Program Overview

Joint Masters Data Science and AI MSc

The Joint Masters Data Science and AI MSc is a full-time, 18-month program offered by the University of Birmingham and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. This program provides students with a global perspective in data science and artificial intelligence, preparing them for an exciting career in this rapidly evolving field.

Course Overview

The program combines in-depth study in data analytics, machine learning, and algorithms with advanced research and industrial experience. Students will gain a unique opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges and stand out from the crowd in the job market.

Why Study the Joint Masters Data Science and AI?

This program offers students the chance to gain a global perspective on data science and cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence. With perspectives from both universities, industrial engagement, and research, students will be well-prepared for a career in this field.

Course Structure

The MSc is an 18-month full-time program comprising taught modules in both Birmingham and IIT Madras. Students will also complete an industrial placement and research project, with the option to choose to spend the majority of their studies either in the UK or in India.

Programme Options

There are two program options:

• Programme option one: From late July to November, students will study at IIT Madras, then undertake an industrial placement until January. In January, they will transfer to Birmingham for the remainder of the program.
• Programme option two: Students will spend 6 months at IIT Madras, then 6 months in Birmingham, before returning to IIT Madras to complete the research project and undertake the last part of the taught program.

Course Highlights

• Birmingham is ranked 76th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, maintaining its position in the top 100 universities globally and placing it 11th amongst UK universities.
• The program offers a global perspective by dividing studies between Birmingham and IIT Madras, learning how to extract meaningful insights from data.
• Students will explore recent advances in artificial intelligence and learn about the emerging digital world that AI is helping to create.
• A substantial individual project will give students a unique opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.

Course Delivery

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach, through traditional study, projects, and industrial placements, with a focus on energy systems and technologies deployment for a sustainable future.

Module Information

The program is a 18-month full-time taught master's degree (180 credits) consisting of taught modules, research project, and industrial placement. The dissertation is completed under the direction of a project supervisor, giving students the opportunity to work one-to-one with a leading expert in their field.

Core Modules

• Current Topics in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (20 credits, Semester 2)
• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Project (80 credits, Full Term)

Optional Modules

Students select 80 credits of options:

• 40 credits chosen from list A:
  • Evolutionary Computation (Extended) (20 credits, Semester 2)
  • Intelligent Interactive Systems (Extended) (20 credits, Semester 2)
  • Natural Language Processing (Extended) (20 credits, Semester 2)
  • Visualisation (20 credits, Semester 2)
• 40 credits chosen from list B:
  • Computer Vision and Imaging (Extended) (20 credits, Semester 2)
  • Intelligent Data Analysis (20 credits, Semester 1)
  • Machine Learning (20 credits, Semester 1)
  • Neural Computation (Extended) (20 credits, Semester 1)

Teaching Staff

• Professor Mark Lee, Programme Director

Entry Requirements

To gain a place at Birmingham, students will need to meet the general entry requirements, as well as those specific to the course. The application will be reviewed by the course's Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether the application should receive an offer.

• 2:1 Honours Degree in a numerate discipline (Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Economics, or another program with substantial Mathematics content).
• Indian undergraduate: Bachelor's degree with 60% and above in Science and/or Engineering.
• Equivalent of a UK 2:1 Honours degree in a numerate discipline.

English Requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band.
• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing.
• PTE Academic: 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills.
• Applicants with appropriate grades in Standard XII English do not require additional SELT qualifications.

Fees and Scholarships

• Programme option one: IIT Madras, INR 300,000 - University of Birmingham, £10,140.
• Programme option two: IIT Madras, INR 600,000 - University of Birmingham, £7,240.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be well-prepared for a wealth of roles, including data scientist, AI developer, machine learning expert, business analyst, and research scientist. Studying in both India and the UK will equip students with a unique international perspective, specialized knowledge, and skills.

Student Experience

At Birmingham, students will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life. The university offers a huge variety of accommodation options, exciting activities to get involved in outside studies, as well as all the support and advice needed.