Guidance on use of AI was agreed at Student Experience Committee on 29 November 2023 and has been updated to reflect changes in generative AI developments and use in higher education in September 2024. Changes to the QMU guidance will be in effect for assignments in semester 2 of the 2024/25 academic year.
Assessment Categories for Semester 1 2024/25
1. Generative AI tools cannot be used
This category applies to those assessments where the format of that assessment makes the use of generative AI impractical and/or where the purpose of that assessment (e.g. the learning outcomes it seeks to assess) means the use of generative AI in that assessment would be inappropriate.3 Students suspected of using generative AI in the production of assignments that fall under this category will be subject to the University’s academic misconduct procedures.
2. Generative AI tools can be used in an assistive role
The use of generative AI to assist in the process of developing the assignment, within specific parameters defined within the assessment specification, is permitted. Students suspected of using generative AI out with those parameters could be subject to the University’s academic misconduct procedures.
3. Generative AI has an integral role
The use of generative AI is permitted throughout the process of developing the assignment and the effective and critical use of generative AI is likely to be one of the learning outcomes being assessed.
Part seven of our self-enrol Study Skills Canvas module focuses on generative AI. There is guidance on different kinds of generative AI tools, information about things you should think about before using generative AI, and information about how you can learn more about using generative AI tools.
All instances of generative AI use in the development of an assignment must be appropriately acknowledged and cited. Cite Them Right includes guidance on citing text produced by generative AI using Harvard and APA styles:
From Semester 2 in the 2024/25 academic year, the AIAS (AI Assessment Scale) will be used for assessment guidelines:
| 1. No AI |
The assessment is completed entirely without AI assistance in a controlled environment, ensuring that students rely solely on their existing knowledge, understanding and skills. You must not us AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge. |
| 2. AI Planning |
AI may be used for pre-task activities such as brainstorming, outlining and initial research. This level focuses on the effective use of AI for planning, synthesis, and ideation, but assessments should emphasise the ability to develop and refine these ideas independently. You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas. |
| 3. AI Collaboration |
AI may be used to help complete the task, including idea generation, drafting, feedback, and refinement. Students should critically evaluate and modify the AI suggested outputs, demonstrating their understanding. You may use AI to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any AI-generated content you use. |
| 4. Full AI |
AI may be used to complete any elements of the task, with students directing AI to achieve the assessment goals. Assessments at this level may also require engagement with AI to achieve goals and solve problems. You may use AI extensively throughout your work either as you wish, or as specifically directed in your assessment. Focus on directing AI to achieve your goals while demonstrating your critical thinking. |
| 5. AI Exploration |
AI is used creatively to enhance problem-solving, generate novel insights, or develop innovative solutions to solve problems. Students and educators co-design assessments to explore unique AI applications within the field of study. You should use AI creatively to solve the task, potentially co-designing new approaches with your instructor. |
CC-BY NC SA Perkins, Furze, Roe and MacVaugh (2024) The AI Assessment Scale.
The Quality Assurance Agency’s webpage Quality Assurance Agency: Chat GPT and Artificial Intelligence is recommended as a ‘go to’ source of information, as it is regularly updated with useful guidance and resources.
The QAA has produced a set of resources at its Academic Integrity pages. These resources include briefing papers on cyber security, essay mills, and Artificial Intelligence. You will also find the Academic Integrity Charter on the QAA website. QMU has signed up to the Charter and the seven principles therein.
Further information is available from programme leaders.
There is a Sharepoint site for sharing resources and information about use of generative AI in teaching and learning at QMU.