AI for Business MSc

Course overview

Become the bridge between technical AI and business strategy to help reshape how organisations across the globe operate, compete and create value.

AI technologies are becoming integral to many aspects of our working lives.

From finance to fashion, engineering to law, industries worldwide are increasingly dependent on people with both AI and business expertise to help streamline their operations.

This MSc in artificial intelligence for business focuses on the challenges and opportunities facing business in digital transformation, and how to adopt AI in a responsible and human centred way.

You’ll take on real managerial challenges and cover core organisational functions in strategy, innovation, operations, people management and leadership.

In this rapidly evolving digital economy, businesses will need AI experts to drive the innovations of the future – and demand is only going to grow.

The staff have excellent teaching experience and the School develops our soft and hard business skills. There are always events to develop professional skills like team building and presentation skills.

Abeer Alyadi, International Business MSc

Why study at Leeds:

• World-leading, active research from several prominent institutes feeds into your course, shaping your curriculum with the latest thinking in AI technologies and business.
• Learn the skills to interpret and apply machine learning and AI tools, assess their business value, and communicate insights effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Gain practical experience and build professional networks, collaborating with academics and external partners across the private, public and third sectors as part of your summer project.
• Work on live, real-world challenges through case study learning and engagement with current issues to understand how AI is changing business.
• Advance your analytical skills, including interpreting complex machine learning algorithms and AI systems.

Guaranteed industry experience

While studying at Leeds, you’ll have the chance to work with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week online Global Industry Programme.

As well as giving you the opportunity to build key industry connections, you’ll also develop invaluable professional and practical skills that are highly valued by employers.

Accreditation

Leeds University Business School has triple accreditation from the three leading bodies: AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. This means you'll join one of the UK's most prestigious business schools with a global reputation for high-quality teaching and research. We’ll introduce you to a culture of new ideas and different perspectives. Our diverse, international learning community will offer you new experiences and global connections for life.

Course details and modules

This innovative degree focuses on artificial intelligence in business and will equip you with the knowledge, analytical capabilities, and practical skills required to lead responsible, sustainable AI-driven business transformation in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

It's designed for students who want to combine strong employability skills with a deep understanding of AI in business.

You'll develop the ability to evaluate, adopt, and govern AI technologies across core organisational functions including strategy, innovation, operations, people management, and leadership.

Emphasis is placed on real managerial challenges such as explainability, ethics, regulation, organisational change, and the future of work—ensuring you graduate with skills that employers increasingly demand.

You'll learn to interpret and apply machine learning and AI tools, assess their business value, and communicate insights effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Through case studies, simulations, and applied projects, you'll gain experience in decision-making, problem-solving, data-driven thinking, and strategic leadership in AI-enabled organisations.

A distinctive summer project allows you to work on live, real-world challenges in collaboration with academics and external partners across the private, public, and third sectors—providing invaluable experience, professional networks, and a strong platform for careers in AI-enabled management, consulting, analytics, and digital leadership.

This course is structured over three semesters within a 12-month period. In semester 1, you'll study four compulsory modules, with semester 2 having two compulsory modules. You’ll also choose from a range of optional modules to tailor your degree to suit your career aspirations. Semester 3 is your summer project, providing you with the opportunity to work directly with our industry partners to develop truly exceptional employability skills.

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 AI for Business MSc in the course catalogue

Compulsory modules

You’ll study the following 150 credits of compulsory modules:

Human Centred AI (15 credits)

Artificial intelligence (AI), and in particular machine learning, is increasingly used in organisations and society to inform decisions and to deliver products and services. AI provides tremendous capabilities, enabling individuals and organisations to achieve transformational objectives. AI is however a ‘black box’; it lacks transparency in how it derives its ‘predictions’ or recommendations, and its limitations are opaque or ambiguous. AI tends to reproduce and enhance existing biases in organisations or society, because it is built on data produced through processes that may be biased. The combination of biased data and lack of transparency creates serious challenges and risks for individuals, organisations and society. Efforts are being made worldwide to identify methods and approaches to build and use a more ‘human-centred AI’, in a responsible and accountable way, and capable to address people’s needs. This module equips students with the knowledge and skills to critically assess and manage the development, adoption and consequences of AI in organisations and society.

