Can i use AI NOT to write but to assist with essay writing? Reasons are....

4

I'm a first year who is switching from computer science to business and management. Long story short i hate coding and didn't really like the way it was taught either. Now i accept that any subject i switch to has essays and so I'm trying to practice essays for when i start the course in September/October. I haven't written a proper essay since GCSE's and just looking at some of the academic style of writing used in university level essays is crazy.

Now back to the topic. Can i use ai such as chatgpt to maybe give me academic phrases or ideas or little pointers to help speed up the writing process? Of course I wouldn't want to be flagged for plagerism etc.

I would appreciate what you think on the matter as i know it can be a controversial topic.
Thanks

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Realistically AI is going to generate an essay plan or similar that will be for a mediocre at best essay.

You also should absolutely not be using it for "academic phrases or ideas" as that is directly plagiarism.

Most unis will have support sessions for academic skills including writing skills, along wtih numerous online resources on their webpages and intranets/moodles etc, and may even have a dedicated writing centre providing in person support.

I would suggest you use those before relying on something which at best may give you the basis of a 2:2 essay or at worst get you charged with plagiarism and potentially kicked out.

Reply 2

gjd800

20

Just spend a bit of time learning to write. It also improves your clarity of thought

Reply 3

jonathanemptage

21

I don’t see a problem with using chat gpt and it’s ilk get structure for an essay and getting examples for things like a literature review. Provided you don’t use AI to generate the full essay for-you (that would be wrong.). AI is the future the universities will in the end need to find a way to embrace it or risk becoming obsolete.

Reply 4

StremesJ

OP

4

Original post

by jonathanemptage

I don’t see a problem with using chat gpt and it’s ilk get structure for an essay and getting examples for things like a literature review. Provided you don’t use AI to generate the full essay for-you (that would be wrong.). AI is the future the universities will in the end need to find a way to embrace it or risk becoming obsolete.

See this is kind of where i stand. I would never use chatgpt to generate a whole essay because that's just stupid. However, i feel like when you prompt it to give little pointers - that help you in the write direction that's fine.

Reply 5

Talkative Toad

Volunteer Team

22

Original post

by StremesJ

I'm a first year who is switching from computer science to business and management. Long story short i hate coding and didn't really like the way it was taught either. Now i accept that any subject i switch to has essays and so I'm trying to practice essays for when i start the course in September/October. I haven't written a proper essay since GCSE's and just looking at some of the academic style of writing used in university level essays is crazy.

Now back to the topic. Can i use ai such as chatgpt to maybe give me academic phrases or ideas or little pointers to help speed up the writing process? Of course I wouldn't want to be flagged for plagerism etc.

I would appreciate what you think on the matter as i know it can be a controversial topic.
Thanks

Speak to your university or check the handbook when it comes to whether that’s allowed or not. Your university might say yes or they might say no.

I wouldn’t use ChatGPT in my work personally, I can speak to lectures, my study skills tutor or the study skills people in the library if I need someone to break down an assignment and plan for me.

That being said, I do think that at some point universities and exam boards need to let the cat out of the bag and let people use AI but for now, it’s probably too early and different universities/courses probably have different policies surrounding AI.

Reply 6

De Montfort University

Official Rep

17

Original post

by StremesJ

I'm a first year who is switching from computer science to business and management. Long story short i hate coding and didn't really like the way it was taught either. Now i accept that any subject i switch to has essays and so I'm trying to practice essays for when i start the course in September/October. I haven't written a proper essay since GCSE's and just looking at some of the academic style of writing used in university level essays is crazy.
Now back to the topic. Can i use ai such as chatgpt to maybe give me academic phrases or ideas or little pointers to help speed up the writing process? Of course I wouldn't want to be flagged for plagerism etc.
I would appreciate what you think on the matter as i know it can be a controversial topic.
Thanks

Hi there,

Recently universities started publishing official guidance and/or policies on the use of AI in assingments. It might be useful to have a look on the university's website, or ask your module leader before using AI, as if it is not allowed - you could potentially face action as if you were plagiarising. Here is an example of the updated Academic Integrity and Misconduct Policy we have at DMU, which includes all the relevant information about AI use: https://www.dmu.ac.uk/Documents/current-students/student-support/exams-deferrals-policies/policies/Academic-Integrity-and-Misconduct-Policy.pdf

As a rule of thumb - I would advise you to always clarify such questions with your academics :smile:

Please let me know if you have any questions,
Ilya,
Cyber Security student at De Montfort University.

Reply 7

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by jonathanemptage

I don’t see a problem with using chat gpt and it’s ilk get structure for an essay and getting examples for things like a literature review. Provided you don’t use AI to generate the full essay for-you (that would be wrong.). AI is the future the universities will in the end need to find a way to embrace it or risk becoming obsolete.

The thing is that AI isn’t actually intelligent. It’s an averaging and guessing tool. It can’t be relied upon to produce anything reliable without substantial fact checking and rewriting…which means it’s more of a drain on time than a tome saver if you’re using it properly. If you’re at university you’re supposed to be learning the skills involved in producing essays, skipping that learning because it’s easier is just cheating yourself.
Plus it’s wasting vast quantities of energy. Ethically speaking it’s not something to use for this purpose.

Reply 8

mnot

Universities Forum Helper

20

Part of university is learning how to communicate your thoughts in a distilled, succinct language; be able to show you can review all the key contributions to the area of discussion find the latest evidence & critically review all of this and share your perspective.

