The AI revolution
“It’s unlikely that any business or industry in the world will remain untouched by artificial intelligence,” says Carolyn Leyland. While AI has long been associated with STEM and technical fields, its business applications are rapidly expanding. Leaders across industries are now faced with the challenge and opportunity of harnessing AI to drive efficiencies and innovation.
This is where Huddersfield’s new MSc in Applied AI comes in. It’s designed for professionals without a traditional STEM background, equipping them with the skills to confidently lead AI-driven transformation in the workplace. The university has just launched its Master’s in Applied Artificial Intelligence, the first MSc in AI to be Dual Accredited by CMI. So what does management and leadership have to do with computer programmes?
“It’s about how managers harness its potential and use it, whether it’s for efficiencies or innovations,” explains Carolyn. “There’s anxiety among a lot of managers who don’t feel they’re equipped to work with AI.”
This course is for people who don’t have that traditional background in Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) or computer science. By embedding CMI Accredited management and leadership content into the programme, the course goes beyond technical skills - helping learners develop strategic decision-making, change management, and leadership capabilities in an AI-driven world.
The future of management
Dr Bargiannis, Subject Leader, and his team in the Department of Computer Science identified how AI will shape the future of management and leadership. They combined this with training material from CMI’s Level 7 Award in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice to ensure they were equipping learners with technical and strategic skills.
He believes AI means data management will become a key skill for managers, as will the ability to oversee strategic change as organisations adopt new technologies. Explaining how this is taught to learners, Dr Bargiannis says:
"Students study how to manage strategic information and data at scale and use this to help them, as leaders, make decisions that align with their organisational objectives."
“They also learn about planning for different types of change, and exploring both the human and organisational impact of change. In addition, students learn about project management methods, tools and techniques and develop an understanding of risk.”
A growth area for Britain
Britain is currently the third largest market in the world for AI and the Government wants the country to become the global leader.* Announcing its vision at the start of 2025, the Government plans to increase the use of AI 20-fold in public services alone – from spotting potholes to reducing school admin so teachers can spend more time in the classroom. AI-driven innovations among all sectors could grow the economy by £470bn over the next decade, forecasts suggest.**
“The UK Government will need a highly skilled and qualified workforce to realise the full potential of artificial intelligence,” explains the university’s Dr George Bargiannis, who helped write the course.
Extra value for students
With almost all universities now offering AI courses, competition to attract students is high. So the university wanted to set itself apart with CMI Dual Accreditation to offer more value to their learners. Those who complete the Master’s also achieve the CMI Level 7 Award in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice along with Foundation Chartered Manager status (fCMgr), putting them on the pathway to becoming fully Chartered. “The extra qualification has really resonated with students, who know it will help them advance their career and potentially their earning potential”, Carolyn says. “We’re really proud to be working with CMI - it’s the most renowned professional body for managers and leaders in the UK,” Dr Bargiannis says.
"The Dual Accreditation gives the course a distinct competitive advantage. More importantly, however, is what it means to our students. They’re able to gain a nationally recognised, highly regarded qualification alongside their degree, developing job-ready skills they can apply in the workplace and that are highly sought after by employers."