A-Z Referencing Examples
This page explains how to write references. See the Introduction to Referencing page for guidance on in-text citations.
Click on a source below to find out how to reference it in your reference list. Frequently referenced items can be found at the top of the list, followed by an A-Z. If a source is not listed, visit the APA Style Blog, or consult the APA manual.
For a full list of items see A-Z Reference Examples.
Author, N. (Year). Title (Edition.). Publisher. https://doi.org/xxxxx
Ninagawa, C. (2023). AI time series control system modelling. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-4594-6
Example 2 (Book with two authors and an edition)
Mankiw, N. G., & Taylor, M. P. (2023). Economics (6th ed.). Cengage.
An image might be a graph, diagram, photograph, or other picture. In APA, these are referred to as ‘figures’. If you are referencing a table, see the Tables section.
This is a simplified version of image referencing using APA. All taught students are permitted to use this simplified guidance but should not be marked down for using the official APA format. Researchers who are publishing work using APA will need to provide a full copyright attribution, as instructed in the APA manual. Figure number Descriptive Title of the Image From Author (year, p. x) or Author (year) Figure 1 Stained Glass Window at Coventry Cathedral From Oluwole (2021) Figure number Descriptive Title of the Image Adapted from Author (year, p. x) or Author (year) Figure 2 Components of a PESTEL Analysis Adapted from Kumar & Kumar (2018, pp. 417-418) Figure number Descriptive Title of the Image Figure 3 Favourite Biscuits of Coventry University Librarians
Images cited in your work need a full reference in your reference list, except for images created by yourself. For example, reference an image from a website as a website reference. Format and Examples
Format 1 (Image copied from another source)
Example 1 (Image copied from a website)
Format 2 (Image adapted from another source)
Example 2 (Diagram created using information from a book)
Format 3 (Image you have created yourself)
Example 3 (Image you have created yourself)
Reference list
Tips
Author, N. (Year). Article title. Journal Title, volume(issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxx
Example 1 (Journal article with a DOI)
Chen, H. C., & Pang, N. S. (2022). Sustaining the ecosystem of higher education in China: Perspectives from young researchers. Perspectives in Education, 40(3), 95-117. https://doi.org/10.18820/2519593X/pie.v40.i3.7
Example 2 (Journal article without a DOI or issue number, accessed through Locate or a library database)
Cairns, J. (2024). Phases of the Buddhist approach to the environment. Journal of Buddhist Ethics, 31, 1-33.
Example 3 (Journal article without a DOI, accessed on a website, but not via Locate or a library database)
Nield, S. (2022). Accessible podcasts. ALISS Quarterly, 18(1), 13-15. https://alissnet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/aliss-vol-18-no.1-oct-2022-draft.pdf
Named author
Author, N. (Year). Report title. Organisation. https://doi.org/xxxxx or https://www.website.com/report
Named author
Author, N. (Year). Report title. Organisation. https://doi.org/xxxxx or https://www.website.com/report
If no author, use the organisation’s name as the author
Organisation. (Year). Report title. https://doi.org/xxxxx or https://www.website.com/report
Example 1 (Named author, a DOI, and published as part of a series)
Russell, H., & E. Smyth, E. (2024). Caregiving among young adults in Ireland (ESRI Research Series 168). Economic & Social Research Institute. https://doi.org/10.26504/rs168
Example 2 (Report with the organisation as author. Date written in full)
National Audit Office. (2024, March 15). Use of artificial intelligence in government (Session 2023-24 HC 612). https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/use-of-artificial-intelligence-in-government.pdf
Example 3 (No DOI. The web link is to the home page as it is a subscription database which requires a login)
Shao, D. (2023). Supermarkets, China 2023. Mintel. https://clients.mintel.com/
Website with named author
Author, N. (Date). Title of the specific webpage. Website Name. https://www.website.com/page
If no author, use the organisation’s name as the author
Website Name. (Date). Title of the specific webpage. https://www.website.com/page
Example 1 (Named author)
Sakai, C. (2023, September 18). Nurturing creative confidence in early years: A virtual conversation. Victoria and Albert Museum. https://www.vam.ac.uk/blog/museum-life/coventrys-coundon-court-school-wins-inaugural-va-innovate-national-schools-challenge
Example 2 (Organisation as the author)
Health and Care Professions Council. (2023). The standards of proficiency for paramedics. https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-proficiency/paramedics/
Example 3 (Website changing regularly. Web link is to the home page as it is a subscription database which requires a login)
Fame. (n.d.). [Telecommunications companies in the West Midlands]. Retrieved May 16, 2024, from https://fame4.bvdinfo.com/
Act Title Year
Reference: Human Rights Act 1998
In-text citation: Section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998 allows victims of privacy invasions to bring actions against public authorities.
