Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and challenges for study and research. This is particularly true of Generative AI (Gen-AI), which refers to machine learning models that create text and image outputs based on large datasets. AI is already embedded in many of the tools we use every day: for example, Google introduced an AI-powered overview to its search function in 2024.

Used thoughtfully, AI can enhance student learning, accessibility, and staff productivity across the organisation. Our guidance encourages staff and students to approach AI with care and critical awareness with regard to:

Ethics: consider the implications for climate, social and racial justice.

Privacy: be mindful of how data is used and stored.

Critical use: recognise the potential for bias, inaccuracy, and misinterpretation in generated content.

Integrity: uphold academic standards in student submissions, academic and artistic research.

While we support the mindful use of AI tools to support access and learning, we are at the same time clear that it is crucial that students avoid the direct reproduction of AI-generated material in submissions (eg. using Gen-AI to write complete passages of text).

To support this, we provide training through staff working groups and written resources. This ensures staff can guide students and the wider community on how AI tools may be used to support student learning, assessed assignments, and both academic and artistic research. We also encourage staff to consider how AI tools can be applied appropriately for different student groups, including those with specific learning needs, and for different course units and tasks.

We have created an AI Policy and Toolkit for staff and students (accessible on our student intranet) aligned with UAL’s Academic Misconduct Policy Academic Misconduct | UAL, to help students use and acknowledge AI responsibly. This includes a list of recommended tools for different purposes and further suggested reading.

We are actively engaging in Higher Education and Arts/Cultural networks to support continued discussion of effective AI practice in our sectors. As AI technologies evolve, we will continue to review and update our policies and guidance so they remain relevant, practical, and supportive of our all in our community.