Artificial Intelligence

Why Study Artificial Intelligence Online?

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Advancing your career through pursuing further study is not always easy, especially if you are already juggling a demanding job role with personal commitments. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we see the world, not only in technical areas, but across a vast array of industries. Learning and understanding AI, how it works, and what benefits it can have for your business and sector is the first step to a successful career in the future. However, as AI is such a fast-changing industry, it becomes impossible to take a career break. That’s where online study can really benefit you.

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Study to suit you

The first benefit of online study is that you can study whenever and wherever suits you. This means that you can fit your study flexibly around your work commitments and personal responsibilities, whether that is family and hobbies, or a side business or social life.

Studying an on-campus course also means commuting to the campus to attend lectures, seminars and tutorials, but you can study online from the comfort of your sofa, local library or coffee shop or even re-locating to get the best out of your course. With online study, you can study from wherever you are in the world and gain the same course outcomes.

You can also incorporate online study into your daily routine at whatever time you are most productive, whether that is first thing in the morning before you start work, during a lunch break, or after work. Fitting study around your other commitments, whilst seeming like it might make you busier, will save time and money, particularly on travel costs, in the long run.

“I think that the combination of having the course delivered online, as well as the support from the University of Leeds staff has been a real bonus. In addition to having the flexibility to catch up on recorded webinars when I cannot attend, learning online gives me the opportunity to study and complete my assignments when my time permits me to do so.”

Tracey Peterson, University of Leeds Online Student

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Enter the course at multiple points

Our online AI course allows you start at different points during the year, unlike the common September or January start required for on-campus study. This means that once you know that the course is right for you, you can start at various points throughout the year when it suits your professional and personal development.

For example, if you work in a seasonal business, with peaks and troughs in demand, you might like to start the course at a quieter time. Or, if you are looking for a promotion in eighteen months’ time, you might start the course as soon as possible to secure the qualification that might position you advantageously compared with competition. Most importantly, if AI is something you want to learn more of in your business, whether for a current or future role, you can start your learning at a time of year that suits your needs.

Whatever your reason to study online, whether it is personal or professional development, or a career progression or change, you have the added flexibility to pick from multiple intake dates throughout the calendar year to best suit your needs.

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Learn while you work

Studying online means that you can continue in your current job role to simultaneously advance your career and academic knowledge. The Artificial Intelligence MSc and Postgraduate Certificate is delivered by expert module tutors from The School of Computing, with industry and online learning experience. The course is tailored to the specific needs of technical professionals to you exceed in roles across a range of sectors where Artificial Intelligence solutions is fast emerging. This makes it much more enjoyable and easier to comprehend as you can see, first-hand, the impact that what you are learning on the course has in the workplace.

Additionally, taking a career break, particularly when technological advancements are constantly changing the way we work, could put you out of touch with the sector that you work in, and you might end up having to catch up when you return to the workplace. Studying online means you don’t have to take a break, allowing you to simultaneously develop theoretical knowledge that directly translates into practical skills you can immediately put into action.

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Enjoy the support of a top university

Studying online with the University of Leeds gives you access to the support and facilities like any other on-campus student. First, you can obtain personalised support from your dedicated Student Success Advisor, who can guide you on assignments, deadlines and any general questions and support you need. Second, the module tutors on the course are available to answer course-specific questions about the content that you are learning.

You’ll have access to our award-winning virtual learning environment, Minerva, including live sessions each week with our world-class academics. Over and above this, you can take advantage of additional resources and support, such as library services, academic writing skills, counselling and careers advice.

We appreciate that learning whilst working full-time is not an easy task, and time management is key to success. Therefore, we ensure that you have the support networks in place for you to perform to the best of your ability and succeed in your course.

“My Enrolment Advisor was very committed and efficient and clearly communicated with me what I needed to prepare on a week by week basis. He helped me through the process and ensured that I was completing all the requirements for my application. He made the process very easy for me.”

Ji Yoon, University of Leeds Online Student

Find out how our team of experts are pushing the boundaries of AI

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Communicate with peers around the world

Learning online gives you the chance to network and interact with students from a variety of backgrounds across the world, broadening your perspectives on each topic you complete. Building professional networks is essential to success and personal development. For example, you might become more culturally sensitive and able to fit into different environments more smoothly given your exposure to other cultures.
Also, networking with individuals across different industries and businesses allows you to share your knowledge with other professionals, while also gathering information or tips and advice to solve business-related problems.

For example, you might meet someone on the course that is doing the job that you aspire to, or vice versa, and sharing tips and advice about different industries and career progression is just the start. Having contacts across sectors and businesses can really help when you want to move companies or try something new, so building those connections is important.

On another level, networking on your course can be helpful when it comes to fully understanding the course content. You might want to join the University of Leeds study groups or forums to share ideas and learn from others. Or, if you are succeeding at a module, you might like to help others understand. This community of individuals across the globe not only helps you to help others succeed but can also motivate you to progress your own career.

“I enjoy collaborating with the students with diverse experience, skills and nationalities. This richness and diversity of the student body is something I really enjoy about this course.”

Obinna Ezeji, University of Leeds Online Student

Did you enjoy this blog? Here's some related artificial intelligence content that you may be interested in:

Want to learn more about our online Artificial Intelligence course?

Preview of the University of Leeds Artificial Intelligence programme page

Check out the course content and how to apply.

Online postgraduate courses - University of Leeds