MSc Professional Experience option available

Artificial Intelligence

Broaden your computing expertise by learning AI techniques. Become an expert in data analysis and modelling at ARU in Cambridge.

Start date
September 2026 January 2027
Location
Cambridge
Award
MSc
Duration
1 year full-time

Course durations vary slightly: 12 months (September starts), or 20 months (January starts). The Professional Experience option takes 2 years.

Start date
September 2026 January 2027
Location
Cambridge
Award
MSc
Duration
2 years with professional experience

Course durations vary slightly: 12 months (September starts), or 20 months (January starts). The Professional Experience option takes 2 years.

1st

in the region for postgraduates progressing into senior roles.
Source: Graduate Outcomes Survey 2026

If you’re already working in computing, mathematics, and/or data analysis and want to take advantage of the career opportunities offered by AI, this course is for you.

You’ll learn about machine learning algorithms, neural computing, deep learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and more, enabling you to improve systems in your industry – or create better ones.

Before starting the course, we strongly recommended that you have basic programming knowledge of Python.

Why ARU?
  • Explore machine learning algorithms, neural computing, deep learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP)

  • Develop your skills using real-life data sets

  • Study in Cambridge’s ‘Silicon Fen’ and connect with top tech employers

  • Help meet demand for experts in machine learning, AI learning, data analysis and modelling

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Careers

Gain in-demand skills at the forefront of computing.

The need to adapt and incorporate the ever-growing field of AI and its technologies into current business practices is putting pressure on industries to invest in their legacy systems. This course has been designed in response to the high demand for experts in machine learning, artificial intelligence learning, data analysis and modelling.

Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with a research programme at ARU, such as our PhD in Computer Science or a Professional Doctorate in Science and Technology. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.

Teaching and modules

Get to grips with the latest developments in AI and data science.

You’ll gain an understanding of semantic data technologies, and learn how to structure semantic data, develop ontological models, and use these to create applications to analyse and add value to data and support decision-making.

You’ll also explore machine learning, and applications of neural computing and deep learning to big data in physical and biological sciences, finance and social sciences.

You’ll complete your Master’s with a Postgraduate Major Project – a substantial research project focussed on a relevant topic that interests you.

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Semantic Data Technologies (30 credits)
  • Advanced Machine Learning (30 credits)
  • Research Methods (15 credits)
  • Applications of Machine Learning (15 credits)
  • Neural Computing and Deep Learning (30 credits)
  • Postgraduate Major Project (60 credits)
  • Into ARU
Module details

You can choose to study with us over two years (full-time), and take Professional Experience modules in Year 2, with a Preparation for Professional Experience module in Year 1. You'll complete your Postgraduate Major Project in Year 2.

Professional experience modules
  • Postgraduate Major Project (60 credits)
  • Professional Experience Computing Project 1 (60 credits) *
  • Professional Placement 1 (Computing and Information Science) (60 credits) *
  • Professional Experience Computing Project 2 (60 credits) *
  • Professional Placement 2 (Computing and Information Science) (60 credits) *
Module details

Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.

Facilities

Enjoy a range of facilities designed to support your studies and career development.

In our dedicated computer labs and skills spaces, you'll have access to specialist hardware and online resources (e.g. Cisco-accredited routing and switching equipment, Intel's AI Academy data processing resources), Microsoft Imagine Premium's professional developer and designer tools, and VMWare IT Academy’s virtualisation software and tools.

You'll have extensive library and IT resources, and careers support through our Employability Service. After you graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.

You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply now for Artificial Intelligence

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