Artificial Intelligence, MSc

Program Overview

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Artificial Intelligence, MSc

Introduction

This programme engages with all aspects of AI, from its fundamentals to the cutting-edge techniques revolutionising how we live, learn, work and socialise, to open up career opportunities in this dynamic, fast-moving field.

Study Information

Study Options

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months or 16 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September or January
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

Programme Description

The MSc Artificial Intelligence covers the theoretical underpinning of a wide variety of AI-related techniques including data and text mining, machine learning, reasoning, natural language generation, knowledge representation, and distributed AI systems as well as the technology, techniques, tools, software and methodologies used to apply these underlying theories to real-world problems.

You will learn how to engineer and evaluate AI systems and also engage in debates around the legal and ethical issues involved in the ethics of AI technology. The programme culminates with a research project, which you will undertake under the supervision of a member of staff and can also be undertaken with an external company or organisation. Typical projects include extending, improving or adapting existing AI theories or techniques to solve different problems or comparing competing techniques or tools to solve a particular problem.

The skills and knowledge you will learn on this programme is shaped by the latest research in AI. The University of Aberdeen has over 30 years’ of experience, and a worldwide reputation in AI-related research, focusing on areas such as machine learning, data science, natural language generation, and multi-agent systems. Data and AI is one of five interdisciplinary research priorities for the University of Aberdeen and the department has strong links with the University's Centre for Data and Artificial Intelligence.

Spin-out successes from the University of Aberdeen include ARRIA NLG, one of the world’s leading natural language generation companies. Our close industry links mean you will have opportunities to apply your skills through training and networking events and industrial placements organised through organisations such as the Data Lab, Intel AI Academy, IBM, Intelligent Plant, and Aberdeen City Council.

Programme Fees

Fee Category	Cost
EU / International students	£26,250
UK	£11,900

Semester 1 (September Start)

Compulsory Courses

• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
• Symbolic AI (CS502K)
• Machine Learning (CS5062)
• Evaluation of AI Systems (CS5063)
• Applied Artificial Intelligence (CS5079)

Semester 2 (September Start)

Compulsory Courses

• Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (CS551J)
• Software Agents and Multi - Agent Systems (CS551K)
• Data Mining with Deep Learning (CS552J)
• Natural Language Generation (CS551H)

Semester 3 (September Start)

Compulsory Courses

• MSc Project in Artificial Intelligence (CS5917)

Semester 1 (January Start)

Compulsory Courses

• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5506)
• Data Mining with Deep Learning (CS552J)
• Natural Language Generation (CS551H)
• Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (CS551J)
• Software Agents and Multi - Agent Systems (CS551K)

Semester 2 (January Start)

Compulsory Courses

• Symbolic AI (CS502K)
• Evaluation of AI Systems (CS5063)
• Machine Learning (CS5062)
• Applied Artificial Intelligence (CS5079)

Semester 3 (January Start)

Compulsory Courses

• MSc Project in Artificial Intelligence (CS551T)

Entry Requirements

• Our minimum entry requirement for this programme is a Computing Science degree at 2:2 (lower second class) UK Honours level (or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth).
• Key subjects you must have covered: Python, Algorithmic problem solving and Data Structures. Programming experience in other languages, such as Java, C and C++, is recommended - but not required - to follow the courses taught in this programme.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Careers

Artificial Intelligence has become increasingly under the spotlight on the back of recent impressive advancements such as ChatGPT. The ever-increasing adoption of AI technology across all industry sectors means there is growing demand for people who can design, manage and direct the technology.

There has been a huge increase in demand for AI specialists across almost every industry, from energy and manufacturing to healthcare and cybercrime. This recent LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise report listed Machine Learning Engineer as one of the fastest-growing jobs in the UK.

Funding Opportunities

• Aberdeen Global Scholarship
• Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.

Related Programmes

• Cybersecurity
• Data Science
• Industrial Robotics
• Information Technology
• Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

Why Study Artificial Intelligence?

