Harvard is a family of author–date referencing styles. Universities use different versions, so details such as punctuation and the number of named authors can vary. Use your institution’s guide consistently rather than combining examples from several systems.
How in-text citations work
A citation identifies the author and publication year near the material it supports. Add a page or other locator for direct quotations where your guide requires it. A narrative citation names the author in your sentence; a parenthetical citation places the author information in brackets.
Two authors and many authors
Check your local rules for naming two authors and shortening longer author lists with “et al.” The threshold varies between Harvard versions. The reference list may require more author names than the in-text citation. Keep the order used by the source.
Build the reference list as you write
Record the author, date, title and publication details when you read a source. Include the relevant publisher, journal information, DOI or URL according to source type and your guide. Alphabetise the final list as instructed and match every citation to its entry.
Reference list or bibliography?
A reference list normally contains works cited in the text; a bibliography may also include consulted material, depending on your course. Use the heading and scope your assessment specifies. Do not add unread sources to make the list appear longer.
Formatting and title-page questions
Harvard referencing does not establish one universal title-page layout. Follow your school’s assignment presentation instructions. Before submitting, check missing dates, repeated same-author same-year works, quotation locators and the consistency of source details.
A university guide to consult
The University of Leeds Harvard guide illustrates one institutional version. Use it where it matches your course; otherwise consult the guide prescribed by your own university.
Related study guides
Continue with paragraph planning, referencing guidance or the study knowledgebase. For feedback on your own draft, contact Assignment Writer with the brief and your specific question.
