Your guide to studying artificial intelligence

What is AI?

AI is a field focused on creating systems capable of tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as pattern recognition, data analysis, and informed decision-making. AI is becoming essential across many different sectors, driving advancements in public policy, healthcare, education, and business analysis. AI is transforming industries by making processes more efficient, improving decision-making through data, and solving problems with precision.

Why study AI?

Professionals who understand AI can add strategic value to their workplaces by automating tasks, analysing complex data, and guiding the responsible use of technology. You'll use this knowledge to make a significant impact in areas such as:   

• healthcare
• finance
• policy
• education

It positions you as a leader in using technology responsibly and effectively in your field. 

Is AI in demand?

AI skills are highly sought after across nearly every industry. As global AI adoption accelerates, roles related to AI, data, and automation are rapidly emerging. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025, 97 million new positions in these areas are anticipated worldwide, especially in healthcare, finance, the public sector, and manufacturing.

AI knowledge is now valuable not only in technical roles but also in hybrid positions that combine AI expertise with business strategy, ethics, or project management. This broad demand drives high earning potential, with AI roles often commanding above-average salaries. As businesses adopt intelligent systems to stay competitive, professionals with applied AI skills are well-placed for strategic roles in the evolving tech landscape.

What skills do I need to succeed in AI?

To excel in AI, you’ll need a blend of practical, analytical, and ethical skills that are valuable across industries:

• AI problem-solving: Identify and address challenges in your sector with AI-driven solutions
• data analysis and visualisation: Interpret AI outputs and visualise insights for data-informed decision-making
• ethics and governance awareness: Understand AI’s societal impacts, essential for responsible, contextually aware technology use
• research and critical thinking: Stay up-to-date with AI developments and critically assess relevant innovations

These interdisciplinary skills empower you to use AI insights to enhance efficiency, inform policy decisions, and oversee ethical implementations in your field.

Is AI a good career path?

AI offers diverse and rewarding career opportunities, particularly for professionals who can integrate AI solutions within specific sectors. Your AI knowledge can make a meaningful impact, whether in policy advice, ethical oversight, or project management.

Potential career paths include:

• AI Strategy Consultant: Advise organisations on leveraging AI for operational strategies
• AI Ethics Officer: Oversee responsible AI use and ethical decision-making
• AI Project Manager: Lead AI initiatives from concept to execution, aligning with organisational goals
• Public Sector AI Policy Advisor: Guide public entities on AI policy development and responsible use
• AI-Enabled Business Analyst: Use AI insights to support business decisions and optimise processes

Is the MA Artificial Intelligence the right course for me?

Conversion master’s courses in AI are designed to welcome learners from diverse professional fields, providing foundational knowledge for those without a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) background.

These courses focus on practical, real-world applications, covering foundational topics such as data analysis, AI ethics, and technology management in an approachable format. This structured, supportive approach enables you to build confidence as you learn. It helps you gain skills you can apply directly within your industry, bridging technical AI concepts with your existing expertise.

What is a conversion master’s course in AI?

A conversion master’s course in AI is tailored for professionals from non-technical backgrounds, providing essential skills in programming, data analysis, and AI principles. With no prior STEM experience required, these courses focus on real-world applications, equipping you to apply AI within your field, whether it’s business, healthcare, law, or policy. You’ll also explore AI’s ethical and social implications, empowering you to use AI responsibly in your industry.

Why study AI online with Southampton?

Conversion courses

You won’t need any advanced knowledge of mathematics, coding or other STEM subjects to succeed on our AI master’s courses. 

Study while you work

Our part-time, 100% online courses allow you to fit your studies into your life.

Interdisciplinary knowledge

Our AI courses draw on expertise from the School of Economic, Social and Political Sciences, School of Mathematical Sciences and the Web Science Institute.

Societal impact

We collaborate with governments and organisations, giving you exposure to impactful, real-world applications of AI.

Explore our AI conversion courses