⏱ Reading time: 9–11 minutes
A practical guide to how assignments actually work at De Montfort University — referencing, submission, grading, and extenuating circumstances.
If you’re studying at De Montfort University (DMU), you’ve probably already noticed that “how to do an assignment” isn’t a single, generic skill. DMU has its own referencing conventions, its own submission system, and its own rules for what happens when life gets in the way of a deadline.
📌 Please note: This guide is for general educational purposes. Always check your own module handbook, programme specification, and Blackboard/LearningZone announcements, as requirements can vary between faculties and courses. AssignPro Solution provides tutoring, proofreading, referencing guidance, and structured feedback — we do not write or complete assignments on behalf of students.
Why DMU-Specific Guidance Matters
A search for “how to reference an assignment” will give you generic advice that may not match what your DMU module leader actually wants. DMU uses Cite Them Right Harvard as its default referencing style, submits work through LearningZone (Blackboard) with Turnitin originality checking, and runs a distinctly strict late-submission policy that differs from the graduated penalty scales used at many other universities.
DMU’s Assignment Support System at a Glance
| System | What It Handles |
|---|---|
| Cite Them Right Harvard | How sources are cited and listed (confirm variations with your programme) |
| LearningZone and Turnitin | Submission and originality checking |
| Extensions and Deferrals | Short-term extra time and longer-term rescheduling |
| Centre for Learning and Study Support (CLaSS) | Workshops, drop-ins, and one-to-one tutorials |
Referencing at DMU: Cite Them Right Harvard
DMU’s default referencing style is Cite Them Right Harvard — not generic “Harvard,” which varies significantly between institutions. If you use a reference manager or citation generator, you must select “Cite Them Right Harvard” specifically and the latest edition, or your citations may not match what your marker expects.
| Situation | What To Use |
|---|---|
| Most modules (default) | Cite Them Right Harvard |
| Some Law modules | OSCOLA (confirm with your module leader) |
| Other specific modules | Check your module handbook — APA, IEEE, MHRA, and Chicago are also supported via Cite Them Right Online |
⚠ Common Mistake: Assuming any generic “Harvard” guide from the internet will match DMU’s expectations. Cite Them Right Harvard has its own formatting conventions for punctuation, author ordering, and in-text citation that differ from other Harvard variants.
The fix: Use the DMU Referencing Guide on the library’s LibGuides site, and watch the official “How to cite and reference in the Harvard style” video before you start compiling your reference list.
Submitting Through LearningZone and Turnitin
Coursework at DMU is submitted online through LearningZone (DMU’s Blackboard-based virtual learning environment), using the Assignments tab within your module. Where your assignment link is Turnitin-enabled, your work is automatically checked against a database of web content, academic publications, and previously submitted student papers, generating a similarity score for your tutor to review.
A high similarity score is not automatically treated as plagiarism — it flags matched text for human judgement — but weak referencing habits (uncited quotations, close paraphrasing, or recycled coursework) are exactly what these reports are designed to surface. Submit in good time so you can check your own similarity report and fix any accidental referencing gaps before the deadline.
Extensions vs Deferrals: Which Do You Need?
DMU offers two very different routes if something is going to affect your ability to submit on time, and picking the right one matters.
| Route | Best For | Length | Requested From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extension | Short-term, minor disruption | Up to 5 university working days | Your module leader (TAC/HLS) or Student Advice Centre (BAL) |
| Deferral | Sudden, serious extenuating circumstances | Reschedule to the next available assessment sitting | Faculty Student Advice Centre |
Extension requests must be submitted more than 24 hours before the deadline — requests received later than this will not be considered. Deferral requests must be submitted no later than 10 university working days from the date of the exam or assessment deadline. Both routes normally require supporting third-party evidence, such as a letter from a doctor, a police report, or a counsellor’s letter, although a self-certification form can be used once per registration period for a deferral.
💡 Tip: If you’re unsure which route applies, don’t guess — contact your faculty Student Advice Centre before your deadline. Extensions are agreed directly with your tutor or module leader, while deferrals go through a formal faculty process, and choosing the wrong one can waste valuable time.
