Artificial Intelligence MSc

If you’re a computer science graduate and want to build a career in the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), our interactive course could be for you

January 2024 start

Location: Aston University, Birmingham

Course type
Full-time

Course format

No placements

Duration

12 months full-time

UCAS code(s)

n/a

Start date

Overview
Why explore Artificial Intelligence at Aston University

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Why study a postgraduate degree at Aston University?

A postgraduate degree is a great way to improve your career prospects. As well as opening doors, it builds on your experience, develops your skills, and gives you a competitive edge in a crowded job market.

Nick Powell

“The support was very good - I knew there would always be someone to talk to if needed.”

Nick Powell, Postgraduate Computer Science Alumnus

Nick Powell

“The support was very good - I knew there would always be someone to talk to if needed.”

Nick Powell, Postgraduate Computer Science Alumnus

Course outline

Artificial Intelligence is at the cutting edge of technology and its potential applications are almost limitless. From developing robots that help people in their own homes to using AI in modelling and managing serious health conditions, it is changing the way we live.

There is no doubt that this rapidly growing area of computer science will be at the centre of technological advances in the future.

Our Artificial Intelligence masters is taught by a team of active researchers, so you’ll benefit from their ongoing work and be taught the latest techniques on this interactive course.

This course was developed with support from the Institute of Coding to help break down barriers to digital learning and employment.

What you’ll learn

We'll teach you the specialist, technical information you need, and you'll develop your ability to create ethical, well-justified and appropriate AI solutions to real-life challenges.

With an emphasis on practical experience, you’ll have the opportunity to design and plan, implement, test, evaluate and document your solutions, preparing you for future challenges as you develop your career.

You’ll work on your own and as part of a team on projects and presentations, including one to design your own computer game. The different projects will enable you to develop your communication and team working skills alongside your technical expertise, which is important as you enter the workplace.

Option to transfer onto our Professional Practice programme 

If you meet a satisfactory academic performance and have secured a suitable professional experience, you will have the option to be transferred onto our MSc Artificial Intelligence including Professional Practice programme. 

Taking the Professional Practice route allows you to extend the duration of your Masters to 22 months and gain valuable working experience to support your career aspirations. The placement commences after completion of your MSc dissertation and can be paid work. study abroad exchanges or unpaid research projects or even a mix of these options. You will return to Aston the following May for an intensive period on campus to draw all your learning together and finalise the assessments.

Although you are responsible for finding your placement, you will have access to the support of our award-winning Careers and Placements Team, who have helped so many of our students to secure placement and work opportunities, including by providing CV and application preparation, and practice interviews. In addition, you will participate in a programme of activities within the School designed to develop your personal and professional skills such as industry seminars and networking activities. Opportunities for one-to-one coaching and mentoring will also support your learning journey and help you become more work-ready.

Take a look at our specific placement information and support.

Speak to our Admissions Team

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 10am-4pm)

Please click here for guidance on completing the postgraduate application. 

Entry requirements

  • We expect applications from graduates of BSc with honours in Computer Science or related disciplines with a qualification equivalent to UK 2:2 or higher. Evidence of knowledge of Mathematics and Programming foundations should also be provided when the degree is not in Computer Science (i.e. transcript of degree programme or work experience). When a transcript is provided, the Mathematics and Programming grades should be equivalent to UK 60% or higher. Candidates may be interviewed prior to the offer decision.
     
  • Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification. Find out more about our English language requirements. For more information about qualifications view our Aston in your country webpage.


The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

Learning, teaching and assessment

Learning will include lectures, seminars and tutorials, as well as practical projects and presentations. 

Core Modules
  • AI: Vision and Reality
  • Machine Learning
  • Mathematics for AI
  • Multi-Agent Systems and Strategic Decision Making
  • Research Methods and Professional Practice
  • MSc Major Dissertation
Choose 3 out of the following options
  • Computational Intelligence
  • Deep Learning
  • Forensic Inference and Statistics
  • Robotics and Autonomous Systems 
  • Data Mining 


The course will be assessed through a combination of exams, coursework and practicals.

Fees and scholarships

UK/EU students (2024/25)

Annual tuition fees: £11,150

International students (2024/25)

Annual tuition fees: £23,500

Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. When undertaking a placement year a placement year fee applies.

UK postgraduate available 

If you’re starting a masters course on or after 1 August 2022, you can apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with course fees and living costs. Find out more.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs. Find out more about our UK student scholarships here. Find out more about our international student scholarships here.

20 per cent postgraduate alumni scholarship

Cost shouldn't limit your career aspirations, which is why we are delighted to offer all Aston University graduates (including exchange students) a 20% loyalty scholarship in standard taught MA, MSc and Full-time MBA course fees. As an Aston University graduate, you will automatically qualify. For more information visit our webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why study Artificial Intelligence at Aston?

Artificial Intelligence is an incredibly fast growing and exciting sector with a huge demand for people with specialist skills. This course will give you both the knowledge and skills as well as the practical experience to build an interesting career across a range of industries.  

Whether you’re interested in working in robotics or data mining and machine learning, there are many opportunities for employment.

What will I be doing on the Artificial Intelligence course at Aston?

You’ll learn in a range of ways, with a focus on the practical application of your solutions. During your studies you’ll have the opportunity to design, plan, implement, test, evaluate and document your solutions, including the development of your own computer game.

These are all important skills for developing your future career and will ensure you’re ready for the workplace challenges you’ll face. 

 

Register your interest
Register your interest form