Artificial Intelligence – MSc

Why study this course?

Our Artificial Intelligence MSc degree is the ideal choice if you want to progress or start your career in the computer science, data or software engineering industry. The course is designed for those who want to play a part in transforming the relationship between people and technology, as well as those who want to be on the forefront of the current digital revolution that is spanning all sectors – from science and engineering to business and entertainment.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer confined to academic research, it’s a growing area of computer science that is beginning to be utilised across all industries that want to gain more from their technology by adding intelligence and learning capabilities to their products.

Recent advances in knowledge representation, pattern recognition, natural language processing and machine learning have made it possible to construct software that solves problems beyond human reach. As a result the industry is experiencing a huge demand for AI specialists. On graduation you’ll have a wider pool of opportunities to choose from, a clear career path and a higher starting salary than average across all professions.

Our Artificial Intelligence MSc degree has been accredited with partial CITP status by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. This accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by BCS. As a graduate of this course, accreditation will also entitle you to professional membership of BCS, which is an important part of the criteria for achieving Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status through the Institute.

The course has also achieved partial CENG status by BCS on behalf of the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

More about this course

Our Artificial Intelligence MSc curriculum is well-balanced as it combines two groups of modules – fundamental modules and specialist modules.

On this course you’ll learn how to develop AI software and apply AI methods through:

• collecting, aggregating, filtering and transporting data from files, databases and live data sources in real-time
• modelling, extracting, correlating and analysing data from memory and repositories in automatic, interactive and batch modes of operation
• designing, developing and testing intelligent programmes, which can perform automated reasoning and learning
• constructing and controlling autonomous devices, such as robots and drones

A distinctive feature of our Artificial Intelligence MSc is the programme’s focus on various aspects of security, including information, networks and cyber security. You’ll learn how to conduct security analytics in an intelligent way, which is a growing AI field in the detection, identification, classification, prediction and prevention of threats.

You’ll finish your degree with a dissertation, which you’ll have the opportunity to link with the work of one of our two research centres – the Cyber Security Research Centre or the Intelligent Systems Research Centre. On the course you’ll also have the opportunity to work on collaborative projects with our long-standing partners in the fintech industry, including Lloyds Banking Group, Callsign and Open Banking Inc.

Although a master’s degree in artificial intelligence does not lead to a professional qualification on its own, you’ll find that some of the modules provide preparation for professional qualifications in areas such as big data management, data analytics and cyber security.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:

Artificial Intelligence (core, 20 credits)

Cloud Computing and the Internet of Things (core, 20 credits)

Data Warehousing and Big Data (core, 20 credits)

MSc Project (core, 60 credits)

Machine Learning (core, 20 credits)

Semantic Technologies (core, 20 credits)

Computer Vision (option, 20 credits)

Information Security (option, 20 credits)

Statistical Modelling and Forecasting (option, 20 credits)

Where this course can take you

Our Artificial Intelligence MSc provides a solid foundation for further qualifications in professional areas that require knowledge of applied mathematics, as well as further study at PhD level. The study of AI is both challenging and hugely rewarding. Learning about the process of extracting, acquiring and growing our knowledge has a great impact on our understanding of how human intelligence works.

AI also applies to many areas of the computer science industry where most extensive data processing, electronic communication or software development takes place. As a result, this MSc qualification will provide you with increased career opportunities than those of traditional computer and data scientists, or computer, software and network engineers. Knowledge of AI solutions will enhance your job prospects with businesses such as online retailers, fintech companies, corporate enterprises, technology start-ups, electronic entertainment vendors and network service providers.