Digital Transformation Management (15 credits)

The module explores the impact of digital technologies on organisations and the society as a whole in a range of important scenarios. It goes on to consider current trends and forecasts of technology development and how they will lead to further disruption and transformation. The focus of the module is on how managers and leaders respond by developing strategies; leading transformation and implementing change the necessary change required to remain competitive and sustainable in the digital world.

AI and the Future of Work (15 credits)

Explore AI, digitalisation and the future of work. The overarching narrative is that technology itself, including AI, does not on its own “cause” major social and economic changes. Decisions, made by humans, shape how technologies are designed, implemented and used. These decisions, and the use of AI, impacts upon work and employment in many ways. The module examines the impact of AI on work and employment. It is based around: i) an opening lecture focused on a general introduction to and examination of AI in management and employment ii) a thematic structure engaging with different key themes in Management literature each week iii) ending each week with a detailed case study centred on University of Leeds DIGIT/CERIC research.

Foundations of machine learning in business (15 credits)

Machine learning is reshaping how organisations compete, make decisions and create value. Understanding this technology is essential for future business leaders.

This module offers a clear and accessible introduction to machine learning, designed to demystify complex concepts for business professionals. Students will gain a solid foundation in the most widely used algorithms such as regression models, ensemble algorithms, clustering and neural networks, without the need for coding or advanced mathematics.

Through a dynamic blend of cutting-edge research, practical case studies and interactive business simulations, students will learn how to interpret black box models and apply them strategically and ethically within diverse organisational contexts. By the end of the module, students will be able to confidently and critically evaluate machine learning solutions and leverage their insights to drive real-world impact.

Digital Adoption and Innovation (15 credits)

This module will examine the adoption of AI and advanced digital technologies. A key concern will be to equip students with an understanding of what it means to develop an organisational strategy for the adoption of responsible AI. Using DIGIT case study organisations, the module will begin by considering the key drivers and motivations for the adoption of AI technologies within organisations, with consideration of the potential benefits and challenges. Following this, the module will look at high profile examples of AI use cases and company adoption, with a particular focus on different competitive business models. Students will then explore the implications of AI across different functional domains, including engineering, the creative industries, computer science and health.

Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) (15 credits)

This module explores the role of Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) in business decision-making and how AI systems can be made transparent, trustworthy, and compliant in real-world organisational contexts. It introduces state-of-the-art techniques such as SHAP, LIME, counterfactual explanations, and rule-based systems, and demonstrates their application to machine learning and deep learning models.
Students will develop the ability to implement, evaluate, and critically assess XAI techniques across domains such as healthcare, finance, and public policy. The module also investigates how explainability contributes to regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, AI Act), reduces ethical and organisational risk, supports decision intelligence and AI governance within enterprises.

Project Skills for Business (15 credits)

The aim of the module is for students to learn the key concepts of business and management project skills. This includes gaining knowledge of research methods and a range of research strategies to enable students to plan, research and deliver a challenge focused project that explores theory and practice in terms of the use of artificial intelligence in business and management contexts. The module will cover both digital and non-digital research strategies. Examples of some of the skills developed in the module include the analysis and interpretation of complex organisational and employment data, cutting edge qualitative, causal inference and interpretable machine learning methods, and archival digital methods. The methods training will be tailored towards the specific research methods and skills requirements of the summer projects.

Summer Project/Challenge or Dissertation (45 credits)

Students will be required to study one of the following 45 credit modules:

Analytics, Technology and Operations Department (ATOD) Summer Project

The opportunities for summer projects offered by ATOD will focus on the impact of Artificial Intelligence for tackling grand challenges in business and society. Students will produce a topical, independent report underpinned by either collaborative work with ATOD colleagues researching cutting edge aspects of AI or a bespoke project based within an organisation or other stakeholder under the guidance of industry experts and academic tutors. Projects will be practical or theoretical, and in line with LUBS’ purpose, having the potential to make a real impact on the economy, society or the planet.

