Member Article

Institute of Coding to roll-out artificial intelligence masters courses

The Institute of Coding (IoC), a consortium of universities, employers and outreach organisations, with a mission to develop the next generation of digital talent at degree level and above, has today announced that it is a key delivery partner in the roll-out out the government’s new programme of Artificial Intelligence Masters courses.

The IoC is working with the office of Artificial Intelligence to roll-out a new nationwide programme of industry-funded AI Masters courses coupled with work-based placements. The courses will enable thousands of graduates to become qualified experts in artificial intelligence (AI) as part of a new joint government-industry package to drive up skills in the AI sector.

The new skills and talent package is a major milestone of the modern Industrial Strategy’s AI Sector Deal which was launched in April 2018. It is supported by industry funding and up to £110 million Government investment.

The new initiative will see 200 new AI Masters places at UK universities funded by companies such as Deepmind, QuantumBlack, Cisco and BAE Systems. The Masters programme marks the first nationwide effort to address the skills gap at this level, in collaboration with the Institute of Coding and British Computer Society.

The announcement comes as new figures prepared for Tech Nation by Dealroom.co reveal the number of venture capital investments into the UK’s rapidly growing AI sector leapt by 17% last year.

Jacqueline de Rojas, co-chair of the Institute of Coding’s Governance Board comments: “Artificial intelligence presents a major opportunity for our booming digital economy in terms of job creation and business growth. This announcement is a major boost for the UK’s skills capabilities, providing millions of pounds in investment to develop an array of prestigious, high quality AI-accredited courses. The IoC is thrilled to play a key role in the delivery of this initiative, which will widen access to critical digital skills at a time when businesses need it most.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nick Till .