How studying an AI course can boost your career prospects

What is artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is when computers or machines learn to do tasks that require human intelligence - things like thinking, planning, learning, and solving problems. 

If you've ever used ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, to help structure an essay, or even just used an app to improve your writing style, you’ll obviously be aware of how AI can assist with content generation. However, there's much more to it than this, and you might not realise quite how often you're using it in your daily life.

For example:

• When Netflix gives you a film suggestion, or Spotify makes a personalised playlist, they are using AI to learn from what you’ve watched or listened to before.
• When your phone's camera automatically enhances your photos, AI is adjusting the brightness, contrast, and colours based on what it has learned about good photography.

It works by using examples and learning from experience in the same way that we do when we learn a new skill. At first you might make mistakes, but over time you’ll improve - and AI is the same. It will look at huge amounts of data and find patterns in order to make predictions or decisions. 

AI is now embedded in many industries and it is revolutionising business and the way we work. 

Where is AI used?

Some examples of where you might find AI being used today are:

Medicine

• Spotting early signs of diseases, like cancer, in scans
• Creating personalised treatment plans based on your medical history

Retail

• Recommending items based on your browsing and purchase history
• Predicting what products will be in demand, and automatically restocking and adjusting prices

Banking and finance

• Detecting suspicious activity to prevent fraud
• Approving or flagging loan applications based on spending patterns

Transport

• Helping self-driving cars and buses to understand traffic and road conditions
• Improving public transport routes by predicting demand

Law enforcement

• Analysing patterns in crime data to help prevent future incidents
• Matching faces or fingerprints in investigations

Science and the environment

• Predicting and modelling the effects of climate change
• Navigating rovers on distant planets

Sports

• Analysing player performance and developing smarter strategies based on data.

Why study an AI course?

Whilst some people have understandable concerns about AI, and the way it has infiltrated our lives, it’s clear that AI is here to stay. Because of this, employers are now keen to find people who can demonstrate strong AI skills. Taking a university course on AI, or a degree which includes AI-related modules, is a great way to learn these skills and stand out to employers. You'll also be helping to future-proof your career.

What AI role is right for me?

You’ll need to bear in mind the distinction between roles that use AI, and roles where you are developing AI. 

If you're keen to understand the mechanics of AI and enjoy building complex systems, developing AI is likely a better fit. You’ll need skills in areas such as programming (particularly Python), algorithm development, and data manipulation and analysis skills, so it tends to suit people with strong interests in mathematics, statistics, and computer science.

If you're more interested in using AI to solve real-world problems or make your work more efficient, then roles that apply AI technology would suit you. These could be in areas like marketing, finance, healthcare, or business. Key skills that employers will welcome here include a good understanding of your industry or subject area, an interest in new technology and how it can help improve results, and strong problem solving skills. You don’t need to be a coder to actually use AI. 

AI and computing

If you look at our two MSc computing AI courses, you can see the difference:

• Artificial Intelligence MSc: go underneath the hood, discover how AI systems are used, and learn how to make them work effectively.
• AI for Software Development MSc (conversion degree): learn how to use AI tools to become better at what you do, enhancing your productivity at speeds you never thought possible.

AI and business

It’s not just computing degrees which have AI elements. We offer business degrees which will teach you how to use AI to improve decision making and streamline processes, giving you a competitive edge when it comes to applying for jobs, and setting you ahead of the other candidates. 

By combining practical AI skills with business analytics, management strategies, or international commerce, you'll be uniquely positioned to lead innovation and drive strategic transformation.

We currently offer:

• Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence for Business MSc
• International Business and Artificial Intelligence MSc
• International Marketing and Artificial Intelligence for Business MSc
• Islamic Finance and Artificial Intelligence for Business MSc
• Management and Artificial Intelligence for Business MSc

What careers are there in AI?

Careers where you can develop AI

Machine learning engineer

Machine learning engineers create AI systems that learn from data to predict outcomes or make decisions. They build technologies behind things like video recommendations or fraud detection systems. To do this job, you need strong coding skills (Python), a good understanding of algorithms, maths, and experience working with large data sets.

