Using AI with academic integrity

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are becoming more common in education and the workplace. When used correctly, they can support learning, skill development, and employability. However, using AI inappropriately in assessments can lead to serious academic consequences. This page explains how to use AI responsibly at Regent College London (RCL).

Using AI responsibly in your studies

RCL recognises AI as an emerging technology and welcomes its responsible use to enhance learning and employability. AI may support idea development and learning activities, but it must not be used to generate assessment work or gain an unfair advantage.

RCL uses Turnitin’s AI detection functionality, and our awarding partners set clear expectations about acceptable and unacceptable use. You are responsible for understanding the rules of your awarding university.

What you should do

To use AI appropriately, you should:

• Use it to support learning, not to create assessment content
• Always verify AI-generated information using reliable academic sources
• Apply your own critical thinking and judgement
• Follow your module and assessment guidance carefully

Speak to your lecturer if you are unsure what is allowed.

Examples of acceptable learning support

AI may be used to support your learning in ways such as:

• Breaking down complex topics or explanations
• Summarising information and making notes
• Developing ideas, plans, or structures for assignments
• Supporting spelling and grammar checks (e.g. Grammarly), but not rewriting text
• Reviewing your own writing to check clarity and coherence
• Helping with time management, coding, or overcoming writer’s block

Your submitted work must always be written in your own words and reflect your own understanding.

These principles are explained in more detail in the Ethical Use of AI Student Guide, which all students are expected to follow.

Risks, limitations, and academic consequences

AI tools have important limitations. They can produce information that sounds convincing but is inaccurate, biased, or incorrect.

Using AI to generate assessment content that is submitted as your own work, or using AI in ways not permitted, is considered academic misconduct. Suspected misuse will be investigated under RCL’s Academic Misconduct Procedure and your awarding body’s regulations.

Referencing and declaring AI use

Any use of AI in the development of your work must be clearly declared.

You must:

• Declare how AI was used
• Provide a link to the AI interaction using the tool’s share function, where possible
• Check all AI-generated references carefully

You remain responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of your work, even where AI has been used to support your learning.

Need help or advice?

If you want help developing your academic writing skills or understanding how to use AI appropriately, you can book a one-to-one appointment with an Academic Skills tutor. Contact the team at academicskills@rcl.ac.uk or book an academic skills appointment.