Incoming GenAI Guidance for Assessment in Academic Year 2026/2027
Introduction to GenAI Guidance at the University
This page details the two-scenario GenAI guidance which was implemented at the beginning of the academic year 2026-27. We ask that all colleagues now follow this guidance for assessments going forward.
The purpose of this guidance is to help colleagues understand the University’s policy on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools in relation to assessment practice.
The University's GenAI Giudance outlines two scenarios that detail how GenAI can be used in assessment. You can utilise this guidance to inform and review your assessment design, in the context of the Learning Through Assessment Framework.
The guidance in these pages is not all new, rather it builds on the previously stated position with respect to GenAI use, but has been updated and augmented in response to colleague and student feedback.
The student GenAI Guidance will be updated on the Student Learning Development (SLD) webpages and communicated with students centrally ahead of the academic year 2026-27. For the benefit of students completing their dissertations over summer or preparing for the August exam diet, current student-facing guidance will remain in place until then. We ask that teaching colleagues also share this guidance with students when it becomes available via Moodle, assessment briefs, and in-class discussions.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact the Assessment & Feedback Practice and Policy workstream.
Catch up on the online GenAI Information Session hosted on the 2nd of September 2026:
What is GenAI?
Generative AI (GenAI) refers to technologies capable of creating digital content – including text, images, video, music, and computer code.
These systems work by identifying patterns within large datasets and encoding them into mathematical models. The models do not store the original data; rather, they use learned patterns to generate new content.
Students interact with GenAI through platforms such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Grammarly, Gemini, Claude, or MidJourney by providing prompts – instructions written in everyday language.
GenAI tools can offer valuable support for research and study, but they are not always appropriate for academic work. Using them responsibly means that students need to understand their capabilities, their limitations, and when alternative approaches may be more suitable.
College Case Studies
College case studies are currently being developed and will be available in due course. In the meantime, you can contact the named colleagues in your College for information and guidance.
College Contacts
