Postgraduate students confidently staring into the camera at night time

GUARANTEED INTERNSHIPS WITH EVERY MASTER'S DEGREE

Course overview

The field of artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding, which is evident in everyday life. Studying in this particular field will not only provide a competitive advantage in the job market but will also equip you with the valuable skills that are sought after by employers.

Did you know Aston University is known for its early specialisation in machine learning and AI since 1990? This course is led by a team of dynamic research academics and designed to enhance the skillsets of computer science undergraduates, positioning them for success in the evolving landscape of AI and machine learning.

More time. More experience. More impact.

This course offers the opportunity to extend to 22 months through our Professional Practice route*. You’ll need to meet the criteria and secure a suitable placement.

Why Artificial Intelligence at Aston University?

Bridges industry gaps

This course is designed specifically to address industry skills gaps

Top 5% in the world

Top 5% of global evaluated institutions (QS World University Rankings 2026)

Ranked 24th in the world

Aston University is ranked 24th in the world for reducing inequalities

Professional experience

Opportunity to extend your studies and gain real-world experience through our professional practice route.

We're serious about employability

As a postgraduate student, you will have access to dedicated careers guidance with specialist support from our experienced team of careers consultants.

Gain a competitive edge

As well as opening doors, an Aston University postgraduate degree builds on your experience, develops your skills and gives you a competitive edge in a crowded job market.

Course description

MSc Artificial Intelligence

Our MSc in Artificial Intelligence empowers students with cutting-edge knowledge, hands-on experience, and industry insights to help propel them with careers in AI innovation.

What we will provide
You will have the opportunity to connect with leading researchers, and be taught by industry experts. This ensures that you have all the essential tools needed to excel in this master's degree program. Developed in collaboration with the Institute of Coding, this course aims to eliminate obstacles to digital learning and employment.

What you will provide
For this course, we are looking for individuals with a keen interest and enthusiasm to delve into the latest technological advancements and artificial intelligence. If you aspire to build a career in AI, possessing the determination and passion to push the boundaries in both learning and collaborative work across various subject areas is essential.

What skills we teach
We will teach you the specialist, technical information you need, and you'll develop your ability to create ethical, well-justified and appropriate AI solutions to real-life challenges. With an emphasis on practical experience, you’ll have the opportunity to design and plan, implement, test, evaluate and document your solutions, preparing you for future challenges as you develop your career.

Professional practice year
If you meet satisfactory academic performance and have secured a suitable professional experience, you will have the option to be transferred onto our MSc Artificial Intelligence including Professional Practice programme.

Taking the professional practice route allows you to extend the duration of your masters to 22 months and gain valuable working experience to support your career aspirations. The placement commences after the completion of your MSc dissertation and can be paid work, study abroad exchanges or unpaid research projects or even a mix of these options. You will return to Aston the following September for an intensive period on campus to draw all your learning together and finalise the assessments.

Career prospect
The career prospects within AI are limitless with many companies constantly expanding their business relationship with Artificial Intelligence. Previous graduates have gone on to successful positions such as Technology engineers, Data analysts, Programmers and AI Data engineers. With AI being such a new and ever-growing area, you can also look to further your education as a PHD student focusing on research.

Professional accreditation
*This programme has received initial accreditation from the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

How you will learn

You'll engage in both independent and collaborative work, participating in projects and presentations, including the creation of your own computer game. You will develop your critical thinking skills, and various projects will enhance your communication and teamwork abilities. This multifaceted approach is crucial for preparing you for the workplace, where technical expertise, effective communication, and collaboration are highly valued. This course will also provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the ethical dimensions associated with artificial intelligence. This includes exploring the responsible use of AI, addressing potential biases, and navigating the societal implications of emerging technologies.

The main subject areas explored and developed throughout the postgraduate programme are:

AI: Vision and Reality
Machine Learning
Mathematics for AI
Multi-agent System and Strategic Decision Making
Research Methods and Professional Practice
Deep learning
Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Computational Intelligence
Data mining
Dissertation

You will have the opportunity to network with the wider AI community as well as the industry during events, conferences, and collaborations with companies such as BrumAI. You may also want to collaborative with our research centre for Artificial Intelligence as well as the Aston Digital Future Institutes.

Student holding laptop in student study space

Gain the advantage

Our flagship professional development module provides a range of opportunities to apply your learning and increase your employability.

Aston Global Advantage

What you will learn

You will gain full oversight of all things AI, including its mathematical aspects and the importance of teamwork through collaborative projects with fellow students. You will be taught research methods which will expand your problem-solving skills and critical thinking, deep learning modules will delve into machine learning, exploring the ways in which computers can autonomously process information.

