Guidelines for GenAI Use in Thesis

This page is based on the guidelines for MSc theses (see MSc Thesis Course Guidelines). If you are writing your BSc make sure to check with your thesis supervisor which rules apply to you!  

The use of AI in MSc theses is subject to certain conditions. Part A of the MSc Thesis Course Guidelines discusses five use cases in which it is, in principle, allowed: 

  • Sparring partner/Brainstorming
  • Feedback tool for textual improvement (e.g. spelling/grammar checking)
  • Data processing script development (coding)
  • Literature searching
  • Transcription 

There are, however, some conditions that apply:

  • Never let AI replace the skills you are developing when writing your thesis, as developing them is part of your learning objective.
  • Evaluate every output critically and treat AI as a source of suggestions rather than a substitute, since you remain accountable for the correctness, completeness, and coherence of your work.
  • Treat AI as a supplement to conventional search methods, such as the WUR Library or Google Scholar, and use specialised tools for reference lists, which general models tend to fabricate.
  • Use AI to write code or scripts only when you can explain and verify the accuracy and validity of the result yourself.
  • Never enter other people's personal data, material that infringes intellectual property, or sensitive or confidential research data into external AI tools.
  • Acknowledge and document your use of AI in your final products (see Documenting and Citing your AI Use).