This guidance is for students who have been given permission by their module leader to use generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, QuillBot, Chimp Rewriter, DALL-E etc.).
If permitted to use AI, you must:
1) Cite and reference any information generated by AI.
2) Follow all instructions in your assignment brief regarding its use.
Reference
Organisation. (Year). Title of software (Version information) [Type of software]. https://www.website.com/
In-text citation
Details of prompt used and response (Organisation, year).
Reference: OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Apr 30 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
In-text citation: When prompted to provide some background information on Jaguar Land Rover, ChatGPT stated, "JLR specialises in design, development, manufacture and sale of luxury vehicles" (OpenAI, 2024).
Ancient or classic work read in a book
Author, N. (Year of the version you read). Title (N. Translator, Trans. or N. Editor, Ed.). Publisher. (Original work published Year)
Ancient or classic work read on a website
Author, N. (Year of the version you read). Title (N. Translator, Trans. or N. Editor, Ed.). Website Name. https://doi.org/xxxxx (Original work published Year)
In-text citations
(Author, Year of original publication/Year of the version you read)
Author (Year of original publication/Year of the version you read)
Example 1 (A book with an estimated date of original publication)
Reference: Arrian. (1971). The campaigns of Alexander (A. de Sélincourt, Trans.). Penguin Books. (Original work published ca. 330 B.C.E.)
In-text citation: (Arrian, ca. 330 B.C.E./1971) or Arrian (ca. 330 B.C.E./1971) suggests . . .
Example 2 (A website)
Reference: Shakespeare, W. (2014). The taming of the shrew (B. A. Mowat & P. Werstine, Eds.). Folger Shakespeare Library. https://shakespeare.folger.edu/shakespeares-works/the-taming-of-the-shrew/download/ (Original work published 1623)
In-text citation: (Shakespeare, 1623/2014) or Shakespeare (1623/2014) encourages . . .
Artists' book, photobook, or zine with a single author, and self-published
Author, N. (Year). Title. [Format].
Artists' book, photobook, or zine with a single author, and commercially published
Author, N. (Year). Title. [Format]. Publisher.
Example 1 (Zine with a single author, and self-published)
Sillars, J. (2019). Euphoriacs: A zine surrounding trans people and our relationships with clothing. [Zine].
Example 2 (Artists' book with a single author, and commercially published)
Poulain, D. (2023). Birds. [Artists' book]. Éditions du livre.
Artist, N. (Year). Artwork title [Type of artwork]. Gallery/Museum or Website Name, Location. https://www.website.com/page
van Gogh, V. (1889). The starry night [Painting]. The Museum of Modern Art, New York, USA. https://www.moma.org/collection/works/79802
Author, N. (Year, Month Day). Title of post. Blog Title. https://www.website.com/page
Winfield, J. (2021, July 8). From clearing to global management internship in China. Coventry University. https://www.coventry.ac.uk/blog/jimmys-clearing-story/
Author, N. (Year). Title (Edition.). Publisher. https://doi.org/xxxxx
Ninagawa, C. (2023). AI time series control system modelling. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-4594-6
Example 2 (Book with two authors and an edition)
Mankiw, N. G., & Taylor, M. P. (2023). Economics (6th ed.). Cengage.
Author, N. (Year). Chapter title. In N. Editor (Ed.), Book title (pp. x-x). Publisher. https://doi.org/xxxxx
Example 1 (First edition of a book with a DOI)
Barker, S. (2021). Painting the plague, 1230-1640. In C. Lynteris (Ed.), Plague image and imagination from medieval to modern times (pp. 37-68). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-72304-0
Example 2 (Subsequent edition of a print book with multiple authors and editors)
Perrin, D., & Simpson, D. (2021). Where and how you will learn. In R. Helyer, T. Wall, A. Minton & A. Lund (Eds.), The work-based learning student handbook (3rd ed., pp. 24-44). Bloomsbury Academic.
