It depends on your module and assessment guidelines. The University of Exeter follows a four-tier approach to GenAI use in assessments;
AI-integrated
AI-assisted
AI-minimal
AI-prohibited
You can find more information on each category in the GenAI use in assessments guide. Always check your assessment brief or ask your module convenor for clarification.
GenAI can assist with brainstorming ideas, summarising research, improving writing clarity, and generating practice questions. However, it should complement (not replace) your critical thinking, independent research, and original writing. Explore guidance on Appropriate vs. Inappropriate Uses of GenAI
Yes. The University requires students to declare GenAI use in AI-integrated and AI-assisted assessments, even if only for planning or proofreading. You must include a list of all AI prompts and, where possible, hyperlinks to their output with your references, at the end of your work. You do not need to include the outputs themselves, just the links. If hyperlinks are not produced through the tools you use, save the AI-generated output in a document that you can easily access later (e.g. on OneDrive). Any AI-generated content within your work should also be appropriately referenced.
No. Declaring GenAI use in AI-supported or AI-assisted assessments will not impact your grade. The declaration ensures transparency.
However, using GenAI in assessments where it is explicitly prohibited is considered academic misconduct under the University’s Academic Conduct and Practice Policy.
Students with disabilities, neurodivergence, or health conditions may use AI assistive technology in AI-prohibited assignments, but only as outlined in their Individual Learning Plan (ILP).
Yes, reading AI-generated summaries that appear in search engines is not prohibited in assessments. However, it is essential to evaluate their accuracy and reliability using the CRAAP test:
Currency: Is the information up to date?
Relevance: Does it meet your academic needs?
Accuracy: Is the information factually correct? Cross-check with reputable sources.
Authority: Is the original source credible?
Purpose: Is there bias in the way the information is presented?
Find out more about reviewing search engine results.
While AI-generated summaries can provide a useful starting point, they should not replace direct engagement with primary academic sources.
Yes, as long as the use aligns with the reasonable adjustments detailed in your ILP.
Some features of Grammarly use GenAI, these are marked by the pencil and lightbulb icons, and are sometimes labelled as “Rewrite with Grammarly” or “Improve it.” On the Grammarly website, these tools can also be accessed via the “Generative AI” button.
If you are concerned about using GenAI features unintentionally, Grammarly allows you to disable them.
How to disable Grammarly's GenAI features:
Open Grammarly and go to the Account menu.
Select Settings and then Feature Customisation.
Toggle off the generative AI functions. When disabled, the tick symbol (✓) will not appear next to these features.
No. AI-generated content must not be submitted as your own work unless explicitly permitted in the assessment brief. Submitting AI-generated content without proper acknowledgment is considered academic misconduct.
Yes, AI translation tools can be helpful when used appropriately. They can clarify terms or phrases in course materials and support idea generation during the brainstorming phase of assignments. However, your critical analysis and articulation must be your own.
No. Translating entire assignments using AI and submitting them as your own work is not permitted. This may misrepresent your language proficiency and academic abilities and could be considered academic misconduct.
Each referencing style has its own standard for referencing GenAI outputs. Follow the guidance for your department and in Cite Them Right for referencing and citations.
Use GenAI as a supplementary tool, not a replacement for your own thinking. Critically engage with GenAI outputs, verify them against academic sources, and ensure your work reflects your understanding and arguments.
AI is reshaping the future of work, with many roles being augmented (enhanced by AI), skills requirements evolving, and entirely new career opportunities being created.
As AI becomes increasingly embedded across all sectors, AI literacy—the ability to understand, evaluate, and use AI critically and ethically—will be a valuable skill that graduate recruiters look for, alongside uniquely human skills that AI cannot replicate.
Navigating a fast-changing job market also requires strong career management skills. As AI continues to shape and redefine roles, the ability to adapt, upskill, and embrace lifelong learning will be essential. Developing resilience and flexibility will allow you to respond to new opportunities and challenges as industries evolve. The career guidance, advice and information available through the Career Zone provide the perfect opportunity to build these key skills alongside your studies.
Generative AI has increasingly been used by applicants to support with writing job applications. However, similar to your academic work, it is important to use these tools critically and ethically, as an overreliance on AI-generated content leads to generic and impersonal applications. AI is also being used by employers in their recruitment practices, with most frequent use in online assessments. The Career Zone has guidance on how you can use AI more effectively and responsibly in your own applications, and how you may encounter and prepare for AI during recruitment and selection.
For confidential and impartial career guidance, you can book a 1:1 appointment with a qualified and experienced Careers Consultant from the Career Zone.
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