Late Submission Without Authorisation: The Zero-Tolerance Rule
This is one of the most important things to understand about DMU’s assessment culture. Unlike universities that apply a graduated daily percentage deduction for lateness, DMU’s regulations state that coursework submitted after the deadline without an approved extension or deferral is given a mark of 0% — immediately, with no grace period and no partial credit for a marginally late submission. Where an assessment is marked pass/fail rather than by percentage, a late submission is recorded as an immediate fail.
This is precisely why the extension and deferral system described above matters so much: it is your only route to protect your mark if something goes wrong. If you know in advance that you might miss a deadline, act before the deadline passes, not after.
Academic Integrity at DMU
DMU distinguishes between two tiers of concern, and understanding the difference matters for how seriously an issue is treated.
Bad Academic Practice (BAP) covers lower-level issues such as poor or missing referencing, or passing off someone else’s phrasing as your own through carelessness rather than intent. First-year students’ first instance is usually handled informally by the module leader, with training or a reduced mark reflecting the proportion of non-original content. Repeated or later instances go to an Academic Practice Officer (APO).
Academic Offences are more serious and include plagiarism, contract cheating, collusion, exam cheating, fabrication of results, and submitting someone else’s work as your own. These are investigated by an APO in the first instance, with penalties ranging from resubmission of the component to failure of the module. Second or serious offences go to the Academic Offences Panel, which can impose penalties up to expulsion or a reduction in your final degree classification by one class.
| Offence Type | Typical First Response | Escalation |
|---|---|---|
| Bad Academic Practice | Discussion with module leader, possible reduced mark | Second instance → APO |
| Academic Offence (e.g. plagiarism, collusion) | Meeting with Academic Practice Officer | Serious/repeat → Academic Offences Panel |
Regarding generative AI: DMU permits AI tools to support your thinking or clarify unclear tasks, but submitting AI-generated material as your own original work, or using AI to fabricate references, is treated as an academic offence.
Module Credits and Degree Classification
DMU’s undergraduate structure is built around Levels 4, 5, and 6 (broadly Years 1 to 3), with a full-time student studying 120 credits per academic year. To progress between levels, you must normally pass at least 90 credits, with limited compensation available for modules scoring 30–39%.
| Classification | Percentage Range |
|---|---|
| First Class | 70% and above |
| 2:1 (Upper Second) | 60–69% |
| 2:2 (Lower Second) | 50–59% |
| Third Class | 40–49% |
Since 2011/12, DMU has classified honours degrees using the best 105 credits (of 120) studied at Level 5, single-weighted, combined with the best 105 credits (of 120) studied at Level 6, triple-weighted. If your result falls within two percentage points of the next classification band, consideration band rules may apply.
Academic Skills Support: CLaSS
The Centre for Learning and Study Support (CLaSS), part of Library and Learning Services, offers free workshops and one-to-one help with essay writing, referencing, research skills, time management, verbal presentations, and exam preparation. CLaSS works alongside the Maths Learning Centre and the Drawing Centre to cover numerical and visual assignment skills too. Most sessions are available online, with recordings and resources shared with registered participants afterwards.
A DMU Assignment Timeline
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Assignment due via Turnitin on LearningZone |
| No extension/deferral | Late submission marked 0% immediately |
| Marking | Feedback returned per module schedule |
| Results | Available once released by your faculty |
Common DMU-Specific Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | The Fix |
|---|---|
| Using generic “Harvard” instead of Cite Them Right Harvard | Confirm the exact style variant with your module handbook |
| Requesting an extension less than 24 hours before the deadline | Apply as early as possible — late requests are not considered |
| Assuming a few hours’ lateness gets a small penalty | Remember DMU applies an immediate 0% for unauthorised late work |
| Ignoring your Turnitin similarity report | Review it before the deadline and fix any referencing gaps |
| Not knowing whether to request an extension or a deferral | Contact your Student Advice Centre if you’re unsure which applies |
A Self-Audit Checklist
- I have confirmed which referencing style my specific module requires
- My reference list follows Cite Them Right Harvard conventions (or the confirmed alternative)
- I have checked my Turnitin similarity report before the deadline
- I know whether I need an extension or a deferral, and I’ve checked the relevant deadline
- I have gathered any third-party evidence needed to support a request
- I understand DMU’s zero-tolerance policy on unauthorised late submission
- I know where to find CLaSS workshops if I need extra support
Frequently Asked Questions
What referencing style does De Montfort University use?
