The MSc in AI and Data Science has been co-designed in collaboration with local employers to meet the needs of students from various academic backgrounds – both STEM (science technology engineering mathematics) and non-STEM subjects.

With a September start date this course is studied full-time over one year. Should you wish for more flexibility with your studies we also offer 100% online part-time Computer Science programmes with routes in Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

During the first part of the programme which runs over the first two semesters you will study four core taught modules (60 credits). You will learn how to investigate data requirements data mining and data modelling. You’ll also deepen your understanding of the technologies behind AI such as machine learning and algorithms.

Depending on your prior experience and in consultation with the Programme Director you will also choose four optional modules (60 credits) studying two in Semester 1 and another two in Semester 2. This gives you freedom to tailor the course to suit your interests and career aspirations for example learning more about the Internet of Things or cloud computing. Please note however that if you have not previously studied Computing at undergraduate level you must choose System Design and Programming. Similarly students without a suitable mathematics background must choose Mathematics for AI and Data Science.

The second part of the programme gives you freedom to choose between either formal academic project supervised by an academic expert from the School or opt for an industry placement. You’ll be able to discuss with your academic supervisor which type of project or placement is most suitable based on your performance during the taught modules. Both options will enable you to put in to practice and apply the skills and knowledge learned throughout the course.

To achieve the MSc you must complete 180 credits. There are two interim awards available depending on how many modules have been successfully completed: a Postgraduate Certificate for any two modules (60 credits); and a Postgraduate Diploma for all four taught modules (120 credits).

Semester 1
CSC-40045 Distributed Intelligent Systems - 15 credits
Provides you with the ability to evaluate and design intelligent systems involving the integration and coordination of multiple intelligent systems.

CSC-40054 Data Analytics and Databases - 15 credits
This module equips you with the knowledge of database operations and a variety of tools and statistical techniques to enable you to make sense of the exponential growth of big data. You will understand big data issues advanced analytics and statistical modelling techniques and evaluate their applicability for different types of problems.

OPTIONAL MODULES
(students choose two from four dependent on their prior experience)

CSC-40044 System Design & Programming- 15 credits
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to system design and programming for those who did not graduate from a computer science or related programme. You will be able to develop programs in a major programming language using principles taught on this course. This module covers:

The principles and practice of system design in the context of an available set of requirements
Introduction to programming (algorithms data structures data storage and manipulation and user interfaces)
Introduction to object oriented programming
The development of computer programs using appropriate technology and including accessing data over the internet
The use of user interfaces to manipulate and display data
CSC-40072 Mathematics for A.I. and Data Science - 15 credits
Introduction to the mathematical concepts relevant to A.I. and Data Science for students from non-mathematical backgrounds.

CSC-40041 Research Horizons - 15 credits
Provides you with the knowledge and skills required to be able to undertake a simple literature review of a research topic related to the Division's research in A.I. and Data Science and to develop a novel research idea and plan for a research proposal.

CSC-40056 Internet of Things - 15 credits
Provides a practical and theoretical understanding of IoT technologies and their applications in a variety of industries. This includes advanced communications data analytics and security issues involved in IoT systems and evaluation of their applicability for different types of problems.

Semester 2
CSC-40048 Visualisation for Data Analytics- 15 credits
Equips you with an appropriate understanding of the use of Data Analytics within areas such as health security science and business and with a variety of Data Visualisation techniques to interpret trends and patterns in big data.

CSC-40070 Applications of A.I. Machine Learning and Data Science - 15 credits
Equips you with knowledge and experience of a variety of cutting edge A.I. and Machine Learning techniques applied to “real-word” problems and datasets.

OPTIONAL MODULES
(students choose two from three)

CSC-40039 Cloud Computing - 15 credits
In recent years many organisations have migrated applications to cloud computing providers. This module explores the underlying technologies the practical and ethical issues involved and provides students with the ability to plan design and implement cloud-based solutions to common business problems. Reliability and performance concerns are addressed together with the crucial issues relating to the security and privacy of data stored and managed remotely. Cloud computing is dominated by global software companies that make claims relating both to the efficacy of their products and compliance with global objectives in environmental impacts. Students will be able to analyse and objectively assess such claims in coming to reasoned and reflective judgements relating to the appropriateness of cloud-based solutions to a range of problem scenarios.

CSC-40038 Collaborative Application Development - 15 credits
Gives an opportunity to overcome the practical difficulties of working with stakeholders and team members to produce applications to solve A.I. and Data Science problems.

CSC-40050 Research and Consultancy Skills - 15 credits
Aims to enhance your skills and knowledge in preparation for your MSc Project or Industrial Placement and for a successful career as an AI. and Data Science professional.

CSC-40102 - AI and Data Science Ambassador Scheme - 15 credits
Allows you to gain academic credit for volunteering as part of an AI and Data Science Ambassador Scheme. You will be placed/volunteer at a local organisation(s) such as school/colleges or relevant small businesses/charities etc. On this placement you will explain demonstrate and promote the use of AI and Data Science consolidating and developing your own skills whilst engaging in support and outreach to the host organisation.

Semester 3
CSC-40040 MSc Project OR CSC-40035 Industrial Placement - 60 credits

After the taught modules have been completed you have the choice to undertake a formal academic project supervised by academic staff in the School or to take an industrial placement in a relevant company or organisation. In both options you will apply the skills you have learned during the taught modules. The decision about the type of project or placement you will do will be made together with the academic supervisors and will be based on your performance during the taught modules.