Discover how the University of Hull’s 100% online MSc in Artificial Intelligence helps you move into roles that demand AI expertise.

If you've been browsing the job market recently, you'll have noticed an obvious pattern: AI skills are in higher demand than ever. After all, AI-driven technologies are reshaping how we live, work and make decisions every day.

From personalised recommendations on streaming platforms to predictive tools in healthcare and finance, AI is driving transformation across industries. It's also creating millions of new opportunities along the way.

If you're a graduate, an early-career professional, or considering a career change, you may be wondering how to build a successful career in artificial intelligence.

The good news? There has never been a better time to step into this field. The challenge? Knowing how to prepare in a way that genuinely sets you apart.

A sustainable, rewarding career in artificial intelligence requires three core elements: strong technical foundations, meaningful applied experience, and strong ethical awareness. Let's explore what each of these means in practice, and how postgraduate study can help you bring them all together.

Looking to develop sought-after knowledge and expertise in AI technologies? Check out the University of Hull’s MSc in Artificial Intelligence.

What does a career in artificial intelligence involve today?

AI careers are incredibly diverse. While headlines often focus on robots or generative AI tools, the reality of working in AI is far broader and more nuanced. Today's AI professionals design machine learning models to improve business decision-making and build intelligent systems that automate processes.

They analyse vast datasets to uncover patterns and insights and develop ethical frameworks for responsible AI deployment. Just as importantly, they communicate technical findings clearly to non-specialist stakeholders.

A career in artificial intelligence isn't just about coding in isolation. It's about solving real-world problems, collaborating across teams, and translating complex technical ideas into meaningful impact.

To discover why a broader understanding of AI is so important today, read our Q&A with Dr Rameez Kureshi, Programme Director of our MSc in Artificial Intelligence.

Typical roles and sectors that use AI

The range of AI careers continues to expand, and many existing jobs now require AI knowledge and skills. Common roles include AI Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Developer, AI Researcher, Robotics Engineer, and Natural Language Processing Specialist.

These professionals work across healthcare, financial services, legal services, retail, sustainability, automotive, local government and beyond. AI is influencing everything from climate modelling to fraud detection and public sector planning.

Consequently, AI investment is growing rapidly. For example, Stanford University’s 2025 AI Index Report highlights that corporate AI investment reached $252.3 billion in 2024.

However, global demand for AI specialists is consistently outpacing supply. The 2025 Nash Squared Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report found that AI has created the biggest tech skills shortage in 15 years. It also reported that 52% of companies aren’t upskilling in GenAI.

Curious about what jobs you could pursue as a graduate of our MSc in Artificial Intelligence? View our blog post on AI careers and opportunities here.

The numbers back this up. According to recent industry data, professionals with AI skills earn an average of 17.7% more than their peers (Dice Tech Salary Report, 2024), and job postings requiring AI skills have increased sevenfold since 2012 (PWC, 2024). Some markets offer up to a 25% wage premium - so if you're after a lucrative, future-proof career, this is it.

What essential skills do you need for an AI career?

So, what artificial intelligence skills do employers look for? While specific roles vary, most AI careers require a blend of programming expertise, data literacy, applied machine learning knowledge, and strong communication abilities.

Programming and data skills

Technical fluency is a key cornerstone of working in technical AI roles - like data scientist, developer, or engineer, for example. If you're looking to move into roles like this, you'll need to be comfortable with programming languages such as Python and familiar with AI libraries and frameworks.

Strong data skills are equally important; understanding how to clean, analyse and visualise data is essential for building reliable models. You'll also need to be good at communicating findings clearly to non-technical audiences.

Beyond writing code, employers value professionals who understand software design principles, problem-solving methods, and how to build scalable, maintainable systems.

Machine learning and applied AI

Machine learning and deep learning sit at the core of many AI career options. You'll need to understand problem-solving approaches in AI, knowledge representation, supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks, and how to evaluate and improve model performance.

Crucially, theory alone isn't enough. Applied AI skills – the ability to deploy models in real organisational contexts – are what differentiate job-ready professionals from hobbyists. Employers want to see that you can take an academic concept and make it work in the real world.

Communication and ethical awareness

One of the most overlooked artificial intelligence skills is communication. AI professionals must explain complex ideas to non-specialist audiences, present data-driven insights clearly, and collaborate with stakeholders from very different backgrounds.

