Program Overview

MSt in AI Ethics and Society

The MSt in AI Ethics and Society is a part-time program that aims to develop leaders who can tackle the ethical and societal challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The program is academically rigorous, rooted in approaches from history, philosophy, governance, and science and technology studies.

Course Overview

The program provides students with critical academic skills, knowledge, and analytical abilities needed to identify and address ethical challenges arising from the application of AI. It covers key areas such as:

• Privacy
• Surveillance
• Justice
• Fairness
• Algorithmic bias
• Misinformation
• Big Data
• Responsible innovation

Course Details

• Course fee:
  • Home: ｣26,136
  • Overseas: ｣39,198
• Credits: 180
• Study mode: Hybrid (in-person and online)
• Application deadline: 26 February 2026
• Duration: 22 months
• Location: Various locations
• Course code: 2628IETHM4
• Course type: Master's degree

Tutors

• Dr. Garfield Benjamin: Assistant Teaching Professor in AI Ethics and Society
• Dr. Jonnie Penn: Course Co-Leader - AI Ethics and Society

Aims of the Programme

The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to address the ethical and societal challenges arising from the use of AI. It provides a professionally relevant teaching and learning environment informed by the forefront of academic research on AI and its ethical and societal impacts.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, students will be able to:

• Discuss the ethical and societal challenges of AI with a full understanding of its history and relationship to other disciplines and technologies
• Identify the capabilities of current AI systems, their key applications, and potential ethical and societal challenges
• Evaluate key ethical and societal challenges arising from the use of AI and existing critical literature
• Apply theories and methodologies from a range of established disciplines to address ethical and societal challenges
• Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of current governance approaches for addressing AI challenges
• Apply systematic understanding of AI ethics and governance to develop new insights
• Synthesize and analyze research and advanced scholarship across disciplines

Entry Requirements

The program welcomes applications from students with a variety of backgrounds and professional experiences. As part of the admissions process, applicants must meet certain requirements, including:

• A good UK undergraduate degree (2.1 or international equivalent)
• Demonstrable commitment to and aptitude for advancing the ethical use of AI in society
• English language requirements (if English is not the first language)

Non-Standard Applications

Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements may still be considered if they have relevant professional experience or have completed higher-level study.

Teaching and Assessment

The program is run by a specialist research centre and incorporates experts from diverse areas, including philosophy, machine learning, computer science, policy, law, and more.

Teaching

The program includes:

• Residentials in Cambridge (four week-long sessions)
• Online sessions (pre-recorded lectures and live online discussion sessions)
• Dissertation workshops in Year 2

Assessment

Assessment will be through a range of formats, including coursework, written and oral examinations, posters, presentations, and projects. Assignments are divided into two components: modules 1-4 (50%) and dissertation (50%).

Fees and Funding

The total fees for the course are ｣26,136 (Home) or ｣39,198 (Overseas). There are also additional costs for application fees, travel, accommodation, and subsistence for residential teaching sessions.

Funding

The university offers financial support, including concessions and bursaries. External funding options are also available.

How to Apply

Applications are considered in two gathered fields, with deadlines on 17 November 2025 (Gathered Field 1) and 26 February 2026 (Gathered Field 2). Applicants must submit a personal statement, CV, sample of work, dissertation proposal, qualifications, and transcripts, as well as provide contact details for two referees.

College Membership

As an MSt student, you will become a member of a Cambridge College. The program works with Homerton, Hughes Hall, Lucy Cavendish, and St Edmund's Colleges.

Student Support

The university offers a variety of support opportunities to meet individual needs, including academic writing guidance and student support services.