England's university regulator warns many unsupervised assessments can be passed with AI, sometimes in minutes
Research by the Office for Students and Advance HE says AI use is often undetectable and calls for far greater use of AI-free assessment such as closed-book exams.
Why it matters
The regulator says a significant proportion of assessments are unsupervised and can be completed to a high standard with AI and limited student engagement, a risk it calls generational for the credibility of degrees. Closed-book exams, presentations and practical assessments are named as the most valid measures. The findings come as the OfS consults on proposals that could bar universities failing quality standards from charging higher fees or cap their student numbers. Watch how institutions redesign coursework and remote exams.
Key facts
- Published 11 November 2026 by the Office for Students and Advance HE
- Based on 244 higher education staff and 91 students from at least 127 universities (BBC)
- Some students completed assessments in minutes with AI
- Josh Fleming of the OfS calls AI a "generational risk"
- Closed-book exams and practical assessments named most valid