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Libraries and Learning Skills

Images: finding, using and referencing

Academic use of images

Can I use images in my assignment?

You can use a range of visual content in your academic work, as long as it is relevant and you engage with it as you would a quote or piece of information from a source. 

Visual content can include:

  • images and photographs
  • charts, graphs and tables
  • icons and infographics
  • maps
  • videos (if appropriate - you may need to check with tutor particularly with format/link for video content) 

Make sure the visual content you use has a purpose and directly relates to your work and discussion. Don't leave the image to speak for itself - engage with it and consider:- ​

  • how does it help to enforce your point?
  • What does it show/demonstrate?

Academic integrity applies to using images in your work as well as textual information, so make sure to reference any images or visual content you use (see our referencing images page for further help).

Where do images go in my essay?

If you have a small selection (less than 5) of images or figures, these can go in the body of your essay. If, however, you have a large amount of figures or images you are including/discussing in your work, these should be placed in the appendices at the end of your essay (after References).

See Appendices for more help on why you might want to include appendices and how to format them. If unsure where to include non-textual or supplemental information in your assignment, check with your module tutor.

 

List of Figures or Illustrations

All images you use in your work need to be included in a List of Figures or Illustrations — this includes artworks, photographs, images of any kind, infographics, graphs, maps, logos, charts, and diagrams. It also includes any images you may have created yourself (make this clear in your in-text citation).

As with any other material, you must credit the source from which any images you use in your work originated following the Harvard Referencing style guidelines.

 

List of Tables

In an assignment, a table is characterized by its row and column structure. It provides a structured way to present data, facts, or information. Unlike figures (which include images, graphs, and charts), tables are listed separately and serve a purpose beyond mere illustration.

Why might I want to use visual content?

Visual content can be used in academic work as:-

  inspiration

  evidence or example

  discussion point

  case study

How should I not use images?

We recommend that you do not:-​

  Use stock images for decorative purposes​

  Use images for the sake of it​

  Leave an image to speak for itself​

  You must engage with any images used, the same as a quotation​, i.e. why have you used it in your work​?

  Reference Google, Pinterest, or any other search engine​

  You must reference the original creator of the image, or at least the person who posted it (if you can’t find the original)​

List of Figures or Illustrations

These are placed:-

  • Either at the start of an essay or report or at the end, before the List of References.
  • Unlike other references, the images/illustrations are not listed alphabetically, but in the order they appear in the work.

 

In the text: (see fig. 1.) (Banksy, 2011) or Banksy (2011)

In the List of Illustrations:

Figure 1. Banksy (2011) Shop until you drop. [Graffitti Art] Available from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shop_Until_You_Drop_by_Banksy.JPG [accessed 2 November 2018]