AI is reshaping higher education but sparks mixed feelings among students and experts.
A global survey of thousands of students shows 44% of UK students are excited by AI and almost as many already use it for their studies. The technology, like ChatGPT, helps generate ideas, structure essays, and boost confidence—but not without concerns.
Sunjaya Phillips, a marketing student at Oxford Brookes University, uses AI openly with her lecturers’ permission. She says AI transformed her academic experience by speeding up creative work and giving her reassurance. 
"During my second year, AI emerged a lot – especially with using it as a study buddy or to help integrate into my university work," Sunjaya Phillips said.
"At Brookes it’s quite an open conversation with how to use AI and how you can use it to help with your assignment work to structure assignments or give you creative ideas."
"Sometimes with creative ideas you could be stuck for a whole day – but then when you use AI for prompts to generate ideas for you, it can do it in 30 minutes."
"It definitely transformed my academic experience."
Not all feedback is positive. Some students admit to cheating with AI and studying experts warn about over-reliance on it. Dr Charlie Simpson from Oxford Brookes says AI’s impact varies based on responsible use.
"When used responsibly, AI tools enable students to direct their attention to the more important parts of learning and improve their self-development," Dr Simpson said.
"However, if AI is not used responsibly within a degree course, and students outsource their thinking and development to technology just to gain a qualification, then that serves no useful purpose."
Prof Keiichi Nakata from Henley Business School agrees AI brings both pros and cons.
"It is positive because students now have an additional set of tools to work with when used appropriately and responsibly," he said.
"However, if used simply to cut corners or do the work for you, then it does not help students to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviour through their studies."
The survey also reveals job fears: 78% of UK students worry AI could threaten their career prospects. Yet, Phillips sees AI as a help, not a threat.
"People need to make a shift in the perspective of AI and how to use it to your advantage, and not see it as something that’s gonna replace you," she said.
Prof Nakata predicts AI skills will soon be expected by employers, just like IT skills.
The AI debate in education is heating up. The tech is already embedded in studies worldwide—now institutions must decide how to handle it responsibly.
