Declaration of Authorship: Template & Guide
The declaration of authorship is a mandatory component of every bachelor's thesis. With it, you affirm that you have written your paper independently and have correctly cited all sources used. Without this declaration, your thesis will usually not be accepted. In this article, we explain what exactly goes into the declaration and provide a sample template.
What Is a Declaration of Authorship?
The declaration of authorship — sometimes also called a statement of originality or independence declaration — is a legally binding assurance that you have completed your academic work independently. You confirm that you have not used any sources or aids other than those cited and that all verbatim or paraphrased passages have been identified as such. The declaration is usually placed at the very end of the paper, after the bibliography.
Template Text
Many universities provide their own templates for the declaration of authorship that you are required to use. If your institution does not have its own template, you can base yours on the following sample text. Remember to add the place, date, and your handwritten signature. On myessay.io, the declaration of authorship is automatically generated as the last page.
I hereby declare that I have written the present thesis independently and without unauthorized assistance from third parties. All passages that have been taken verbatim or in substance from published or unpublished works have been identified as such. This thesis has not been submitted in the same or a similar form to any other examination authority.
Important Notes
The declaration of authorship must be signed by hand, even if you submit your thesis digitally. Many universities also require the place and date of the signature. Be aware that a false declaration of authorship can have legal consequences, including the revocation of your academic degree. Check carefully whether your university prescribes a specific wording and, if so, use only the official version.
- Always use your university's template if one is provided
- Sign by hand with place and date
- Place the declaration at the end of the paper, after the bibliography
- Check the required wording carefully — personal modifications may be problematic
- For digital submission, you may need to submit a scanned copy
Conclusion
The declaration of authorship is a formal requirement that you must not forget under any circumstances. Check your university's guidelines, use the correct wording, and sign by hand. This way, you are on the safe side.
