Artificial intelligence at the University of Leicester

The University of Leicester is embedding artificial intelligence (AI) across education, research and professional services to help students, staff and partners use AI responsibly, ethically and effectively. Through its collaboration with Microsoft and institution-wide access to Microsoft 365 Copilot, Leicester is helping shape the future of AI in higher education.

Leading responsible and human-centred AI innovation

Artificial intelligence is transforming how people learn, work, discover new knowledge and address global challenges. The University of Leicester believes universities have a vital role in helping society understand, question and shape this technological change.

Our ambition is not simply to adopt AI technologies. The University of Leicester aims to lead the development of responsible, human-centred approaches to AI that create positive outcomes for individuals, communities, organisations and society.

AI is being embedded across education, research and professional practice throughout the University. At the same time, Leicester remains committed to the qualities that define excellent higher education: critical thinking, creativity, ethical decision-making, curiosity and human judgement.

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, these capabilities are becoming more valuable, not less. The University of Leicester is committed to helping students and staff understand both the opportunities and limitations of AI, ensuring technology enhances human potential rather than replacing it.

A Microsoft Frontier University

The University of Leicester has collaborated with Microsoft to provide all students and staff with access to Microsoft 365 Copilot. As one of the UK's first Microsoft Frontier Universities, Leicester is helping to define how higher education institutions can use AI to improve learning, research, innovation and productivity.

By providing access to Microsoft 365 Copilot at scale, the University is enabling students and staff to develop practical AI skills, increase digital confidence and explore new ways of learning, working and solving problems in a secure and supported environment.

This collaboration supports the University's broader ambition to prepare graduates for an AI-enabled future while advancing research, innovation and public benefit through the responsible use of artificial intelligence.