Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The University of Edinburgh

Name: The University of Edinburgh AI Policy Tracker record
Creator: University AI Policy Tracker
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

RankingQS World University Rankings 2026: 34UpdatedJul 27, 2026

No reviewed summary yet

Reviewed record

Reviewed claims

19 reviewed claims

The University of Edinburgh does not ban generative AI by students, though its use is restricted for much assessed work. Permissions are set at assessment and course level, students must acknowledge GenAI use before submitting assessed work, and AI agents or AI browsers must not be used to complete work inside virtual learning environments, with third-party AI translation apps also not permitted in class. ELM (Edinburgh access to Language Models) is the university's own platform for safer access to generative AI, and presenting AI-generated content as one's own work is academic misconduct.

Summary of the 19 agent-reviewed claims in this record, with their original scope. No student policy snapshot has been published for this university yet, and this summary is not an official university statement.

Academic Integrity7 reviewed claims

Last checked: May 10, 2026
Last changed: May 10, 2026

Original evidence

Evidence 1

The following uses of generative and agentic AI are not acceptable and constitute misconduct: 1. Presenting AI outputs as your own, original work. 2. Using an AI translator to convert assessed work to English before submission. 3. Submitting an assessment which includes elements of AI-generated text without acknowledgment. 4. Submitting AI-generated images, audio or video without acknowledgment. 5. Submitting AI-generated mathematical formulae or reasoning, or computer code, without acknowledgment. 6. Citing AI-found sources without reading and verifying them. 7. Using an AI agent or AI browser to complete work within your virtual learning environment.
Source: Using generative AI in your studies: guidelines for students

Source language: English (en)
Snapshot hash: 80d0a77a…
Retrieved: May 10, 2026
Evidence locator: Student guidance > Unacceptable uses of generative AI for assessment

Last checked: May 10, 2026
Last changed: May 10, 2026

Original evidence

Evidence 1

Unacceptable uses (for staff): Presenting AI generated content as your own original work. Uploading personal data or confidential information to external AI tools. Using ELM with identifiable patient/clinical data. Publishing AI assisted content without appropriate attribution. Relying on AI for decisions where legal/ethical duties require human judgement. Ignoring funder, publisher or regulator rules on AI use. Do not rely on AI detection tools to confirm authorship. They misclassify human and AI content.
Source: Using Generative AI in Your Work: Guidance for Staff

Source language: English (en)
Snapshot hash: 0a8ccc23…
Retrieved: May 10, 2026
Evidence locator: Staff guidance > Unacceptable uses (for staff)

Last checked: May 10, 2026
Last changed: May 10, 2026

Original evidence

Evidence 1

Do not rely on AI detection tools to confirm authorship. They misclassify human and AI content.
Source: Using Generative AI in Your Work: Guidance for Staff

Source language: English (en)
Snapshot hash: 0a8ccc23…
Retrieved: May 10, 2026
Evidence locator: Staff guidance > Core guidance

Normalized value: edinburgh_registry_genai_academic_integrity_2

Last checked: Jul 27, 2026
Last changed: Jul 27, 2026

Original evidence

Evidence 1

All work submitted for assessment should be your own original work. Some assessments may require you to sign a declaration to state this – please check with your Course Organiser on this point. It is not acceptable to present AI-generated content as your own work. If you do, this will be regarded as academic misconduct.
Source: Guidance for working with Generative AI (“GenAI”) in your studies

Source language: English (en)
Snapshot hash: 956f3694…
Retrieved: Jul 27, 2026
Evidence locator: p.5, GenAI and academic misconduct

Normalized value: edinburgh_registry_genai_academic_integrity_3

Last checked: Jul 27, 2026
Last changed: Jul 27, 2026

Original evidence

Evidence 1

Credit use of tools: Before handing in your assessed work, make sure you acknowledge the use of GenAI, where used.
Source: Guidance for working with Generative AI (“GenAI”) in your studies

Source language: English (en)
Snapshot hash: 956f3694…
Retrieved: Jul 27, 2026
Evidence locator: p.2, Golden Rules for GenAI Use, rule 3

Normalized value: The University of Edinburgh prohibits students from using AI agents or AI browsers to complete work inside virtual learning environments.

Last checked: May 23, 2026
Last changed: May 23, 2026

Original evidence

Evidence 1

Using an AI agent or AI browser to complete any type of work – assessed or not – within your virtual learning environment.
Source: Using generative AI in your studies: guidelines for students

Source language: English (en)
Snapshot hash: 5219f3ef…
Retrieved: May 23, 2026
Evidence locator: unacceptable uses list

Normalized value: The University of Edinburgh says students must not use third-party AI-based translation apps in class.

