Correct referencing is important in academic writing for several reasons; it is ethically important, and it also contributes to academic integrity in your writing and allows readers to explore relevant literature. Furthermore, there are numerous styles of referencing that are used around the world, and one particular style of reference for the humanities is called MHRA referencing style or the Modern Humanities Research Association referencing style.
So if you are new to MHRA or have encountered it partially, this guide will let you walk through its purpose, formatting rules, examples, and practical tips to follow. So if you are writing an essay for English Literature or completing a thesis in Philosophy, having a deep understanding of MHRA can improve both your grade and your research credibility.
What is the MHRA Referencing Style?
So, before you begin with anything, it’s crucial to know what the basics are for better understanding. The MHRA reference style is a footnote-based citation system that is commonly used in the humanities, especially in core subjects like:
- English Literature
- History
- Philosophy
- Classics
- Theatre and Drama Studies
- Art History
Unlike citation systems such as APA, MLA, or even Harvard, which usually implement parenthetical in-text references (e.g., Smith 2021), MHRA directly uses numbered footnotes and a separate bibliography. This results in much smoother reading and a more formal and polished presentation.
The system is known to support a detailed and nuanced citation, which is often quite useful when linking or referencing historical texts, literary works, or primary sources. Understanding this style isn’t just a format; it’s about engaging in responsible, traceable scholarship.
Why Use MHRA?
Academic Integrity and Clarity
For more clarity, MHRA is ideal for disciplines where detailed referencing enhances understanding. Offering much more:
- Clear separation between your argument and your sources
- Precise attribution, especially when citing long or obscure works
- A professional structure that aligns with traditional publishing standards
For the ones who are in the domain of research in humanities, this style lets the readers explore the origins of your sources without distracting from the main narrative or analysis in your work.
Key Features of MHRA Referencing Style
So, now that you know what MHRA Reference is about and how it’s used, time to break it down for easy understanding, knowing its key features and the usage.
Footnotes
- Footnotes are numbered sequentially and appear at the bottom of the page.
- The first citation of any source must contain full bibliographic information.
- For any subsequent references, a shortened version is acceptable.
Example of first use:
- John Milton, Paradise Lost, ed. by Gordon Teskey (New York: Norton, 2005), p. 45.
Example of subsequent use:
5. Milton, Paradise Lost, p. 67.
Footnotes are single-spaced with a space between each note and are usually indented after the superscript number.
Bibliography
- The bibliography appears at the end of your document.
- It includes all sources referenced, arranged alphabetically by the author’s surname.
- Formatting is slightly different from footnotes; entries are not numbered, and authors’ names are inverted (surname first).
Example:
Milton, John, Paradise Lost, ed. by Gordon Teskey (New York: Norton, 2005)
The bibliography here doesn’t include page numbers unless and until the source itself is an article or a chapter from a book.
Formatting Rules for MHRA: What You Must Know
Many students lose their marks not just because of citations going missing, but because of doing incorrect formatting. Here are essential formatting details that you need to follow:
- Ensure you use 12-point serif font such as Times New Roman.
- Maintain a decent 1.5 or double spacing in the main body text.
- Footnotes should be always single-spaced with an empty line between notes.
- Footnote numbers are written in superscript and placed after punctuation.
- Book titles, films, journals are typically italicized, article and chapter titles are in single quotation marks.
- The bibliography should use hanging indents
Many departments provide their own MHRA style sheet always use this as your first reference point.
How to Format MHRA Citations: Detailed Examples
Books
Footnote:
- Terry Eagleton, Literary Theory: An Introduction (Oxford: Blackwell, 2008), p. 22.
Bibliography:
Eagleton, Terry, Literary Theory: An Introduction (Oxford: Blackwell, 2008)
Books are one of the most frequently cited sources. Make sure to include:
- Author’s full name
- Full title in italics
- Place of publication
- Publisher
- Year
- Page number (in footnote)
Journal Articles
Footnote:
- Elaine Showalter, ‘Towards a Feminist Poetics’, Critical Inquiry, 8.4 (1981), 179–205 (p. 181).
Bibliography:
Showalter, Elaine, ‘Towards a Feminist Poetics’, Critical Inquiry, 8.4 (1981), 179–205
For journal articles, always include:
- Article title in single quotation marks
- Journal title in italics
- Volume and issue number
- Year in parentheses
- Page range
Films and Media
Footnote:
- The Remains of the Day, dir. by James Ivory (Columbia Pictures, 1993).
