Program Overview

Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) Program

The Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) program is designed to address the critical skills gap in artificial intelligence (AI) applications within industry, both in the UAE and globally. Combining theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience, the program equips students with advanced skills for adapting and implementing AI technologies in industry, research, and government sectors.

Program Overview

The MAAI program is a part-time, in-person, and on-campus program that typically takes two years to complete. The program is designed for UAE-based working professionals with multi-year experience in AI, digital, or technology-related roles. Lectures and lab sessions are delivered outside of normal business hours, including evenings and weekends.

Program Goals

The goals of the MAAI program are to:

• Graduate students with skills and knowledge to develop innovative and sustainable AI solutions and AI-based ventures.
• Educate future leaders with advanced data analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Equip graduates with skills and knowledge to apply AI in critical areas of advanced technology adaptation in industry, research, and development, as well as in critical government functions.
• Develop graduate skills to manage and lead collaborative interdisciplinary research projects.
• Graduate students to support the broader strategic societal, environmental, and economic goals as set forward in the UAE's future economy strategy.

Key Curriculum Areas

The program covers key areas including:

• Data science: Apply machine learning (ML) techniques to industry challenges.
• Software engineering and machine learning operations (ML Ops): Build, deploy, and maintain production AI systems.
• Deep learning: Master neural networks and deep learning architectures for computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), and complex pattern recognition tasks.
• Generative AI: Learn to build and deploy cutting-edge generative models.
• Diverse electives: Choose from specialized courses in NLP, computer vision, robotics, reinforcement learning, and emerging AI domains.

Program Details

• Mode: Part-time
• Credits: 34
• Duration: Two years
• Location: On campus
• Fees: AED 170,000 (AED 5000 per credit)

Program Learning Outcomes

The program learning outcomes (PLOs) are aligned with the Emirates Qualifications Framework and are divided into three learning outcomes strands: knowledge (K), skills (S), and responsibility (R). Upon completion of the program requirements, the graduate will be able to:

• Design innovative and sustainable artificial intelligence (AI) models to support organizational entrepreneurship and new value creation.
• Apply advanced analytical and problem-solving skills for the application of AI in solving organizational challenges.
• Analyze big contextual data sets to improve AI applications.
• Manage complex collaborative research, development, and innovation projects in the domain of AI and advanced technologies.
• Assess ethical, societal, and legal considerations related to AI technologies.

Completion Requirements

The minimum degree requirements for the Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence is 34 credits, distributed as follows:

• Core courses: 16 credits
• Elective courses: 8 credits
• Internship: 2 credits
• Research methods: 2 credits
• Research project: 6 credits

Core Courses

All students are required to complete the mandatory core courses along with two elective courses. The core courses include:

• MAAI701: Data Science for Industry
• MAAI702: Software Engineering and Programming
• MAAI703: Deep Learning Foundations and Applications
• MAAI704: Generative AI – From Theory to Practice
• MAAI799: Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence Industry Research Project
• RES799: Introduction to Research Methods
• INT799: Master of Science Internship

Elective Courses

Students will select a minimum of two elective courses, with a total of eight or more credit hours, based on interest, proposed research thesis, and career aspirations, in consultation with their supervisory panel. The elective courses available for the Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence include:

• AI7101: Machine Learning with Python
• AI7102: Introduction to Deep Learning
• CS7101: Algorithms and Data Structures
• CV701: Human and Computer Vision
• CV702: Geometry for Computer Vision
• CV703: Visual Object Recognition and Detection
• DS701: Data Mining
• DS702: Big Data Processing
• DS703: Information Retrieval
• DS704: Statistical Aspects of Machine Learning/Statistical Theory
• ENT799: Entrepreneurship in Action
• HC701: Medical Imaging: Physics and Analysis
• ML707: Smart City Services and Applications
• ML709: IoT, Smart Systems, Services, and Applications
• MTH702: Optimization
• NLP701: Natural Language Processing
• ROB701: Introduction to Robotics
• ROB702: Robotic Vision and Intelligence
• ROB703: Robot Localization and Navigation

Research Project

The applied project exposes students to a real-world problem, where they are required to propose solutions. Students pursue independent project work for a period of one semester.

Admission Criteria

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree in a STEM field with a minimum CGPA of 3.0. English language proficiency is required, with accepted exams including IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and Duolingo English Test. A screening exam is also required, assessing knowledge and skills relevant to the chosen field.

Admission Process

The admission process includes submitting an application, taking a screening exam, and providing a statement of purpose, referee recommendations, and a curriculum vitae. An admission interview may also be required.

Study Plan

A typical part-time study plan is as follows:

• Semester 1: MAAI701 Data Science for Industry, MAAI702 Software Engineering and Programming
• Semester 2: MAAI703 Deep Learning Foundations and Applications, MAAI704 Generative AI – From Theory to Practice
• Summer: RES799 Introduction to Research Methods
• Semester 3: Elective 1, Elective 2
• Semester 4: MAAI799 Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence Industry Research Project, INT799 Master of Science Internship

Program Fees

The full tuition fee to complete the Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence is AED 170,000, with a registration fee of AED 5000.