References (e-learning)

This course supports you in learning how to deal with references, exploring unfamiliar reference systems, using digital tools to style and check references, and much more. The study notes, together with a 'Reference shelf', list a great many resources where you can find further information about references and other relevant data.

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About the course

After working through this course, you will understand how the different types of reference systems work, be aware of the elements required by different citation systems, and be able to devise or follow consistent rules for styling and filing order. You will also know where to look for further information if a particular problem with a reference (or citation) is not explicitly covered by this course.

The course is for you if:

  • you’re an author, academic editor, copyeditor, proofreader, production editor or project manager
  • you work with academic material that includes a reference list
  • you want to make checking references less tedious and time-consuming.

What the course will teach you

The course equips you with skills to deal with standard and less typical references effectively and efficiently. By the time you’ve completed this training, you’ll understand:

  • how to deal with references and citations
  • how the different types of reference systems work
  • the elements required by different citation systems
  • how to devise or follow consistent rules for styling and filing order
  • how to edit, link and validate bibliographic references with Edifix
  • where to look for further information.

Course contents

Unit 1: Introduction

  • What references are and do

  • The reasoning behind them

  • Terms and definitions

  • The editor’s role in the referencing process

  • Filing systems

Unit 2: Author–date system

  • How the system works

  • Practice exercises

Unit 3: Short-title system

  • How the system works
  • Practice exercises

Unit 4: Number systems

  • How they work

  • Practice exercises

Unit 5: Edifix

  • What Edifix is

  • Formatting and validating efficiently

Unit 6: Almost everything else

  • Dealing with complications

  • Other types of reference and ways of listing references

  • Converting references from one system to another

  • Self-assessed exercise

What skills and tools do you need?

This course follows British English spelling, grammar and punctuation conventions in the main. You’ll also need:

  • core editing skills
  • fluency in English
  • familiarity with the functions of word processing programs – this course assumes use of MS Word (Office 365).

Non-member

If you’re not a CIEP member, click the button below to sign up for this course.

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Prices, timescales and upgrade points

  • Member: £170 + VAT
  • Non-member: £280 + VAT
  • Access to course: 6 months
  • Approximate study time to complete: 25–30 hours
  • CIEP upgrade points: 5

Key course features

Structured training

Structured units cover a range of topics relevant to your chosen course.

Self-paced learning

With our e-learning courses, learn when you want at a pace that’s convenient for you.

Training portal

Access your course via our user-friendly online training portal. All e-learning courses are accessible through the portal for six months from the date of enrolment.

Extra help

Additional tutor support is available on our self-assessed courses for a small fee.

Self-assessed exercises

Hone your skills with self-assessed exercises and quizzes, and mark your own work against model answers.

Certificate

Download, print and keep a certificate of completion once you’ve finished your course so you can demonstrate your commitment to CPD.

 

Since I joined the CIEP, I have completed a number of courses ranging from the more general Copyediting 1 to the more specific References and have picked up some brilliant tips from the Word for Practical Editing course (no matter how much you think you know about Word, you’ll learn something new on this one). Each one has been well laid out, clear, packed with valuable information and worth every penny. I’ll be signing up for more as soon as possible.

CP

Testimonial

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