AI, essay mills and content writers

As you approach your assessments and coursework, please make sure you're aware of our academic integrity regulations. Misusing artificial intelligence or falling victim to plagiarism or scams such as essay mills can have serious consequences.

If you breach academic integrity, you could be found guilty of academic misconduct. In serious cases, this can result in permanent exclusion from the University and your credits being removed, or your degree being rescinded after you graduate.

Using AI in your work

While there can be benefits of using AI appropriately to support your studies, it should not replace your learning, and you need to make sure you know when and how to use it appropriately.

It is your responsibility to follow assessment guidelines, which may be different for each assignment. If you are unsure, please check with your module leader and they will advise you.

Read more on responsible use of AI in your studies

Essay mills and content writers

Essay mills, also known as content writers or ghost writers, use sophisticated tactics to target students and can appear to be endorsed by the University, which they are not. Each year we see instances where these services have blackmailed students, resulting in serious academic, professional, and personal consequences.

If you receive an email, text or WhatsApp message from an unknown sender offering these kinds of services, delete it and do not reply. Do not click any links, as they may pose a security risk.

If you have been affected by an essay mill, let us know as soon as possible via your PDT or Programme Leader and seek support from ENSA Advice.

Sources of support

• Complete our academic integrity Moodle course to better understand the regulations and how to follow them confidently in your work.
• Visit our academic integrity page for more information, especially if there is something you don’t understand or you are worried about breaching the regulations.
• Familiarise yourself with our full academic integrity regulations and graduate integrity regulations so you understand the potential consequences of breaching them.
• Use the support available to you through ENSA Advice and official University services such as:
  • Academic Skills
  • Disability Inclusion
  • English language support
  • Subject Librarians
  • Wellbeing and mental health support

We want to help you succeed in your studies. If you are in any doubt at all, please ask for guidance - our teams are here to support you.