Brunel University AI Policy

assessment content generated by AI should not be submitted as a student's own work in a summative assessment (for the avoidance of doubt, these principles equally apply to translation software, paraphrasing software and software that can be used to solve mathematical equations);

A student can use AI in preparing or completing an assessment if their Module Lead has expressly identified AI tools can be used in the support of the assessment and there is no learning outcome or marking criteria associated with not using AI or with a process or activity being completed solely by the student. The student should clearly state how AI was used in this process and identify this in their submission.

When using AI in support of an assessment, students should carefully review and edit all AI generated content in a way that addresses limitations of AI, such as possible bias, inaccuracy, irrelevance or incompleteness to ensure the final work product submitted is their own and properly acknowledges use of AI.

As much as possible students should not enter any personal or confidential information into AI based software or systems.

Students are strongly advised to check module handbooks or seek guidance from Module Leaders before using AI in support of any assessment.

What is not acceptable? AI should not be used to write essays or produce responses that are then submitted as your own work, unless your tutor has explicitly stated that this is permitted. If AI-generated content is submitted as though it is your own work, this may constitute academic misconduct. This also applies to AI tools that translate, paraphrase, or solve mathematical equations.

When can AI be used? AI can be used to support your assessment preparation or completion only if your Module Lead has explicitly indicated that it is allowed for the specific assessment. This is typically only the case where the learning outcomes or marking criteria do not require the work to be completed solely by you.

You should always clearly explain how AI was used and identify this within your submission.

If AI is used to support your work, you must carefully review, edit and validate any AI-generated material. You remain responsible for ensuring the final submitted work is accurate, relevant, complete, and truly your own.

The Student has committed an Academic Offence if they have done any of the following: 1. Submitted work for assessment where AI was used without this being clearly permitted in the assignment guidance; or

2. Submitted work for assessment where AI was used without attribution, where attribution was required in the assignment guidance, or where AI has not been referenced in line with the University's guidance on AI and referencing; or

3. Submitted work produced by AI, in whole or in part, and represented it as their own original work, where this was not explicitly permitted in the assignment guidance; or

4. Used AI in a manner that undermines the learning outcomes or academic integrity of the assessment;

assessment content generated by AI should not be submitted as a student's own work in a summative assessment (for the avoidance of doubt, these principles equally apply to translation software, paraphrasing software and software that can be used to solve mathematical equations);

A student can use AI in preparing or completing an assessment if their Module Lead has expressly identified AI tools can be used in the support of the assessment and there is no learning outcome or marking criteria associated with not using AI or with a process or activity being completed solely by the student.

When can AI be used? AI can be used to support your assessment preparation or completion only if your Module Lead has explicitly indicated that it is allowed for the specific assessment. This is typically only the case where the learning outcomes or marking criteria do not require the work to be completed solely by you.

The Student has committed an Academic Offence if they have done any of the following: 1. Submitted work for assessment where AI was used without this being clearly permitted in the assignment guidance; or

2. Submitted work for assessment where AI was used without attribution, where attribution was required in the assignment guidance, or where AI has not been referenced in line with the University's guidance on AI and referencing; or

3. Submitted work produced by AI, in whole or in part, and represented it as their own original work, where this was not explicitly permitted in the assignment guidance; or

4. Used AI in a manner that undermines the learning outcomes or academic integrity of the assessment;

What is AI useful for? AI can support your learning in several positive ways. For example, it can:

• Explain concepts in simpler terms;

• Help you get started with brainstorming, planning, or organising ideas;

• Generate revision questions or summaries to support your study;

• Offer feedback on your writing style or structure;

• Assist with coding, debugging, or understanding syntax (where permitted);

• Translate or rephrase content for understanding, but not for direct submission unless allowed.

Remember, these tools should support your learning, not replace your own critical thinking or academic work.

When using AI, students should:

Use AI as a support tool, not as a replacement for their own work;

Check module handbooks or ask their tutor whether AI is permitted in specific assessments;

Review, edit and verify all AI-generated content before use;

Acknowledge the use of AI where required;

Avoid entering personal, confidential or sensitive information into AI tools;

What is AI useful for? AI can support your learning in several positive ways. For example, it can:

• Assist with coding, debugging, or understanding syntax (where permitted);

A student can use AI in preparing or completing an assessment if their Module Lead has expressly identified AI tools can be used in the support of the assessment and there is no learning outcome or marking criteria associated with not using AI or with a process or activity being completed solely by the student.

If AI is used to support your work, you must carefully review, edit and validate any AI-generated material. You remain responsible for ensuring the final submitted work is accurate, relevant, complete, and truly your own.

not defined

not defined

Research misconduct means the behaviours defined in Section D2.