Online command paper
Organisation. (Year). Title of the paper (Command paper reference number). https://www.website.com/report
Print command paper
Organisation. (Year). Title of the paper (Command paper reference number). Publisher.
Example 1 (Online command paper)
Department for Energy Security & Net Zero. (2024). Civil nuclear: Roadmap to 2050 (Cp 1009). https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65c0e7cac43191000d1a457d/6.8610_DESNZ_Civil_Nuclear_Roadmap_report_Final_Web.pdf
Example 2 (Print command paper)
Law Commission. (2002). Sharing homes: A discussion paper (Cm 5666). The Stationery Office.
Author, N. (Year, Month Day(s) of the conference). Conference presentation title [Type of presentation]. Conference Name, Location. www.website.com/page
Motherwell, S., Heeney, C., & Sloan, P. (2023, September 6-8). 'Text me when you get home!' Research on the safety of women and girls on public transport in Scotland [Paper presentation]. European Transport Conference, Milan, Italy. https://www.therrc.co.uk/sites/default/files/files/Conference/2023/Presentations/2_marc_naura.pdf
Published data set
Author, N. (Year). Title (Numerical identifier; version) [Description]. Publisher. https://doi.org/xxxxx
Unpublished raw data
Author, N. (Year). Title [Unpublished raw data]. Source of unpublished data.
Untitled unpublished raw data
Author, N. (Year). [Description of untitled data] [Unpublished raw data]. Source of unpublished data.
Example 1 (Published data set)
Leland, J. & Kickstarter. (2024). Kickstarter data, global, 2009-2023 (ICPSR 38050; Version V3) [Data Set]. ICPSR. https://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR38050.v3
Example 2 (Unpublished raw data)
Boole, G. (2024). Librarian biscuit consumption [Unpublished raw data]. National Centre for Librarians.
Example 3 (Untitled unpublished raw data)
Dewey, M. (2023). [Correlation between student focus and screen time] [Unpublished raw data]. Coventry University.
Named author
Author, N. (Year). Entry title. In N. Editor (Ed.), Dictionary or encyclopaedia title (Edition.). Publisher. https://www.website.com/entry
If no author, use the organisation’s name as the author
Organisation. (Year). Entry title. In Dictionary or encyclopaedia title. https://www.website.com/entry
Example 1 (Named author)
dos Santos Leffa, P. (2023). Ultra-processed foods. In B. Caballero (Ed.), Encyclopedia of human nutrition (4th ed.). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-821848-8.00009-3
Example 2 (Organisation as the author, with regular updates to the entries)
Oxford English Dictionary. (n.d.). Life admin. In The Oxford English dictionary. Retrieved May 1, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/7327882606
Unpublished dissertation or thesis (available from the awarding institution)
Author, N. (Year). Dissertation or thesis title [Unpublished master’s dissertation or Unpublished doctoral thesis]. Name of University.
Published dissertation or thesis (available from databases such as EThoS or ProQuest, or Google Scholar)
Author, N. (Year). Dissertation or thesis title [Master’s dissertation or Doctoral dissertation, Name of University]. Database. https://www.database.com/dissertation
Example 1 (Unpublished dissertation)
Miyamoto, S. (2024). Student perceptions of engagement events in university libraries [Unpublished master's dissertation]. Coventry University.
Example 2 (Published doctoral thesis)
Benhamou, E. (2019). Genre in contemporary Disney animated features (2008-2016) [Doctoral thesis, University of Bristol]. EThOS. https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?did=1&uin=uk.bl.ethos.782581
Institutional Origin | Legislation Type | Number | Title
Reference: European Parliament and Council Regulation 2002/178/EC of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in the matters of food safety.
In-text citation: According to Article 50 of Regulation 2002/178/EC . . .
Director, N. (Director). (Year). Film title [Film]. Production Company.
Example 1 (Film with two production companies)
Nolan, C. (Director). (2023). Oppenheimer [Film]. Syncopy; Atlas Entertainment.
