Rethinking the future of AI in higher education

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming higher education, offering novel opportunities for personalised learning, enhanced student engagement, and curriculum adaptability. Although AI has existed in educational contexts for decades, recent advances in technology, accessibility, and research have enabled its integration beyond laboratories and into classrooms. This chapter examines the impact of AI on student learning, curriculum development, and teaching practices, highlighting both opportunities and ethical challenges. AI technologies can provide real-time feedback, enable flexible learning pathways, support trial-and-error learning, and foster educational ownership, empowering students to take control of their academic and professional development. Importantly, AI is positioned to augment rather than replace teachers, freeing them from repetitive tasks and allowing a stronger focus on mentorship, professional guidance, and student engagement. The study also addresses ethical considerations, including privacy, data security, bias, and inclusivity, emphasising the need for careful policy frameworks and AI-empowered learning paradigms. Overall, AI presents significant potential to enhance the quality, accessibility, and personalisation of higher education while requiring careful management of ethical and pedagogical implications.