Facing an allegation of academic misconduct can be daunting. Our advisers can give support and guide you through the process.

 

What is academic misconduct?

Academic misconduct is when a student does something dishonest in their studies to get an unfair advantage. It’s basically “cheating” or “breaking the rules” in your work.

Some examples include:

• Plagiarism – copying someone else’s work or ideas and pretending they’re your own.
• Collusion – working with someone else when you’re meant to do the work on your own.
• Cheating in exams – like using notes you’re not allowed, looking at someone else’s paper, or getting someone else to take the test for you.
• Falsifying information – making up data, quotes, or sources to make your work look better.
• Inappropriate use of AI – Using AI to produce your work for you

In simple terms: it’s anything that isn’t your own honest work.

The University take this seriously because they want everyone to succeed fairly and to be confident that the grades you get reflect your own effort and learning.

The best way to avoid it is to:

• Always do your own work.
• Reference properly when using other people’s ideas.
• Ask for help if you’re not sure what counts as misconduct.
• Appropriate use of AI

 

 

Using AI and Academic Misconduct

AI tools (like ChatGPT and others) can be great for learning, brainstorming, and practice, but using them in the wrong way can cross into academic misconduct.

Inappropriate use of AI includes:

• Copying AI-generated work and submitting it as your own.
• Letting AI write essays, reports, or assignments without your input.
• Using AI in exams or assessments where it isn’t allowed.
• Not acknowledging AI use if your university asks you to declare it.

Appropriate use of AI:

• Getting help to understand tricky topics.
• Asking for examples or practice questions.
• Using it to improve your study skills (like planning, note-taking, or revising).
• Checking your own writing for grammar and clarity (like a digital proofreader).

Why it matters:

• Submitting AI’s work as your own is dishonest, just like plagiarism.
• It can stop you from actually learning the skills you need.
• If discovered, it could lead to penalties under the University’s Academic Misconduct regulations.

 

Tip: Always check your university’s policy on AI use. When in doubt, always ask your tutor first.