Example 2 (Translation of title in square brackets)
Bayona, J. A. (Director). (2023). La sociedad de la nieve [Society of the snow] [Film]. El Arriero Films; Misión de Audaces Films; Netflix.
Named author
Author, N. (Year). Title of report (Source type and report number). Organisation. https://www.website.com/report
If no author, use the organisation’s name as the author
Organisation. (Year). Title of report (Source type and report number). https://www.website.com/report
Example 1 (Command paper)
Department for Work and Pensions. (2024). Modernising support for independent living: The health and disability green paper (Cp 1061). https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/modernising-support-for-independent-living-the-health-and-disability-green-paper/modernising-support-for-independent-living-the-health-and-disability-green-paper
Example 2 (Library briefing paper with an individual author)
Keep, M. (2024). The Barnett formula and fiscal devolution (House of Commons Library Briefing Paper no. 7386). https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-7386/CBP-7386.pdf
Example 3 (House of Commons paper with a specific department as author. Date written in full)
National Audit Office. (2024, March 15). Use of artificial intelligence in government (Session 2023-24 HC 612). https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/use-of-artificial-intelligence-in-government.pdf
Example 4 (Briefing paper with an individual author and a government department as the organisation)
Sugars, R. (2024, July 11). Early years strategy. Coventry City Council. https://edemocracy.coventry.gov.uk/documents/s61101/Early%20Years%20Strategy.pdf
HC/HL Deb vol xx col xx (Year, Month Day). Hansard. https://www.website.com/page
Reference: HC Deb vol 718 col 1103 (2022, July 21). Hansard. https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2022-07-21/debates/44BE0081-39C0-4F2B-AFAE-507684B55B7E/NetZeroStrategyHighCourtRuling
In-text citation: (HC Deb, 2022)
In-text citation within a sentence: "The UK has driven down emissions by more than 45%" (HC Deb, 2022).
An image might be a graph, diagram, photograph, or other picture. In APA, these are referred to as ‘figures’. If you are referencing a table, see the Tables section.
This is a simplified version of image referencing using APA. All taught students are permitted to use this simplified guidance but should not be marked down for using the official APA format. Researchers who are publishing work using APA will need to provide a full copyright attribution, as instructed in the APA manual. Figure number Descriptive Title of the Image From Author (year, p. x) or Author (year) Figure 1 Stained Glass Window at Coventry Cathedral From Oluwole (2021) Figure number Descriptive Title of the Image Adapted from Author (year, p. x) or Author (year) Figure 2 Components of a PESTEL Analysis Adapted from Kumar & Kumar (2018, pp. 417-418) Figure number Descriptive Title of the Image Figure 3 Favourite Biscuits of Coventry University Librarians
Images cited in your work need a full reference in your reference list, except for images created by yourself. For example, reference an image from a website as a website reference. Format and Examples
Format 1 (Image copied from another source)
Example 1 (Image copied from a website)
Format 2 (Image adapted from another source)
Example 2 (Diagram created using information from a book)
Format 3 (Image you have created yourself)
Example 3 (Image you have created yourself)
Reference list
Tips
Author, N. (Year). Article title. Journal Title, volume(issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxx
Example 1 (Journal article with a DOI)
Chen, H. C., & Pang, N. S. (2022). Sustaining the ecosystem of higher education in China: Perspectives from young researchers. Perspectives in Education, 40(3), 95-117. https://doi.org/10.18820/2519593X/pie.v40.i3.7
Example 2 (Journal article without a DOI or issue number, accessed through Locate or a library database)
Cairns, J. (2024). Phases of the Buddhist approach to the environment. Journal of Buddhist Ethics, 31, 1-33.
Example 3 (Journal article without a DOI, accessed on a website, but not via Locate or a library database)
Nield, S. (2022). Accessible podcasts. ALISS Quarterly, 18(1), 13-15. https://alissnet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/aliss-vol-18-no.1-oct-2022-draft.pdf
In-text citations and references are the formatted in the same way for law reports. For further Information see: Neutral citations and law reports
Neutral citation
Case Name(s) [Year] Abbreviation for Court Name | Case Number
Law report
Case Name(s) [(Year)] Volume | Abbreviation for Law Report Name | Page number
Example 1 (Neutral citation)
Charalambous v Welding [2009] EWCA Civ 1578
Example 2a (Law report)
Douglas v Hello! Magazine [2001] 2 WLR 992
Example 2b (Narrative in-text citation)
In Douglas v Hello! Magazine [2001] 2 WLR 992, the Court of Appeal stressed that equal weighting be given to both rights and that any case should be determined by adopting the principles of proportionality.