Last checked: May 23, 2026
Last changed: May 23, 2026

Original evidence

Evidence 1

AI-based translation apps retain and process recordings in a way that is not allowed in this policy... As a result, you must not use third-party AI-based translation apps in class.
Source: Using generative AI in your studies: guidelines for students

Source language: English (en)
Snapshot hash: 5219f3ef…
Retrieved: May 23, 2026
Evidence locator: live translation apps section

Teaching1 reviewed claim

Normalized value: edinburgh_registry_genai_teaching_4

Last checked: Jul 27, 2026
Last changed: Jul 27, 2026

Original evidence

Evidence 1

Before using GenAI in any assessed work, please check whether there are any restrictions. This should be mentioned in the assessment task. If not, then ask your Course Organiser.
Source: Guidance for working with Generative AI (“GenAI”) in your studies

Source language: English (en)
Snapshot hash: 956f3694…
Retrieved: Jul 27, 2026
Evidence locator: p.2, Acceptable Uses of GenAI

Privacy2 reviewed claims

Last checked: May 10, 2026
Last changed: May 10, 2026

Original evidence

Evidence 1

Please note, your lecturers do not have access to your chat history in ELM for the purposes of 'checking' your work - like your email account, it is private to you.
Source: ELM - Edinburgh access to Language Models

Source language: English (en)
Snapshot hash: 07bb7808…
Retrieved: May 10, 2026
Evidence locator: ELM page > Privacy notice

Normalized value: The University of Edinburgh says using an AI agent within Learn or any university learning or assessment platform requiring login is not permitted.

Last checked: May 23, 2026
Last changed: May 23, 2026

Original evidence

Evidence 1

Using an AI agent within Learn or any other University learning or assessment platform which requires you to log in is not permitted.
Source: Using generative AI in your studies: guidelines for students

Source language: English (en)
Snapshot hash: 5219f3ef…
Retrieved: May 23, 2026
Evidence locator: agentic AI section

Research1 reviewed claim

Last checked: May 10, 2026
Last changed: May 10, 2026

Original evidence

Evidence 1

The University does not ban the use of generative AI in your research, though its use is restricted for work assessed by the University.
Source: Generative AI Guidelines for Postgraduate Research Students

Source language: English (en)
Snapshot hash: 07498d4a…
Retrieved: May 10, 2026
Evidence locator: PGR guidance > Introduction bullet points

Ai Tool Treatment8 reviewed claims

Last checked: May 10, 2026
Last changed: May 10, 2026

Original evidence

Evidence 1

The University does not ban the use of AI, though its use will be restricted for much of your assessed work.
Source: Using generative AI in your studies: guidelines for students

Source language: English (en)
Snapshot hash: 80d0a77a…
Retrieved: May 10, 2026
Evidence locator: Student guidance > Introduction bullet points

Last checked: May 10, 2026
Last changed: May 10, 2026

Original evidence

Evidence 1

ELM is the University of Edinburgh's AI innovation platform, a central gateway providing safer access to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) via access to Large Language Models (LLMs).
Source: ELM - Edinburgh access to Language Models

Source language: English (en)
Snapshot hash: 07bb7808…
Retrieved: May 10, 2026
Evidence locator: ELM page > Main description

Normalized value: {"tool":"institutional_ai_service","rawToolName":"ELM (Edinburgh access to Language Models)","description":"University of Edinburgh's own generative-AI platform, providing a secure gateway to multiple models.","howToObtain":"Access ELM through the University service; it is free to all University staff and students.","costToUser":"Free.","availability":"allowed","endorsementType":"officially_endorsed"}

Last checked: Jul 15, 2026
Last changed: Jul 15, 2026

Original evidence

Evidence 1

The University of Edinburgh's student guidance calls ELM the University's own generative AI platform. All University of Edinburgh students have free access to ELM, and it is free to use for all staff and students.
Source: Using generative AI in your studies: guidelines for students | Computing | Information Services

Localized display only

The University of Edinburgh's student guidance calls ELM the University's own generative AI platform. All University of Edinburgh students have free access to ELM, and it is free to use for all staff and students.

Source language: English (en)
Snapshot hash: ed105e20…
Retrieved: Jul 15, 2026

Normalized value: {"tool":"self_deploy","rawToolName":"Llama in ELM","description":"Locally hosted Llama instance available through ELM.","howToObtain":"Access it through ELM, which is free for all University staff and students.","costToUser":"Free.","availability":"allowed","endorsementType":"self_hosted_system"}

Last checked: Jul 15, 2026
Last changed: Jul 15, 2026

Original evidence

Evidence 1

All University of Edinburgh students have free access to ELM, which is free to use for all staff and students and provides a locally-hosted instance of Llama in ELM.
Source: Using generative AI in your studies: guidelines for students | Computing | Information Services

Localized display only

All University of Edinburgh students have free access to ELM, which is free to use for all staff and students and provides a locally-hosted instance of Llama in ELM.

