Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine LearningMSc
- Ranking6thComplete University Guide 2025
- CampusBirmingham (Edgbaston)Delivery formatIn person
- Duration1 year full-time
- AwardMaster of Science
- Entry requirements2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in a numerate discipline (Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Economics)
- Fees£13,040 (full-time)
Page contents
Course overview
Launch your career in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence and machine learning. As huge advances change our world, get prepared for an exciting future.
Discover and understand what current generation AIs can do, and the ethical considerations so you’re prepared for a range of in-demand careers. With your mathematical background, our course will open up a world of opportunity in roles such as app developer, machine learning engineer, games developer or tech consultant.
Course Structure
Our MSc is a 12-month full-time advanced course, comprising of lectures, coursework assignments, student presentations, individual study and a research project.
This term focusses on theoretical foundations and scientific principles of AI and Machine Learning, as well as some of their core methodologies. You'll complete compulsory modules which will provide you with mathematical tools to formulate, analyse and understand AI and Machine Learning systems. You'll also have a choice of specialised optional modules. Teaching is delivered predominantly through lectures, with assessment provided using a mix of coursework and examination.
Course highlights
You’ll learn about the advanced principles of AI and ML, and how machines can perceive, explore and understand the world around us. Deepen your understanding of mathematical tools and how they’re used for machine intelligence tasks. Apply your knowledge with an in-dept research project and work with our world-leading researchers.
- Network with staff working in industry, worldwide
- Benefit from our partnership with The Alan Turing Institute - the UK's national institute for data science and AI
- Study a programme regularly updated to industry standards
- Take advantage of our state-of-the-art facilities
Work with Jaguar Land Rover to make their vehicles more secure
Deploy autonomous, intelligent robots in security and health support facilities
Take part in impactful research, such as award-winning methods for diagnosing skin cancer
Course delivery
Teaching is driven by our world-leading research in AI, Machine Learning and Natural Computation. During the Summer term you'll work within research groups on an original research project.
- Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest, with lectures delivered by world-leaders in their fields
- Engage in tutorials and seminars that promote independent problem-solving and enquiry-based learning
- Develop a spectrum of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, time management, and communication through project work
- Benefit from 1:1 supervision that offers personalised learning which gives you the opportunity to get tailored guidance and feedback that meets your individual needs
Module information
The course consists of 180 credits. As well as 3 x 20 credit compulsory modules and 1 x 60 credit compulsory project, you also have the chance to choose up to 60 credits from a range of optional, specialist modules.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Year: 1
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
LM Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Project | 60 | Semester 2 |
LM Current Topics in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Mathematical Foundations of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) | 20 | Semester 1 |
80 credits chosen from
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
LM Computer Vision and Imaging (Extended) | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Evolutionary Computation (Extended) | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Intelligent Data Analysis | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Intelligent Robotics (Extended) | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Natural Language Processing (Extended) | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Neural Computation (Extended) | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Robot Vision | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Visualisation | 20 | Semester 2 |
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.
- 2:1 Honours degree
You should hold a 2:1 Honours degree in a numerate discipline (Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Economics) or another programme with substantial mathematics content. You should also have passed mathematics related modules with at least a good 2:1 level score.
You should pass a recognised English test if you have not previously studied in English.
Fees and scholarships
- £13,040
Full-time
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’ve 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.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 31 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non-tier 4 applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
This course will provide you with the right skills and knowledge to tackle immediate, real-world problems. you'll be equipped to recognise what current generation AIs can and cannot do in order to make informed decisions about how AI techniques should be used in the real world.
You may choose a graduate role in environments including: Machine Learning Engineer, AI Developer, Research Scientist, Technology Consultant or Data Scientist
You may also choose careers in teaching, research or technology development at universities both in the UK and overseas
Your career prospects are great and specialist computing graduates with a good degree are in demand. Plus, with the number of computer science graduates from the UK diminishing at the same time as jobs increasing, students with a postgraduate degree have an excellent chance of securing employment
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.