Program Overview

Artificial Intelligence - MSc

Overview

Creating the next generation of high-quality professionals for the AI industry.

Summary

The MSc Artificial Intelligence is a specialist programme that has the core aim of preparing students for both an industrial career, with skills in the fields of computing, knowledge presentation, reasoning, robotics, machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, natural language processing, data analytics in the context of AI and the emerging and advanced topics in AI, and in addition providing a relevant platform to embark on further research studies.

About this course

About

The MSc programme comprises six compulsory taught modules (totaling 120 credits) and a substantial independent Master's Project (60 credits). As part of the programme, students will be required to use various programming languages, including Python and R.

Attendance

Typically 15 timetabled hours per week Monday – Friday including lectures, tutorials and practicals in the computer labs for the taught components of the course. Research Project takes place in the final semester separately.

Start dates

• September 2025
• January 2026

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching is delivered through lectures, directed tutorials, seminars, and practical sessions, some of which are by industry professionals / researchers.

The course is assessed by 100% coursework.

Modules

Year one

• Data Science and Machine Learning
  • Year: 1
  • Status: C
  • This module provides an overview of Data Science process/pipeline. It provides systematic understanding of mathematical and statistical knowledge for exploratory data analysis (EDA) and to understand the foundations of supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms, and with the practical programming skills to apply them to real-world datasets.
• Knowledge Engineering
  • Year: 1
  • Status: C
  • This module will cover modern topics in a classical field of artificial intelligence, including knowledge representation and reasoning (deductive and inductive), and their effective utilisation in e.g. decision making, automated reasoning and formal verification, and semantic web. Students will gain deep understanding of key concepts and principles, and gain practical skills in critically evaluating and effectively building knowledge-based applications.
• Robotics & AI
  • Year: 1
  • Status: C
  • This module provides an overview of smart robotics and AI. It is designed to provide students with a strong foundation through the core topics and the key technologies of robotics and AI while providing hands-on experience on programming smart robots in the labs. The module will explore practically coding AI techniques for Robotics and the focus is given to design and implement smart robots exhibiting AI behaviours.
• Deep Learning and Its Application
  • Year: 1
  • Status: C
  • The module introduces the fundamental concepts of deep learning, neural networks as well as the theory associated with the development of successful deep learning algorithms. Students will learn state of the art convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, loss functions and optimization process along with development tools, and apply them to the development of solutions for deep learning application domains (i.e. Sequential data analysis, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, etc.)

Year two

• Masters Project
  • Year: 2
  • Status: C
  • The aim of the project is to allow the student to demonstrate their ability in undertaking an independent research project for developing theoretical perspectives, addressing research questions using data, or analysing and developing real-world solutions. They will be expected to utilise appropriate methodologies and demonstrate the skills gained earlier in the course when implementing the project.
• Emerging and Advanced Topics in AI
  • Year: 2
  • Status: C
  • This module will cover emerging topics in the field of artificial intelligence, including recent advances in AI theory, algorithms and applications, as well as issues such as privacy, fairness and ethics in artificial intelligence. In doing so a number of examples of advanced AI systems and applications are reviewed. Students will gain deep understanding of key concepts, principles, and challenges, and gain practical skills in critically evaluating and effectively building AI-based applications. The module will also help students develop their skills in independent learning, research skills, as well as practical skills.
• Intelligence Engineering and Infrastructure
  • Year: 2
  • Status: C
  • The aim of this module is to educate students on best practices for engineering, deploying, testing and orchestration intelligence across modern computing. This will include aspects of Machine learning, federated operation of activities, data engineering, production of tailored computational artefacts (such as models which are tailored for a range of device type), production pipelines, automated testing and automated deployment.
• Industrial Placement in Computing
  • Status: O
  • Year: 2
  • This module is optional

Standard entry conditions

• Entry Requirements
  • Applicants must:
    • (a) have gained
      • (i) a second class honours degree or better, in the subject areas of Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or closely related discipline, from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or
      • (ii) an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification excluding Conversion courses; and the qualification must be in the subject areas of Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or closely related discipline.
    • (b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent). For applicants whose first language is not English the minimum English language requirement is an Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5, Trinity ISE: Pass at level III or equivalent English language tests comparable to IELTS equivalent score.
• English Language Requirements
  • English language requirements for international applicants
    • The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
• Exemptions and transferability
  • The entry requirements facilitate accreditation of prior learning.

Careers & opportunities

• Career options
  • AI is at the centre of Industry 4.0 – The Fourth Industrial Revolution. Many countries, including the UK, US and China, have taken AI as a priority area for research and development. The UK government and industry have committed grow UK's AI capacity. The MSc in Artificial Intelligence will strive to address the growing demands being placed on the sector by training computing professionals to follow a career either in industry or academia. The course provides opportunities for training and development of the skills required to contribute to the local and global industrial opportunities that AI offers. AI has applications in almost every industry sector including, but not limited to, Health, Financial Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Media, Energy, Civic Society and Public Policy. Graduates from the course will be well placed to progress into a career across a range of industrial settings in these sectors.
• Work placement / study abroad
  • There is no placement as part of the course, however, there are opportunities in the course for you to participate in research and industry related projects through our two Innovation centres BTIIC, CHIC and ARC.

Professional Recognition

• BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT
  • Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
• BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT
  • Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Fees and funding

• 10% Alumni Discount
  • Are you a graduate of Ulster University? Did you know you could be eligible for a 10% fees discount.
• Tuition Fee Loans Available
  • Students domiciled in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and UK students can apply to Student Finance NI for a Tuition Fee loan of up to £6,500 (subject to eligibility).
• Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlement Status Fees
  • £7,240.00
• International Fees
  • £17,810.00
• Fees Notice - January Start
  • Important Notice: Fees information for programmes with a January 2026 start date
    • Ulster University has two main intakes for Academic Year 25/26 – 1. September 2025 and 2. January 2026.
    • Many of our programmes which start in January will continue into Academic Year 26/27 and consequently any modules undertaken in Academic Year 26/27 will be charged at our 26/27 prices.
• International Students
  • International Student fees for programmes commencing in January 2026
• Students from Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Great Britain
  • For those who are starting a programme in January which continues into Academic Year 26/27, 26/27 fees are currently not available. To help with budget planning please refer to the 25/26 fees. These are subject to increase.
• View Available Scholarships
  • See if you can access financial or other forms of support, including mentorship to excel in your studies.
• Additional mandatory costs
  • It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.