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University approved tools

Microsoft 365 Copilot is the University-approved GenAI tool. It is covered by the University's data security policy.

 

 

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AI tools supported in the University

We recommend using University-provided GenAI tools. We've grouped the Microsoft tools below by common tasks.

  • Writing and productivity: Microsoft 365 Copilot (in Word, Outlook, and more) for drafting, rewriting, summarising and answering questions; Editor for grammar, style, clarity and tone.
  • Idea generation and exploration: Microsoft Copilot (in Word, PowerPoint) for brainstorming ideas, generating content and summarising long text.
  • Data analysis and visualisation: Excel AI for trends, patterns, formula suggestions and data types; Power BI with AI Insights for smart narratives, predictive models and natural-language queries.
  • Presentation creation: Designer (in PowerPoint and standalone) for slide layouts, formatting and AI-generated images; Copilot in PowerPoint to create decks from documents.
  • Note-taking and organisation: Loop and OneNote to summarise and organise collaborative notes.
  • Meetings and collaboration: Teams AI features for transcription, translation, intelligent recap, action items, meeting insights and scheduling.
  • Email and scheduling: Outlook AI for suggested replies, scheduling assistance, and email summarisation and prioritisation.
  • Accessibility and reading support: Immersive Reader for text-to-speech and visual accessibility tools built into Microsoft apps; Teams for real-time transcription and translation.
Technology for learning
Supportive and assistive tech tools

AI tools in Library Search and databases

Some of the Library's databases and Library Search now include AI-powered features to help you search and explore the literature. These features are part of the University's licensed and procured library resources, so you can use them to support your studies. As with any GenAI, check what you find against the original sources and apply your own judgement.

Other GenAI tools are available. These may include both free versions and paid subscription models.

Note: Always check the privacy settings before using these tools. Avoid entering personal or sensitive information unless you’re sure the tool is safe and follows data protection rules.

 

Using GenAI tools that aren't University-approved

Plenty of other GenAI tools are available, in both free and paid versions. These aren't University-approved, so if you choose to use one:

  • Never enter your own work, anyone else's work, personal data, or unpublished research
  • Check the tool's privacy settings before you start
  • Remember that its outputs still need verifying, and that the same academic integrity rules apply.

Keeping your data safe: use Copilot

Tools like ChatGPT may store the content you enter and use it to help improve the model. This means anything you paste in could be retained or processed beyond your control, including:

  • Essay drafts.
  • Interview transcripts.
  • Personal data.

Tip: ChatGPT lets you disable content sharing by turning off 'Improve the model for everyone' in Settings. This isn't a substitute for full institutional data protection.

Where you can, use Copilot through your University of Salford Microsoft 365 account in Microsoft Edge. Copilot:

  • Is covered by the University's security policies.
  • Doesn't train itself on your data, so it won't retain it for its own purposes.
  • Is available to you at no extra cost through your University account.
  • Is suitable for more sensitive content (for example, anonymised research data).

You'll know you're using the secure version when you see the green shield with a tick in the top right of the Copilot window.

 

How to access Copilot

Whichever route you choose, make sure you're signed in with your University email and password. Look for the green shield with a tick in the top right of the browser window.

  • Option 1: open any web browser (for example Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox) and go to https://copilot.microsoft.com
  • Option 2: open Microsoft Edge and click the Copilot icon in the top right corner.
  • Option 3: in a Microsoft 365 online tool such as Word, click the App Launcher to open the Copilot app.

Tip: for grammar and spelling, safer alternatives include the built-in tools in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Editor, as these don't share your content with third parties.

 

Information for users of assistive technology

If you rely on assistive technology, you can continue to use it to support your studies, including assessed work, even if it isn't on our supported list. You can find more in the section on using GenAI in your assessments, or check with your tutor if you're unsure.