Program Overview

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad area of research that uses rigorous and hands-on computational techniques to address significant problems that arise in many different disciplines, including, but not limited to, computing systems, economics, business, healthcare, games, medicine design, education and agriculture. With the rapid advance of AI, there is a growing demand for students who can understand and promote AI to all these sectors. Our MSc Artificial Intelligence and its Applications conversion course will equip you with a skillset on AI techniques, and prepare you for meeting demand, regardless of your academic background. You will obtain a comprehensive perspective of the current developments, the needs and the potential of AI, by participating in taught modules that promote a deep understanding of AI methods together with others that deliver the necessary technical expertise. Our course will cover areas including:

• Machine learning
• Data mining
• Decision making
• Big data

Our course will give you both theoretical and technical relevant skills, and will offer you:

• the understanding of the specifics and the intricacies of AI methodologies
• the ability to apply both basic and advanced AI methods
• the ability to design and implement novel solutions

You will also gain transferable skills such as the ability to develop and present arguments, as well as the ability to work independently and in groups. Within our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering lies the very strong AI for Decision Making research group , which will offer graduates of the course networking opportunities. This course is developed in collaboration with industry partners and public sector organisations, which include BT, Profusion, Essex County Council, Essex Police, and Suffolk County Council. Our active links with industry can broaden your employment potential and offer placement opportunities. This course is available on a full- and part-time basis, starting in October. You can also start this course in January, but this option is only available to those who wish to study full-time. Why we're great.

• Explore ways of linking artificial intelligence to real-world applications in a range of fields and industries
• Develop a rounded understanding of theoretical, applied and practical aspects of artificial intelligence
• Our Employability and Careers Centre is on hand to help with careers advice and planning. You will also have opportunities to present your research and travel to international conferences

Our expert staff

Our research covers a range of topics, from materials science and semiconductor device physics, to the theory of computation and the philosophy of computer science, with most of our research groups based around laboratories offering world-class facilities. Our impressive external research funding stands at over £4 million and we participate in a number of EU initiatives and undertake projects under contract to many outside bodies, including government and industrial organisations. In recent years we have attracted many highly active research staff and we are conducting world-leading research in areas such as evolutionary computation, brain-computer interfacing, intelligent inhabited environments and financial forecasting.

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Specialist facilities

We are one of the largest and best resourced computer science and electronic engineering schools in the UK. Our work is supported by extensive networked computer facilities and software aids, together with a wide range of test and instrumentation equipment.

• We have six laboratories that are exclusively for computer science and electronic engineering students. Three are open 24/7, and you have free access to the labs except when there is a scheduled practical class in progress
• All computers run either Windows 10 or are dual boot with Linux
• Software includes Java, Prolog, C++, Perl, Mysql, Matlab, DB2, Microsoft Office, Visual Studio, and Project
• Students have access to CAD tools and simulators for chip design (Xilinx) and computer networks (OPNET)
• We also have specialist facilities for research into areas including non-invasive brain-computer interfaces, intelligent environments, robotics, optoelectronics, video, RF and MW, printed circuit milling, and semiconductors

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Your future

With a skillset that combines both technical and analytical know-how from our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, our graduates will be able to find employment in very competitive institutions in a wide range of disciplines. A career in artificial intelligence can be realised within a wide range of sectors, including health, finance, education etc, both in the public and the private sector. Examples of specific jobs held by our AI graduates include computer/data/research scientists, software developers and analysts . We also work with the University’s Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities. Read more about computer science and electronic engineering career destinations here.