DIGIT Co-Lab Summer Project

The summer project offered by People Work and Employment (PWE) Department will involve engagement with key stakeholders across global universities, businesses, government and civil society, through Digital Futures at Work research centre (DIGIT) co-labs. Projects will be imagined, scoped and developed in partnership between PWE and these stakeholders, to provide opportunities for students to work on 'live' projects related to AI and work. Some projects will offer students opportunities to undertake primary research on areas including sustainable/ethical AI and digital adoption, and will cover a range of different sectors of the labour market and civil society. Other projects will allow students to undertake secondary analysis, including analysis of the Employers Digital Practices at Work Survey, a unique longitudinal survey, funded and commissioned by the DIGIT centre.

Dissertation

This capstone module provides students with the opportunity to conduct an independent research project in AI and Business. Through supervised guidance, students will undertake primary or secondary research contributing to academic knowledge or addressing real-world business challenges on AI. The dissertation will enable students to demonstrate mastery of research design, critical analysis, and academic writing at postgraduate level.

Optional modules

You’ll be required to study 30 credits from the following optional modules:

Machine Learning in practice (15 credits)

This module gives students a solid understanding of machine learning methodologies and the chance to use them in practice within a business context. Students will learn about classical machine learning approaches such as decision trees, probability-based classification, support vector machines and neural networks. It will also cover bleeding edge methods such as deep learning and text analytics. This module assumes no prior knowledge of machine learning and would be suitable for students with strong quantitative skills in disciplines such as business, science, engineering, maths, computer science, geography etc.

Applied AI in Business (15 credits)

This module explores the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business, with a particular focus on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs). Students will develop a strong foundation in AI-driven methods, learning how to leverage cutting-edge tools and techniques to solve real-world business problems. Through a mix of lectures and hands-on workshops, they will gain practical experience in AI programming, deep learning, and prompt engineering while critically assessing the capabilities and limitations of modern AI models. By the end of the module, students will be well-equipped to apply AI solutions in various business contexts, from automation to decision support.

Digital Technologies for a Sustainable Future (15 credits)

Digital technologies can play a central role in efforts to create a sustainable and resilient future for humanity, which is one of the biggest societal challenges of our times. Digital technologies contribute to sustainability by revolutionising the way we live, travel and consume (e.g. smart cities, sharing economy), fostering sustainable value propositions and circular business models, and facilitating the provision of social good to increase social wellbeing and community resilience. However, the impact of digitalisation on the environment and society is complex and there are many challenges to consider. This module presents theoretical perspectives and empirical insights on the environmental and social consequences of digital technologies. The module equips students with the knowledge and skills to critically assess and manage the development, adoption, and consequences of new technologies for environmental sustainability and social good.

Strategic Change and Leadership (15 credits)

This module provides critical understanding of the concepts, frameworks and approaches for the effective management of strategic change and its leadership. It explores drivers and challenges of strategic change in the organisational context as well as approaches for successful implementation of various change interventions. The leadership actions and capabilities that are required in the process of transforming organisations will be explored in detail. The module places an emphasis on the importance of adhering to ethical/authentic leadership practices in managing change by drawing on contemporary research in this area. A mixture of activities, case studies and group discussions will encourage students to critically appreciate strategic change management in contemporary organisations and equip them with the skills and knowledge required of leaders in complex, unpredictable and fast-changing business environment.

Global perspectives on Digital Work (15 credits)

This module explores the changing world of digital work from a global perspective, considering the role of geopolitics and the global economy on work in a planetary scale. Engaging with theories of (de)globalisation and the spatialities of work, it considers how the interplay of transnational enterprises (e.g. multinational corporations), international agencies (e.g. the World Bank), and socio-cultural contexts shape digital work. Using an innovative format, delivered through a series of workshops and complemented by digitally enhanced learning resources, the module uses this theoretical grounding to understand and debate contemporary and emerging issues including AI, digitalisation and automation.

People Analytics: Strategy and Practice (15 credits)

The world of business and its management have become increasingly dependent on data from different sources, capturing a variety of performance outcomes and determinants of human behaviour. Contemporary businesses increasingly depend on the ability to process and analyse data, and to translate quantitative outcomes into viable solutions to organisational problems. The module will introduce you to the fundamental principles of analytics, drawing on strategic human capital theory and other relevant perspectives.

