In this article
Key takeaways
- Rules differ between universities, so always read your own policy.
- Proofreading for language is often allowed; changing content usually is not.
- Tutoring and mentoring that build your understanding are normal and encouraged.
- Someone else writing your work is misconduct, whoever it is.
- Keep drafts and notes as evidence of your own writing process.
Getting help with your studies is normal. Universities offer writing centres, tutors and library support because learning is not meant to be done alone. But many students worry about where the line is. Can a friend check my grammar? Can I pay for proofreading? What if an AI detector flags my work?
This guide explains the typical rules in plain language. One important point first: every university sets its own policy, and some are stricter than others. Treat this as a starting point, and always check your institution's academic integrity and proofreading policies.
What is usually allowed
- Tutoring and mentoring that help you understand concepts, plan your work or improve your skills.
- Feedback that points out problems, which you then fix yourself.
- University writing centre and library support.
- Proofreading for spelling, grammar and punctuation, where your university permits it.
- Help with referencing format and document layout, where permitted.
What proofreaders typically can and cannot do
Many UK universities publish proofreading policies that define exactly what a third party may do. These policies usually draw the same line: a proofreader can point out language errors, but cannot change your ideas.
Before
Not allowed: rewriting passages, changing arguments, restructuring sections, adding content, reducing word count, correcting facts or translating your work.
Better
Usually allowed: identifying spelling, grammar and punctuation errors, flagging unclear sentences, and pointing out formatting inconsistencies.
Why it works: The key principle is that the work you submit must reflect your own knowledge, ideas and writing. Some universities only allow proofreaders to highlight errors for you to correct yourself.
Some institutions do not allow paid third-party proofreading at all, except in specific approved cases. This is why checking your own policy is essential.
What is not allowed
- Someone else writing any part of an assignment you submit as your own. This is often called contract cheating.
- Another person making material changes to your arguments, analysis or findings. Universities may treat this as collusion.
- Submitting AI-generated text where your course does not allow it.
- Buying, selling or sharing completed assignments.
The consequences can be serious, ranging from a failed module to expulsion. In some countries, including Australia and England, providing or advertising essay-writing services to students is also against the law.
What about AI tools?
Policies on AI tools are changing quickly and vary between universities and even between modules. Some allow AI for brainstorming or checking grammar, some require you to declare any use, and some ban it entirely for assessed work. Check your module handbook, and if it is unclear, ask your module leader in writing.
If you are worried about AI detectors
AI detection tools are not perfect. They can incorrectly flag human writing, and there have been real cases of honest students being questioned because of them. That understandably makes many students anxious.
- 01
Keep your drafts
Save dated versions of your work as you write. Tools like Google Docs and Word keep version history automatically.
- 02
Keep your notes and outlines
Reading notes, plans and mind maps show how your ideas developed over time.
- 03
Save your feedback
Comments from supervisors, tutors or editors, along with your responses, show your learning process.
- 04
Stay calm if questioned
If your work is flagged, ask what evidence the concern is based on, present your drafts and notes, and use the support your university offers, such as a student union adviser.
How Nickora works within these rules
At Nickora, we mentor, guide and edit. We never write assignments or dissertations for students, and we never submit work on anyone's behalf. Before editing, we ask for your institution's policy and work inside it. Our goal is to make you a stronger writer, not to replace your voice.
Checklist
Stay on the right side
- I have read my university's academic integrity policy.
- I know whether third-party proofreading is allowed on my course.
- I know my module's rules on AI tools.
- I keep dated drafts and notes for every assignment.
- Every idea and argument I submit is my own.
Frequently asked questions
Sources and further reading
- Swansea University: Proofreading policy
- Scribbr: Is professional proofreading allowed at a UK university?
- Times Higher Education: Fear of being flagged by AI detectors
General guidance only. Always check your own university's rules and your supervisor's advice.