• The MSc Artificial Intelligence covers both the theoretical underpinning of AI as well as the technology, techniques, tools, software and methodologies used to apply these underlying theories to real-world problems.
• You will learn the key skills in the use of Symbolic AI, Machine Learning, Data Mining and Natural Language Processing in order to be able to engineer, develop and evaluate AI systems
• Your research project gives you the opportunity to further enhance your problem-solving and communication skills and apply the skills and knowledge you obtain throughout the programme.
• There has been a huge increase in demand for AI specialists across almost every industry, from energy and manufacturing to healthcare and cybercrime. This recent LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise report listed Machine Learning Engineer as one of the fastest-growing jobs in the UK.
• The University of Aberdeen has a strong history and worldwide reputation in computing science, in particular around Data Science, Natural Language Generation and Artificial Intelligence and is home to the research success of ARRIA NLG - the global leader in the field of natural language generation (NLG).
• From agriculture and archaeology to medicine and geosciences, our researchers are utilising data and AI across many fields to further research and improve lives. Browse the project summaries in our Interdisciplinary Research Project Database to find out more about the critical role data and artificial intelligence have to play in advances spanning many disciplines.
• Our close industry links mean you will have opportunities to apply your skills through training and networking events and industrial placements organised through our partner organisations.
• The University of Aberdeen is a member of the Turing University Network, a network of UK universities engaged in cutting-edge teaching and research in data science and AI.
• The University of Aberdeen also has strong links with the energy industry and our researchers are actively engaged in applying technologies built with AI to reduce carbon emissions and ultimately to help society transition to net zero.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

• Overall Aim: Engage with all aspects of AI, from fundamentals to cutting-edge techniques, revolutionizing how we live, learn, work, and socialize, and open up career opportunities in this dynamic field.
• Program Highlights:
• Covers a broad range of AI techniques, including data and text mining, machine learning, reasoning, natural language generation, knowledge representation, and distributed AI systems.
• Emphasizes the technology, techniques, tools, software, and methodologies used to apply these theories to real-world problems.
• Includes a research project supervised by a staff member, allowing you to extend, improve, or adapt existing AI theories or techniques to solve problems.
• Shaped by the latest research in AI at the University of Aberdeen, which has a strong reputation in AI-related fields like machine learning, data science, natural language generation, and multi-agent systems.

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Outline:

• Structure:
• 12 or 15 months duration (full-time)
• On-campus learning
• Starts in September or January
• Semester 1 (Compulsory Courses):
• Symbolic AI (CS502K):
Presents fundamental AI techniques used in various systems, including Google Maps, Siri, and industrial automation systems.
• Machine Learning (CS5062): Delivers sophisticated Machine Learning methodologies and algorithms relevant to various applications.
• Evaluation of AI Systems (CS5063): Provides a solid foundation in core evaluation concepts, approaches, tools, and technologies related to AI systems.
• Semester 1 (Optional Courses):
• Applied Artificial Intelligence (CS5079):
Allows students to use cutting-edge AI technologies to investigate the creation and application of AI systems.
• AI and Data: Ethical and Legal Considerations (PH5065): Introduces ethical and legal issues surrounding the ethics of AI technology.
• Semester 2 (Compulsory Courses):
• Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (CS551J):
Provides the theory and practice of knowledge representation and reasoning, focusing on cutting-edge technologies, libraries, and tools.
• Software Agents and Multi – Agent Systems (CS551K): Provides a grounding in the theory and tools underpinning such systems, enabling students to develop them and use them effectively.
• Data Mining with Deep Learning (CS552J): Equips students with foundational data mining and visualization techniques and software tools for analyzing complex datasets.
• Natural Language Generation (CS551H): Introduces students to various aims of natural language generation, the main rule-based and statistical methods used, and some of the main NLG algorithms and systems.
• Semester 2 (Optional Courses): (Same as Semester 1)
• Semester 3 (Compulsory Courses):
• MSc Project in Artificial Intelligence (CS5917):
Allows students to develop their own AI research project under the supervision of a staff member.

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary depending on the course and module.
They may include:
• Written assignments and essays
• Projects and presentations
• Practical exercises and coding assignments
• Examinations (written and/or oral)

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Teaching:

• Teaching methods include:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Group projects
• Research projects
• Faculty involved in teaching are experts in their respective fields and are actively engaged in AI research.
• Growing Job Market: Recent reports list Machine Learning Engineer as one of the fastest-growing jobs in the UK.
• Global Opportunities: Completion of the program opens doors to various career paths, including:
• AI Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Machine Learning Engineer
• AI Consultant
• Research Scientist
• Software Developer
• Robotics Engineer
• Business Analyst
• Project Manager
• Real-World Applications: Graduates of the program are prepared to work on cutting-edge AI projects that have the potential to solve real-world problems and improve lives across various sectors.

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Other:

• The program is a member of the Turing University Network, a network of UK universities engaged in cutting-edge teaching and research in data science and AI.
• The University of Aberdeen is a member of the Data Lab, a leading center for data science and innovation in the UK.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including the Data Lab's high-performance computing cluster and its research expertise in areas such as natural language processing, machine learning, and data visualization.
• The program offers a strong emphasis on ethics and social responsibility in AI, ensuring that students are equipped to work responsibly and ethically with this powerful technology.

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EU / International students: £27,000 UK: £11,900