Microsoft collaboration puts University of Leicester at the forefront of AI in education
Colleagues from the University and Microsoft at the launch event held on Wednesday 3 June.
Leicester has become one of the first universities in the UK to roll out full access to Microsoft 365 Copilot across its entire community.
The University of Leicester has today (Wednesday 3 June) announced a collaboration with Microsoft to provide full access to Microsoft 365 Copilot for all students and staff, becoming one of the first UK universities to do so.
As one of the first Microsoft Frontier universities, Leicester is leading the sector by ensuring inclusive access to AI, equipping its community with the tools and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
By embedding AI into the learning experience, the University is ensuring its graduates leave with the skills and confidence to use the technologies shaping their future. For students, access to Copilot will form part of a wider commitment to future-ready education at Leicester, which also includes 100 hours of employer-informed, work-related learning on every undergraduate degree and research-inspired education embedded across all areas.
The rollout places the University of Leicester at the forefront of artificial intelligence in higher education and marks a significant step in embedding AI across teaching, learning, research and professional services.
Microsoft 365 Copilot will be integrated across the University, enabling students and staff to work more efficiently, collaborate in new ways and develop future-ready skills in a safe and secure environment.
University President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, said: “AI is already transforming the way we teach, learn, research and engage with each other – and if we want to remain a world-leading and inclusive University it is vital that we become early adopters and embrace the opportunity for change.
“This is a transformative moment for our University. It is an opportunity to think boldly, be creative, and grasp a once-in-a-generation opportunity to utilise the potential of AI to shape the world around us. We are Citizens of Change – committed to driving positive societal impact, championing diversity, and using education to create a fairer, more sustainable world – AI can turbocharge us along that journey.
“This initiative is about future-proofing our University and our people. About augmenting our community – the ability to work effectively with AI will be an essential skill in the years ahead. By embedding these tools now, we are ensuring that Leicester staff are well placed to adapt, lead and thrive in an evolving AI-landscape, and that our students are ready to meet the demands of any future workplace.”
Jen Wyatt, Director of Education, Microsoft UK, said: “AI is reshaping the world of work students are stepping into, and the universities that prepare their communities now will define the next generation of talent. Leicester's decision to give all students and staff full access to Microsoft 365 Copilot reflects a genuine commitment to future-ready skills. We're proud to support an institution that pairs ambition with responsibility.”
This collaboration strengthens the University’s commitment to developing future-ready graduates and forward-thinking staff, removing barriers and creating an inclusive environment where every student and member of staff can access powerful tools and opportunities.