THE UNIVERSITY of Bradford has been branded as “superb” by two international students who believe that it stands out from the rest.

Sebastian Obeta, who has now been a data analyst with Cambridge University for nearly a year, graduated from Bradford in 2022.

Sebastian, originally from Nigeria, applauded the University alongside Anabel Colin, originally from Mexico.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Sebastian Obeta (left) and Anabel Colin (right) praised the UniversitySebastian Obeta (left) and Anabel Colin (right) praised the University (Image: University of Bradford)

Anabel is now on a six-month placement with Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Their praise comes after new data claimed Bradford has the most postgraduate enrolments in applied artificial intelligence and data analytics in the UK.

The University has gone from having no postgrad enrolments in 2019/20 to 100 in 2020/21, and to 285 in 2021/22.

It means the University now boasts the largest AI student population in the UK.

“I was drawn to Bradford because the course focuses on making cutting-edge AI applications with a strong understanding of ethical, social, and corporate responsibility,” said Sebastian, who graduated with an MSc in applied AI and data analytics.

“This helps to promote safe AI, and the need for people with these skills is going to increase.

“I looked at so many courses before choosing Bradford – I think its courses give a superb grounding.”

Anabel, who studied a degree in IT before enrolling on the same MSc as Sebastian, added: “The Bradford course really stood out.

“It combined both the applied AI and data analytics, and the course was well planned and well taught.

“There’s a huge demand for people with these skills at the moment.” 

The figures, from the Higher Education Statistics Agency, show the number of postgraduates taking up AI courses at higher education institutions across the UK.

The University of Bradford’s School of Management runs three full-time MSc programmes in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, and two part-time courses.

All have been designed in response to a shortage of AI and data analytics specialists in the UK.

A number of £10,000 scholarships will be offered to full-time home, EU and international students attending the three-month placement version of this programme, as part of a £1.4m investment by Office for Students (OfS), Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Office for Artificial Intelligence and industry contributions.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Zahir IraniZahir Irani (Image: University of Bradford)

Deputy-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Zahir Irani, was instrumental in securing funding.

“Artificial intelligence skills are in high demand, because the world we live in is more data-driven than ever,” he said.

“Our new MSc programmes give students the skills and insight they need to launch a career in these diverse and fast-growing sectors.”