According to the "Artificial Intelligence sector study 2023" by the UK government, the number of AI companies in the UK increased by 17% to 3,170, with total AI-related revenues rising by 34% to £3.6 billion.
Additionally, Statista projects the UK's AI market to reach $7.95 billion in 2025, with an annual growth rate of 27.60% from 2025 to 2030.
In the UK, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a fast expanding field, with universities offering specialized programs in data science, AI ethics, robotics, and machine learning. AI courses generally range from short-term certifications (a few weeks to months) to full-time degree programs (spanning 1-3 years for master's or Ph.D. levels).
Why study Artificial Intelligence in the UK?
Studying Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the UK is a popular choice for the following reasons:
- First-Rate Universities: Elite universities like Cambridge, Oxford, and Imperial College are located in the UK.
- Internationally Acknowledged: Degrees earned from universities in UK are well-regarded globally.
- Multiculturalism: Gain access to a global network of students and experts in AI.
- State-of-the-art Research: Pioneering AI research programs and advancements across multiple industries.
- Cutting-edge Setting: The UK is a hotspot for AI startups and innovation.
- Linkages with Industry: Solid connections between academia and leading technology firms such as Microsoft, Google, and DeepMind.
- Government Assistance: National AI strategies and funding initiatives promote growth in the industry.
- Varied Job Possibilities: Access to a vast array of AI-related job opportunities in healthcare, finance, tech, among others.
Leading Artificial Intelligence specializations to pursue in the UK
Mentioned below are the leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) specializations to pursue in the UK:
- Data Science & Big Data Analytics
- AI in Healthcare
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Deep Learning
- Robotics
- AI in Autonomous Systems
- Machine Learning
- AI Ethics & Responsible AI
- Computer Vision
- Reinforcement Learning
Prominent universities in UK to pursue Artificial Intelligence
The prominent universities in UK to pursue Artificial Intelligence are as under:
- University College London (UCL)
- University of Oxford
- University of Manchester
- University of Cambridge
- King's College London
- Imperial College London
- University of Southampton
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Bristol
- University of Warwick
What's the cost of studying Artificial Intelligence in the UK?
Based on the university and program, the cost of studying Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the UK differs. Typically, overseas students can anticipate paying between £15,000 to £35,000 annually in tuition for a Master's degree in AI. On the contrary, the tuition fees for Bachelor's degrees usually cost between £10,000 to £20,000 annually.
Besides tuition, students should set aside money for living expenses which depending on the location, can range from £10,000 to £15,000 per year. To assist in alleviating these expenses, scholarships and funding opportunities are available at several institutions.
Eligibility Criteria to pursue Artificial Intelligence in the UK
The entry prerequisites to pursue Artificial Intelligence in the UK are listed below:
- For undergraduate programs, the student needs to hold a minimum of A-levels or comparable in pertinent subjects such as Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics. Particular subjects like Further Mathematics may also be required by certain universities.
- For postgraduate programs, the student needs to hold a pertinent Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics. Prior experience in programming or AI-related projects may also be required by certain courses.
- Non-native English speakers need to prove their fluency in English through appearing for English language proficiency tests like the IELTS or TOEFL.
- Certain programs may demand a portfolio or professional experience related to AI.
- Submission of a personal statement or SOP highlighting the student’s interest in the field.
- For Master's programs in AI, students need to submit recommendation letters.
- Particular entrance tests or additional assessments may be required by certain universities, particularly for postgraduate courses.
- Overseas students need to hold a valid UK student visa and provide evidence of adequate funds to pay for studies and living expenses.
The criteria mentioned above can differ from institution to institution, thus, students should examine the university's unique requirements.
Job Opportunities Post Completing Artificial Intelligence in the UK
Post completing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) degree in the UK, students can take up any of the jobs mentioned below:
- Robotics Engineer
- AI Software Developer
- Data Analyst with AI expertise
- Computer Vision Engineer
- Deep Learning Engineer
- Data Scientist
- AI Consultant
- Autonomous Systems Engineer
- Business Intelligence Developer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- AI Ethics Specialist
- AI Product Manager
- AI Solutions Architect
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) Specialist
- AI Research Scientist
FAQs
To pursue AI, do students require programming skills?
Yes, robust programming abilities are essential in AI, especially in languages like C++, Python, R, and Java. Owing to its vast libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn) and ease of use for novices, Python is the most widely used language in AI. If you have no prior programming knowledge, you should attend beginner coding courses before pursuing AI-related studies.
In the UK, are there scholarships available for AI studies?
Yes, the UK offers numerous scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate AI programs. These include:
- Rhodes Scholarships (for postgraduate study at Oxford)
- UK Government AI & Data Science Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships (for overseas students)
- University-specific scholarships (merit-based or need-based scholarships for AI courses are offered by a number of universities in UK)
What is the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the UK?
With a strong focus on research and development, the future of AI in the UK is bright. With an emphasis on AI ethics, regulation, and responsible innovation, the UK government has laid out plans to become a global leader in AI. It is anticipated that AI will transform industries, open up new employment opportunities, and boost productivity in both public and private sectors.
For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International and avail our wide range of services for students on destinations like study in UK, study in USA, study in Canada, study in Australia, study in New-Zealand, study in Singapore, study in Ireland, study in France, study in Germany and many other countries.
