Citation styles
Choosing a style
Each reference management tool contains hundreds of styles to choose from. Selecting a style depends on what you need to do.
Writing a thesis?
Referencing styles are discipline specific. Your supervisor can advise on a recommended style.
Writing an assignment or essay?
Before compiling your references, check your assignment guidelines or subject outline, or consult with your tutor or lecturer for the referencing style preferred by the school or department.
Writing a journal article?
Each journal will specify a format for referencing in author instructions guidelines or similar. These are usually available on journal webpages.
Style guides
There are four endorsed La Trobe University Styles. You can search for more in the library catalogue
The Academic Referencing Tool (ART) provides detailed examples of the four referencing styles that have been endorsed for undergraduate students by La Trobe University. However, at a postgraduate or research level you need to conform to discipline specific referencing conventions. Check with your supervisor about which referencing style you are expected to use.
The Academic Referencing Module is a self- guided module if you would like to learn more about referencing in your chosen La Trobe style.