Example 2c (Parenthetical in-text citation)
The Court of Appeal stressed that equal weighting be given to both rights and that any case should be determined by adopting the principles of proportionality (Douglas v Hello! Magazine [2001] 2 WLR 992).
Example 2d (Subsequent in-text citations)
Douglas v Hello! Magazine (2001)
Lecturer, N. (Date). Title of lecture [Format]. Website. https://www.website.com/page/
Torres, M. (2024, March 12). Seven psychological perspectives [PowerPoint slides]. Aula. https://coventry.aula.education/
Print magazine
Author, N. (Year, Month Day). Article title. Magazine Title, pages.
Online magazine
Author, N. (Year, Month Day). Article title. Magazine Title. https://www.website.com/page
Example 1 (Print magazine)
Taylor, H. (2024, April 26). Is UK inflation still on track? Investors Chronicle, 14-16.
Example 2 (Online magazine)
Adler, T. (2024, July 25).The United States of pizza. Vogue. https://www.vogue.com/article/united-states-of-pizza-restaurant-guide
Traditional maps
Author, N. (Year). Map title [Map]. Publisher. https://www.website.com/page
Dynamically created maps (e.g. Google Maps, Apple Maps)
Organisation. (n.d.). [Map description in square brackets]. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from https://www.website.com/page
Example 1 (Traditional map)
Mudge, W. (1801). An entirely new and accurate survey of the county of Kent, with part of the county of Essex [Map]. Board of Ordnance. http://mapco.net/kent1801/kent1801.htm
Example 2 (Dynamic map)
Google. (n.d.). [Google Maps directions for driving from Coventry University to Stratford-upon-Avon]. Retrieved May 21, 2024, from https://maps.app.goo.gl/r9wcCyc1Lx3YZEeX8
Movies (see: Films)
Music score with a composer
Composer, N. (Year). Music score title [Type of score]. Publisher.
Republished music score with a composer
Composer, N. (Year). Music score title [Type of score]. Publisher. (Original work published Year)
In-text citation (Republished music score)
(Composer, Year of the republication/Year originally published)
Example 1 (Music score with a composer)
Marianelli, D. (2006). Pride and prejudice: Music from the motion picture soundtrack [Musical score]. Wise Publications.
Example 2 (Republished music score with a composer)
Reference: Verdi, G. (2002). Brindisi from la traviata [Vocal score]. Oxford University Press. (Original work published 1853)
In-text citation: (Verdi, 2002/1853)
Music album
Artist, N. (Year). Album title [Album]. Production Company.
Song
Artist, N. (Year). Song title [Song]. On Album title. Production Company.
Example 1 (Music album)
Linkin Park. (2003). Meteora [Album]. Warner Bros.
Example 2 (Song)
Dion, C. (1996). Because you loved me [Song]. On Falling into you. Columbia; Epic.
Named author
Author, N. (Year, Month Day). Article title. News Website. https://www.website.com/page
If no author, use the news website as the author
News Website. (Year, Month Day). Article title. https://www.website.com/page
Example 1 (Article with a named author)
Nachiappan, A. (2023, December 20). AI cannot be named as the inventor, Supreme Court rules in patent dispute. Sky News. https://news.sky.com/story/ai-cannot-be-named-as-the-inventor-supreme-court-rules-in-patent-dispute-13034816
Example 2 (Article without a named author)
BBC News. (2024, May 29). Lost John Lennon guitar sets record at auction. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy00eppxk80o
Author, N. (Year, Month Day). Article title. Newspaper Title. https://www.website.com/article
Plimmer, G., Mooney, A., & Bott, I. (2024, May 8). Holding back the floods for 40 years: Thames Barrier is due an upgrade. Financial Times. https://www.ft.com/content/027a0d94-90f6-4841-94c1-b974ac895adb
Your own work (primary data) does not require citation and referencing if you have not submitted or published it on any platform (e.g. Turnitin) before.