Equally important is ethical awareness. AI systems can influence hiring decisions, healthcare outcomes, legal processes and public opinion. Understanding the ethical, regulatory and social implications of AI – including issues like misinformation, algorithmic bias and data privacy – is no longer optional.

It's a core part of what it means to be a responsible professional working in AI. Employers need people who act with transparency and accountability, ensuring AI solutions are fair, explainable and socially responsible.

Learn more about the key ethical questions and challenges that surround AI today.

How does a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence prepare you for AI work?

Structured learning vs self-study

Many aspiring AI professionals begin with self-study: online tutorials, coding bootcamps, or independent projects. These can be valuable starting points, but they may also present disadvantages too. The coding bootcamp might be in-person, requiring you to put aside work and other commitments.

Online courses and tutorials can also vary in both price and quality. Some may be free, while others cost thousands to join. They may not go into the level of detail that you'd like, and you may find that you have gaps in your skills and knowledge.

On the other hand, structured postgraduate study offers distinct advantages. While self-study often focuses heavily on tools and quick results, a master's degree provides a more holistic, systematic understanding of AI technologies.

Through structured modules, you build knowledge progressively – from core programming principles to advanced machine learning and applied AI systems.

You gain theoretical grounding alongside practical application, which strengthens your ability to adapt as technologies evolve. In a fast-moving field, that adaptability matters enormously for long-term AI careers.

Applied projects and portfolios

Employers consistently ask for evidence of applied experience. A strong portfolio demonstrates not just what you know, but what you can build and solve.

Postgraduate study offers guided opportunities to tackle real-world case studies, explore industry applications, and develop substantial portfolio projects. This is exactly the kind of work that bridges the gap between classroom learning and professional readiness.

How our MSc in Artificial Intelligence supports your career preparation

Here at the University of Hull, we've designed our online MSc in Artificial Intelligence to develop the technical expertise, applied skills, and ethical awareness required for modern AI careers.

As a member of the prestigious Turing University Network, we combine academic rigour with real-world relevance. 

Online, part-time format

The flexible, part-time online format allows you to study alongside work or other commitments. Whether you're advancing within your current organisation or transitioning into AI from another field, you can build in-demand artificial intelligence skills without putting your career on hold.

Want a first-hand perspective of how this course fits around your life? Read our blog post by current student Victoria Emerson for tips on balancing work with your master’s studies.

Applied modules and real-world case studies

Our curriculum covers essential foundations in AI-relevant programming and Python development, before progressing into Machine Learning and Deep Learning.

You'll explore real-world case studies across sectors including healthcare, legal services, sustainability, climate change, automotive and local government. This means your learning is always connected to practical application.

A dedicated module on Ethical, Regulatory and Social Aspects for Fair AI embeds responsible innovation into your professional identity from the start. You'll critically reflect on the legal and social implications of AI systems, preparing you to operate with integrity and accountability in any organisation.

A research or consultancy project linked to professional practice

One of the biggest highlights of this MSc course is the final module, where you can decide between completing a research or consultancy project. This is your chance to showcase everything you've learned and apply it to a substantial, real-world challenge.

Many students choose to address a genuine issue within their current workplace – designing an AI-driven solution to an actual organisational need, supervised by a member of the academic team.

This not only produces a compelling portfolio piece but demonstrates immediate professional impact – a significant advantage when pursuing AI careers. Throughout the programme, you'll also develop transferable skills including critical thinking, collaboration, strategic problem-solving and clear communication, all of which are essential for leadership roles in AI.

Become an AI professional with our MSc in Artificial Intelligence

AI is driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution, reshaping economies and creating millions of new opportunities. But thriving in this space requires more than surface-level knowledge.

To succeed in a career in artificial intelligence, you need solid technical foundations, meaningful applied experience, and a principled understanding of ethics and regulation. By bringing these elements together, you become adaptable, resilient and ready to lead.

The global skills shortage in AI is critical, and it represents a genuine opening for people who are serious about building the right foundations. If you're ready to take the next step, the University of Hull is for you.

Explore how our MSc in Artificial Intelligence can equip you with the skills, confidence and practical experience needed to build a thriving career in AI: