Referencing forms one of the essential academic skills for students in the UK across different levels of education, i.e., college, undergraduate, or postgraduate.
Although the UK tends to prefer the use of Harvard and APA styles, a considerable number of students, particularly those in the fields of history, humanities, international relations, or publishing are instructed to use Chicago style referencing. It might be a little overwhelming at first, especially if you have never come across it before.
This guide details the aspects of Chicago style referencing, how it operates, the various systems it utilizes, and how students in the UK can be sure in using it in essays, reports, and research projects.
What Is Chicago Style Referencing?
Chicago style referencing is a citation and formatting system created by the University of Chicago Press. It is widely used in academic writing, especially in subjects such as:
- History
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Theology
- Arts and cultural studies
- Some social sciences
Chicago style provides clear rules for citing sources, formatting documents, and presenting bibliographies. Its main purpose is to help writers give credit to original authors, avoid plagiarism, and allow readers to locate sources easily.
Although it originated in the United States, Chicago referencing is used internationally, including at UK universities where specific departments prefer it.
Why UK Students Might Use Chicago Style
UK students usually encounter Harvard referencing first, but Chicago style is often required in:
- History and humanities courses
- Dissertation writing
- Research-based modules
- Journals and academic publishing
- International programmes influenced by US academic standards
Chicago style is particularly valued for detailed source documentation and its flexibility when working with primary sources, archives, and historical documents.
The Two Chicago Referencing Systems Explained
One important thing UK students need to understand is that Chicago style has two different systems. Your lecturer or department will usually specify which one to use.
1. Notes and Bibliography System (NB)
This is the most common version used in humanities subjects.
Key features:
- Uses footnotes or endnotes in the text
- Includes a bibliography at the end
- Allows detailed source commentary
This system is popular in history because it works well with archival material, letters, and rare sources.
2. Author–Date System
This system is more similar to Harvard referencing.
Key features:
- Uses in-text citations (author, year)
- Includes a reference list
- Common in sciences and social sciences
UK students usually find the Notes and Bibliography system more challenging, but it is also the one most often requested.
Chicago Notes and Bibliography: How It Works
Footnotes and Endnotes
Instead of putting the author’s name and year in brackets, Chicago NB uses a superscript number in the text. This number links to a footnote at the bottom of the page or an endnote at the end of the document.
Example in text:
The Industrial Revolution transformed British society in profound ways.¹
Footnote example:
- E. P. Thompson, The Making of the English Working Class (London: Penguin, 2013), 45.
Each time you use a source, you include a note. The first citation is usually full; later citations can be shortened.
Bibliography
At the end of your work, you include a bibliography listing all sources alphabetically by the author’s surname.
Bibliography example:
Thompson, E. P. The Making of the English Working Class. London: Penguin, 2013.
The bibliography format is slightly different from footnotes, which is something many UK students overlook.
Chicago Author–Date System: How It Works
If your course requires the Author–Date system, citations appear in brackets within the text.
Example:
The Industrial Revolution reshaped class structures in Britain (Thompson 2013, 45).
At the end, you include a reference list instead of a bibliography.
This system is less common in UK humanities courses but may appear in interdisciplinary subjects.
Formatting Rules in Chicago Style
Chicago style is not just about referencing—it also includes formatting rules for the entire document.
General Formatting
- Font: Times New Roman (or similar), size 12
- Line spacing: Double-spaced
- Margins: 1 inch on all sides
- Page numbers: Top right corner
- Title page: Often required for longer assignments
Always check your university’s specific guidelines, as UK institutions sometimes adapt Chicago rules.
Citing Common Sources in Chicago Style
Books
Footnote:
Author First Name Last Name, Book Title (Place of Publication: Publisher, Year), page number.
Bibliography:
Last Name, First Name. Book Title. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year.
Journal Articles
Footnote:
Author First Name Last Name, “Article Title,” Journal Name volume, no. issue (Year): page.
Bibliography:
Last Name, First Name. “Article Title.” Journal Name volume, no. issue (Year): page range.
Websites
Chicago style requires you to include as much information as possible.
Footnote:
Author or Organisation, “Page Title,” Website Name, last modified date, URL.
Bibliography:
Author or Organisation. “Page Title.” Website Name. Last modified date. URL.
Common Mistakes UK Students Make
Many UK students struggle with Chicago referencing at first. Some common errors include:
- Mixing Harvard and Chicago styles
- Forgetting to include page numbers in footnotes
- Formatting footnotes and bibliography entries the same way
- Inconsistent punctuation and italics
- Missing shortened notes for repeated sources
Being consistent and carefully following the rules can significantly improve your marks.
Chicago Style vs Harvard: Key Differences
Understanding how Chicago differs from Harvard can help UK students transition more easily.
| Feature | Chicago (NB) | Harvard |
| In-text citations | Footnotes/endnotes | Author-date |
| Bibliography | Required | Reference list |
| Detail level | Very detailed | More concise |
| Common subjects | Humanities, history | Sciences, social sciences |
Chicago style is often seen as more formal and detailed, which is why it suits research-heavy writing.
When Should UK Students Use Chicago Style?
You should use Chicago referencing when:
- Your lecturer or department specifies it
- You are writing historical or archival research
- You are submitting work to a journal that requires Chicago
- You are completing a dissertation in humanities
Never choose a referencing style yourself unless explicitly allowed.
Tips for Mastering Chicago Referencing
Here are practical tips to help UK students succeed:
- Start early – referencing takes time
- Keep detailed notes of your sources
- Use citation management tools, but always double-check
- Create your bibliography as you go
- Check your department handbook for variations
Accuracy in referencing reflects academic integrity and attention to detail.
Why Chicago Style Matters for Academic Success
Correct referencing is not just about avoiding plagiarism. It demonstrates:
- Strong research skills
- Academic professionalism
- Respect for original scholarship
- Clear and credible argumentation
For UK students aiming for high grades or postgraduate study, mastering Chicago style can be a valuable advantage.
Final Thoughts
At first, Chicago style referencing might look complicated, especially to students from the UK who are more accustomed to the Harvard style. But after you grasp its layout, especially the Notes and Bibliography system, it makes sense and is a very efficient way to write academically.
Through learning the correct formatting of footnotes, bibliographies, and citations, students from the assignment help in UK will be able to use the Chicago style in their essays, reports, and research projects with good writing. By using it regularly and being thorough with the details, the Chicago style of referencing will no longer frighten you but rather be a great academic tool.
In case you have to use Chicago style, see it as a chance to enhance your writing skills and be different from the rest academically.