Artificial Intelligence

MSc

  • Entry year 2025
  • Duration Full time 1 year

Overview

Top reasons to study with us

  • 51-70 for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

  • £21 million investment in AI research

  • Designed by industry and world-leading AI experts

There is a surging global demand for numerate and skilled AI scientists with the fundamental skills and practical expertise needed to excel in this rapidly evolving field. We can help you meet this need and launch your career. Our MSc Artificial Intelligence has been designed by leading academics and industry professionals to deliver cutting-edge material that will be of great value to any employer.

Why do we need experts in AI?

AI allows computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving abilities and is revolutionising the way we live, work and learn. From personalised recommendations on streaming services to real-time detection of fraud, and from the early diagnosis of disease 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 to 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 be able to learn coding.

Looking ahead to employability

As you gain a deep understanding of what AI truly means and explore 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.

  • Master truly cutting-edge technology - NLP/LLMs, GenAI, Comp 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 will I learn?

Delve into the foundational elements of AI, including its historical context and the critical technologies that are shaping our world today. You’ll learn Python, the essential programming language for AI, and acquire a strong grasp of the statistical methods that underpin machine learning. You’ll also explore the power of neural networks and deep learning technologies, understanding 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, select your 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, complete a 14-week project, often in collaboration with an industry partner or working with one of our leading researchers based in our AI community. This is an opportunity to design and implement an AI solution and culminates with a poster conference where you present your findings.

Three things we would like you to know

  • Lancaster University is home to an outstanding group of AI researchers which means 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 the Mathematics for Real World Systems (MARS) putting Lancaster University at the forefront of AI research.
  • You will hone your skills in our brand new, state-of-the-art computer labs

Careers

The field of artificial intelligence is a burgeoning one, and with an MSc in Artificial Intelligence you will be well-positioned to take advantage of a wide variety of new and exciting career pathways. Our graduates will be equipped to explore careers within data analysis, software, robotics, and machine learning, using their passion for technology to innovate within these fields and make a meaningful impact within the realm of AI development.

We anticipate that graduates from this pioneering course will enter a range of exciting positions across a breadth of sectors, from healthcare and security, to media and technology. Some of the possible employment opportunities that could be open to you include:

  • AI Engineer
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • Robotics Engineer
  • Data Engineer
  • Software Engineer
  • Software Research and Development
  • Business Intelligence (BI) Developer
  • Big Data Architect

Our Master’s course will also enable you to pursue a career within research, equipping you with the skills suitable to undertake a PhD either at Lancaster, or further afield.

Entry requirements

Academic Requirements

A 2:2 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in any discipline, provided that the applicant has some experience of programming and has had exposure to quantitative methods such as statistics, or mathematical modelling.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

English Language Requirements

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.

If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

Pre-master’s programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master’s pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master’s degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Course structure

You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.

Core

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Optional

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Fees and funding

Location Full Time (per year) Part Time (per year)
Home £14,140 n/a
International £30,310 n/a

General fees and funding information

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Scholarships and bursaries

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities.

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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.