If you want to include material that you have submitted or published before, check with your lecturer first, and then follow the format below.
Author, N. (Year). Title [Unpublished name of assignment and module code]. University Name.
Jones, A. (2024) The pitch presentation [Unpublished assignment submitted for 6016MFH]. Coventry University.
Inventor, N. (Year Patent Issued). Patent title (Patent Number). Patent Office. https://www.website.com/page
Dalgarno, M. R. (2015). Fire resistant ducting systems (GB2517476). UK Intellectual Property Office. https://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?DB=EPODOC&II=0&ND=3&adjacent=true&FT=D&date=20150225&CC=GB&NR=2517476A&KC=A#
A PDF is a file format rather than a source type and there are no specific APA guidelines. Instead, identify the source type, whether a report, journal article, leaflet, etc. and follow the guidance for that source.
Personal communications include emails, interviews, phone calls and unrecorded lectures. Where these have been published (e.g. an interview published in a magazine) follow the referencing guidelines for that type of resource.
Personal communications are only referenced using in-text citations. You do not give an entry in the list of references, as the information has not been published anywhere for you to reference.
Narrative citation
N. Author (personal communication, Month Day, Year)
Parenthetical citation
(N. Author, personal communication, Month Day, Year)
Example 1 (Narrative citation)
J. Clewes (personal communication, May 3, 2024) suggested that…
Example 2 (Parenthetical citation)
(K. Dodhia, personal communication, June 15, 2024)
Photobooks (see: Artists’ books)
To reference a photograph, you must first identify where the photograph has come from, and its intended use in your assignment.
A whole podcast series
Host, N. (Host). (Year-Year). Podcast title [Audio podcast]. Production Company. https://www.website.com/page
A specific episode
Host, N. (Host). (Year, Month Day). Episode title (No. x) [Audio podcast episode]. In Podcast title. Production Company. https://www.website.com/page
Example 1 (A whole podcast series)
Rachman, G. (Host). (2019–present). Rachman review [Audio podcast]. Financial Times. https://www.ft.com/rachman-review
Example 2 (A specific episode)
Campbell, A., & Stewart, R. (Hosts). (2024, April 10). What Britain really thinks of politics (No. 253) [Audio podcast episode]. In The rest is politics. Goalhanger Podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-britain-really-thinks-of-politics/id1611374685?i=1000651929901
Presentations (see: Lectures or Conference papers and presentations)
Presenter, N. (Year, Month Day). Title [Radio broadcast]. Radio Station. https://www.website.com/page
Razzle, K. (2024, May 29). The media show: Is this the TikTok election? [Radio broadcast]. BBC Radio 4. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001zngb
Religious work read in a book
Title (N. Translator, Trans.; Edition). (Year). Publisher.
Religious work read on a website
Title. (Year). Website Name. https://www.website.com/page (Original work published Year)
In-text citations
Title (Year of original publication/Year of the version you read)
(Title, Year of original publication/Year of the version you read)
Example 1 (Religious work read in a book, including a translator and edition)
Reference: The Bhagavad Gita (E. Easwaran, Trans.; 2nd ed.). (2007). The Blue Mountain Center of Meditation.
In-text citation: (The Bhagavad Gita, 2007) or The Bhagavad Gita (2007) discusses . . .
Example 2 (Religious work read on a website, including an original published date)
Reference: King James Bible. (2017). King James Bible Online. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/ (Original work published 1769).
In-text citation: (King James Bible, 1769/2017) or King James Bible (1769/2017) states . . .
