Embracing AI at Leeds: What It Means for You

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world around us, and the University of Leeds is committed to helping you understand how to use it responsibly.

Generative AI refers to tools that create text, images, or other content based on prompts. Examples include Microsoft Copilot (our university-approved tool) and others such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc. As a university and a community, we have said that we will embrace AI thoughtfully, critically and responsibly. You may already be using these tools in everyday life, but what does that mean for you as a student at Leeds?

Building a common foundation

To make sure everyone starts with a common understanding, we’re introducing mandatory training on the safe and responsible use of AI. This short online course is available to all taught students and research students and you can access it in the Organisations within Minerva. It covers the essentials of what AI can do, its limitations, and how to use it responsibly. In addition, all staff are also required to complete very similar training, so we are all building on a common foundation.

After completing the initial online training, you’ll have access to further learning opportunities, including:

• In-person and online workshops
• Self-paced resources
• Curated content from LinkedIn Learning and Microsoft Learn

You will be able to access all these resources from the AI Organisation in Minerva. You should have received a Minerva announcement (and email) asking you to complete the training.

AI in Education and Research

At the University of Leeds, we are working together with colleagues and students to better understand the impact and the opportunities that AI can bring to our work, research and education. Leeds has impressive research strengths in both the development and implementation of AI across a wide range of disciplines.

Find out more about some of our current AI research

In student education, we are constantly evolving our thinking about how to integrate AI into our education and assessment. We currently have guidance on how AI may be used in Assessments using a ‘traffic light’ approach. Please speak to your tutor or supervisor if you have any questions.

Why AI Matters for Your Future

AI, and especially generative AI, is already shaping workplaces, research, and everyday life. Employers increasingly expect graduates to understand and work with these technologies as part of their job, so developing these skills now as part of your degree will give you a real advantage once you graduate.

In short, AI is here to stay. By staff and students working together, we can lead the way in using AI responsibly and creatively.

Professor Samantha Pugh, Academic Lead for AI — University of Leeds