Artificial Intelligence MSc
About this course
Over the next ten years, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to create new jobs, improve productivity, help tackle climate change and deliver better public services. The UK government are also heavily investing in AI growth through its AI Sector Deal.
In this course, you'll learn how to deploy, manage, and maintain AI technologies within the business value chain. You will gain the skills to work as part of an interdisciplinary team that include AI expert practitioners, who will be tasked with designing and developing systems that meet business requirements.
When you graduate, you will understand AI principles, concepts, techniques and methods to support the integration of fully developed AI technologies into existing information technology systems by adapting the existing systems to interface with the new technologies.
The course puts theory into practice through skills development relevant to the modern world, particularly the industrial application of artificial intelligence. It offers skills development as an integral part of the curriculum and as preparation for the world of work. As well as practical skills necessary for the Computing professional, with emphasis on design and development, students will develop transferable skills which will make them suitable for graduate employment in an ever-changing job market.
This course is available to students with some prior knowledge of quantitative research methods and experience in software engineering practice, for example, graduates of the Q-step Social Sciences with Quantitative Methods undergraduate degree courses who may also have software development experience through previous work.
The year-long paid work placement is an important feature of the course. It is optional, but if chosen, it will give you a distinct advantage in graduating. We have an excellent placements office to support finding a right placement opportunity for each student.
Postgraduate Scholarship (Artificial Intelligence conversion course)
NTU is proud to announce that we have been awarded a share of £8.1 million from the government, the Office for Artificial Intelligence and the Office for Students (OfS). The funding will provide scholarships that will increase diversity and address digital skills gaps in the workforce, supporting the government’s priority to invest in AI to encourage innovation. Find out more about this scholarship.
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Placement Opportunities
One year paid work placement option available.
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Change your career direction
No prior AI or Computer Science knowledge needed if you have software engineering and quantitative research experience.
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World-Leading Research
In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) we’re proud that 80% of NTU's Computer Science submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.
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Learn from the experts
at a university rated TEF ‘Gold’ for teaching and learning.
What you’ll study
You will study six 20 credit point (cp) modules and complete a major project. Each module will be delivered over a ten-week period with the maximum of two modules studied at the same time.
Foundations of AI (20 cp)
During this module, you will develop an understanding of the foundations of Artificial Intelligence, theoretical and practical approaches to problem-solving, and the techniques for knowledge representation and pattern discovery in data for effective AI-based solutions.
Introduction to Computer Programming (20 cp)
In this module you’ll focus on developing your skills in producing software solutions for practical problems. Through hands-on experiences, it emphasizes the use of program development environments and develops advanced procedural programming skills. Additionally, you will become familiar with object-oriented programming, preparing you for contemporary software development challenges.
Artificial Cognitive Systems (20 cp)
This module introduces Artificial Cognitive Systems (ACS) theory, design and implementation, bringing together cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary approaches from subject areas such as computer science, digital electronics and embedded systems, sensors, artificial intelligence and heterogeneous computing.
Fundamentals of Big Data and Infrastructure (20 cp)
This module introduces you to the processes, techniques and technologies businesses use to develop their infrastructure to manage Big Data and transform it into useful business intelligence. A number of key challenges faced by companies exploiting Big Data are also raised.
Applied AI and Data Mining (20 cp)
The overall aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of a variety of artificial intelligence methods such as machine learning, reasoning and optimisation techniques, and how they can be used to solve real-world problems including discovering useful patterns in data (Data Mining) to assist decision-making processes.
Research Methods (20 cp)
You will develop the skills necessary for effective research during this module. Explore our facilities to familiarise yourself with the equipment and software available during your Major Project. You will also understand how to select projects, develop a project definition document and write reports and technical papers.
Major Project (60 cp)
Through the design and development of innovative solutions to complex or technical problems, you develop your skills to an advanced level and become a specialist in an area of your choice. You will produce a dissertation or technical research paper, which is a substantial piece of work which you will work on under the supervision of a member of the academic staff.
If you choose the part-time route you will study the modules are follows:
Year one
- Term 1 - Foundations of AI (20 cp)
- Term 2 - Artificial Cognitive Systems (20 cp)
- Term 3 - Applied AI (20 cp)
Year two
- Term 4 - Software Engineering 1 (20 cp)
- Term 5 - Fundamentals of Big Data and Infrastructure (20 cp)
- Term 6 - Research Methods (20 cp)
- Summer Term - Major Project (60 cp)
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
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How you're taught
The postgraduate academic year is divided into three terms: term one has 10 weeks where you will study 40 credits; term two has 20 weeks where you will study 80 credits; and term three has 15 weeks. Those students who wish to continue on to the MSc will study 60 credits in term three.
The first two terms are spent studying the taught modules and the last term, pursuing an individual major project.
Study hours
Contact hours for a 20 cp modules are typically around 50 hours, with a further 150 hours expected from you for directed and independent study.
Assessment
Global Business Management is assessed by a combination of both coursework and examination. All other modules are assessed by coursework, case studies and projects.
How you're assessed
Coursework (100%)
Careers and employability
The course has been designed to be industry-fit with active engagement from local and regional commercial partners. It will develop your integral understanding of business processes, statistics, and key computer science concepts for AI and management. This will help students from a diversity of backgrounds to transition to fields where these technologies are already being applied in sectors such as retail, manufacturing, and entertainment, and there is significant potential for further uptake, for example, in pharmaceuticals, education, and transport.
Some graduates venture into other sectors and are equally successful in gaining employment because of the transferable skills gained on the course. Other graduates who enjoyed the extensively applied research element of the course and the work on the MSc project will go on to study for a PhD.
Placement opportunities
NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with various career programmes and events.
The school of Science and Technology will work closely with you to help you find a placement and strengthen your CV and interview techniques. You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement and submit your placement report, you will be eligible to receive an additional Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice award.
Please note that placements are not guaranteed and the process is competitive through an application and interview process.
Re:search Re:imagined
Research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their businesses.
Campus and facilities
You’ll mainly be studying in the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Centre (ISTeC) with access to facilities including a Games Development Lab Robotics lab and a High Performance Computing Suite.
Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your course mates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!
You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Entry requirements
UK students
Academic entry requirements: 2.2 honours degree or equivalent in a technical or scientific subject* (excluding students with an initial degree in AI or data sciences disciplines).
Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered.
*including, but not limited to, sport science, biomedical sciences, environmental science, mathematics, statistics, economics, accounting, information systems, computer science, cybersecurity, software engineering and other engineering disciplines such as civil, mechanical, electronic, chemical, etc.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Academic entry requirements: 2.2 honours degree or equivalent in a technical or scientific subject* (excluding students with an initial degree in AI or data sciences disciplines).
Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered.
*including, but not limited to, sport science, biomedical sciences, environmental science, mathematics, statistics, economics, accounting, information systems, computer science, cybersecurity, software engineering and other engineering disciplines such as civil, mechanical, electronic, chemical, etc.
We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Pre-Masters course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City Campus.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
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Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
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We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
