AI for writing

Basic proofreading functions within writing tools such as Microsoft Editor and Grammarly are permitted by default, unless your assessment brief explicitly restricts this assistance. This also applies at AI Assessment Scale (AIAS) Levels 1 and 2 where these are used.

Basic proofreading means identifying or correcting spelling, punctuation and grammar errors in text you have written yourself. It must not add substantive content or materially change your meaning, argument, structure or expression. Review suggested corrections before accepting them. You remain responsible for the work you submit.

A general “no AI” instruction, or a restriction on generative drafting or substantive rewriting, does not by itself prohibit basic proofreading. If spelling, grammar, written expression or editing ability is being assessed, any restriction on proofreading assistance should be explicit in your assessment brief.

Generating, drafting, rewriting, paraphrasing, summarising, expanding or otherwise materially changing your writing goes beyond basic proofreading. These functions are not permitted where your assessment prohibits Generative AI.

Judge the assistance by what the function does, rather than the product name, setting, switch or underline colour.

If your existing 2026–27 assessment brief leaves proofreading permissions unclear, ask your Module Leader for written clarification. This should normally be provided to the whole cohort through MyLearningSpace.

Existing approved reasonable adjustments and assistive technology arrangements remain unchanged.

This clarification applies specifically to proofreading and editing functions within writing tools. Other uses of Generative AI, including generating ideas, analysis, code, images or other assessed material, remain governed by your assessment brief and University guidance.

Where permitted for your assessment, AI may support your writing in the following ways. These examples include assistance that goes beyond basic proofreading.

• Experimenting with tone or style

• Suggesting ways to structure an essay or report

• Providing quick grammar or phrasing suggestions

• Brainstorming ideas and outlines

• Summarising or simplifying complex text

See also AI for study skills, which explains how AI can help with planning and organisation.

Where your assessment permits their use, general-purpose AI assistants may help with the following writing activities.

• Suggesting grammar, phrasing and style improvements

• Helping to restructure or simplify draft text

• Adjusting tone for clarity or audience

• Offering examples of how to start or develop a section

At Abertay, the recommended tool is Copilot, though other widely used platforms include ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. For everyday grammar and writing support, you should first use the built-in tools in Microsoft Word. Chatbots like Copilot can extend these capabilities, but they require careful prompting, evaluation of outputs and acknowledgement when used.

For routine spelling, grammar and accessibility support, start with the features provided in Abertay’s Microsoft Word. Check what each feature does and review its suggestions before accepting changes. Access to a feature does not by itself mean that every use is permitted in an assessment. Follow your assessment brief and any agreed assistive technology arrangements.

Generative AI chatbots, such as Microsoft Copilot, can extend these capabilities by suggesting phrasing, restructuring drafts or adjusting tone. When used, they require careful checking and acknowledgement if they shaped your work in a meaningful way.

Other tools like QuillBot and Grammarly are widely advertised and used by students, but they include GenAI features that may not align with University policy. If you are considering them, please read the dedicated guidance pages:

• Microsoft Word built-in tools: start here for routine spelling, grammar and accessibility support; check the function you use and review its suggestions
• Microsoft Copilot: Abertay’s supported general AI assistant; use it for writing support only as your assessment brief permits. 
• QuillBot : widely used, but see dedicated guidance
• Grammarly : widely used, but see dedicated guidance

When using AI to support your writing, you are responsible for ensuring your work meets academic integrity standards.

• Always make sure your ideas and arguments are your own.
• Do not use AI to generate substantial parts of your assessed work unless your assessment brief explicitly permits that use.
• If AI contributed to your work, follow the University’s acknowledgement guidance and your assessment brief. An S&PD digital sticker covers only the tools and uses approved in your support plan. See Acknowledging AI use.
• If AI-generated text was provided as part of the assessment and you quote or paraphrase it, include a formal reference. See Referencing AI.
• Do not use GenAI to manipulate your word count unless your assessment brief explicitly allows it.

AI writing tools can be useful, but they have important limitations:

• Their feedback does not establish how well your argument meets the marking criteria or what mark your work will receive.
• They may suggest phrasing that changes your meaning.
• They may generate fabricated or inaccurate information, sometimes called hallucinations. Always check against reliable academic sources. See AI risks and limitations for more detail.
• They are not a substitute for proofreading your own work.
• Over-reliance can slow the development of your academic writing skills.

Tip: For proofreading support, also see Studiosity and our guide to proofreading your own work. 

Use this checklist to make sure you are using AI appropriately in your writing:

• Check your assessment brief for any restrictions on AI or writing support, particularly for brainstorming, rewriting, paraphrasing or other changes that go beyond basic proofreading.

• Acknowledge AI’s contribution as required. Acknowledgement does not make a prohibited use acceptable.

• Do not ask AI to produce assessed writing or arguments on your behalf unless your assessment brief explicitly permits that use.

• Do not use AI to add, remove or rewrite text simply to meet a word count unless your assessment brief explicitly permits that use.