Data scientist

Data scientists work to develop new automated systems and methods to extract data. They build predictive models and data visualisation tools to extract meaningful insights for business. This could be to do with predicting customer behaviour, or even spotting medical conditions early. For this career, you’ll need strong skills in coding (e.g. Python and R), machine learning, data analysis, and statistics. 

Learn more about becoming a data scientist

Robotics engineer

Robotics engineers develop robotic systems powered by AI. They design, build, and maintain robots that can automate tasks, improve safety, carry out search and rescue operations, and make things more efficient - such as robots in hospitals, self-driving cars, or drones. AI also plays a big part in tasks that might be too dangerous for a human to undertake, such as bomb disposal. With the use of AI, Robots can move through dangerous areas without direct control and analyse situations on the spot. To move into this field, you’ll need a good understanding of engineering principles, an interest in robotics design, and skills in programming and AI algorithms.

Computer vision engineer

Computer vision engineers create AI systems that can recognise and understand images or videos. They build technologies like facial recognition software, augmented reality applications, or security systems. You’ll need skills in image processing, coding (Python or C++), machine learning, and deep learning techniques.

Natural language processing (NLP) expert

NLP analysts create AI technologies that help computers understand natural human language, so that machines can make sense of unstructured data. They can build systems that understand and respond to our language, such as chatbots, virtual agents (think of Siri and Alexa), and translation software which goes beyond simple mechanical word-for-word translations but can grasp the nuances of language. Businesses can make use of their ability to optimise this unstructured data and use it to gain meaningful insights in order to solve business problems. You’ll need strong coding skills and experience in deep learning and language modelling.

AI researcher

AI researchers develop new AI methods and algorithms to solve complex problems or improve existing technologies. They work on a huge variety of projects in many different fields, such as smart cybersecurity tools to detect and prevent cyberattacks in real time, tools to help farmers monitor crop health and predict yields using drone images, or systems to improve accessibility, like real-time sign language translation or speech-to-text for the hearing impaired. You’ll usually need an advanced degree and strong skills in maths, coding, and machine learning. Interest or experience in a specific field can also work to your advantage here.

Careers where you use AI as a tool

Healthcare researcher

Healthcare researchers use AI to analyse medical data, identify patterns, and speed up medical discoveries. They work with AI tools to predict health trends, develop new treatments, or detect diseases earlier. For example, AI could help to flag early signs of cancer from scans or predict disease outbreaks based on regional data. You'll need strong research skills, medical knowledge, and experience working with data analytics and AI-driven systems if you're interested in working in this field.

Digital marketing manager

Digital marketing managers use AI to understand customer behaviour, spot trends, and personalise marketing campaigns. They use automated tools to create targeted advertising and improve engagement online. You’ll need good skills in marketing strategy, analytics software, creativity, and understanding consumer data.

Financial analyst

Financial analysts use AI to predict economic trends, make investment decisions, and analyse financial data. They use automated systems to forecast outcomes and advise companies on financial planning. For example, AI could be used to track stock movements and news reports to recommend trades or identify financial risks before they escalate. You’ll need strong analytical skills, knowledge of finance and economics, and experience with data analytics tools.

Business analyst

Business analysts use AI to interpret company data, identify trends, and improve decision-making processes. They apply automated data analytics and visualisation tools to help businesses better understand customers and markets. You might be able to use AI to help a business learn why sales are dropping in a particular area, for example. Skills in business strategy, data analysis, and familiarity with AI-driven software are needed.

Ethical considerations with AI

Understanding AI isn't just about technical skills, and employers are increasingly keen to find people who understand how to apply it ethically and responsibly . Ethical considerations in AI usage, especially in sensitive sectors like healthcare, finance, and regulation, are increasingly crucial. Our AI courses teach you to navigate these complex ethical landscapes, helping you develop solutions that benefit society and business alike.