Since its widespread adoption, artificial intelligence (AI) has had a profound impact across various industries globally—but perhaps nowhere has this been more evident and transformative than in higher education.
The ability to access detailed information at the click of a button has fundamentally reshaped the way university education operates. But the big question remains: Is this change truly beneficial for education?
A recent global survey involving thousands of students revealed that many are turning to AI technologies for academic support. Still, some voiced concerns about how such tools might affect their future career prospects.
One student told the BBC that AI was a turning point in her academic journey, helping her feel more confident in her academic performance.
On the other hand, experts have taken a more cautious view, describing AI’s impact on higher education as both positive and negative.
Sanjaya Phillips, originally from Worcestershire and currently studying Marketing Communications Management at Oxford Brookes University, said she uses AI—with the approval of her lecturers—to generate ideas and structure her essays.
Currently in her placement year, Phillips explained that AI has given her a sense of "reassurance" and helped boost her confidence in completing assignments.
“In my second year, AI became incredibly prominent—especially as a tool for studying and helping me adapt to university tasks,” she said.
“At Brookes, we have open discussions about how to use AI—how it can assist with preparing and organizing coursework or help spark creative ideas,” she added. “Sometimes it takes a full day to come up with fresh ideas, but with AI, that process can take just 30 minutes.”
She concluded: “It has definitely transformed my academic experience.”
However, other students shared stories with the BBC about using AI for cheating. One student expressed deep regret over relying on the technology dishonestly.
Dr. Charlie Simpson, an AI-in-education expert, noted that it’s becoming extremely difficult to find aspects of higher education untouched by artificial intelligence.
Simpson, also a senior lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science at Oxford Brookes, said: “When AI tools are used responsibly, they allow students to focus more on the essential aspects of learning and improve their personal development.”
However, he warned: “If students rely on AI purely to complete a degree without engaging in the learning process, it serves no real educational purpose.”
A study by student accommodation firm Yugo found that 44% of UK university students feel enthusiastic about AI, with a similar percentage having already used it in their studies.
Professor Keiichi Nakata of Henley Business School emphasized that, like any emerging technology, AI brings both benefits and challenges to education.
Nakata, who heads the AI division at the "World of Work Institute" at the University of Reading, focuses on helping organizations understand the evolving tech landscape.
He explained: “Used appropriately and responsibly, AI offers students a valuable set of tools to enhance their learning.”
However, he added: “If it’s only used to cut corners or complete tasks on behalf of students, it fails to help them gain the essential knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed from their education.”
A Support System
Dr. Simpson stressed that if universities adapt effectively to AI, future graduates may possess skill sets that far exceed those of previous generations.
He noted: “University degrees may remain as challenging to earn as they are now, but graduate capabilities will increase—so academic standards will likely need to rise as well.”
A comprehensive study by Yugo involving over 7,000 students from Europe, the U.S., and Australia found that 78% of UK students fear job loss due to AI.
In a separate study conducted last month by Henley Business School, UK workers were found to be optimistic about technology, though many also reported feeling stressed by its demands.
Still, Phillips expressed no concern about job losses, viewing AI as a “support tool.”
She emphasized the need for people to “shift their understanding of AI and how to make the most of it, rather than seeing it as a replacement.”
Professor Nakata added that AI literacy will soon become a common requirement in the job market, much like basic IT skills today.
“Of course, this will vary by industry and role,” he said, “but being able to use AI tools appropriately and responsibly to enhance workplace productivity will have a significant positive impact on future career opportunities for graduates.”
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