The number of students choosing to study artificial intelligence at university has surged this year, with new figures showing a 42% increase in enrolments on specialist AI degrees. According to the annual review by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, 1,165 students began AI-focused undergraduate programmes this autumn — the highest level recorded to date.
Although interest is rising rapidly, AI undergraduates still account for only around 4% of full-time computing students overall. A government-backed AI Opportunities Action Plan has highlighted the need for universities to expand teaching capacity to help meet industry demand for tens of thousands of AI specialists by 2030.
Julia Adamson MBE, Executive Director for Education and Public Benefit at BCS
“The UK’s strategy to become a global AI leader will rely on growing the pipeline of university graduates in a range of related subjects, along with digital apprenticeships and other professional development courses in tech. It’s also true that people with degrees other than computing, including Maths, will look to enter AI through the postgraduate conversion route, like Google DeepMind’s Research Ready programme.”
Students are increasingly drawn to AI and computer science because of strong career prospects, wide-ranging job opportunities, and the growing influence of technology across every industry.
If you would like to explore AI or computing degrees, speak to our expert counsellors to receive free guidance on your study options and application pathway.