Artificial Intelligence MSc

Course overview

Designed and delivered by computer scientists, this innovative online Masters in Artificial Intelligence has been developed specifically for professionals who recognise the importance of AI to their sector. This Artificial Intelligence MSc allows you to influence the strategy in your organisation by pushing the boundaries of best practice to drive business efficiencies and strategy processes.

Purely AI focused and covering an extensive range of AI and Machine Learning tools and techniques, this online artificial intelligence course allows you to apply your academic study and skills in the real world, so you're armed to face the future of the sector you wish to pursue your career in.

Specialist modules like Robotics, Algorithms, Data Mining and Text Analytics, and Machine Learning have been developed in response to market needs, helping you gain high-demand skills. There has never been a more crucial time for businesses to understand the future of AI, and our specialised curriculum brings a modern, technology-focused perspective to help you address work-related challenges.

Use your knowledge to influence company strategy and impress employers, helping them to evaluate the risks and opportunities associated with modern technologies and market approaches.

Who is this Artificial Intelligence MSc for?

If you recognise the importance of AI for the future of your industry, this online Masters in Artificial Intelligence gives you the forward-thinking knowledge to take your career to the next level.

It is ideal if you are looking to:

• reskill to become an AI developer.
• upskill to develop, manage and plan AI solutions within your current organisation.
• develop your academic understanding of this field through higher level study.

Read our blog post on 7 reasons to study Artificial Intelligence.

Academic and research excellence

We are one of the top 75 universities in the world and ranked in the top 15 in the UK (QS World University Rankings, 2024).

At the School of Computing, 99% of the submitted computing research activity was rated as either "world-leading" or "internationally excellent" (REF 2021).

Partnerships

Alan Turing Institute

The School of Computing is one of only a handful of elite UK institutions which partner with the Alan Turing Institute – the national institute for data science and artificial intelligence. The institute is a hub for research across disciplines and locations, approaching real-world issues in science and society to be at the forefront of cutting-edge changes today.

The Alan Turing Institute is a place for engagement, discussion and development of new ideas. Our partnership gives the School of Computing real-world research and societal issues to discover more about the field of AI.

Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA)

The Leeds Institute for Data Analytics brings together applied research groups and data scientists from all disciplines, opening new opportunities to understand health and human behaviour and casting light on the action required to tackle a wide range of social and environmental problems.

Connecting academic research with external partners in business, government and the third sector; LIDA is matching the world class capabilities of University research with the needs and opportunities of local organisations.

Robotics at Leeds

Robotics at Leeds is an interdisciplinary network driving innovation in robotics research. Our industrial partners, researchers and students can access a suite of technologies for robot design and construction that is among the most advanced in the world. Our national Robotics Facility is backed by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) as part of the Government’s drive to improve Britain’s international competitiveness in robotics.

Want to study a Masters in Artificial Intelligence on campus?

We also offer a full-time Advanced Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) MSc, covering statistical and symbolic machine learning algorithms, qualitative reasoning, image processing, language understanding and bio-computation as well as essential principles and practices in the design, implementation and usability of intelligent systems. View the course page for more details.

Course details

Our Artificial Intelligence MSc will begin with a two-week online induction designed to prepare you for online learning at the University of Leeds. It will introduce the study skills you will need to successfully complete your degree.

Delivered online, the artificial intelligence course offers a flexible schedule of modules which are structured to be accessible to working professionals. There are nine individual 15-credit taught modules, and you will typically spend eight weeks studying each module, plus a 45-credit project module over 24 weeks.

The modules cover a variety of subject areas such as algorithms, robotics, and machine learning to teach you the technical elements of AI, including robot navigation and manipulation. The Artificial Intelligence research project enables you to apply your academic study, techniques and knowledge acquired from the course to develop AI solutions to the real world in your current role to address a work-related challenge, encouraging you to explore, analyse, and innovate upon existing critical theory and practice.

You can take the course at your own pace and adapt your studies to fit around your work and life commitments. To give you flexibility, it is possible to pause your studies and take them up again at a later point. This means you can choose to complete the Masters in Artificial Intelligence in a minimum of two years or up to a maximum of four years.

Please note: You might have to take a study break to complete the artificial intelligence online course depending on when the selected module is next running.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Artificial Intelligence MSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Year 2 compulsory modules

Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Learning and teaching

Join our powerful learning network

Your learning will be delivered online via our virtual learning environment, Minerva. Each week you will study through live face-to-face sessions with our world-class academics.

