The Ethics of AI in the UK Higher Education Sector

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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 environment. 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 context.

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%

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

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.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• 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.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

The Doctoral College at Ulster University