AI University Course Uptake Soars 453% as 'AI Takeover' Drives Career Choices

A recent study analyzed university enrollments into AI courses in the UK as well as surveying students and recent graduates to see how AI is effecting education and job prospects.

The study by laptop and tech retailer, Currys, took a deep dive into university admissions data to discover how the developments in AI has impacted course uptakes in the UK. 

The data showed that AI course enrollments have increased by a whopping 453% in 2022/2023 compared to 2017/2018 – and it is women that are leading the way.

Women Leading the Way in AI University Studies Enrollment

Although more men have enrolled in these courses, with 5670 males enrolled in AI courses in 2022/2023 compared to 1075 in 17/18, a 427% rise, there were 2265 women enrolled in 22/23. This is a whopping 521% more than the 365 enrolments in 17/18.

As well as the rapid uptake in AI across the world, it could also be the fact that AI courses are more accessible. In 2017/2018 only 29 universities out of 291 analyzed had enrolments into an artificial intelligence course (previously (I4) Artificial Intelligence). 

But in 2022/2023 there were 84 universities with enrolments into the same course (now 11-01-05 Artificial intelligence). This nearly three times the number of universities 5 years ago. 

To support this analysis, Currys also conducted a survey of 1000 students and recent graduates to understand their relationship with AI. Of those surveyed, it was found that over 3 in 10 students say the prospect of AI taking over has influenced their chosen career path. 

Prospect of AI Taking Over Driving Students Career Choices

Despite numerous articles stating which jobs are in danger due to AI take over, 63% of study respondents actually believe that AI has improved their chances of succeeding in their chosen career. Nearly 4 in 10 students’ choice of course was influenced by AI.

Popularity of AI Influencing Choice of Courses Students Study

The same survey found that 37% of students and graduates were influenced by the popularity of AI when choosing which course to study. This mindset is reflected in the courses that have experienced a boost to enrolments over the past 5 years.

Information Technology saw the greatest rise, with a 3514% increase in course enrollments in 22/23 compared to 17/18. Similarly, Business Computing admissions rose by 2384% and Software Engineering by 265%.

It can be argued that all these courses present the opportunity to go into roles which are supported by AI, instead of endangered by it. Jobs that are likely to fall into this category are machine learning engineers, AI software developers, or robotic process automation (RPA) engineers.

Courses that Have Decreased in Interest Due to AI’s Takeover

In a similar vein, there are courses that have experienced a decrease in interest, potentially also due to the rise in AI. 

‘Language and area studies’ has seen a 20% decrease in students taking this subject. AI has made translation and language processing more accessible and automated, reducing the demand for traditional roles in translation and interpretation.

‘Education and teaching’ enrolments have decreased by 11%, likely thanks to AI-driven learning platforms and virtual instructors that are reshaping education, automating some teaching tasks and potentially reducing demand for certain educational roles, particularly in early instruction and tutoring. As a result, students may feel less inclined to pursue teaching careers.

Enrolments into ‘Media, Journalism, and Communications’ has also decreased by 7%, although not an earth-shattering figure, AI-generated content like automated news summaries and even full articles challenges the traditional roles of journalists and content creators. This may lead students to feel uncertain about job security in these areas, impacting enrolment.

UK Universities Enrolling Most Student to Study AI Courses

When looking at where in the country the most people are enrolling to study AI courses it seems The University of Hull is the ahead of the curve, with 690 enrollments in Artificial Intelligence courses. This is followed by the university of Edinburgh with 405 and the University of Bradford with 325.

Top 20 UK Universities for AI course enrollments