UK students explore AI’s role in modern workplaces to boost both career prospects and understanding

Since 2024, the University of Plymouth has been integrating AI education into its business and marketing curriculum to prepare students for an increasingly AI-driven workplace. Students are learning to leverage generative AI tools for tasks like content creation and business automation, marking a shift in how universities approach technological literacy in business education.

Core curriculum focus: The university’s Business and Marketing program now includes dedicated lessons on using generative AI software for automated content creation and business tasks.

• Students learn to create podcasts and social media content using AI-powered tools
• The coursework emphasizes proper prompt engineering techniques to generate text, images, sound, and video
• Training focuses on using AI as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for human creativity

Educational approach: Lecturer Dr. Ben Siu emphasizes teaching AI as a tool for efficiency and business innovation while maintaining human oversight.

• Students learn how AI can streamline traditional business processes that typically require multiple employees
• The curriculum balances automation of routine tasks with developing creative thinking skills
• Instructors emphasize using AI to augment rather than replace human decision-making and creativity

Student perspectives: Initial skepticism among students has given way to enthusiasm about AI’s potential to enhance their career prospects.

• Student Hannah Kelk acknowledged overcoming earlier fears about AI limiting job opportunities through education
• Katie Lee highlighted the advantage of learning AI in an academic environment rather than having to adapt to it later in a corporate setting
• Students report feeling better prepared for future workplace challenges where AI literacy will be increasingly important

Practical applications: The program focuses on real-world business applications of AI technology.

• Students learn to automate routine business tasks to focus more on creative work
• The curriculum includes hands-on experience with AI tools for content generation and business automation
• Training emphasizes using AI to increase workplace efficiency and productivity

Looking ahead: As AI continues to reshape business practices, early exposure to these technologies in academic settings may become increasingly crucial for career preparation. The success of this program could serve as a model for other universities looking to integrate AI education into their business curricula, though questions remain about how quickly the technology and required skills will evolve.