Microsoft gives University of Leicester students practical training in AI

Microsoft is providing every University of Leicester student with training to build practical AI skills for study, life and future careers.

The move marks a major step towards Leicester's ambition to become a fully AI-enabled university and will help thousands of students use artificial intelligence confidently and responsibly.

In September, every Leicester student was given full access to Microsoft 365 Copilot through their University IT account, giving them access to one of the world’s most advanced AI-powered productivity tools in a secure, enterprise-protected environment.

The rollout builds on the University's strategic collaboration with Microsoft announced earlier this year and reinforces Leicester's position as a national leader in the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence in higher education.

Rather than treating AI as a standalone technology, the University is embedding it across teaching, learning, research, student life and professional services as part of a broader commitment to preparing students for the future of work.

Microsoft has created the Copilot for Life programme for University of Leicester students. Throughout October and November, experts from Microsoft are leading practical, in-person workshops showing students how AI can help with everything from budgeting and meal planning to studying, wellbeing and exploring the city.

These are not conventional technology classes. Each session starts with a real student challenge and gives participants useful techniques they can try straight away, while building the confidence and judgement to use AI responsibly.

As employers increasingly look for graduates who can use generative AI safely, ethically and effectively, the combination of full Copilot access and hands-on support from Microsoft specialists will help Leicester students turn knowledge into career-ready experience.

Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, said: “Artificial intelligence will shape every sector our graduates enter. Universities have a responsibility not only to help students understand these technologies, but to equip them with the skills, confidence and critical thinking needed to use them effectively and responsibly.

“By providing every student with access to Microsoft 365 Copilot, we are ensuring that Leicester graduates develop the AI literacy and practical experience that employers increasingly expect. This is about widening opportunity, enhancing learning, and preparing our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

This initiative complements Leicester’s wider employability offer, including its commitment that every undergraduate student will complete at least 100 hours of employer-informed work-related learning during their degree. Together, these opportunities are designed to ensure graduates leave Leicester with both the practical experience and digital skills required for success in an increasingly AI-enabled economy.

The rollout forms part of the University's wider AI strategy, which focuses on building capability across its entire community while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible, ethical and inclusive use of technology.

Alongside the rollout, the University recently launched Welcome Helper, its first purpose-built Copilot agent for students. The assistant helps students access trusted information about university life, services and opportunities, demonstrating how AI can be used to create a more personalised and supportive student experience.

Since becoming one of Microsoft's first Frontier Universities, Leicester has been working with the technology company to explore how AI can enhance education, research and organisational effectiveness while ensuring that staff and students have equitable access to new opportunities.

Jen Wyatt, Director of Education at Microsoft UK, said: “Students entering today's workplace need more than traditional digital skills. They need confidence using AI tools that are increasingly becoming part of everyday professional life.

“The University of Leicester continues to demonstrate leadership by ensuring all students can access, explore and develop these capabilities in a secure and supported environment. Through the Copilot for Life programme, students will have the opportunity to learn directly from Microsoft specialists and discover practical ways AI can support them during their studies and beyond. We are proud to continue working together as Leicester builds a future-ready learning experience for its community.”

The student rollout follows the University's earlier decision to provide Microsoft 365 Copilot access across its staff community and represents another significant step towards Leicester's vision of becoming an institution where people and technology work together to unlock new opportunities for learning, discovery and impact.