Learning and teaching

You'll learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops and practical computer lab sessions, complemented by e-learning and problem-based learning. Your lecturers are experts in their fields and passionate about ensuring your learning experience is informed by sector-leading approaches to teaching. The course will be delivered through a mix of hands-on face-to-face activities alongside innovative and digital technologies, to ensure it remains engaging throughout your studies.

Leading research feeds into the course from Analytics, Technology and Operations (ATOD), People, Work and Employment (PWE) departments, Centre for Decision Research (CDR), the Centre for Technology, Operations and Supply Chain Analysis (TOSCA), and the £18 million ESRC-funded Digital Futures at Work Research Centre (DIGIT).

Learning objectives

1. Apply artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts to frame business problems, interpret model outputs, and support managerial and organisational decision-making. (Modules related: Foundations in machine learning in business, XAI)
2. Analyse and appraise the business value, risks, limitations, and governance implications of AI systems, and communicate recommendations to diverse stakeholders. (Modules related: XAI, Digital Transformation Management, Human Centred AI)
3. Evaluate the societal, ethical, legal, and economic impacts of AI adoption, including implications for work, regulation, and organisational responsibility. (Modules related: Human centred AI, AI and Future Work)
4. Apply strategic, innovation, and change management frameworks to design and justify responsible AI adoption and digital transformation initiatives within organisations. (Modules related: Digital Transformation Management, Digital Adoption and Innovation)
5. Demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams and with external stakeholders to scope, design, and deliver substantial AI-related projects in business contexts, including applied projects and dissertations. (Modules related: ATOD/PWE summer project, dissertation)

Skills outcomes

1. Competence in digital and non-digital research strategies, including archival digital methods and causal inference techniques.
2. Advanced analytical skills, including the interpretation of complex machine learning algorithms and AI systems.
3. Gain proficiency in a variety of research methods, enabling the planning and delivery of AI solutions that bridge theory and practical business needs.
4. Effective project management abilities, from scoping and planning to delivery and reporting on practical or theoretical business projects.
5. Academic writing and critical thinking skills, demonstrated through the creation of independent reports, dissertations, and presentations.

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

Over the duration of your course, you'll experience a variety of assessment methods, including on-campus exams, individual coursework, group work and presentations. There is a wide range of optional modules available, with varying assessment methods, so in addition to providing the opportunity to study topics of your own choosing, you can tailor your studies to assessment approaches that suit your personal style of learning.

Your final project is a key differentiator on this course. This will allow you to work directly with industry in a summer project, providing the opportunity to develop truly exceptional employability skills that will be invaluable as you build your career going forward.

Overall, we have designed this course to ensure that assessments are relevant, meaningful and engaging to ensure an exceptional and enjoyable learning experience.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in any subject.

International qualifications

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.

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.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Business (6 weeks) and Language for Business (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Documents and information you'll need:

• a copy of your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying
• contact details for two academic references
• a personal statement
• an up-to-date CV
• your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
• a letter of sponsorship, if you need one.

*Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

Leeds University Business School

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Office

Email: masters@lubs.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £17,500 (Total)

International: £33,000 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

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

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Career opportunities

This degree will teach you how to implement AI in business, equipping you with the skillset that’s increasingly in demand across many industries. You'll graduate with the key knowledge and confidence to take leadership roles in AI adoption and digital transformation across business operations, public services and government.
There is an acute skills shortage in digital transformation and adoption skills in the labour market, and these are some of the career options you could go into:

• Digital adoption manager
• Digital transformation consultant/specialist
• Digital AI lead
• Change and transformation manager
• Strategy and innovation manager

As a human centred course, it also provides opportunities for more traditional leadership roles in business, such as operations manager, general and project manager, and HR executive.

Career support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one — that’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers. The University's Careers Service is one of the largest in the country, providing a wide range of resources to ensure you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Work placements

As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.

You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.

This experience will enhance your CV, helping you to stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:

• Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
• Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and funding strategy.
• Gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
• Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
• Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
• Improve your employability prospects.
• Make new friends, build confidence and consider your future plans.