D2. Definition of Research Misconduct

The following behaviours may amount to research misconduct if they occur in the conduct of University research:

(a) Fabrication, falsification, plagiarism or deception in proposing, carrying out or reporting results of research;

(b) Deliberate, dangerous or negligent deviations from accepted practices in carrying out research;

(c) Failure to comply with legal, ethical and professional obligations in conducting research; including failure to declare and manage serious conflicts of interest involved in the research;

(d) Misrepresentation of:

i. Research data or source material;

ii. Involvement in or authorship of research;

iii. The purpose, aims, methodology or findings of research;

iv. Serious risks associated with the conduct of research;

v. Actual or potential conflicts of interest;

vi. The implications of research findings;

A member of the University is expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity in the conduct of their research and by implication associated publications, outputs and activities. Each researcher is expected to comply with:

i. external and internal regulatory frameworks and other legal obligations in relation to research conduct, and in accordance with the requirements and standards of the bodies funding and supporting their work;

ii. accepted practice and professional codes or standards as appropriate, and

iii. this Code, and any applicable University policy and procedure with implications for research conduct.

The student should clearly state how AI was used in this process and identify this in their submission.

You should always clearly explain how AI was used and identify this within your submission.

The Student has committed an Academic Offence if they have done any of the following: 1. Submitted work for assessment where AI was used without this being clearly permitted in the assignment guidance; or

2. Submitted work for assessment where AI was used without attribution, where attribution was required in the assignment guidance, or where AI has not been referenced in line with the University's guidance on AI and referencing;

AI-generated content and generative AI outputs are treated as personal communications in Cite Them Right Harvard.

In-text citation:

(OpenAI, 2024)

Reference list:

OpenAI (2024) ChatGPT (14 February version) [Large language model]. Available at: https://chat.openai.com/chat (Accessed: 14 February 2024).

Important note

You should use content generated by AI tools cautiously and critically, recognising that it may not always be accurate, complete, or appropriate. If you have used AI in your academic work, be clear about how and why it was used, and ensure you follow any guidance provided by your School or module leader.

The Student has committed an Academic Offence if they have done any of the following: 1. Submitted work for assessment where AI was used without this being clearly permitted in the assignment guidance; or

2. Submitted work for assessment where AI was used without attribution, where attribution was required in the assignment guidance, or where AI has not been referenced in line with the University's guidance on AI and referencing; or

3. Submitted work produced by AI, in whole or in part, and represented it as their own original work, where this was not explicitly permitted in the assignment guidance; or

4. Used AI in a manner that undermines the learning outcomes or academic integrity of the assessment;

This Procedure applies to all students of the University and all Apprentices, associates and students at Collaborative Partner Organisations whenever they are undertaking any assessment or involved in any activity which is under the supervision of the University. It applies to any allegation of Academic Misconduct in relation to any examination, module assignment, and all forms of assessments.

The University has a responsibility to investigate allegations of Academic Misconduct and to determine whether there has been a breach of standards expected of University students and what if any penalty should be imposed.

Useful applications of GenAI in teaching and assessment design

Below are examples of how GenAI can support academic staff:

Generating ideas for assessment tasks, case studies, or scenario-based learning;

Drafting model answers, rubrics, or feedback prompts;

Creating question banks or formative quiz items;

Brainstorming ways to redesign assessments to reduce opportunities for misuse;

Reviewing assessment briefs for ambiguity or unintended loopholes;

Supporting administrative tasks such as summarising meeting notes or drafting routine communications.

GenAI should not be used to make final decisions about student performance, progression, or misconduct. Academic judgement remains the responsibility of the tutor or relevant decision-maker.

Do not upload student work, personal data, or confidential material into GenAI tools unless there is a valid legal basis and the tool has been approved for such use by the University.

Any output generated by AI should be reviewed carefully. GenAI can produce plausible but inaccurate, biased or inappropriate responses.

Communicating expectations to students

Where AI use is permitted, expected, or prohibited in an assessment, this should be made explicit in the assessment brief, marking criteria, or module guidance.

Where AI use is allowed, students should be told what forms of use are acceptable, whether acknowledgement is required, and how AI use may affect the marking criteria.

Where AI use is not permitted, this should be stated clearly, with reference to academic integrity expectations and possible consequences of misuse.

As much as possible students should not enter any personal or confidential information into AI based software or systems.

Avoid entering personal, confidential or sensitive information into AI tools;

Do not upload student work, personal data, or confidential material into GenAI tools unless there is a valid legal basis and the tool has been approved for such use by the University.

The University processes your personal information to support your studies, your health and safety, and your use of our facilities and services.

Any processing of personal data must be fair and lawful and personal data should only be processed if at least one of the conditions in Article 6 of the UK GDPR are met.

Users must use Brunel IT facilities securely, lawfully and in a way that does not expose the University or others to unnecessary risk.

Brunel recognises that artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are rapidly developing and have the potential to support learning, teaching and assessment when used appropriately.

The University is committed to maintaining academic integrity while enabling staff and students to engage critically and responsibly with emerging technologies.

These principles have been developed to clarify expectations around the use of AI in assessment and academic work.

This page provides guidance for students and staff on the appropriate use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools at Brunel.

AI technologies are evolving rapidly and can offer real benefits for learning, teaching, assessment and administrative efficiency. However, their use must be responsible, transparent, and aligned with academic integrity and data protection requirements.