research reports

Research articles published in academic journals are often peer-reviewed. This means that other specialists assess the work before publication, including its methods, reasoning and contribution to the subject.

Peer review is a useful indicator, but it does not guarantee that a source is correct, current or suitable for your assessment. Not everything published in an academic journal is a peer-reviewed research article. Journals can also contain editorials, news, book reviews and correspondence.

Non-academic sources are produced outside conventional academic publishing. They include a wide range of official, professional, commercial and popular information.

Examples include:

• government publications and official statistics

• professional guidance and industry standards

• technical documentation and industry reports

• news articles and current-affairs coverage

• company, charity and campaign websites

• trade magazines, blogs and podcasts

• social media posts

• films, games, artworks and other creative works

These sources can be useful when you need:

• current information about an event or developing issue

• official policy, legislation, statistics or guidance

• evidence about professional or industry practice

• an organisation’s own position, activities or claims

• public, political or media perspectives

• original material that you are analysing directly

Non-academic does not mean unreliable or unimportant. For some questions, an official document, technical standard, creative work or first-hand account may be the most appropriate evidence.

For example, in a business case study, a company’s website or press release may provide evidence of how the company presents itself. This does not mean that you should accept its claims without checking them.

However, quality varies. Some sources may be promotional, partial, inaccurate or published without independent review. Consider who produced the information, why they produced it and what evidence supports its claims.

The following are typical characteristics rather than fixed rules. Sources do not always fit neatly into one category.

Academic and non-academic describe how and for whom information was produced. Primary, secondary and tertiary describe how a source relates to the evidence or subject being studied. A source can therefore fit both classifications.

Do not decide whether a source is suitable from one characteristic alone. Consider its purpose, evidence, relevance and relationship to your assessment.

Whether something is freely available online does not tell you whether it is academic. Many academic sources are published open access, while some popular and professional sources require a subscription.

Start with your assessment brief, marking criteria and module reading list. These may identify the kinds of evidence you are expected to use and whether you need to find additional sources.

For many assessments, academic sources will form an important part of your evidence. However, the appropriate combination varies by subject and task. For example:

• scientific and social research may use original studies, review articles, datasets and official statistics
• computing, cybersecurity, engineering and business may combine academic research with standards, technical documentation and industry information
• law may require legislation and cases alongside academic commentary
• creative subjects may use artworks, games, films or design artefacts as material for analysis
• current, policy-based or professional topics may require official publications and grey literature

These are illustrations rather than fixed subject rules. The same source may be appropriate for one assessment but unsuitable for another.

Before using a source, ask:

• Does it provide the kind of evidence the assessment requires?
• Does it support the specific point I want to make?
• Is it sufficiently current for my topic?
• Is the author or organisation appropriate for this question?
• Can I trace and check the evidence?
• Is there a more original or authoritative source I should consult?

Source selection requires academic and disciplinary judgement. Your assessment brief, tutor or supervisor should take priority over general guidance.

Once you know what kinds of information you need, use Search effectively to choose appropriate search tools and develop your search.

No. A response produced by a generative AI tool is not a published academic source and should not replace evidence that you have found and checked. AI output may contain inaccurate statements, unsupported claims or fabricated references.

Always check your assessment brief and the University’s rules and responsibilities for using AI before using a generative AI tool.

If its use is permitted:

• check claims against original, reliable sources
• do not cite references that you have not located and read
• acknowledge how the tool contributed to your work

For help finding the original sources and checking whether they support an AI-generated claim, see AI for researching a topic.

Abertay normally requires permitted AI use to be acknowledged rather than formally referenced. See Acknowledging AI use and Referencing AI for the limited circumstances in which a formal reference may be required.