This article was originally published in The Guardian, titled ‘Priming students for work: how industry collaboration supercharges learning at Derby International Business School’. We present here a summary and key takeaways.
At EducAI8, we believe that the future of learning will be built at the intersection of AI, industry, and academia. Derby’s program is an inspiring example of how AI can move beyond theory and become a living, breathing part of how students are trained to solve problems. This isn’t just about teaching AI—it’s about using AI to teach differently.
AI is no longer an abstract concept in business schools—it’s part of the curriculum, the projects, and even the physical spaces where students learn. The University of Derby’s new initiatives offer a glimpse into how AI-infused education could look across the globe.
AI is changing not just what students learn, but how they learn. The University of Derby’s new two‑year BSc in International Business and AI, developed with Rolls‑Royce, demonstrates how academia and industry can team up to embed AI literacy directly into degree programs. Students work on live briefs that explore how AI reshapes strategy, operations, and innovation—bridging the gap between theory and the real world.
This model signals a larger trend: AI isn’t just a subject anymore; it’s an essential layer of learning across disciplines. By combining AI-focused curricula with industry mentorship, Derby is preparing graduates who don’t just “use” AI tools, but understand how to integrate, question, and lead with them in diverse business contexts.
For educators everywhere, the implication is clear: to prepare students for an AI-driven future, learning has to become collaborative, interdisciplinary, and hands-on. Derby’s approach—pairing AI knowledge with real-world projects and mentor-led coaching—is a playbook any institution can adapt, whether in business, healthcare, media, or beyond.
Key Insights for Educators
AI as a foundational layer: AI shouldn’t be a siloed course—it should integrate into every discipline’s learning journey.
Partnerships as accelerators: Industry input keeps AI education grounded in real-world applications.
Hands-on, future-ready learning: Live projects + mentor guidance help students gain confidence as AI-native thinkers.
Read the original article here.
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