Key points at a glance
- Read your programme’s current AI rules first.
- Log tool, task and human verification as work happens.
- Keep the record distinct from the declaration of independent work.
Establish what is permitted
Check which forms of assistance require disclosure and whether any are prohibited. Brainstorming, language editing, coding support and generated prose may be treated differently. There is no universal declaration that overrides local policy. Ask your supervisor before uploading confidential or participant data.
Log use during the project
For relevant uses, note the tool and version where known, date or period, purpose, affected chapter and your verification. A concrete entry might say: “Suggested clearer wording for section 3.2; I checked factual claims against original sources and rewrote the paragraph.” Do not include private interview material in a template simply to make the log look complete.
Keep research evidence separate
An AI response is not a substitute for the scholarly source behind a factual claim. Cite verifiable publications and describe the tool’s contribution according to local rules. If the tool helped organise an outline, say so; do not imply it verified articles that you have not opened yourself.
Review before submission
Compare the log with actual use and your independent-work declaration. Add screenshots or prompts only if required and permissible under privacy rules. Disclosure does not make every use acceptable; the work still has to comply with the programme’s rules and demonstrate your own judgement.
Final submission context
Formal details can feel like a separate writing task, but they matter just as much for a printed submission. Anything missing, misplaced or inconsistently formatted in the document will also appear in the bound copy.
Use this guide together with your cover page, table of contents, page numbers, source notes and appendices. Prepare the final PDF for printing and binding only after the complete file has been checked.
Practical check before PDF export
- Do headings, chapter structure and page numbers match?
- Are sources, figures and tables included completely?
- Are required elements such as declarations, appendices or the cover page included where required?
- Did you open and check the final PDF after exporting it?
Checklist
- Read current institutional rules.
- Logged relevant uses promptly.
- Verified factual claims independently.
- Reconciled log and declaration.
Common mistakes
- Copying another programme’s disclosure template.
- Treating AI output as a scholarly source.
- Uploading personal data without approval.
Prepare the finished thesis for submission
Once the content and university requirements are checked, review your PDF and the available printing and binding options.
Review printing optionsRelated content
Explore related guidance on thesis structure, sources, formatting and final submission.
Frequently asked questions
Is an AI-use log always required?
Requirements depend on the institution, assessment and kind of use.
Must I include every prompt?
Only if your local rules require it; a clear account of purpose and verification may be the key requirement.
Does disclosure make all AI use permissible?
No. Permission and independent scholarly work remain separate requirements.