Oliver's journey

Oliver talks about why he decided to study Artificial Intelligence

Course objectives

Enables you to develop a systematic understanding of the Artificial Intelligence domain and the associated research and professional skills necessary in practice.
Supports you to develop the expertise to plan, design, and implement appropriate AI solutions in practical scenarios.
Provides deep knowledge of Artificial Intelligence techniques and develops the intellectual skills to create well-justified solutions.
Provides practical experience of a substantial AI research or development project from the initial analysis of a problem, through design and planning, implementation, testing, evaluation, and documentation.
Prepares you for the future challenges of Artificial Intelligence.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Taught stage modules

In the taught stage you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
AI: Vision and Reality	15
Computational Intelligence	15
Robotics and Autonomous Systems	15
Applied Machine Learning	15
Aston Global Advantage	15
Neural Network and Deep Learning	15
Total	90

You will choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
AI in Biomedical Imaging	15
Natural Language Processing	15

You will choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Data Visualisation	15
Multi Agent Systems and Strategic Decision Making	15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Dissertation stage modules

In the dissertation stage you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Dissertation	60
Total	60

Programme outcomes

On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:

Design solutions to real-world problems based on a knowledge of theories, principles and underlying concepts of artificial intelligence and data science.
Create and implement algorithms using advanced computational skills and be able to assess the applicability of these algorithms.
Analyse and critique methodologies and techniques related to data science and artificial intelligence and employ this knowledge to solve problems.
Communicate complex artificial intelligence and data science concepts for academic, technical and non-technical audiences
Prepare graduates for the future challenges of Artificial Intelligence.
Evaluate Data Science and Artificial Intelligence systems in light of their Ethical and Legal implications.
Critically review academic and professional literature and conduct independent research using appropriate tools.
Produce artificial intelligence solutions with sophisticated tools and technologies.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Facilities

Aston University invests in state-of-the-art facilities, providing you with the essential tools for your academic journey. From computer labs to student study spaces for individual and collaborative work, you'll have access to the resources necessary to delve into the world of artificial intelligence.

Entry requirements

One of the following:

2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree or equivalent in computer science or a related subject
2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree or equivalent in a non-computing related subject with evidence of mathematics and programming foundations knowledge (i.e., transcript showing mathematics or programming grades at UK 60% or higher)
Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University (see international students tab below for more information)

You will also need to provide:

A professional reference
- If you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2-3 years), we will ask for an academic reference
- If you are currently employed and not a recent graduate, we will ask for a professional reference
An official academic transcript of your university grades to date
A completed application form.

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our postgraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study but also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

How to apply

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Pathway programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

We recognise the value of extensive professional experience. If you do not have the academic qualifications but have extensive and relevant professional experience and a proven ability to succeed, we would welcome your application.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications.

Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

Speak to our Admissions Team

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 09.30am-4.30pm)

Read our guide to applying

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2026/27)

Annual tuition fees:

£12,500

International students
(2026/27)

Annual tuition fees:

£24,800

The duration of this programme is set out at the top of this course page and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its Terms and Conditions. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

More information on fees

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore scholarships for UK students

Explore scholarships for international students

Assessment

Students are assessed on this course through a range of methods, mainly through coursework, reports, and presentations there are minimal exams on for this postgraduate degree.

Career prospects

There are many different career opportunities within AI following on from this postgraduate course, these include but are not limited to technology engineers, programmers, data engineers, architects, software engineers, scientific programmers, data analysts, specialists, and doctoral researchers, among others.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Frequently asked questions

Why study Artificial Intelligence at Aston University?

Artificial Intelligence is an incredibly fast growing and exciting sector with a huge demand for people with specialist skills. This course will give you both the knowledge and skills as well as the practical experience to build an interesting career across a range of industries.

Whether you’re interested in working in robotics or data mining and machine learning, there are many opportunities for employment.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham

What is the Postgraduate Guaranteed Internship Scheme?

Aston’s Postgraduate Guaranteed Internship Scheme means you get more than a degree; you will graduate with an industry internship and the experience and skills employers around the world are looking for.

We guarantee an internship to all full-time students studying a taught master’s programme at either our Birmingham or London campus, including MA and MSc programmes, for students joining Aston in the 25/26 or 26/27 academic year.

It is open to both international and UK students, and there is no charge to register or participate in the scheme.

Our multi award-winning Careers and Placements Team will work with you to secure your industry internship which you will complete part-time, taking no more than 20 hours per week. The precise hours and timing will depend on each employer’s requirement, but will fit around your study timetable.

The duration of the internship will usually be around two months, but could range from around one month up to six months.

Postgraduate Guaranteed Internship Scheme