How to Cite a Conference Paper in OSCOLA (4th Edition)

This guide explains how to format a conference paper citation in OSCOLA (4th Edition). Follow the format template below, refer to the real example, and use the step-by-step instructions to build your citation correctly.

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a conference paper in OSCOLA (4th Edition):

Template

Author, 'Title' (Conference Name, Location, Date)

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

See footnote 5 (superscript in text).

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

Catherine Barnard, 'EU Employment Law and the European Social Model' (Annual Labour Law Conference, London, 12 May 2024)

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Write the author name(s)
Write full names in first name then surname order, using 'and' between multiple authors.
2
Write the paper title
Place the paper title in single quotation marks.
3
Add conference details
In parentheses, write the full conference name, the location (city and country), and the dates in Day Month Year format. Do not end with a full stop.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not placing the paper title in single quotation marks.
Omitting the conference location.
Using the wrong date format (should be Day Month Year in OSCOLA).
Adding a full stop at the end.
Italicising the paper title instead of placing it in single quotation marks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a conference paper that was published in a proceedings?

If published in a proceedings volume, cite it as a book chapter using the OSCOLA book chapter format. If unpublished, use the conference paper format above.

Is there a specific OSCOLA rule for conference papers?

OSCOLA does not have a dedicated rule for conference papers. Follow the general principles for unpublished materials (OSCOLA 4th edn, paras 3.2-3.3) and adapt accordingly.

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your conference paper:

Author(s)
Year of presentation
Title of paper
Conference name
Location
Date(s) of conference
Publisher of proceedings (if published)
Page range (if in proceedings)
DOI or URL

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Step-by-Step Guide

Write the author name(s)

Write full names in first name then surname order, using 'and' between multiple authors.

Write the paper title

Place the paper title in single quotation marks.

Add conference details

In parentheses, write the full conference name, the location (city and country), and the dates in Day Month Year format. Do not end with a full stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a conference paper that was published in a proceedings?

If published in a proceedings volume, cite it as a book chapter using the OSCOLA book chapter format. If unpublished, use the conference paper format above.

Is there a specific OSCOLA rule for conference papers?

OSCOLA does not have a dedicated rule for conference papers. Follow the general principles for unpublished materials (OSCOLA 4th edn, paras 3.2-3.3) and adapt accordingly.