News

Seven students were expelled from the university last year for cheating.

The figure placed Sheffield fourth in a cheaters' poll - worst was Teesside University in Middlesbrough, which caught 17 students cheating last year.

Middlesex University expelled 15, followed by Kingston with 10, Sheffield with seven and University College London with six.

But a spokeswoman for he University said six out of the seven reported cheaters were guilty of plagiarism or collusion, rather than traditional cheating such as writing on body parts before an examination or using a mobile phone.

The University added that although it would not comment on individual cases, it regards cheating in assessments as "a very serious matter" and will take disciplinary action against any student found contravening its regulations.

The spokeswoman said: "Following disciplinary investigation, penalties may be imposed, ranging from refusal of credit for the assessed work, to expulsion from the university, depending on the nature of the individual case. The university provides guidance on developing sound academic practice among students."