UK universities are being advised to thoroughly test all assessments following new research that shows almost all students are using generative artificial intelligence (GENAI) for their research projects.
A study of 1,000 students, both local and international, revealed a significant increase in the use of Genai over the past year. In a survey conducted in 2025, 53% admitted to using tools like CHATGPT, while a staggering 88% reported using such tools.
The percentage of students utilizing AI tools has risen from 66% in 2024 to 92% in 2025, leaving only 8% who do not use AI. A report published by the Institute for Higher Education Policy and Kortext highlighted these findings.
Josh Freeman, the author of the report, emphasized the unprecedented shift in student behavior within a year and urged universities to pay attention to the impact of generative AI in academic settings.
Freeman stated, “There is an urgent need for all assessments to be reviewed to ensure they cannot be easily completed using AI. This calls for a bold retraining effort for staff to understand the power and potential of generative AI.”
Institutions are encouraged to share best practices and address potential issues related to the use of AI tools for learning enhancement rather than hindrance.
Students are using genai for various purposes such as explaining concepts, summarizing articles, and suggesting research ideas. However, 18% of students include AI-generated text directly in their work.
Many students use AI to save time and improve the quality of their work, but concerns about academic misconduct and biased outcomes deter some from using such tools.
Women and students from privileged backgrounds express more apprehension about AI use, while men and STEM students exhibit more enthusiasm. The digital disparity identified in 2024 seems to have widened, particularly in summarizing articles.
Despite concerns, most students believe universities are responding effectively to academic integrity issues related to AI. Training in AI skills is provided to a third of students, but there is ambiguity surrounding the use of AI in academic work.
Dr. Thomas Lancaster from Imperial College London emphasizes the importance of preparing students for the ethical use of AI in education and future careers to avoid a competitive disadvantage.
In response to these findings, a UK spokesperson highlighted the need for universities to equip students for a world influenced by AI while addressing the challenges posed by rapidly evolving technologies. They stress the importance of upholding academic integrity and educating students about the consequences of fraud from the beginning.
Source: www.theguardian.com