Cite Them Right Harvard is DMU’s default referencing style, though some modules (such as certain Law modules) may require OSCOLA or another style — always confirm with your module handbook.
Where do I submit my assignments at DMU?
Through LearningZone (DMU’s Blackboard-based VLE), using the Assignments tab, with Turnitin originality checking enabled where applicable.
What happens if I submit my coursework late without an extension?
DMU applies a strict rule: coursework submitted late without an approved extension or deferral receives a mark of 0%, with no partial credit.
How long can an extension give me?
Up to 5 university working days, agreed between you and your tutor or module leader.
When must I request an extension?
More than 24 hours before your deadline — requests submitted later than this will not be considered.
What’s the difference between an extension and a deferral?
An extension gives you a short amount of extra time for the same submission. A deferral reschedules your assessment entirely to the next available sitting, and is intended for more serious extenuating circumstances.
How long do I have to request a deferral?
No later than 10 university working days from the date of the exam or assessment deadline.
Can I self-certify instead of providing evidence?
Yes, but only once per registration period, and only for a deferral request.
What is Bad Academic Practice?
A lower-level concern such as poor or missing referencing, usually addressed informally on a first offence through discussion with your module leader.
What counts as a serious Academic Offence at DMU?
Plagiarism, contract cheating, collusion, exam cheating, fabrication of results, and submitting someone else’s work as your own.
Can I use AI tools for my assignments?
DMU allows AI to support your thinking, but submitting AI-generated content as your own original work, or using it to fabricate references, is treated as an academic offence.
How many credits do I need to progress between levels?
Normally at least 90 credits passed, with limited compensation available for modules scoring 30–39%.
How is my final degree classification calculated?
Using your best 105 credits (of 120) at Level 5, single-weighted, combined with your best 105 credits (of 120) at Level 6, triple-weighted.
Where can I get help with essay writing or referencing?
The Centre for Learning and Study Support (CLaSS) offers workshops, drop-ins, and one-to-one tutorials, alongside the Maths Learning Centre and Drawing Centre.
Can AssignPro Solution write my DMU assignment for me?
No. We provide tutoring, proofreading, referencing guidance, and structured feedback to help you improve your own work — we never write or complete assignments on a student’s behalf.
Key Takeaways
- DMU’s default referencing style is Cite Them Right Harvard — confirm variations with your module
- Submission happens through LearningZone with Turnitin originality checking
- Unauthorised late submission receives an immediate 0% — there is no grace period
- Extensions (up to 5 working days) and deferrals (rescheduled sittings) are different tools for different situations
- Academic offences are handled by an APO first, then an Academic Offences Panel for serious or repeat cases
- Degree classification is based on your best credits at Levels 5 and 6, weighted toward your final year
- CLaSS offers free, practical academic skills support throughout your studies
Conclusion
Succeeding at DMU isn’t about knowing generic assignment advice — it’s about knowing DMU’s own systems for referencing, submission, and support, and using them deliberately rather than reactively. The policies above are drawn directly from DMU’s published guidance, but they can change, so always check your current module handbook and Blackboard/LearningZone announcements for the latest requirements.
Disclaimer: This guide is provided for educational and informational purposes only. AssignPro Solution offers tutoring, proofreading, referencing guidance, and academic feedback services, and does not write or complete assignments on behalf of students. Always refer to official De Montfort University sources for the most current policies.
Sources and Further Reading
| Topic | Source |
|---|---|
| Cite Them Right Harvard referencing | DMU Referencing Guide – Harvard |
| Coursework extensions | Extensions – DMU |
| Deferral process and deadlines | Deferrals – DMU |
| Bad academic practice and academic offences | Academic Integrity – DMU |
| Submitting via LearningZone and Turnitin | Turnitin Student Guides – DMU Library |
| Degree classification formula | Award Classification Calculations Guidance 2025/26 |
| Academic skills workshops and tutorials | Centre for Learning and Study Support (CLaSS) |
Related UK University Resources:
- university-specific assignment guidance – consult our central hub of UK university assessment regulations, Turnitin policies, and degree classification standards.
- Free Reference Generator – create accurate Harvard, APA and OSCOLA references in seconds.
- Common Assignment Mistakes UK Students Make – avoid the errors that cost the most marks.