Artificial Intelligence MSc

There is a surging global demand for skilled AI professionals with the skills, knowledge and practical expertise needed to excel in this rapidly evolving field. Our MSc Artificial Intelligence has been designed by leading academics and industry professionals to deliver cutting-edge material that will enable you to launch your career and succeed in AI.

 Why do we need experts in AI?

AI allows computers to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving abilities, revolutionising the way we live, work and learn. From personalised recommendations on streaming services to real-time detection of fraud, and from enhanced service delivery by intelligent agents to autonomous monitoring of our changing environment, AI is reshaping the world as we know it, impacting every major industry. We need experts to understand the technologies that will drive innovation and impact.

Who is the programme for?

Those looking to start a career in AI, whether that’s in employment or research. You may have an undergraduate degree in any subject, but will need some understanding of maths (ideally to A level) and the ability to learn coding.

Looking ahead to employability

As you gain a deep understanding of what AI truly means by exploring the evolution of AI, you will develop the skills to navigate the complexities of this technology to maximise its potential. You will have demonstrable experience to put on your CV.

You will also:

* Master truly cutting-edge technology – NLP/LLMs, GenAI, Agentic AI, Computer Vision, AI Cyber Security and Quantum AI

* Gain practical and theoretical skills in machine learning, data analysis and visualisations, ethics and prompt engineering – highly sought after by employers

* Work with an industry partner to design and implement an AI solution as part of your dissertation project

* Develop your communication, project management and professional skills

What to expect

Explore the key themes of AI, from its historical context to the critical technologies that are shaping our world today. You’ll learn Python, an essential programming language for AI, and acquire a strong grasp of the statistical methods that underpin machine learning. You’ll also gain an understanding of the power of neural networks and deep learning technologies, including the types of challenges they can address. Practical exercises will reinforce your learning, culminating in the development of operational AI solutions coded in Python. Ethical considerations and sustainability will be integral to your studies, ensuring that you are prepared to create AI solutions that are responsible and impactful.

Building on these foundations, you will select optional modules that allow you to tailor your studies to your career aspirations. This is where you’ll explore the major application areas of AI and develop the practical skills in planning, developing and managing the computing platforms needed for large-scale AI operations, preparing you to lead AI projects in any setting.

Over the summer, you will complete a 14-week project, often in collaboration with an industry partner, or by working with one of our leading researchers based in our AI community. This is an opportunity to design and implement an AI solution, culminating in a poster conference where you will present your findings.

3 things we would like you to know

* Lancaster University is home to an outstanding group of AI researchers, meaning you will learn from leaders in this field

* We have recently been awarded major grants of £12 million and £9 million relating to AI and machine learning, namely the Probabilistic AI Hub and our Mathematics for Real World Systems (MARS) course, putting Lancaster University at the forefront of AI research

* You will hone your skills in our brand new, state-of-the-art computer labs