A recent Guardian investigation uncovered nearly 7,000 confirmed cases of AI-assisted cheating at UK universities in 2023–24. But these figures only reflect proven cases, meaning the true scale of academic dishonesty is likely far greater, both in the UK and globally.
And it’s not just AI tools helping students cheat. Contract cheating services – where students pay others to complete assignments – are also on the rise. While some of these services make use of AI, many claim their work is produced by real people, making it harder for AI detection software to flag. The academic integrity newsletter This Isn’t Fine has been tracking the rapid growth of these services, which market everything from ghostwritten essays to full exam support.
In Episode 10 of The VICTVS Podcast, hosts Ben Clayson and Carly Culver are joined by academic integrity expert Dr. Thomas Lancaster to unpack the world of contract cheating. A computer scientist at Imperial College London, Thomas is known internationally for his research into plagiarism, academic misconduct, and the commercial cheating industry.
The episode traces the rise of contract cheating since Thomas Lancaster and Robert Clarke first coined the term in 2006. Thomas begins by defining what contract cheating really means, distinguishing it from traditional essay mills, before discussing the global nature of the industry – including his involvement in the film ‘The Shadow Scholars’, which examines the lives of Kenyans producing academic work for students around the world.
Finally, Thomas outlines the risks associated with using contract cheating services, and offers practical advice for students facing assessment pressure and the growing temptation of tools like generative AI.
Watch the full episode via YouTube at the link below, or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. You can also get involved in the discussion using the comments section below or on YouTube.
To read more about Thomas Lancaster, you can visit his blog and connect with him on LinkedIn or X.
About The VICTVS Podcast
Learning goes beyond exams and qualifications—it’s about expanding horizons, overcoming challenges, and building skills and knowledge. At VICTVS, we invite guests from a variety of industries and cultures to share their insights, offering lessons from their diverse experiences. If you’re passionate about education and how learning can help you achieve your goals, the VICTVS podcast is for you.
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