A new study by Currys has noted shifts in university course enrolments in the UK due to the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI).
Data analysis showed that enrolments in AI-related courses have surged by 453 percent between the 2017/2018 and 2022/2023 academic years, with more and more universities offer these programmes.
The research also noted a growing role of AI in shaping career decisions. In a survey of 1,000 students and recent graduates, over 3 in 10 respondents indicated that concerns about an “AI takeover” have influenced their career paths. Despite fears about job displacement, 63 percent of respondents believe AI has improved their career prospects.
AI Influences Course and Career Choices
AI course enrolments have grown among both men and women, but the data shows women have driven much of the increase. Female enrolments rose by 521 percent over five years, from 365 in 2017/2018 to 2,265 in 2022/2023. Male enrolments also saw a notable rise, increasing by 427 percent to 5,670 in 2022/2023.
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The number of universities offering AI courses has nearly tripled during the same period, growing from 29 to 84. The University of Hull leads in AI enrolments with 690 students, followed by the University of Edinburgh with 405 and the University of Bradford with 325.
Information Technology courses experienced the largest rise, with a 3,514 percent increase between 2017/2018 and 2022/2023. Business Computing saw a 2,384 percent increase, while Software Engineering enrolments rose by 265 percent. These courses align with roles that benefit from AI advancements, including machine learning engineers, AI software developers, and robotic process automation (RPA) engineers.
Decline in Enrolments for Traditional Subjects
In contrast, courses in areas less compatible with AI growth have seen declines. Language and area studies enrolments dropped by 20 percent, while education and teaching courses saw an 11 percent decrease. Media, journalism, and communications programmes experienced a 7 percent decline, which may be linked to AI’s ability to generate content and automate news production, leading to uncertainty about job security in these fields.
The findings suggest that AI is influencing not only career aspirations but also the types of skills and qualifications students are pursuing. As AI continues to reshape industries, the education sector is adapting to align with new demands, while traditional fields face challenges in maintaining enrolments.
