When it comes to the subject of Artificial Intelligence (AI), for those of us that recall watching the original ‘Terminator’ movies and being in awe of their fantasy and futuristic narrative, the truth of the matter is that now this idea of machines becoming superior to humans could well become a reality. Well, perhaps in some ways.
While AI and machine learning have been around for some time now, it has seen exponential growth in the past few years with the emergence of tools such as ChatGPT. This has led to Universities and higher education institutions becoming concerned about students using AI tools to produce work rather than previous research and writing methods.
Furthermore, with AI constantly evolving, another consideration is how can Universities adapt their course offering to empower our future workforce by providing degrees in studies that can work alongside it.
Here at The Insurance Emporium, we’ve taken a look at how the AI revolution has already started to see higher education establishments adapt and how students might want to consider a degree that aligns itself with AI and machine learning.
AI in Higher Education
Since the emergence of ChatGPT, some universities, such as those under The Russell Group, have published a set of principles to help universities capitalise on the opportunities that AI offers to education.
While some universities have raised concerns over the risks associated with students using generative AI, the Russell Group’s principles look to embrace the technology to help staff and students become leaders in an increasingly AI-enabled world.
In June 2023, the government announced its call for evidence to investigate how AI can positively transform education. The initiation of this report marks an important starting point, with the results providing a base to inform future work. This includes how AI could be used to reduce workload, improve outcomes, and run operations more efficiently as well as work around misuse such as essay bots and cheating in exams.
The Evolving Landscape of University Degrees
As with any ‘new technology’, AI could revolutionise industries and create job roles never seen before. However, on the flip side, it also has the potential to replace humans in careers, such as jobs that require content creation or data processing roles which is worrying for some.
The good news is that AI doesn’t have certain skill sets where human expertise is still required. However, there is still the potential that some careers may become redundant because of automation, therefore, universities will have to adapt their curriculum for students to become equipped with the right skills to thrive in the AI-augmented workplace.
According to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), this year’s application data showed 18-year-olds were increasingly inspired to study computing “thanks to the rise of digital and AI”, UCAS chief executive Clare Marchant said. Applications to study computing were up almost 10% compared to 2022.
In light of this, many universities in the UK already have AI-related degrees and courses to meet the growing demand for expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning. To demonstrate this demand, we’ve researched several UK universities to find out what some of their AI-related courses are.
These are just a few examples, and many other universities in the UK also offer AI-related degrees or modules within broader computer science or engineering programs.
Navigating Career Paths Alongside AI
To help students that are considering a degree, whether that’s a course directly aligned with AI or something that helps support the use of AI, we’ve compiled our list of potential courses and what roles graduates could achieve in their career, alongside their potential annual average earning.
| Courses | Average Salary* |
| Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence | Computer Scientist – £62,234 Artificial Intelligence Developer – £62,256 AI Trainer – £62,256 |
| Data Science and Analytics | Data Scientist and Analyst – £55,360 Data Analyst – £38,070 |
| Cognitive Science or Neuroscience | Cognitive Science – £40,773 Neuroscientist – £36,108 |
| Robotics Engineering | Robotics Engineer – £38,963 |
| Software Engineering | Software Engineer – £55,185 AI Engineer – £56,610 |
| Ethics, Philosophy, and AI Policy | Ethics Officer – £41,163 Philosopher – £38,591 AI Policy Researcher £35,901 |
| Health Informatics or Biomedical Engineering | Health Information Specialist – £36,426 Biomedical Engineer – £33,419 |
| Business and Management with a Focus on AI | Business Manager – £54,976 |
| Creative Arts and Media Technology | Creative Copywriter – £34,208 AI Director – £97,839 AI Gameplay Programmer – £39,123 |
The key is to combine AI knowledge with expertise in a specific domain or industry, as this synergy can create unique opportunities for students to shape the future of AI in their respective fields. Additionally, students could consider seeking internships or hands-on experiences to gain practical skills and real-world exposure in AI-related projects.
Conclusion
As you navigate the exciting possibilities of AI-driven university degrees and future careers, it’s important to equip yourself with the right tools for success. One often overlooked aspect is protecting your journey through higher education.
Therefore, one important consideration is student insurance which could provide peace of mind for your valuables while studying away from home. Explore our optional range of pick ’n’ mix style student insurance benefits today and take that crucial step towards a secure and thriving future.
*Data from Glassdoor, based on searching by job title in the United Kingdom. Salaries are correct as of 30.07.23.
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