Microsoft 365 Copilot at the University of Leicester

The University of Leicester is working with Microsoft to provide every student and member of staff with access to Microsoft 365 Copilot. As a Microsoft Frontier University, Leicester is helping its community build practical AI skills, strengthen digital literacy and prepare for an AI-enabled future.

A University-wide Microsoft 365 Copilot collaboration

The University of Leicester has collaborated with Microsoft to provide full access to Microsoft 365 Copilot for all students, and staff.

As one of the first Microsoft Frontier Universities in the UK, and the first to provide all students with full access to Microsoft 365 Copilot, Leicester is helping to shape how artificial intelligence is used across higher education.

This collaboration gives our University community access to powerful AI tools that support learning, teaching, research and everyday work. It is helping students and staff develop the skills, confidence and creativity needed to succeed in a rapidly changing digital world.

As Citizens of Change, our students and staff do not simply adapt to the future. They play an active role in shaping it.

Expanding access to AI

Students and staff can access AI-powered tools designed to support productivity, creativity and problem solving. Through training, guidance and practical support, our community is developing digital fluency, strengthening critical thinking skills and learning how to work effectively alongside emerging technologies.

By making AI accessible across the University, we are helping ensure that everyone can benefit from the opportunities created by technological change.

Preparing students and staff for an AI-enabled future

The collaboration with Microsoft supports the University's commitment to developing future-ready graduates and empowering innovative staff.

Students gain experience using industry-relevant AI tools and develop skills that are increasingly valued by employers, including problem solving, critical evaluation, communication and digital capability.

Staff can use Microsoft 365 Copilot to streamline routine tasks, improve efficiency and focus more time on teaching, research, student support and innovation.

Together, these experiences help build the confidence needed to thrive in a global, technology-driven economy.

Responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence

The University of Leicester is taking a careful and considered approach to the adoption of AI.

Microsoft 365 Copilot is being introduced in ways that support learning, teaching, research and professional practice, while maintaining clear principles around ethics, inclusion, transparency and academic integrity.

Students and staff are supported with training and guidance to help them use AI confidently, responsibly and critically.

Our focus is not simply on adopting new technology, but on ensuring it is used in ways that enhance learning, support human decision-making and deliver meaningful benefits for our community.

AI that supports people, productivity and sustainability

Artificial intelligence can help reduce the time spent on routine administrative tasks, allowing students and staff to focus on higher-value activities such as learning, collaboration, creativity and research.

By improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary duplication of effort, AI can also contribute to more sustainable ways of working across the University.

The goal is not to replace human expertise, but to augment it through tools that support better outcomes and greater productivity.

Innovation with impact

At Leicester, innovation is not only about what is possible. It is about what is inclusive, responsible and impactful.