Artificial Intelligence

Entry requirements

An honours degree at 2:2 level or above in a computing- or technology-related subject (or international students holding a qualification recognised as equivalent by the University).

Computing or technology-related subjects might include:

• computing
• computer science
• computer engineering
• engineering
• information technology etc

Please see the University website for full details.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSc) program is a Postgraduate qualification designed for students with a background in Computing who are looking to specialise in Artificial Intelligence or Data Science.

You will be taught by academic staff who have a wealth of experience in industry, research and teaching. Teaching is undertaken in small groups with low staff-student ratios creating a supportive and friendly environment in which to study.

The course mixes both practice and theory so you will learn how to build AI systems in a real-world hands-on fashion. You will gain experience of the latest algorithms, tools and technologies in a context underpinned by core principles of ethical usage and sustainability. If you are working in a profession where you can already see a potential for AI or Data Science this course can support your career development and AI journey.

Key features

The course equips you for a professional mastery in artificial intelligence and has the following features:

• Modules that incorporate the latest research and contemporary ideas in the field taught in a small group setting with low staff-student ratios to create a friendly and supportive environment in which to study.
• Structured learning that will take you from understanding basic concepts, to applying, testing and managing AI provision in dedicated teaching spaces with high performance hardware and a wide range of contemporary tools based primarily on open-source software and libraries such as Ubuntu OS, Python, TensorFlow and Keras.
• A productive mix of practical application enhanced by an understanding of AI theory and an exploration of governance, corporate and social ethics, AI implementation strategy, and sustainable development goals.
• Teaching staff who are expert in the field from a wealth of backgrounds including industrial and business applications as well as advanced research establishments.

Teaching

The MSc Artificial Intelligence course is designed to give you a professional understanding of AI theory and practice focussed on the practical application of AI through the design, build and testing of AI systems. Although AI is a technical subject, our course will ensure you don’t lose sight of other crucial professional aspects, such as ethical responsibility, entrepreneurship and sustainability.

The course will equip you for a professional mastery of AI theory and practice.

The aims of the course are:

• Provide an intellectually challenging and vocationally relevant learning experience that incorporate the latest research and contemporary ideas in Artificial Intelligence.
• Progress students through structured learning that will give you an accessible introduction to AI theory and practice and build on these to make you a confident AI practitioner.
• Provide a high-quality and highly relevant learning environment with teaching staff from a wealth of backgrounds including industrial and business applications, and advanced research establishments.
• Create practical experience in exploring the latest technological and computing technologies, such as AI programming, machine learning and optimisation.

You will be taught through a combination of interactive workshops, lectures, seminars and laboratory practicals, fieldwork, practical activities etc. Interactive workshops take a variety of formats and are intended to enable the application of learning through discussion and small group activities. Seminars enable the discussion and development of understanding of topics covered in lectures, and laboratory practical’s are focused on developing subject specific skills and applied individual and group project work.

In addition, meetings with Personal Academic Tutors (PAT) are scheduled during your studies. Meetings are also scheduled with the Research Project supervisors throughout the execution of the project.

Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) will normally be a subject specialist and will advise you of when they are available and how they prefer to be contacted. You should see your Personal Academic Tutor as your first point of contact to discuss any wider issues or problems that arise during your time at University. Your Tutor will listen, offer initial advice and, if necessary, direct you to other appropriate sources of help, including the broad range of services available within the University.

You will have access to a range of dedicated teaching resources including dedicated computer labs and study areas.

Careers

Our MSc will equip you with skills to pursue your career in AI and will also pave the way for studying this field at PhD level, should that be your desire.

Opportunities for AI professionals include:

• AI Programmer
• Data Scientist
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Computer Vision Engineer
• Autonomous Systems Engineer
• Conversation and Content Analysts
• AI Research Scientist

Beyond specific technical skills, our MSc will give you the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills which are highly valued, such as: problem solving, team leadership, presentation skills, adaptability, and a sustainability mindset.

Information for international students

Students whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency to a minimum level of 6.5 IELTS (and minimum of 5.5 in each element) or equivalent.