Bibliography:
The Remains of the Day, dir. by James Ivory (Columbia Pictures, 1993)
For media, always include:
- Italicized title
- Director
- Production company
- Year of release
This format is used not only for films but also for performances, documentaries, and even YouTube videos.
How to Handle Repeat Citations
Whenever you are citing the same source various times, MHRA always recommends a short form such in the following:
First Citation:
- Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism Is a Humanism, trans. By Philip Mairet (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007), p. 12.
Later Citations:
- Sartre, Existentialism Is a Humanism, p. 19.
This keeps footnotes even more convise and avoids any repetitive behaviour.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the students who understand MHRA structure can lose marks due to simple and negligible mistakes. Being aware of these issues can save you from unnecessary deductions and academic challenge. Here’s what you need to avoid.
Mixing Citation Styles
One of the most frequent and critical error is the blending MHRA with other referencing styles like Harvard, APA, or MLA. This usually happens when students starts referring multiple citation tools or resources without verifying the correct style for their opted course.
Mixed styles can make your work look inconsistent and may confuse the reader. It also signals carelessness to instructors or reviewers.
Missing Sources in the Bibliography
Another serious mistake that needs to be totally avoidant is leaving out sources from bibliography. Every single work you cite in a footnote must appear in your bibliography, this is an core rule of MHRA that you need to follow. Completely removing sources, even if they are removed accidentally, could lead to flagging in plagiarism or in academic misconduct.
Inconsistent Formatting
MHRA is very particular about formatting, and inconsistencies in, make sure you must follow by:
- Spacing,
- Punctuation,
- Capitalization, and
- Italics
Forgetting Page Numbers
When you are referring a specific quotation, idea, or an argument from a book, MHRA needs you to provide an exac page number that’s in the footnote. Leaving this out can make your references look incomplete and vague. Make sure you double-check that, and include your page number where ever it feels applicable.
Tools and Resources for MHRA Referencing
Zotero
Zotero is a free, open-source reference manager that allows you to collect, organize, and cite research materials. It supports MHRA style and integrates with Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and web browsers. You can create both footnotes and bibliographies with just a few clicks.
Why Use It? It’s especially handy when writing essays or papers that involve dozens of sources.
EndNote
EndNote is another powerful citation manager, often provided free by universities. It’s well-suited for long-form projects like dissertations or theses. You can store hundreds of references, generate citations in MHRA style, and organize your research in one place.
Bonus: EndNote lets you customize citation output styles if your department requires a specific variation of MHRA.
CiteThemRight
CiteThemRight is a user-friendly citation generator that offers accurate MHRA formatting for a wide range of sources from books and journal articles to websites and podcasts. It’s great for students who only need a few references and want something quick and accurate.
BibGuru
BibGuru is a modern citation tool designed with students in mind. Its MHRA citation builder is simple to use and helps you build a bibliography without needing to sign up. It’s a convenient option for quick referencing when you’re pressed for time.
When to Use MHRA
Choosing the right citation style isn’t just a matter of personal preference, it’s typically dictated by your academic discipline, institutional guidelines, or even the type of assignment.
Academic Fields That Prefer MHRA
MHRA is commonly used in:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate courses in humanities
- Essays and term papers in English Literature, Drama, and History
- Classics and Modern Languages where historical and primary sources are common
- Dissertations and theses in arts-based research fields
The reason MHRA is so widely used in these areas is because it allows clear referencing of literary quotations, historical sources, and critical commentary without interrupting the main narrative flow.
Institutional Requirements
Many universities all across UK, including Oxford, Cambridge, King’s College London, and others, recommend or require MHRA in certain departments. Make sure to check your course handbook, style guide, or marking rubric. Some universities also provide downloadable MHRA templates and sample essays to help students meet expectations.
If your course doesn’t specify a style, and you’re in the humanities, MHRA is usually a safe and professional choice.
Use MHRA for Professional Publishing
Beyond university coursework, MHRA is also recognized by journals and publishers in the humanities. If you’re aiming to publish an academic paper, submit to a literary magazine, or contribute to a research project, knowing MHRA will serve you well.
Conclusion: Master MHRA with Confidence
Learning MHRA referencing may feel overwhelming at first, but with consistent practice, it becomes second nature. It’s not just about getting citations right, it’s about presenting your research with integrity, clarity, and professionalism. Also, if you are struggling with accounting problems, our guide at Assessment Help UK helps you get through it! Give it a read because, here you aren’t just for MHRA referencing style.