Source language: English (en)
Snapshot hash: ed105e20…
Retrieved: Jul 15, 2026

Normalized value: edinburgh_elm_central_gateway

Last checked: Jul 27, 2026
Last changed: Jul 27, 2026

Original evidence

Evidence 1

Find out about ELM, the University's central gateway to safer access of Generative Artificial Intelligence for staff and students.
Source: Guidance for students and staff on AI use

Source language: English (en)
Snapshot hash: 24211700…
Retrieved: Jul 27, 2026
Evidence locator: Section: Edinburgh access to Language Models (ELM)

Normalized value: edinburgh_registry_genai_ai_tool_treatment_1

Last checked: Jul 27, 2026
Last changed: Jul 27, 2026

Original evidence

Evidence 1

You will not be penalised for using GenAI, as long as you are working within the acceptable uses of GenAI outlined, and you are adhering to any other restrictions that have been specified for a particular assessment.
Source: Guidance for working with Generative AI (“GenAI”) in your studies

Source language: English (en)
Snapshot hash: 956f3694…
Retrieved: Jul 27, 2026
Evidence locator: p.3, Will I be penalised for using GenAI in my assessed work?

Last checked: May 10, 2026
Last changed: May 10, 2026

Original evidence

Evidence 1

Currently, you can access the CoPilot chat service within Edge by signing in with your University credentials. A green shield will appear, giving you additional protections.
Source: AI in Microsoft 365

Source language: English (en)
Snapshot hash: d829dcf2…
Retrieved: May 10, 2026
Evidence locator: AI in Microsoft 365 > Can I have access to Copilot?

Normalized value: The University of Edinburgh encourages students to use ELM over external AI platforms because it provides privacy protections and institutional access.

Last checked: May 23, 2026
Last changed: May 23, 2026

Original evidence

Evidence 1

The university encourages you to use ELM over other platforms such as GPT, DeepSeek, Grok etc... In ELM your data is secure – it will not be retained by third party services to train their models.
Source: Using generative AI in your studies: guidelines for students

Source language: English (en)
Snapshot hash: 5219f3ef…
Retrieved: May 23, 2026
Evidence locator: ELM section

Source record

Official sources

10 sources

AI in Microsoft 365

information-services.ed.ac.uk

Source URL: https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/computing/comms-and-collab/ai-microsoft-365
Snapshot hash: d829dcf2…

ELM - Edinburgh access to Language Models

information-services.ed.ac.uk

Source URL: https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/computing/comms-and-collab/elm
Snapshot hash: 07bb7808…

Generative AI Guidelines for Postgraduate Research Students

information-services.ed.ac.uk

Source URL: https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/computing/comms-and-collab/elm/generative-ai-guidelines-for-students/generative-ai
Snapshot hash: 07498d4a…

Guidance for students and staff on AI use

ed.ac.uk

Source URL: https://www.ed.ac.uk/ai/guidance
Snapshot hash: cdd5f419…

Guidance for students and staff on AI use

ed.ac.uk

Source URL: https://www.ed.ac.uk/ai/guidance
Snapshot hash: 24211700…

Guidance for working with Generative AI (“GenAI”) in your studies

registryservices.ed.ac.uk

Source URL: https://registryservices.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2024-10/Generative%20AI%20Guidance%20for%20Students%20October%202024.pdf
Snapshot hash: 956f3694…

Using generative AI in your studies: guidelines for students

information-services.ed.ac.uk

Source URL: https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/computing/comms-and-collab/elm/generative-ai-guidance-for-students/using-generative
Snapshot hash: 80d0a77a…

Using generative AI in your studies: guidelines for students

information-services.ed.ac.uk

Source URL: https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/computing/comms-and-collab/elm/generative-ai-guidance-for-students/using-generative
Snapshot hash: 5219f3ef…

Using generative AI in your studies: guidelines for students | Computing | Information Services

information-services.ed.ac.uk

Source URL: https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/computing/comms-and-collab/elm/generative-ai-guidance-for-students/using-generative
Snapshot hash: ed105e20…

Using Generative AI in Your Work: Guidance for Staff

information-services.ed.ac.uk

Source URL: https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/computing/comms-and-collab/elm/generative-ai-guidance-for-staff
Snapshot hash: 0a8ccc23…

Record information, JSON & citation

Reviewagent reviewedConfidence98%Snapshot statusNot publishedJSONPublic JSON

Citation: University AI Policy Tracker. "The University of Edinburgh AI Policy Tracker record." Last checked July 27, 2026. https://eduaipolicy.org/universities/edinburgh

Original university source language remains canonical. This tracker is not an official university statement.

Open change log

The University of Edinburgh

No reviewed summary yet

Reviewed claims

Academic Integrity7 reviewed claims

At the University of Edinburgh, presenting AI outputs as your own original work, submitting AI-generated text without acknowledgment, and using AI agents within university learning platforms constitute academic misconduct.

At the University of Edinburgh, staff presenting AI-generated content as their own original work, uploading personal data or confidential information to external AI tools, and relying on AI detection tools are listed as unacceptable uses.