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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.

  • Placement Opportunities

    One year paid work placement option available.

  • Change your career direction

    No prior AI or Computer Science knowledge needed if you have software engineering and quantitative research experience.

  • 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.

  • 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%)

Staff Profiles

Dr Pedro Machado - Senior Lecturer

Computer Science

Dr Machado is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science and Course Leader for MSc Artificial Intelligence. He is developing AI monitoring technologies to unlock the secrets of how underwater animals…

Salisu Yahaya - Senior Lecturer

Computer Science

Salisu Yahaya

Neil Sculthorpe - Senior Lecturer

Computer Science

Dr Neil Sculthorpe is a Senior Lecturer in the Computer Science Department. He teaches Software Engineering modules at undergraduate and post-graduate level, and is the Course Leader for the MSc

David Adama - Senior Lecturer

Computer Science

Dr David Adama is a Lecturer with the Department of Computer Science at Nottingham Trent University, where he is also a member of the Computational Intelligence and Applications (CIA) research

Philip Woodall - Senior Lecturer

Computer Science

Philip Woodall expert in data management and data quality

Taha Osman - Principal Lecturer

Computer Science

Taha Osman

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.

Find out more

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.

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.

Policies

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.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.
  • Full-time - £9,900
  • Full-time with placement year - £9,900 + £1,850 for placement year
  • Part-time - £4,950

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including scholarships, discounts and loans.

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.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Postgraduate loans

There is a government postgraduate loan scheme for Masters degrees. The loan contributes towards costs of study, and students can put it towards tuition fees, maintenance costs or other costs at their discretion. Find out more about postgraduate loans.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.
  • Full-time - £19,900
  • Full-time with placement year - £19,900 + £1,850 for placement year

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including scholarships, discounts and loans.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships for international students up to 50% off your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money, the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment of £6,000 when you've accepted your offer to study at NTU. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, before the start date of your course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about advance payments, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Most modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential textbooks, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) - meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, you can email our Student Money Team or phone us on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

How to apply

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates' guide. Here you'll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

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