This study by Currys analysed university enrolments into AI courses in the UK as well as students and recent graduates to see how AI is effecting education and job prospects. The data showed that AI course enrolments have increased by 453% in 2022/2023 compared to 2017/2018, with women leading the way.
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 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 analysed had enrolments into an artificial intelligence course (previously Artificial Intelligence). But in 2022/2023 there were 84 universities with enrolments into the same course (now Artificial intelligence). This nearly three times the number of universities 5 years ago.
Of 1000 students and recent graduates surveyed, it was found that over 3 in 10 students say that the prospect of AI taking over has influenced their chosen career path. And despite numerous articles stating which jobs are in danger due to this take over, 63% actually believe that AI has improved their chances of succeeding in their chosen career.
Furthermore, it was 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 which have experienced a boost to enrolments over the past 5 years.