New postgraduate course in Applied Artificial Intelligence skills leads way
A new Master’s qualification in Applied Artificial Intelligence has been launched by the University of Huddersfield.
The MSc course, which is open to graduates of any discipline, is the first MSc AI programme that the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) has dual accredited in the UK.
This means participants can earn a CMI Level 7 Award in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice and achieve Foundation Chartered Manager status while developing in-demand applied AI skills.
The UK is at the forefront of the digital revolution with the AI sector now worth over £16.8bn and employing more than 50,000 people.
CMI research reveals that anxiety around AI technologies remains widespread, with over two in five (44%) UK managers reporting concerns raised by colleagues and direct reports about new and emerging AI tools within their organisations. Alarmingly, less than 1 in 10 managers (9%) believe their organisation is adequately equipped to work with AI, and most have received little to no training on how to manage or integrate these technologies effectively.
Further research from the ONS highlights a strong link between management practices and AI adoption in the UK. Companies with top-tier management scores are significantly more likely to adopt AI (37% in the top decile compared to just 3% in the bottom) and to recognise its relevance. While only 32% of top-performing companies see AI as inapplicable, this figure rises sharply to 74% among those with lower management scores.
This new postgraduate course offers the opportunity to learn both applied technical skills and strategic management, preparing its students for roles that manage data and oversee strategic change in organisations as they adopt AI.
The MSc is taught by international experts in the field of AI, on-campus as a full-time one-year course, and by Distance Learning over two years part-time, allowing the flexibility to study and work at the same time.
It will equip students with an understanding of data-driven approaches to implementing intelligent behaviour in systems, developing knowledge and skills in:
- machine learning (ML)
- robotics
- autonomous intelligent systems
- data mining
- strategic management of data
- change and project management
Academic staff teaching this conversion course are active in pioneering research, applying AI methods to address societal changes in healthcare, transportation, smart cities and supply chains.
Their research expertise spans the whole spectrum of modern AI, from automated planning and knowledge representation and reasoning, to statistical and data-driven AI, machine learning, deep learning and generative AI.
Subject area leader Dr George Bargiannis, who is Deputy Director of the University’s Centre for Autonomous and Intelligent Systems (CAIS), commented: “This new course is designed to address an increasing need for upskilling in AI without having followed a traditional Computing or Engineering focused pathway as a student or professional. The combination of skills and knowledge in AI and its applications, as well as management of projects and data will enable successful graduates to transition towards a career in AI.”
“Artificial Intelligence technologies are transforming all aspects of modern business. This course is a fantastic opportunity to gain job-ready AI skills – you'll soon be transforming your business or job function, delivering competitive advantage, and building a successful and prosperous future.”
Professor Richard Hill, Head of the Department of Computer Science
Ann Francke, CEO of The Chartered Management Institute, commented: "The UK has a great opportunity to position itself as a global leader in AI innovation, assuming we can develop the right skills in our workforce. CMI is proud to partner with the University of Huddersfield on this groundbreaking course, which equips graduates with the skills and confidence needed to seize this opportunity. By combining cutting-edge technical expertise with strategic management training, students will not only excel in the dynamic field of AI but also develop the leadership capabilities essential for success in the ever-changing world of work."
About The Chartered Management Institute
The Chartered Management Institute is the professional body for managers and leaders with a membership community of over 220,000 aspiring and practising managers and more than 150,000 people currently studying on one of their management and leadership programmes.
CMI Dual Accreditation equips students with a nationally recognised professional qualification, access to a wealth of professional resources and valuable opportunities for mentoring and networking. This accreditation has been proven to significantly enhance graduate employability and drive higher starting salaries, setting students apart in a competitive job market.
The first intake for both courses takes place at the beginning of next year. Find out more about degrees relating to Artificial Intelligence at the University of Huddersfield here.