Named author
Author, N. (Year). Report title. Organisation. https://doi.org/xxxxx or https://www.website.com/report
Named author
Author, N. (Year). Report title. Organisation. https://doi.org/xxxxx or https://www.website.com/report
If no author, use the organisation’s name as the author
Organisation. (Year). Report title. https://doi.org/xxxxx or https://www.website.com/report
Example 1 (Named author, a DOI, and published as part of a series)
Russell, H., & E. Smyth, E. (2024). Caregiving among young adults in Ireland (ESRI Research Series 168). Economic & Social Research Institute. https://doi.org/10.26504/rs168
Example 2 (Report with the organisation as author. Date written in full)
National Audit Office. (2024, March 15). Use of artificial intelligence in government (Session 2023-24 HC 612). https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/use-of-artificial-intelligence-in-government.pdf
Example 3 (No DOI. The web link is to the home page as it is a subscription database which requires a login)
Shao, D. (2023). Supermarkets, China 2023. Mintel. https://clients.mintel.com/
Author, N. [Username]. (Year, Month Day). Title or first 20 words of post [Type of post]. Social Media Site. www.socialmedia.com/user/post
Example 1 (Instagram photo)
National Geographic [@natgeo]. (2020, December 10). A 1912 replica of West Virginia's Stonewall Jackson has recently been removed at the Virginia Military Institute [Photograph]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/CImHuqcMJUL/
Example 2 (X post with image attached)
Paralympic Games [@paralympics]. (2024, April 1). It's our #ParaCanoe sports week! Get to know more about this Para sport as we head into the @Paris2024 Paralympic [Image attached] [Post]. X. https://twitter.com/Paralympics/status/1774776204903469364
Example 3 (TikTok video)
Coventry University Library [@covunilibrary]. (2024, March 7). Today is World Book Day and we just want you to read a book! 📚💛💙 It doesn't matter [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@covunilibrary/video/7343537583827275041
Example 4 (A whole profile)
Swift, T. [@taylorswift]. (n.d.). Posts [Instagram profile]. Instagram. Retrieved June 9, 2024, from https://www.instagram.com/taylorswift
When to reference software
You do not need to reference software if it is commonly used in your field (e.g. Microsoft Word or SPSS) unless you have quoted or paraphrased from the software. You also do not need to reference programming languages (e.g. Python or C#). Just state the name of the software or programming language in your assignment. If a piece of software is not in common use, or if you have quoted or paraphrased from it, include a reference.
Console games
APA 7th edition provides guidance for referencing computer software and mobile apps, but does not cover console games. If you need to reference a video game, particularly if it is available across multiple consoles, you may need to adapt the format below to make it clear which version you have used.
Author, N. (Year). Title of software (Version number) [Type of software]. Publisher. https://www.website.com/app
Example 1 (Computer software)
Barone, E. (2024). Stardew Valley (Version 1.6.8) [Computer software]. ConcernedApe. https://store.steampowered.com/app/413150/Stardew_Valley/
Example 2 (Mobile app)
Nintendo. (2020). Animal crossing: Pocket camp (Version 3.2.0) [Mobile app]. Google Play Store. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nintendo.zaca&hl=en_GB
Organisation. (Year). Standard title (Standard number). Publisher. https://www.website.com/standard
British Standards Institution. (2022). Project, programme and portfolio management. Guidance on programme management (BS ISO 21503:2022). British Standards Institution. https://bsol.bsigroup.com/Bibliographic/BibliographicInfoData/000000000030437073
Title Year, SI Year/Number
Reference: Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulation 2013, SI 2013/2996
In-text citation: Regulation 4 of the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulation 2013, SI 2013/2996 states that...
Subsequent in-text citation: Regulation 4 of SI 2013/2996 states that . . .
Format 1 (Table produced using your own data) | Example 1 (Table produced using your own data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Table number Descriptive Title of the Table
Add any notes to explain the table here (optional) |
Table 1 Favourite Biscuits of Coventry University Librarians
|
Format 2 (Table reproduced from another source) | Example 2 (Table reproduced using information from a website) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Table number Descriptive Title of the Table
From Author (year, p. x) or Author (year) OR Adapted from Author (year, p. x) or Author (year) |
Table 2 Diabetes Registrations by Age Group in England 2023-24
Adapted from NHS Digital (2024) |
There are several ways to reference a table when using multiple sources:
Format 3a (Table created from multiple sources) | Example 3a (Table created from multiple sources) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Table number Descriptive Title of the Table
Data in column 2 from Author (year, p. x) Data in column 3 from Author (year, p. x) |
Table 3 Population in 2023 and Projected Population by 2050
Data in column 2 from Statistia (2023) Data in column 3 from World Health Organization (2024) |
Format 3b (In-text citations in the table itself) | Example 3b (In-text citations in the table itself) | ||||||||||||||||||
Table number Descriptive Title of the Table
|
Table 3 A Comparison of Views About Cats and Dogs
|
Format 3c (Superscript notes in the table) | Example 3c (Superscript notes in the table) | ||||||||||||||||||
Table number Descriptive Title of the Table
a From Author (year, p. x) b From Author (year, p. x) c From Author (year, p. x) |
Table 3 Average Live Viewership of Olympic Opening Ceremonies
a From Plunkett (2012) b From Coster (2021) c From Bulbeck (2012) |
A whole TV series
Producer, N. (Executive Producer). (Year-Year). Series title [TV series]. Production Company.
