OfS collaborates with Advance HE to conduct research into how universities and colleges are using artificial intelligence

As part of the project, the OfS has launched a survey open to senior leaders of institutions, academic staff, students, and others with an interest in the impact of AI on higher education, to help it better understand how institutions are responding to the opportunities and risks AI can bring to higher education and how its use might affect student outcomes.

The survey will be complemented by a series of in-person and online roundtables with staff and students. These discussions will help the OfS to understand how academic staff and students are using AI, the impact of AI on their work, and what students expect from their institution. Attendees will also have the opportunity to discuss examples of good practice and share insights on navigating the barriers to effective adoption. The OfS also plans to hold interviews with sector bodies and technology companies to further strengthen the evidence base.

The OfS will analyse the findings in collaboration with Advance HE, drawing upon its research expertise and track record in supporting higher education leaders to enhance teaching and learning for students. The two organisations plan to work alongside a group of sector and AI experts to oversee the scope and quality of the research.

The OfS and Advance HE expect to publish the findings later this year to support institutions in using AI tools to improve students’ experiences of higher education while mitigating the risks AI presents. The findings should also help institutions to think ambitiously about how they can strengthen their AI capabilities, driving innovation in teaching and learning and continuous improvements in quality for their students.

As set out in its 2025 to 2030 strategy, this research is an important part of the OfS’s commitment to strengthen its understanding of students’ priorities and concerns and to use these learnings to enable institutions and others to respond proactively.

Interim Chief Executive of the OfS, Josh Fleming said:

‘Recent developments in artificial intelligence are having a profound impact on students, academic staff, and the wider higher education sector. This exploratory work will help us understand what is working well, what isn’t, and how student expectations are changing in the face of a rapidly evolving technology.

‘I’m looking forward to hearing from academics, students, and sector leaders on the opportunities, risks, and unintended consequences of using AI in higher education, as well as the barriers that might be preventing them from using it effectively. Working with Advance HE, I hope that our findings will help the sector adapt, innovate, and ensure AI is a constructive rather than destructive force for learners across the country.’  

Chief Executive of Advance HE, Alistair Jarvis said:

‘Advance HE is delighted to be partnering with the OfS on this important research. Higher education institutions are proactively adapting to the proliferation of generative AI and recent consultation with Advance HE member institutions confirmed our sector’s appetite to continue to both manage the risks and realise the opportunities created by AI.

‘By working in partnership with the OfS to strengthen the evidence base, we will build resources, guidance and professional learning opportunities to support our members as they continue to plan and enact their ongoing response to AI.’

Notes

1. The Office for Students is the independent regulator for higher education in England. Our strategy for 2025 to 2030 seeks to ensure that students from all backgrounds benefit from high quality higher education, delivered by a diverse, sustainable sector that continues to improve.
2. The research project builds upon the work the OfS has been carrying out since early 2025 to better understand staff and students’ views of AI, including roundtables, a student debrief event and informal conversations with staff and students.