Artificial intelligence is transforming higher education, reshaping how students learn, interact and prepare for future careers. “It’s almost impossible to find a sector of higher education that is not affected by AI,” said Dr Charlie Simpson, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science at Oxford Brookes University.
A recent global survey found that 44% of UK students are excited about AI’s potential, though many remain anxious about its impact on future employment. Concerns about job displacement are common, reflecting a broader unease about how automation could shape the workplace.
Yet some students see AI as a powerful ally. Sunjaya Phillips, a Marketing Communications Management student at Oxford Brookes, said AI helped her work more efficiently and boosted her confidence. “Sometimes you might get stuck on ideas all day—but with AI prompting ideas, it could be done in 30 minutes,” she said.
Educators warn, however, that over-reliance on AI risks undermining genuine learning. “If it’s just to take shortcuts or let AI do the work for you, then students cannot acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviours,” said Professor Keiichi Nakata of Henley Business School. The consensus among academics is that AI should be used to complement, not replace, core learning processes.
Tools like Khan Academy’s Khanmigo show the potential for AI to deliver personalised education. But some experts, including Forbes contributor Ryan Craig, caution that AI is not yet ready to replace human tutoring, which remains vital to effective learning.
Another pressing concern is inequality. Without careful implementation, AI could deepen divides between well-resourced and under-resourced institutions. Access to infrastructure and tools must be addressed to prevent marginalising students already at a disadvantage.
Universities are being urged to rethink their teaching strategies, not just to keep pace with technology, but to ensure students develop critical thinking and ethical awareness alongside digital fluency. Dr Simpson believes graduates could emerge better prepared than ever—if institutions raise their standards in step with AI’s evolution.
Phillips offered a hopeful perspective: “People need to change their perception of AI and learn how to use it well, rather than seeing it as something that will replace your position.” This mindset reframes AI not as a threat, but as a tool for academic growth and career readiness.
As AI continues to shape the educational experience, the path forward lies in balance—embracing innovation while ensuring equal access and maintaining the human values at the heart of learning.
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