Categories of assessments
There is a three-tier categorisation for using Generative AI (Gen AI) in assessments.
The three categories of red, amber and green are not rigidly defined. They are intended to create a shared understanding between staff and students of how to use Generative AI tools in a particular assessment, by how much and at what stage of the assessment process.
Teaching staff may use the categories to design and set assessments. Students may use them to complete assessments in ways that will optimise – rather than damage – learning.
Regardless of the category, you should always take a critical approach to the use of any output from a Generative AI tool. Gen AI tools can create content that is superficial, inaccurate, not peer reviewed or academically rigorous. Outputs are often without any academic sources underpinning their content. So, you should always analyse and verify the information Gen AI tools provide, rather than accepting it at face value.
RED: AI tools cannot be used
Assessments under this category might ask you to demonstrate foundation level skills such as:
- remembering
- understanding
- independently developing critical thinking skills
- applying knowledge or demonstrating fundamental skills that will be required throughout the programme.
These assessments are likely to be designed so that you can develop knowledge and skills that you will need to be able to study effectively. This includes the use of Gen AI tools in other contexts and in future assessments. There will be strong rationale for this category (for example, pedagogy, employability, etc). Your lecturer or module materials should explain this but you can also ask for clarification.
Examples of assessments where Gen AI is not allowed could include:
- in-person unseen examinations
- class tests
- some online tests
- vivas
- some laboratories and practicals
- discussion-based assessments
- where spoken and written language skills need to be assessed.
You are still permitted to use dictionaries, thesauri, spelling and grammar-checking software to help identify and correct spelling mistakes and grammatical errors (even if they are powered by Gen AI). However, you should not use any software to rewrite sentences or make substantive changes to your original text, as this would be against the rules of this category.
The standard Academic Misconduct procedure applies for students believed to have ignored the categorisation.
We are currently working on what it means to provide reasonable adjustments while maintaining competence standards. If the meantime, if you have any questions or comments, please email us.
AMBER: AI tools can be used in an assistive role
Under this category, you are permitted to use Gen AI tools in an assistive role as specified by the module tutor and required by the assessment.
AI tools can be used to enhance and support the development of specific skills in specific ways, as specified by the tutor and required by the assessment. For instance, you might use Gen AI for tasks such as data analysis, pattern recognition or generating insights.
You should never enter sensitive or personal data in any prompt or content that you provide to any Gen AI tool. For more information, please read the key information on IT Security Considerations on the use of ChatGPT and AI LLM Engines
Your tutor should be able to support and guide you in the use of Gen AI to ensure equity of experience. In these situations, the use of Gen AI is not in itself a learning outcome. There may still be parts of your assessment where use of Gen AI is inappropriate and this will be made clear to you in discussion with your tutor.
Examples of where Gen AI might be used in an assistive category include:
- drafting and structuring content
- as a support tutor
- supporting a particular process such as testing and debugging code or translating content
- providing ideas or inspiration to help you overcome a creative block.
It is important to understand that your tutors are also learning how to best design assessments that allow the use of Gen AI to enhance your learning and development. We encourage you to have an open discussion on this topic at an early stage.
If you have used Gen AI to prepare or produce part or all of your work, you must acknowledge your use of AI.
Important
GREEN: AI has an integral role and should be used as part of the assessment
Under this category, you can use Gen AI as a primary tool and it should be used as part of the assessment.
In these assessments, you will demonstrate your ability to use Gen AI tools effectively and critically, to tackle complex problems, make informed judgments and generate creative solutions. The use of Gen AI and your critical appraisal of its output will explicitly form part of the task and learning outcomes. The assessment will provide an opportunity to demonstrate effective and responsible use of Gen AI. Your tutor should support and guide you in the use of Gen AI to ensure equity of experience.
Examples of where Gen AI tools could be used as an integral part of the assessment include:
- drafting and structuring content
- generating ideas
- comparing content (AI generated and human generated)
- creating content in particular styles
- producing summaries
- analysing content
- reframing content
- researching and seeking answers
- creating artwork (images, audio and videos)
- playing a supportive role and engaging in a conversational discussion
- developing code
- translating content
- generating initial content to be critiqued by students.
Note that the green category only applies to assessments where using Gen AI is explicitly part of the task. Assessments that do not specify this are not in the green category. Please check with your tutor if you are at all unsure. You can assume that unless the assessment is specified as one where Gen AI can explicitly be used, it will be in the red or amber category.
If you have used Gen AI to prepare or produce part or all of your work, you must acknowledge your use of AI.
Important
The strengths and weaknesses of generative AI section will help you to understand why this is vital for your success.
The Gen AI quick checklist is a useful summary of what to consider before starting work.