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Using Generative AI at Ulster University

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools, such as chatbots, image generators, and writing assistants are increasingly part of everyday study, work, and life. At Ulster University, we recognise that you may encounter or choose to use these tools during your learning.

This guidance is designed to help you:

  1. Explain  what GenAI can and can’t do
  2. Use it responsibly and ethically
  3. Protect your academic integrity
  4. Make informed decisions about your own learning

You are not required to use GenAI to succeed at Ulster. If you choose to use it, you are expected to do so thoughtfully, transparently, and in line with your module requirements.

What is Generative AI?

Generative AI tools can produce new content, (such as text, images, audio, video, or computer code), in response to prompts you provide. Many of these tools are now built into familiar software, such as web browsers or document editors.

These tools can support learning, but they do not replace your understanding, critical thinking, or academic judgement. You are always responsible for the work you submit.

Ulster’s approach

The University does not ban Generative AI tools. Instead, we aim to:

  • Uphold academic integrity
  • Protect students from misuse, over-reliance, and data risks
  • Support AI literacy for students and staff
  • Encourage ethical, transparent, and reasonable use

Your assessed work must always reflect your own learning and understanding, even if tools are used in limited ways.

New to Generative AI? Start here

If you are unsure where to begin, talk to your module coordinator or studies adviser, don't make assumptions.

keep your use of GenAI low-risk and focused on learning rather than assessed outputs.

A useful question to ask yourself is: Is this helping me think: or is it replacing my thinking?

What GenAI can help with and where to be careful

Remember that all  use of GenAi must be disclosed

Generally acceptable uses (unless your module says otherwise):

  • Brainstorming ideas
  • Planning the structure of an assignment
  • Clarifying difficult concepts
  • Generating practice questions
  • Revising your own written work
  • Writing assistance, (e.g.) streamlining word counts

Use with caution:

  • Summarising academic sources (you must verify accuracy)
  • Generating examples (you must adapt and contextualise them)
  • Outlining arguments (you must develop and justify them yourself)
  • Create examples or drafts that you heavily edit

Generally not acceptable unless explicitly permitted:

  • Writing assessed coursework answers
  • Generating reflective writing, portfolios, or lab reports
  • Producing references or citations
  • Submitting AI-generated content as your own work

If in doubt : ask

Important limitations of GenAi you need to understand

GenAI tools can sound confident even when they are wrong. You should be aware that:
  • GenAI does not understand meaning in the way humans do
  • It can generate incorrect or misleading informationIt may invent references or quotations
  • Outputs are not checked for accuracy
  • Bias and stereotypes can appear in generated content
  • Over-reliance can limit your development as an independent learner

If you use GenAI, you must critically evaluate everything it produces and use reliable academic sources.

Academic integrity and your responsibility

At Ulster, academic integrity means being honest, fair, and transparent in your work.

Your submitted work must:

  • be your own
  • reflect your understanding and judgement
  • accurately acknowledge any sources or tools used

If Generative AI is used without being acknowledged, this may be treated as academic misconduct. Before starting assessed work, always be clear whether GenAI use is allowed, restricted, or not appropriate for that assessment.

Acknowledging the use of GenAI

If you are permitted to use Generative AI for academic purposes, you must acknowledge it clearly.

The Student Academic Misconduct Procedure explicitly discusses the use of AI, and the student declaration for coursework submission states that:

“I declare that this is all my own work. Any material I have referred to has been accurately referenced and any contribution of Artificial Intelligence technology has been fully acknowledged.

I understand the importance of academic integrity and have read and understood the University’s General Regulation: Student Academic Integrity and the Academic Misconduct Procedure. I understand that I must not upload my work before, during or after submission to any unapproved plagiarism detectors or answer sharing platforms, or equivalent, and that only University-approved platforms should be used.”

Acknowledging use does not automatically lead to penalty. Failing to acknowledge use is the real risk

Protecting your data and privacy

When using GenAI tools, be very careful about what you upload or share.

Never input:

  • Personal information (yours or others’)
  • Confidential or sensitive data
  • Placement, patient, or client scenarios
  • Draft assignments or reflective work
  • Unpublished research data
  • Copyrighted material

Information entered into AI tools may be stored, reused, or shared by service providers.

If in doubt, do not upload it.

If you are unsure what to do

Uncertainty is normal.

If you are unsure whether or how to use GenAI, check your module and/or programme handbook. Ask your Lecturer, Module Coordinator or Programme Director, focus on learning activities rather than assessed outputs and always prioritise your own thinking and understanding. Ulster’s expectation is not perfection; it is responsible judgement.

Using Generative AI responsibly is part of developing academic and professional judgement that will serve you beyond university.

  • You do not have to use Generative AI
  • If you choose to use it, do so ethically and transparently
  • Your learning, thinking, and integrity come first
  • When in doubt, ask and check