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University of Glasgow Turnitin Guide

A practical step-by-step guide for students

Turnitin is the University of Glasgow’s primary tool for submitting written coursework, checking originality, and receiving feedback.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from accessing your submission point to interpreting your similarity report.

1. Turnitin and Why It Is Used

Turnitin is an online submission system that checks written work against:

  • Academic publications
  • Internet sources
  • Previously submitted student work

At the University of Glasgow, Turnitin helps students:

  • Submit coursework securely
  • Receive digital feedback from staff
  • Understand academic integrity expectations
  • Improve citation and referencing practices

2. Accessing Your Turnitin Submission Point

The University uses Moodle or Canvas (depending on your course) to host Turnitin links. To find your submission area:

  1. Log in to Moodle/Canvas using your GUID.
  2. Navigate to the course you are submitting to.
  3. Look for a section titled Assignments, Assessments, or Turnitin Submission.
  4. Select the Turnitin submission link created by your instructor.

If you cannot locate the link, contact your course convenor or check the course announcements.

3. Preparing Your File

Before uploading, ensure your document meets Turnitin requirements.

Accepted File Types

  • .doc / .docx
  • .pdf (non-scanned)
  • .rtf
  • .txt
  • .odt

Important File Tips

  • Ensure your file is not password-protected.
  • Ensure text is selectable, not an image or scan.
  • Use a clear file name, usually:
    GUID_CourseCode_AssignmentName

4. Submitting Your Assignment

  1. Open the Turnitin submission link.
  2. Select Upload Submission.
  3. Enter submission details (title, name if required).
  4. Upload your file.
  5. Preview your document to confirm accuracy.
  6. Click Submit.

You should see a digital receipt—save or screenshot this for your records.

5. Understanding the Similarity Report

Turnitin generates a similarity score shown as a percentage. This percentage does not automatically indicate plagiarism—interpretation matters.

What the Similarity Score Shows

  • Matching text found in Turnitin’s database
  • Highlighted areas showing overlaps with other sources
  • A colour-coded score:
ScoreMeaning
0–10%Likely normal referencing/citations
11–25%Acceptable for most written work
26–50%High—requires review
50%+Very high—possible academic issue

Always review your report to ensure:

  • Quotes are properly formatted
  • Citations are complete
  • Paraphrasing is sufficiently original

Note: Some courses disable student access to similarity reports—this is normal and depends on course policy.

6. Resubmissions and Deadlines

Your ability to resubmit varies:

  • Some courses allow unlimited resubmissions until the deadline.
  • Others allow only one submission.
  • Some allow resubmissions but enforce a 24-hour delay before generating a new similarity report.

Check your course handbook or Turnitin instructions for specific rules.

Late submissions may be accepted but usually incur penalties unless you have approved extensions via your school or the Disability Service.

7. Receiving Feedback Through Turnitin

Turnitin allows instructors to provide feedback using:

  • Inline comments
  • Text comments
  • QuickMarks (pre-made feedback tags)
  • Rubrics or grading forms

To access feedback:

  1. Return to your submission link after grades are released.
  2. Select View Assignment.
  3. Open the Feedback Studio to see comments and marks.

8. Common Turnitin Issues and Fixes

Upload Won’t Process

  • Resize large images in your document.
  • Export as a fresh PDF rather than scanning.

Similarity Report Not Generating

  • Reports may take up to 24 hours, especially after multiple uploads.

File Format Not Accepted

  • Convert to .docx or non-scanned PDF.

Blank or Corrupted Submission

  • Always review the preview before final submission.
  • If submitted incorrectly, contact your course convenor immediately.

9. Academic Integrity at the University of Glasgow

Academic integrity is taken seriously. To avoid problems:

  • Cite all sources using your subject’s preferred referencing style.
  • Avoid close paraphrasing—rewrite ideas in your own words.
  • Never share your coursework with other students.
  • Use Turnitin reports as a learning tool.

If unsure, seek support from the Library, LEADS, or your course staff.

10. Additional Support

The University offers several support resources:

  • Library Academic Skills Workshops
  • LEADS Writing Support
  • School academic integrity guidance
  • Moodle/Canvas help pages

If Turnitin stops working near a deadline, contact your school immediately and take a screenshot of the error.