The University's Generative AI Principles provide the general framework for AI use. Individual modules and assessments may have additional requirements, so always check the guidance provided for your assessment.
Can I use AI tools in my assignments?
It depends on the module and the assessment. The University's Generative AI Principles set out the general framework, but the specific rules for each piece of work are set by your module leader and will be explained to you by them.
If you are not sure what is permitted, always ask your module leader before submitting.
Can AI write my assignment for me?
No. Using AI to generate the substance of your work and submitting it as your own does not demonstrate your own learning and may be treated as academic misconduct.
Where permitted, AI can support your learning by helping you explore ideas, test your understanding, or get feedback on your own work, but you remain responsible for the final submission.
What counts as using AI in my work?
Using an AI tool to generate text, images, code, data, ideas, or other content that contributes to your submitted work counts as using AI.
This applies whether you use the AI-generated content unchanged or edit and adapt it before including it in your submission.
What happens if I use AI when I'm not supposed to?
Submitting AI-generated content as your own work without permission, or in ways that go beyond what your module allows, may be treated as academic misconduct under the University's Academic Misconduct Principles.
The consequences can be serious. If you are ever unsure, ask first.
Do I need to declare if I've used AI?
Yes. You need to declare AI use when it has contributed substantially to your assessed work.
Your school or module may have specific requirements for declaring AI use, so always check the guidance provided for your assessment.
Will my tutors know if I've used AI?
Originality checking tools such as SafeAssign or Turnitin check for text similarity. Some AI-generated text may be flagged by these tools; some may not.
Academic colleagues are experienced in recognising work that may not reflect a student's own learning, regardless of whether a tool flags it. The University does not use automated AI detection services.
All students have access to Grammarly for Education, which includes an Authorship tool. This allows you to keep a record of how your assignment was developed and may help you demonstrate your writing process and authorship of the work.
My tutor used AI to help write my feedback - is that allowed?
Yes. The University's Generative AI Principles explicitly address this. Some tutors may use an AI tool to help draft overall feedback based on their completed marking rubric.
Any AI-assisted feedback text is reviewed, edited, and approved by your tutor before it reaches you. The marking and the judgements about your work are always made by your tutor, not by AI.
You should be told if AI has been used in helping to develop your feedback.
What is the AI Studio and AI Conversation?
AI Studio is a University AI tool that students can use to explore ideas, ask questions, develop understanding, and support learning activities in line with the University's Generative AI Principles.
AI Conversation is a Blackboard feature that allows your tutor to set up structured AI activities as part of your learning, such as a Socratic questioning exercise or role-play scenario.
Is my data safe when I use AI tools in Blackboard?
Any AI features within Blackboard operate within Blackboard's privacy and data protection framework. Your work is not used to train external AI models.
Where can I get more help with AI and my studies?
The University provides an AI Literacy course for all students. Completing it can enhance your understanding of key ethical questions about AI and can also earn you a Digital Badge for AI Literacy proficiency that you can add to your online CV or LinkedIn profile.
Your module leader is also a good point of contact for module-specific questions related to AI use. The Library provides guidance on effective studying, information literacy, and critical evaluation of AI-generated content. The Student Centre can help with technical queries.
What is the Module AI Assistant (MAIA)?
The Module AI Assistant (MAIA) is an AI that can answer questions related to the content of an individual Blackboard site.
MAIA is trained only on content that your tutors have made available to you within the relevant Blackboard site. You can use it for module administration questions, such as assessment details, due dates and timetables, and also as a study aid to help you understand topics taught on the module.