Summary
A BBC investigation found that essay cheating is still common at UK universities, despite it being illegal to provide essays for students since April 2022. No prosecutions have occurred under the new law, and essay-writing companies continue to advertise their services.
Key Facts
- Essay cheating is widespread at UK universities according to a BBC investigation.
- Since April 2022, it's illegal to provide or advertise essay-writing services for students in England.
- No prosecutions under the new law have been reported yet.
- Companies continue to advertise and sell essays to students online.
- Barclay Littlewood, in Dubai, claims to make millions selling "model answer" essays to students.
- An international student reported difficulty with essay writing, leading some classmates to use these services.
- Essays selling for around £20 per 1,000 words are available online.
- A former lecturer identified one such essay as not having a "human touch," despite being of a good academic standard.
