Ethics & AI in the UK Higher Education Landscape considering Policy, Practice and Principles

Summary

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a transformative technology in Higher Education, presenting opportunities and challenges for teaching and learning, institutional efficiency and research activities. A range of AI tools exist, including those supporting the production of human-like language, image/art creation and code generation.

This project focuses on the role of human language tools, such as ChatGPT. While the use of human language tools has increased exponentially in the higher education sector, there is a dearth of research which has addressed the ethical issues posed by these technologies. The integration of AI in Higher Education offers transformative potential to enhance the student learning experience and presents new opportunities to improve research. However, it's use is potentially associated with (un)ethical challenges. An understanding of such (un)ethical behavior is crucial for creating an inclusive and effective Higher Education landscape.

This project aims to understand the challenges posed by AI language technologies and how these impact on ethical implications and unethical behavior in the utilization of AI in a Higher Education environment.

The objectives are as follows: to investigate the opportunities of AI human language tools for both students and academics; to understand the challenges which AI human language tools present in a Higher Education context; and to explore the implications of this for the Higher Education sector.

The study will draw on a number of theories of ethical behaviour, for example, moral utility theory, social contract theory and/or cultural relativism theory. The research will focus on the UK Higher Education sector and specifically within the management discipline.

The proposed methodology for this research will be a mixed-methods approach. Primary data will be collected by employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. This includes the use of a survey which will be distributed to both UK academic staff and students in the management discipline. Networks will be utilised to secure participants. In addition, in-depth interviews will be conducted with academic staff and students across the UK Higher Education sector. Qualitative data will be analyzed using Nvivo to explore and themes identified. The dual methodology adopted will seek to provide a holistic understanding of the motivational basis of ethical decision-making in relation to the use of AI in Higher Education. Conclusions should offer an enhancement to pedagogical practices and optimize the integration of AI within Higher Education.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

These scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.