A specific episode
Writer, N. (Writer & Director). (Year, Month Day). Title of episode (Season 1, Episode 1) [TV series episode]. In N. Producer (Executive Producers), Series title. Production Company.
Example 1 (A whole TV series)
Schur, M., Miner, D., Sackett, M., & Goddard, D. (Executive Producers). (2016-2020). The good place [TV series]. Fremulon; 3 Arts Entertainment; Universal Television.
Example 2 (A specific episode)
Levy, D. (Writer), & Canning, J. (Director). (2020, March 31). Start spreading the news (Season 6, Episode 13) [TV series episode]. In E. Levy, D. Levy, F. Levy, A. Barnsley, B. Feigin & D. West Read (Executive Producers), Schitt’s creek. Not A Real Company Productions; Canadian Broadcasting Company.
APA does not have official guidance for unpublished documents. If you need to reference an unpublished document, please follow the format below.
Confidential documents are private or commercially sensitive information, such as patient health records or details of a supplier contract, where disclosure of identity is prohibited by law or the owner of the information.
Internal documents contain information relevant to an organisation. These may or may not be confidential.
Talk to your lecturer if you are unsure about confidentiality in your assignment. It may sometimes be appropriate to add an anonymised extract of the document to an appendix to provide context for the reader.
Unpublished confidential documents
Anonymised author. (Year). Title [Unpublished document].
Unpublished internal documents
Author. (Year). Title [Unpublished document]. Department, Company.
Example 1 (Unpublished confidential document)
Company A. (2023). [Company A’s] procurement strategy 2023-2028 [Unpublished document].
Example 2 (Unpublished confidential document with descriptive title)
NHS Trust. (2022). [Document detailing patient data breach] [Unpublished document]. NHS England.
Example 3 (Unpublished internal document)
Vaughan, P. (2024). Collection development strategy [Unpublished document]. Lanchester Library, Coventry University.
Videos on a video sharing platform (YouTube, Vimeo etc.)
Uploader. (Year, Month Day). Video title [Video]. Video Platform. https://www.website.com/video
Videos on social media (TikTok, Instagram, X etc.)
Author, N. [Username]. (Year, Month Day). Title or first 20 words of post [Video]. Social Media Site. https://www.socialmedia.com/user/post
Example 1 (Videos on a video sharing platform)
TED. (2024, February 5). How babies think about danger | Shari Liu | TED [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6djPLVa9aQ4
Example 2 (Videos on social media)
Coventry University Library [@covunilibrary]. (2024, March 7). Today is World Book Day and we just want you to read a book! 📚💛💙 It doesn't matter [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@covunilibrary/video/7343537583827275041
Website with named author
Author, N. (Date). Title of the specific webpage. Website Name. https://www.website.com/page
If no author, use the organisation’s name as the author
Website Name. (Date). Title of the specific webpage. https://www.website.com/page
Example 1 (Named author)
Sakai, C. (2023, September 18). Nurturing creative confidence in early years: A virtual conversation. Victoria and Albert Museum. https://www.vam.ac.uk/blog/museum-life/coventrys-coundon-court-school-wins-inaugural-va-innovate-national-schools-challenge
Example 2 (Organisation as the author)
Health and Care Professions Council. (2023). The standards of proficiency for paramedics. https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-proficiency/paramedics/
Example 3 (Website changing regularly. Web link is to the home page as it is a subscription database which requires a login)
Fame. (n.d.). [Telecommunications companies in the West Midlands]. Retrieved May 16, 2024, from https://fame4.bvdinfo.com/
Zines (see: Artists’ books)