blue

Guidance on the Use of Generative AI


Guidance for for Foundation, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Students

This guidance outlines how students at the University may and may not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in their academic work. It applies to all disciplines and levels of study. The goal is to support the responsible, transparent, and ethical use of AI in ways that enhance learning while maintaining academic integrity.  

This guidance provides a broad overview, but all students must follow specific instructions in module assessment briefs as local guidance always takes precedence. 

What is Generative AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to tools that can analyse data, generate or translate text, summarise information, or provide feedback and explanations. Examples include ChatGPT, Gemini, Grammarly, Copilot, Claude, and DALL·E. AI can support your studies by helping you understand concepts, organise ideas, or improve clarity, but it must never replace your own critical thinking, analysis, or authorship. 

It is your responsibility to assess an AI tool you want to use and decide whether it meets your own criteria of where you want your intellectual property shared and what impacts on the environment your use of AI may have. In many instances, there are other tools you can use to achieve your aims without the use of Generative AI.

Microsoft Copilot is the University's approved AI tool. Using Copilot when logged in with your university credentials protects you from accidentally sharing data or other sensitive information externally, as our enterprise license ensures that nothing entered is used to train public models.

N.B. Please note that some tools that did not previously use AI have evolved in ways that now produce substantial AI-generated content. As a result, any tool with 'embedded' AI functionality should be considered carefully in the context of this guidance. When in doubt, ask.

Key principles for using AI at Royal Holloway 

  • AI can support your learning, but it cannot replace your own thinking or authorship. 

  • Your module’s assessment brief always takes precedence. If the brief says AI is not permitted, you must not use it. 

  • You must declare any AI use clearly and honestly. 

  • You are responsible for checking that all information, references, data and arguments in your work are your own.

AI Tools

RHUL Dark blue 2000x700 px

AI Use and Assessment

RHUL Dark blue 2000x700 px

Referencing AI

RHUL Dark blue 2000x700 px

Academic Misconduct

RHUL Dark blue 2000x700 px

 

Quick links

  • When is AI permitted?
  • Which AI tools can I use? 
  • How do I reference when I've used AI? 
  • What if I don't acknowledge my use of AI?