These skills are essential for almost any professional career, and in real life you often have to use these skills much faster turning around reports in hours not weeks…

These AI prompt tools are very powerful and I look at them as tool that you should leverage, however not for writing at university. This doesn’t force you to go through the process of developing your writing and building the communication skill. Additionally you almost certainly have access via your university to all the best journals in your field, read & review these, and university you have the advantage of lots of time, you will learn a lot more about your subject doing this and your writing will develop hugely.

Reply 9

StriderHort

21

No respect for students relying on AI rather than developing basic writing skills 👎️

Reply 10

macklane

2

Switching subjects is a big step, but it’s great that you’re already thinking ahead about essays.
You can use AI tools like chatgptt to help with ideas, academic phrases, or to get an outline started. Just be careful not to copy whole chunks of text directly into your essay without rewriting them in your own words; that’s where plagiarism issues can pop up.
For academic writing, it’s better to use tools made specifically for essays. They often have features for paraphrasing, helping with citations, and generating more academic-style language, which can be super helpful.
As long as you use AI as a guide or a starting point and always check and edit the work yourself, you should be fine. Good luck

Reply 11

anosmianAcrimony

20

Using AI for academic work is a zero sum game. If you use it for 30% of your work, you get only 70% of the learning and the value that you would otherwise get. You know, the value that you are paying your tuition fees for.

Somebody above said that universities will need to embrace AI or risk becoming obsolete. They will definitely need to make some adjustments, but ultimately AI (in its current state) will never make universities obsolete because unis are where you go to learn and AI does not help you learn.

Reply 12

Spointionce

3

Sometimes I use AI to help structure my text. It helps make it more informative and logical

Reply 13

greg tony

17

Original post

by Spointionce

Sometimes I use AI to help structure my text. It helps make it more informative and logical

If only there was somewhere people could go to develop these same skills of logic and written expression, a sort of place where people with these same skills could help mentor or teach other people to develop these skills over time, maybe even through the use of tasks and written exercises. Will never catch on though.

Reply 14

StriderHort

21

Original post

by greg tony

If only there was somewhere people could go to develop these same skills of logic and written expression, a sort of place where people with these same skills could help mentor or teach other people to develop these skills over time, maybe even through the use of tasks and written exercises. Will never catch on though.

Agreed, maybe I'm just a boomer, but I have 0 respect for AI students and feel almost any AI use should be a permanent black mark on the qualification.

Reply 15

jonathanemptage

21

Original post

by StriderHort

Agreed, maybe I'm just a boomer, but I have 0 respect for AI students and feel almost any AI use should be a permanent black mark on the qualification.

AI is not going anywhere it’s very worthwhile learning to use it ethically my dad always says and I agree “computer programmers who do use AI are a going to be out of a job those who do will still have employable skills.” AI is useful it all depends on how you use it though.

Reply 16

DavidIR

3

Using AI as a support tool for essay writing is perfectly fine. Think of it the same way you’d use Google Scholar or Grammarly - just another resource. Let AI give you prompts, phrases, or structural suggestions, then you refine and put them into your own words. That way you benefit from the speed boost without risking academic integrity.

(edited 4 months ago)

Reply 17

LondonMetJhoan

Official Rep

7

Original post

by StremesJ

I'm a first year who is switching from computer science to business and management. Long story short i hate coding and didn't really like the way it was taught either. Now i accept that any subject i switch to has essays and so I'm trying to practice essays for when i start the course in September/October. I haven't written a proper essay since GCSE's and just looking at some of the academic style of writing used in university level essays is crazy.
Now back to the topic. Can i use ai such as chatgpt to maybe give me academic phrases or ideas or little pointers to help speed up the writing process? Of course I wouldn't want to be flagged for plagerism etc.
I would appreciate what you think on the matter as i know it can be a controversial topic.
Thanks

Hello! 😄
This is definitely a topic that comes up a lot. Personally, I see AI as a tool; it can be really useful for things like generating summaries from readings, creating outlines, or helping you brainstorm ideas. I’ve used it myself to learn new things, but I always make sure to check the information against proper academic sources.
The important thing is how you use it. Universities (including London Met) have clear guidelines on AI and academic integrity. For example, at London Met you’re allowed to use AI tools, but you need to acknowledge it properly in your work; here’s the link with their guidance: London Met AI and Academic Integrity.
So yes, AI can help with phrasing or ideas, but it’s not a replacement for your own research and writing. As long as you use it responsibly more as a support tool than a shortcut, you should be fine. And it’s always a good idea to double-check with your course or library team if you’re unsure about what’s acceptable.
Wishing you the best,
Jhoan
Digital Media Final Year
London Metropolitan University

Reply 18

ashleyharvey19

3

Using AI to assist with structure, idea generation, or proofreading is totally fair—think of it as a smarter version of a spellchecker or outline tool. I use platforms like Phonexa in marketing the same way: not to replace human input, but to organize, track, and optimize efforts more efficiently. It's about enhancing, not outsourcing, your thinking.

Reply 19

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by DavidIR

Using AI as a support tool for essay writing is perfectly fine. Think of it the same way you’d use Google Scholar or Grammarly - just another resource. Let AI give you prompts, phrases, or structural suggestions, then you refine and put them into your own words. That way you benefit from the speed boost without risking academic integrity.

This is dangerous advice. Not all universities agree with this. Many explicitly require students don’t use AI for this purpose and declare that they haven’t done this when submitting work.

Students need to know and understand their universities general policies on use of AI and the specific rules for any specific piece of work.

Can i use AI NOT to write but to assist with essay writing? Reasons are....

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