The University of Manchester Career Simulation: AI in Computer Science

Overview This course introduces the role of a Computer Scientist, and explores how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the industry. You'll discover the qualifications and skills you'll need to succeed, gain insight into day-to-day responsibilities, and understand how AI is being used right now to push the boundaries of what technology can do. This isn't just a career exploration course, it's a window into the future of one of the world's most exciting and fast-evolving industries. The course also covers career progression and provides an honest look at the challenges, rewards, and benefits of working in this field. Most importantly, you'll complete a real-world activity simulating a task a Computer Scientist would tackle in their day-to-day life, with AI playing a central role, so you can get a genuine feel for what this career looks like in practice. This programme takes two hours to complete. What's Included This experience includes insightful content from Senior Research Associate and Royal Academy of Engineering UK Intelligence Community Fellow, Sebastian Köhler. Be prepared for insightful videos, interactive activities, quizzes, and so much more. At the end of this experience, you'll put your knowledge of the role to the test in a real-world simulation task. Lesson Overviews Career Overview - In this first lesson, you'll be introduced to the role of a Computer Scientist and get a top-level overview of this dynamic, future-thinking career. You'll also get your first look at how AI is beginning to reshape the field, setting the scene for everything that follows throughout the course. What is AI? - What actually is AI, beyond just large language models? From machine learning to neural networks and intelligent systems design, you'll explore how AI works, where it's being applied across the technology industry, and what it means to use it responsibly. This is your essential toolkit for everything ahead. Qualification & Skill Requirements - Discover what qualifications and skills you need to become a Computer Scientist, and find out what entry routes are available, such as graduate schemes and degree apprenticeships! Whatever your preferred route into the world of work, computer science offers a lot of diversity and flexibility. Daily Activities - Ever wondered what a Computer Scientist actually does day to day? This lesson walks you through real daily activities and responsibilities, including how AI tools are being used in practice to write smarter code, solve complex problems, and build the systems that power the modern world. Expect a few myth-busting moments along the way too. Career Progression - Once you begin your journey as a Computer Scientist, how will your career develop? This lesson uncovers what different phases of your journey could look like, from your first role through to senior leadership and specialist positions, and explores how growing confidence with AI and emerging technologies can accelerate your progression. Challenges & Rewards - Every role comes with its challenges and rewards, and computer science is no different. This lesson offers an honest insight into what real Computer Scientists have found both demanding and deeply rewarding about their work, including how AI is changing both the nature of the challenges they face and the impact they're able to have. Salary & Benefits - This lesson provides information on salary ranges, so you can get an idea of how much you could earn at different points throughout your career. What’s more, working as a Computer Scientist comes with a number of exciting benefits, which you’ll find out more about! Meet the Expert - Meet a real Computer Scientist as they walk you through their career journey, share what a typical day looks like, and offer honest advice for anyone considering this path. You'll also hear their perspective on how AI is changing the industry, and what that means for the next generation of technologists entering the field. How is AI Shaping the Future of Computer Science? - This dedicated lesson takes a deeper look at the role AI is playing across the technology industry right now, from revolutionising software development and cybersecurity to enabling breakthroughs in human-computer interaction and autonomous systems. You'll also explore what it means to use AI responsibly, ethically, and critically as you build your career. Activity - Now it's time to put your learning into practice. Guided by a Computer Scientist, you'll be briefed on a real-world activity that asks you to think and work like a professional in this field, with AI playing a key role in the challenge. Are you ready to think like a technologist of the future? Reflection Activity - In this final lesson, you will reflect on everything you have learnt in this experience. With all of the information you need about the role of a Computer Scientist, is this a career you would consider? If not, don't stress! Technology is a vast and diverse community with many exciting roles to explore.