We recognise that professionals have busy lives, so with a 100% online delivery mode, students can manage their learning around their busy personal and full-time employment, without the need to disrupt their life. You will also be given access to premium-quality study videos, library resources and the industry’s top electronic journals for independent study.

Our artificial intelligence online course is designed to ensure professionals living and working across the world together can share experiences and knowledge with each other. Collaborate and learn from like-minded professionals during regular interactive activities, including live seminars, virtual discussions, and group projects. This allows you to develop a range of transferable skills and grow confidence and strength in character studying within a growing community of virtual learners.

Introducing Minerva

Social learning is at the heart of your learning experience, with interactive and collaborative activities embedded into every module of this course. It’s what brings your online learning experience to life through:

• synchronous and asynchronous video lessons
• interactive surveys, tests, polls and exercises
• weekly live tutorials with classmates and academics
• group projects and discussion boards
• individual access to reading and study resources
• flexible study sessions to allow you to join at any time that suits you.

Minerva can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection and is mobile friendly, so you can study on the go around your existing work and life commitments. You can also benefit from downloadable PDFs on course content for offline reading when required.

We recommend a high-speed broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 1.5 Mbps. You will need regular access to a desktop computer, tablet or laptop, with a webcam. You will also need the ability to view PDF documents and work in Microsoft Office (software provided).

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment methods will emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. The Artificial Intelligence MSc will typically be assessed through:

• mini project reports
• group discussions and assignments
• live and/or pre-recorded presentations
• practical exercises based on real-world scenarios
• essays
• literature reviews
• multiple choice exams for formative learning feedback (no more than 5% of assessment).

Applying

Entry requirements

A First or 2.1 (hons) bachelor degree in any mathematical or highly numerate discipline where relevant subject areas have been studied.

If you hold a 2.2 (hons) bachelor degree in any mathematical discipline, we’ll consider your application if you have at least three years of relevant work experience in a professional environment.

If you hold a First or 2.1 (hons) bachelor degree in a non-mathematical discipline, we’ll consider your application if you have at least three years of relevant work experience in a related professional environment.

Exceptionally, we will also consider applications from professionally qualified and experienced candidates who do not meet the formal requirements.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information please contact our Enrolment Advisors at studentenquiries.online@leeds.ac.uk.

All applicants will need to have GCSE English language at grade C or above, or an appropriate equivalent English language qualification.

In exceptional circumstances applicants can provide alternative proof of English language proficiency rather than a standard English test. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. You should discuss the criteria with your Enrolment Advisor to see if this can be considered.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

How to apply

Identification

The Digital Education Service requires all applicants to provide proof of their identity at the point of application. Accepted forms of ID are:

• Passport photo page, or
• Driving licence, or
• National identity card.

Deadlines

The deadline for applications to join each intake are outlined below:

• March 2024 start: application deadline is 13 February 2024.
• May 2024 start: application deadline is 16 April 2024.
• July 2024 start: 11 June 2024

All suitably qualified candidates will be interviewed by telephone or online as part of the selection process.

Applicants for Digital Education Service programmes should contact their Enrolment Advisor to find out more about the course, how to start the online application process and if applicants wish to change their start date after submitting an application.

Email studentenquiries.online@leeds.ac.uk.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

Contact us

Enrolment Advisor team

Email: studentenquiries.online@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)113 868 6129

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

Graduates of the University of Leeds (or an affiliated institution) are entitled to a 10% bursary towards tuition fees. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.

UK students may be able to apply for a UK government-backed loan. Applications should be made through the Student Loans Company. Find out more.

Career opportunities

The University of Leeds engages in industry collaboration with domestic and worldwide partners. Our industry links help us to build a curriculum designed specifically to meet growing market demands in artificial intelligence training.

As a student, you will have access to the University of Leeds Careers Service’s extensive online resources including career planning, advice on CV (curriculum vitae) writing, job applications and key interview skills. Further support will be available via the one-on-one e-Guidance service which can provide advice by appointment via telephone or Skype.

The Careers Service may be able to connect students looking for knowledge of a specific region with groups of students in the same country so they can assist each other with job seeking. The Careers Service can offer professional development access to our alumni network, online careers support and employer links.

An additional resource for you is the virtual learning environment (Minerva) which provides access to a range of resources including study skills support, interactive and collaborative communication tools, and reflective personal and professional development opportunities.

Discover what we think are the top 5 jobs in artificial intelligence.