The University's Guiding Principles for Generative AI apply to all students and colleagues. In practice, for your studies, this means using Generative AI for genuine learning purposes, being open about how you have used it, and remaining fully responsible for everything you submit.
You can
- Use AI freely for non-assessed work, exploring ideas, revision, and practising concepts.
- Use AI in assessed work for planning and outlining.
- Use AI to generate search keywords.
- Use AI to check grammar and expression.
- Use AI to help understand a concept before working with it yourself.
- Use University-approved tools, including Grammarly for Education.
You must
- Declare any meaningful AI use - name the tool and describe how you used it.
- Critically evaluate all AI output before using it.
- Verify facts and references - AI can and does make some things up.
- Be able to explain and take full responsibility for everything you submit.
- Check your module handbook for assessment-specific restrictions.
- Check your school's guidance - some schools have additional requirements.
You must not
- Use AI to write essays, reports, arguments, analysis, or conclusions that you present as your own work.
- Conceal or misrepresent AI involvement in your assessed work.
- Use AI tools during examinations, in-class tests, or assessments where they are explicitly prohibited.
- Submit AI-generated content such as text, images, code, or data without declaring it.
The AI declaration
Include this in every assessed submission where AI was used.
“In preparing this assignment, I used [tool name] to [specific use]. I confirm that I have not used AI to generate content that I am presenting as my own work, and I remain fully responsible for the ideas, analysis, and conclusions in this submission.”
Example: “I used ChatGPT to brainstorm essay topics. I used Grammarly to check grammar and spelling.”
Always remember: AI has real limitations
Accuracy
AI can be confidently wrong. Always verify.
Fake references
AI invents citations that do not exist. Check every one.
Bias
AI reflects cultural and social biases. Think critically.
Over-reliance
AI should support your thinking, not replace it.