On this page

• What is contract cheating
• Why use of artificial intelligence or chatbots is cheating
• How to avoid contract cheating
• The risks of entering into a contract cheating arrangement
• What happens if you are suspected of contract cheating

What is contract cheating

Contract cheating is a type of misconduct where someone else completes the assessment for you.  It can be in exchange for something, such as food or money.

Examples of contract cheating are:

• giving another student goods, even as little as a meal.
• paying a company or an essay mill (they may try to convince you that this is not cheating).
• hiring a private tutor to write your assessment or provide extensive input.
• using artificial intelligence (AI) or chatbots to complete all or part of an assessment. 

Why use of artificial intelligence or chatbots is cheating

Generally, use of AI applications (even if they are free) is contract cheating. This is because you are instructing a third party to complete the work for you.

However, some tasks may be designed to use AI as part of your assessment. Your school will let you know if you can use AI. So, if you follow exactly what has been requested by your School, this will not be considered contract cheating. 

How to avoid contract cheating

Contract cheating companies often use social media to target university students. If you have been targeted, speak to your personal tutor or another staff member for advice and support.

If you are stressed about a deadline or your personal circumstances, contact:

• your personal tutor, or
• Students' Union Academic Advice team (for free impartial advice)

The risks of contract cheating

You might:

• get caught by us (the University) and a serious penalty (PDF, 251kB) could follow.
• get blackmailed by the company, person or essay mill into paying more money.
• If this happens to you, we suggest you let your department/school or the Students' Union Academic Advice Team know.
• struggle to find work in future as your skills would not have developed.

What happens if you are suspected of contract cheating

Contract cheating is a serious offence. If we suspect contract cheating in your work, you may need to attend an interview (PDF, 251kB) with senior staff to discuss this. If found guilty, you will be penalised according to Annex 3: University Assessment Regulations 2024/25 (PDF, 360kB).

If you are the person who completes another student's work for them, you may also face disciplinary action under our regulations.

If you are being investigated for contract cheating, you can contact our Students' Union Academic Advice team for free and impartial advice and support.