How to Cite a Dataset in OSCOLA (4th Edition)

This guide explains how to format a dataset 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 dataset in OSCOLA (4th Edition):

Template

Author, 'Title' (Year) <DOI or URL> accessed Date

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

See footnote 12 (superscript in text).

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

World Bank, 'World Development Indicators' (The World Bank Group, 2023) <https://doi.org/10.57966/0bg5-6z29> accessed 28 March 2026

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Write the author or organisation
Use the creator's name or the organisation that compiled the dataset.
2
Write the dataset title
Place the title in single quotation marks. Do not italicise.
3
Add the repository and year
In parentheses, write the repository or distributor name and the year of publication.
4
Include the URL
Write the URL in angle brackets.
5
Add the accessed date
Write 'accessed' followed by the date in Day Month Year format. No full stop at the end.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using double quotation marks instead of single quotation marks for the dataset title.
Omitting the angle brackets around the URL.
Forgetting the accessed date.
Adding a full stop at the end of the citation.
Not including the repository or distributor in the parenthetical.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does OSCOLA handle datasets?

OSCOLA does not have a specific rule for datasets. Treat them as online sources (OSCOLA 4th edn, para 4.9), using single quotes for the title and including the URL in angle brackets with an accessed date.

Should the dataset title be in single quotes or italics?

Use single quotation marks, consistent with OSCOLA's treatment of online and non-book sources.

Do I include the version number?

If multiple versions exist, include the version number after the title within the single quotation marks or in the parenthetical: 'Title (Version 2.0)'.

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your dataset:

Author/Creator
Title
Version
Publisher/Repository
Year
DOI/URL

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Step-by-Step Guide

Write the author or organisation

Use the creator's name or the organisation that compiled the dataset.

Write the dataset title

Place the title in single quotation marks. Do not italicise.

Add the repository and year

In parentheses, write the repository or distributor name and the year of publication.

Include the URL

Write the URL in angle brackets.

Add the accessed date

Write 'accessed' followed by the date in Day Month Year format. No full stop at the end.