Kingston Business School launches new AI and analytics programmes to develop human‑centred business leaders

Kingston Business School has introduced a portfolio of new AI and analytics-focused postgraduate programmes designed to equip students with the digital and critical-thinking capabilities employers increasingly expect in today’s rapidly evolving economy. 

The new postgraduate courses focus on business and digital marketing analytics, with further programmes set to follow. The initial launch of courses included Digital Marketing and Analytics MSc and Business Analytics MSc. These will be followed by AI for Business and Innovation MSc, welcoming its first cohort in September 2026, and Global Financial Analytics MSc, launching in September 2027. 

The launch forms part of Kingston Business School’s strategy to meet national skills needs while maintaining a distinctly human‑centred approach to business education. The programmes respond directly to labour‑market demand and the accelerating impact of AI on workplace roles and decision‑making.

Putting critical thinking at the heart of AI education

Head of Kingston Business School Professor Sankar Sivarajah said the school is focused on the intersection of technological capability and human judgement. “AI is reshaping business at pace. However, the foundational knowledge and critical thinking developed through university education remain paramount. Technical capability alone is not enough. Students must learn to think deeply, question intelligently and apply judgement responsibly alongside technological proficiency.”

A key differentiator in Kingston's approach is also the integration of AI education across all business and management undergraduate programmes. Every course will feature a dedicated module on AI for Business and Innovation, ensuring students understand how artificial intelligence can be strategically integrated regardless of their chosen specialism.

Underpinning this curriculum approach is Kingston University's Future Skills Framework, which emphasises human-centric capabilities such as creative problem solving, questioning mindset, enterprising alongside technical expertise. Professor Sivarajah explained that as technology evolved, the critical consideration becomes demonstrating the value of human input. “Students need to develop their emotional intelligence, communication abilities, and decision-making skills over their three years of study,” he said. “We should view AI as an enablement tool rather than a replacement for human judgement.”

The programmes are strategically aligned with the government’s industrial skills priorities, particularly in sectors where Kingston Business School has established recognised expertise, including real estate management, retail leadership, creative industries, digital technology, and financial services. This positions Kingston graduates to lead confidently in sectors driving the UK’s economic future.

Through this portfolio, Kingston Business School aims not simply to respond to technological change, but to shape a generation of graduates capable of leading it responsibly.

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