Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a fancy buzzword. It has become a fundamental part of daily operations across every industry and sector. Consequently, keeping up with the latest developments is vital if you’re looking to progress your career.
But if you’re not from a STEM background, it can be hard to know where to start. Are you a non-STEM professional looking to get familiar with how AI fits into the bigger picture?
If so, our MA Artificial Intelligence (Digital Transformation) course is for you. We’ve designed our curriculum to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in this AI-driven landscape. Let’s explore how this course prepares you to harness AI effectively in every field, from healthcare and finance to retail.
What is Industry 4.0?
Industry 4.0 represents the fourth revolution that has occurred in manufacturing. From the first industrial revolution (mechanisation through water and steam power) to the digital revolution, the progression has led us to today’s era.
In this era, cyber-physical systems form the backbone of manufacturing and services. Industry 4.0 integrates IoT (Internet of Things), cloud computing, and AI. These technologies can be used to create smart systems that can autonomously exchange information, make decisions, and perform tasks with minimal human intervention.
This new phase in industry emphasises the role of disruptive technologies in automated manufacturing, data exchange, and production. In Industry 4.0, AI and machine learning play pivotal roles by enhancing decision-making processes and productivity. They do this by providing real-time responses to changes in environments, operations, and even consumer trends.
This represents not only a substantial shift in factory settings, but also across sectors such as healthcare, finance, and retail. It’s transforming how organisations operate, produce, and service customers.
Holistic knowledge to understand AI in context
It takes more than hard tech skills to drive responsible, ethical digital transformation. Sectors across the board are seeking AI-savvy professionals who can apply this technology to their day-to-day work. They’re also seeking leaders who can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams.
The digital transformation pathway of our MSc in Artificial Intelligence doesn’t require you to have a background in science, technology, or mathematics. It’s designed from the ground up to make the complex world of AI accessible and relevant.
You’ll start with our 'Introduction to AI' module, which lays down the foundational understanding of AI principles. You’ll then develop a solid grasp of how AI can be used to transform the workplace, from enhancing human skills to managing lower-value tasks. You’ll also learn how to harness it ethically and minimise harm.
Practical AI applications across sectors
One of the core strengths of this course is its focus on real-world applications of AI across a wide range of sectors. Here are just a few examples of the sectors it’s transforming, and the changes we’re seeing already.
Healthcare
AI's impact in healthcare is transformative, offering advancements from early diagnostics to improved patient care through predictive analytics. The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) highlights how AI is making strides in areas ranging from heart disease detection to accurate lung cancer diagnosis.
AI technology is used daily to analyse vast amounts of data from patient monitors, predicting which patients might experience complications and allowing medical staff to intervene proactively. In our 'Working with AI Applications' module, you learn to deploy AI solutions that can, for instance, predict patient deterioration or optimise treatment plans.
Finance
In finance, AI is reshaping everything, from risk assessment to customer service. In day-to-day operations, AI helps banks detect fraudulent transactions in real time, significantly reducing the risk and financial losses associated with fraud. This sector also benefits massively from generative AI technology, with chatbots helping guide end-users and reducing the workloads of customer support teams.
Retail
The retail sector benefits from AI through enhanced customer experiences and optimised supply chains. For instance, AI is routinely used in retail to analyse shopping patterns, automatically adjust prices, and manage stock levels efficiently. This ensures that popular products are always available to customers, wherever they are.
Our course modules provide comprehensive insights into how AI can benefit your sector. This will enable you to adopt it for inventory management, personalised shopping experiences, and even predicting market trends to stay ahead of consumer demands.
Specialist modules for digital transformation
This pathway option offers two specific modules for Digital Transformation: 'AI: Transforming the Workplace' and 'AI, Governance and Global Economy'. They both explore how AI reshapes job roles, organisational structures, and even global economic policies. You learn not only to adapt to AI-driven changes but also lead these transformations in your organisation.
Preparing you for Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 is characterised by a fusion of technologies blurring the lines between physical, digital, and biological spheres. This technological shift is influencing every aspect of our lives, which means there’s a need for us all to keep up with it.
Our course modules, especially 'AI in Social Problem Analysis and Policy Formation', prepare you to tackle the bigger questions we face today. As a graduate, you’ll be prepared to address complex societal problems through AI-driven strategies and policy formation. This is crucial for roles in governance and public policy, where AI has profound and far-reaching implications.
Career opportunities and leadership
When you complete your studies, you won’t just have a rounded understanding of AI. You’ll be well-equipped to guide its ethical integration into your workplace. On top of helping you adopt AI in your day-to-day work, our course prepares you for several emerging roles:
- AI Ethics Officer: Ensuring AI applications respect privacy and maintain fairness.
- AI Project Manager: Leading AI projects, ensuring they align with organisational goals.
- Public Sector AI Policy Advisor: Shaping policies that govern AI use, ensuring they promote public welfare and equitable benefits from AI technology.
How an MA Artificial Intelligence could be your key to success in Industry 4.0
Are you an industry professional without a background in science, maths or tech? If so, our MA Artificial Intelligence Digital Transformation pathway is your gateway to becoming a pivotal part of Industry 4.0. You learn to not only apply AI technologies but to lead their implementation in a way that is informed, ethical, and transformative.
Joining us means equipping yourself with the tools to innovate, make strategic decisions, and shape your industry’s future with confidence.
Get ready to stand out in today's competitive job market with skills that complement the knowledge of data scientists and developers. Head to our course page to find out more.
Explore the course
