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GenAI and academic integrity in assessment

The acceptable use of GenAI in assessments.

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In this video: GenAI and academic integrity in assessment

It can be difficult to know whether using GenAI is appropriate in assessments. Unfortunately, there are no quick and easy answers. Instead, here are some principles to help guide you.  

Academic integrity is about fairness. If somebody gets an unfair advantage over other students, we consider this academic misconduct. This means that there's no single list of fair and unfair uses of GenAI – it always depends on the category of the assessment.  

For Category 1, you might use GenAI tools to help you revise and prepare, but the work you complete for the assessment should be your own.  

In Category 2, you could use GenAI to get ideas, help draft your work, or even proofread what you've written. Just make sure you keep a note of how you've used GenAI, so that you can acknowledge it afterwards. You won't lose marks just for having used GenAI.  

Category 3 is a lot like category 2, but there will also be some essential use of GenAI as part of the assessment. Make sure you read the instructions for your assessment carefully – there may be further advice about using GenAI there.  

It's okay to use GenAI to help with spelling and grammar, and even with the tone of your language. However, make sure it isn't changing the content and meaning of what you've written. You should always understand the work you submit.

 

Things to know 

  • Academic misconduct is when somebody gains unfair advantage through their actions.   
  • This means that there’s no single answer for whether using GenAI is permitted. It always depends on how you’re using it, and which of UCL’s three categories of AI in assessment is used.
  • If you’re ever in doubt about what is acceptable use, talk to the module leader for the assessment you’re working on.  
  • If you’ve used GenAI tools to help with creating your work, you must acknowledge those tools. You can find guidance for how and when to acknowledge GenAI here.
  • UCL does not use GenAI detectors when marking. Instead, if a marker has any concerns about your work, they’ll usually request a quick chat to get more information. Please don’t be offended if you’re asked to have a talk with your marker – it doesn’t mean you’re under suspicion or in trouble.   

Things to try 

Work through the questions in the Understanding Academic Integrity Moodle course – this will help you recognise unfair advantage in academic work.  

Further information

For students: Engaging in GenAI in your education and assessments.

Read UCL’s policy on use of GenAI in student assessment.