Blog · February 20, 2026 · 5 min read
Dissertation editing vs proofreading: which do you actually need?
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Most UK universities permit proofreading but draw a hard line at substantive editing that changes the meaning of your argument. Knowing which side of that line a service operates on matters.
Where the regulations sit
The QAA and most UK institutions allow a professional proofreader to correct surface errors and improve clarity, provided the intellectual content remains yours. Substantive rewriting is normally prohibited.
How we handle the line
Our editors mark suggested rewrites with explanation comments rather than rewriting in place. You decide what to accept — your authorship is preserved.
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Frequently asked questions
Will my supervisor know I used a proofreader?
Many universities require you to declare it. Check your handbook — we provide a proofreading certificate that confirms scope of work.
Can I get editing if my supervisor objects?
If editing isn't permitted, stick to proofreading. We will not breach institutional regulations.
Stay on the right side of your university's rules
Our dissertation proofreading is designed to comply with QAA-aligned UK regulations.
dissertation proofreading service →Continue reading
- How to proofread a dissertation, step by step
A practical, supervisor-approved walkthrough of how to proofread your own dissertation — chapter by chapter, with the checks examiners actually run.
- 12 dissertation editing tips from UK academic editors
Twelve high-leverage edits we make to almost every postgraduate dissertation — distilled from years of UK academic editing.
- Proofreading vs editing: what's the difference?
Proofreading polishes the final draft; editing reshapes meaning, structure and flow. A UK editor's full guide with examples, costs and when to use each.