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Course overview
Learn how to use artificial intelligence to shape real-world decisions in sustainable development. Our innovative MSc in AI and Sustainable Development equips you with the skills, knowledge and practical experience to drive ethical tech solutions and impactful change through interdisciplinary learning.
Build the confidence to lead AI-enabled projects in sustainability and development settings. Develop expertise in artificial intelligence and sustainability challenges, and strengthen your ability to navigate ethics, real-world constraints, and complex systems to turn data-driven insight into meaningful, long-term impact.
I chose the MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development because it aligned perfectly with my long-term goal of working at the intersection of technology, democracy, and public policy. The course offered a rare combination of technical foundations in AI alongside critical perspectives on ethics, governance, and sustainability.
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis for Home students.
First Term
First Term
In the first semester, you'll take three 20-credit core modules to build a strong foundation. These introduce how AI can advance global sustainability through ethical governance and participatory design. You’ll also develop modern data science skills - covering supervised learning, data mining, and programming techniques - to prepare you for tackling diverse data‑driven challenges.
You'll also choose one 20-credit optional module from our AI, Policy, and Government module list. Assessment includes group work, exams, and assignments throughout the semester.
Second Term
Second Term
In the second semester, you'll take two 20-credit core modules. The first, AI for Global Challenges focuses on applying machine learning to sustainability issues while evaluating ethical, inclusive, and human-centred AI use. The second, Current Topics in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, keeps you up to date with the latest developments through seminars, presentations, and quizzes on recent advancements, helping you deepen your expertise.
Summer Term
Summer Term
During this term, you will be completing assignments and focusing on your 60-credit research dissertation project.
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Why study MSc AI and Sustainable Development at Birmingham?
Our MSc in AI and Sustainable Development brings together computer science and social science to tackle global sustainability challenges. This programme equips you with the skills to responsibly apply AI to complex global challenges, integrating technical, social, and ethical perspectives. You’ll graduate ready to work across disciplines and deploy AI in contexts where societal, ethical, and sustainability considerations matter most.
- Interdisciplinary Expertise: Combine machine learning, data analysis, and social science to inform public decisions.
- Hands-On Experience: Engage in real-world projects using AI to tackle sustainability and development challenges, such as climate, health, and inequality.
- Ethical AI Focus: Emphasises responsible AI use, integrating ethical considerations with technical skills.
- Versatile Career Paths: Build confidence to take on roles in sustainability consultation, global policy, technology and research.
Who is this course for?
This Masters programme is for those who want to apply AI to sustainability and global development challenges, rather than focusing on algorithm design or purely technical computer science pathways.
- Technically trained graduates: Learn to apply AI in the context of sustainability challenges in a meaningful way.
- Social scientists: Gain technical skills to lead AI projects in development, sustainability, and international contexts.
- Career changers: Combine social sciences with AI for versatile, future-ready roles.
- Top 2
We're consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
'The Graduate Market in 2026' High Fliers report
- #68
QS World University Rankings 2027
QS Top Universities
Course delivery
Teaching will utilise a range of learning methods, including lectures, workshops and seminars as well as blended learning support.
- Lectures: Academics deliver structured talks to large groups; students take notes, less interactive.
- Seminars: Small, informal sessions to complement lectures, allowing discussion and interaction with peers.
- Workshops: Hands-on sessions to teach tools or techniques, in smaller groups to encourage discussion.
- Maths and data support: We offer a free online course through FutureLearn to build your maths and data literacy skills, ensuring all students - regardless of their background - are fully prepared to succeed on the programme.
Module information
A Masters programme is made up of 180 credits in total. For this programme, you'll take five core modules (100 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits), and then choose one optional module (20 credits).
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- Upper 2:1 Honours degree
or an equivalent qualification
While a background in mathematics is not required, we recognise that some students may wish to strengthen these skills. To support this, we offer a free online course providing comprehensive maths and data literacy preparation to help you succeed.
International entry requirements
Students who have not studied in English must pass a recognised English test. For more information on what proof you will need, visit our International Postgraduate requirements page
English presessional programmes
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Fees and scholarships
- £12,150
Full-time
- £6,075
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Tuition fee deposits for international students
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
Postgraduate Masters loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we have put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 28 August 2026
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Ask us a question
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
Career opportunities
Open doors to a wide variety of career opportunities with our MSc in AI and Sustainable Development. This interdisciplinary programme equips you with the technical and ethical expertise to drive responsible AI innovation, preparing you for impactful roles in NGOs, governments, and international organisations. You’ll gain hands-on experience and a global perspective, ready to address real-world challenges in sustainability, inequality, and governance.
Your careers toolkit
Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.
Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:
- Careers support services and Careers Network
- Work experience and placements
- Enterprise and entrepreneurship
- Alumni and employer connections
- Global opportunities and life experience
- Careers in the curriculum
We are consistently one of the top universities targeted by graduate employers
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
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Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
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Birmingham: a city built for students
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