Declaration of Originality: Academic Integrity Statement Explained
Reviewed by Prof. Dr. Alexander Holtermann · Updated 16 October 2026 · 5 min read
A declaration of originality is a signed statement that your work is your own, sources are cited, and it was not submitted elsewhere.
Key takeaways
- Names vary: declaration of originality, statement of authorship, author’s declaration (UK); honor pledge, academic integrity statement (US).
- Typical content: the work is your own, all sources are acknowledged, it has not been submitted for another degree or assessment, and any AI or editing help is disclosed.
- Always use the exact wording your university prescribes; many provide a form or template that must not be changed.
- In dissertations, the declaration usually comes directly after the title page or abstract and must be signed and dated.
- A false declaration is serious misconduct and can lead to failing the work or, discovered later, revocation of the degree.
What is a declaration of originality?
A declaration of originality is a short, formal statement in which you confirm that the work you submit is your own and that you have followed the rules of academic integrity. It turns an implicit expectation into an explicit, signed commitment. If misconduct is later discovered, the signed statement shows that you knew the rules.
In the UK, dissertations and theses almost always include an author’s declaration or statement of originality, and many coursework cover sheets contain a short version. In the US, many colleges with honor codes ask students to write an honor pledge on exams and papers; graduate schools often require a signed statement in theses and dissertations.
One rule beats every guide on the internet, including this one: your own university’s or department’s style guide, handbook, or assignment brief always takes precedence. If it differs from what you read here, follow it. You can upload that handbook to Professor Digital, and everything (outline, citations, checks) is tailored to it.
What the statement usually contains
The exact wording differs, but most declarations cover the same points. Newer templates increasingly include a line on AI tools and professional editing.
- Authorship: the work is your own, produced by you.
- Acknowledgment: all sources, quotations, and ideas from others are cited.
- No prior submission: the work, or substantial parts, has not been submitted for another degree, course, or assessment (or prior use is declared).
- Collaboration: any permitted help (e.g., supervisor feedback, statistical advice) is acknowledged.
- AI and editing: use of AI tools or proofreading services is disclosed according to the rules.
- Ethics: for empirical work, research was conducted with the required ethics approval.
- Word count: some UK templates include the official word count.
- Signature and date: handwritten or electronic, as required.
Example templates
The following examples illustrate typical wording. Do not copy them if your university provides its own template; use the official version exactly.
| Context | Example wording |
|---|---|
| UK dissertation | “I declare that this dissertation is my own work and that all sources have been acknowledged. It has not been submitted, in whole or in part, for any other degree or qualification. The word count is 11,842.” |
| US honor pledge (short) | “I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this assignment.” |
| Graduate thesis | “I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this thesis, that I have used no sources or aids other than those cited, and that I have marked all quotations and paraphrases as such.” |
| With AI clause | “Generative AI tools were used only as described in the AI-use statement in Appendix C. All outputs were checked and revised by me.” |
Where it goes and how to sign
In a dissertation or thesis, the declaration usually follows the title page, sometimes after the abstract or before the acknowledgments. Your handbook specifies the position. Coursework submitted online often includes the declaration as a checkbox or a cover sheet you complete at submission.
Sign as required: some universities accept a typed name for electronic submission, others want a scanned handwritten signature, and bound copies may need an original signature. Date it with the date of submission, not the date you started writing.
Why it matters: consequences of a false declaration
Signing a declaration you know to be false is treated more seriously than the underlying error, because it shows intent. Universities can investigate submitted work years later; degrees have been revoked when plagiarism or ghostwriting was discovered after graduation. In the UK, contract cheating services are illegal in England, and in both countries, submitting purchased work violates academic regulations.
Read the declaration before you sign it. If any point is not true (for example, because part of the dissertation builds on an earlier essay), talk to your supervisor and declare it. Honest disclosure almost always resolves the issue; concealment rarely does.
Frequently asked questions
What is a declaration of originality?
A signed statement that your submitted work is your own, all sources are acknowledged, and it has not been submitted elsewhere. It is required for most dissertations and theses.
Where does the declaration go in a dissertation?
Usually directly after the title page, sometimes after the abstract. Your university handbook specifies the exact position.
What is an honor pledge?
A short statement used at many US colleges with honor codes, in which students confirm on their honor that they neither gave nor received unauthorized help.
Do I need to mention AI in my declaration?
If your university’s template includes an AI clause or requires an AI-use statement, yes. Even if not, disclosing permitted AI use is good practice.
Can I write my own declaration of originality?
Only if your university does not provide one. If there is an official template, use its exact wording.
Sources and further reading
- American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association.
- Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., Williams, J. M., Bizup, J., & FitzGerald, W. T. (2016). The Craft of Research (4th ed.). University of Chicago Press.
Your university’s examination regulations and style guide always take precedence.
Related articles
- Avoiding plagiarismCite every idea, quote, and data point you take from others, paraphrase properly, never reuse graded work without permission, and track your sources.
- AI in academic writingAI rules vary by university and course. Check the policy, use AI for support rather than ghostwriting, verify every claim, and disclose your use as required.
- Dissertation structureMost dissertations have five chapters: introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and discussion/conclusion, plus front and back matter.
- Dissertation appendixAppendices hold supporting material like questionnaires, interview guides, consent forms, and extra tables. Label them A, B, C and refer to each in the text.
- Research ethicsResearch with people needs informed consent, ethics approval (IRB in the US, ethics committee in the UK/EU) and data protection that meets the GDPR.
- AI tools for studentsChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, Perplexity, Elicit and others can help you study and research, but your university’s policy decides what is allowed.
