Several leading universities in the United Kingdom have expelled students for using artificial intelligence tools to cheat on academic work, amid a sharp increase in AI-related misconduct cases across the higher education sector.
New figures obtained through Freedom of Information requests show that thousands of students at major British universities were investigated or disciplined during the 202425 academic year for improper use of generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT in essays, coursework, and examinations.
Among the institutions taking disciplinary action were University College London, Imperial College London, the University of Leeds and the University of Glasgow, according to reports published by British media. Some students reportedly faced suspension, while others were permanently removed from their programmes after repeated or serious violations of academic integrity policies.
The rise in misconduct cases comes as universities struggle to adapt to rapidly advancing AI technology capable of producing human-like essays, research summaries and exam responses within seconds.
“At least some students are using AI to complete their assessments,” Rose Stephenson, director of policy and advocacy at the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), said in comments relating to the issue.
“If students are able to obtain qualifications without demonstrating their own knowledge and skills, then the value of those qualifications is undermined,” Stephenson added.
A HEPI survey published earlier this year found that 94 per cent of students reported using AI tools in some capacity during their studies, while a smaller proportion admitted to directly inserting AI-generated material into submitted assignments without proper disclosure.
University officials say the challenge extends beyond the growing number of cases to the difficulty of reliably detecting AI-generated content.
“Those caught represent the tip of the iceberg,” Dr Peter Scarfe, associate professor of psychology at the University of Reading, said.
Researchers at Reading recently conducted experiments showing that AI-generated assignments frequently bypassed plagiarism and AI detection systems, raising concerns about the reliability of current safeguards used by universities.
The increase in AI-assisted cheating has prompted universities to rethink traditional assessment methods, including unsupervised take-home essays and online examinations. Some institutions are now redesigning coursework to include more classroom-based assessments and supervised testing environments.
Some universities are also increasing the use of oral examinations, presentations and handwritten assessments to reduce opportunities for academic misconduct and verify students’ understanding of their own work.
“Our universities are adapting assessment methods and providing guidance to students on the ethical use of AI tools,” a spokesperson for the Russell Group said.
While universities are taking a tougher stance against misuse, many educators acknowledge that artificial intelligence is becoming deeply integrated into modern education and professional environments.
“Our education system needs to evolve with technology,” a student said in research published by the London School of Economics examining student attitudes toward AI use in higher education.
Education experts warn that excessive dependence on AI could weaken independent thinking, research skills and academic credibility if safeguards are not strengthened.
The controversy reflects a growing global debate over how schools and universities should regulate generative AI as the technology becomes increasingly embedded in everyday learning and assessment.
Read:
- Students Rethinking Careers Due to AI Disruption
- 10 Essential Tips to Pass AI-Powered Job Interviews This Year
Senior Reporter/Editor
Bio: Ugochukwu is a freelance journalist and Editor at AIbase.ng, with a strong professional focus on investigative reporting. He holds a degree in Mass Communication and brings extensive experience in news gathering, reporting, and editorial writing. With over a decade of active engagement across diverse news outlets, he contributes in-depth analytical, practical, and expository articles exploring artificial intelligence and its real-world impact. His seasoned newsroom experience and well-established information networks provide AIbase.ng with credible, timely, and high-quality coverage of emerging AI developments.