Overview
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is currently enjoying a period of great interest due largely to advances in data driven AI and machine learning. Technologies such as self-driving cars, intelligent assistants (like Alexa), chatbots (like ChatGPT) and AI health care have made AI an increasingly everyday technology, and one that will revolutionise the way we live and work in the years to come.
Modern AI is concerned with giving computers human-like abilities such as sight, learning, conversation and creativity. AI is a popular topic to study because there is a growing jobs market for AI and Data Science skills and because it is an exciting new field of computing.
Our data driven MSc Artificial Intelligence course capitalises on the success of well-established postgraduate courses in Big Data and Data Science for Business preparing industry ready graduates sought after by AI companies.
The University of Stirling is associated with The Data Lab, an Innovation Centre that aims to develop the data science talent and skills required by industry in Scotland. It also supports our students with funding, networking and routes into employment. We also have close links with the Scottish Informatics and Computing Science Alliance (SICSA).
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Course objectives
This course covers the theoretical underpinning of a wide variety of AI-related techniques including machine learning and deep learning, mathematics and statistics for data science, programming using Python, computer vision and natural language processing. The course also covers the technology, techniques, tools, software and methodologies used to apply these underlying theories to real-world problems.
On this Masters course you’ll gain:
- an in depth understanding of advanced analytics and machine learning topics;
- hands on experience with deep-learning based computer vision and natural languages processing algorithms;
- the ability to apply artificial intelligence solutions to real world problems and commercial tasks.
Work placements
The course offers placement opportunities in a form of a long summer project, generally in partnership with a company or technology provider.
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Research overview
Our team of academics in the department of Computing Science and Mathematics are engaged in world leading research in fields such as complex systems modelling, computer vision, machine learning, optimisation and, of course, artificial intelligence.
Our research is applied to real world problems such as providing food security, reducing disease, helping the blind live independently, improving airport efficiency, detecting fake news, monitoring environments using satellite/drone imaging and IoT sensors, understanding marine eco-system and developing cybersecurity techniques.
MSc students become involved with our research through seminars and dissertation projects, which can lead to further study and ultimately a PhD.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second-class honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in any discipline. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate work experience are encouraged to apply.
For January 2025 entry, entry requirements will be a minimum of a second class honours degree or equivalent in any discipline.
This course is intended for students without a background in computing. If you have a degree in computing, or a closely related subject, or equivalent experience, then you are strongly encouraged to take the Advanced Computing and AI course instead.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore INTO University of Stirling to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
Key topics and technologies taught will be:
- mathematics and statistics for data science
- programming using Python
- applying AI to real-world problems
- machine learning
- computer vision
- natural language processing and prompt engineering
- deep learning
- heuristic optimisation
For those interested in a January start, the duration of the course will be 21 months. For example, students starting in January 2023 will graduate in November 2024. This decision was made to allow students to learn flexibly and enhance other skills during the summer months when teaching is not available.
Modules
Course Details
Teaching
There’s a real mix of practical technology sessions taught in labs and workshops along with lectures, seminars and tutorials teaching you the theories and skills you will need for your career.
You’ll carry out a dissertation project using an artificial intelligence solution of your choice. With support from our staff, you’ll choose a specialist topic and become a real expert. You'll start with an in-depth analysis of the topic and its technology. Then you'll build a solution that will showcase your skills to employers and give you the knowledge to win a high level, high salary job.
We have a programme of invited speakers from industry giving you the opportunity to ask questions of people who are doing data science every day.
Assessment
This is a practical course and the assessment reflects that. Each module has an assignment and an exam (in selected modules), but the emphasis is on the course work.
Course director
Dr Sandy Brownlee
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
| 2024/25 | 2025/26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Students from the UK and Republic of Ireland | £10,900 | £10,900 |
| International (including EU) students | £22,900 | £22,900 |
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
Eligible international students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
In industry, Artificial Intelligence jobs are split between those that are advertised as an AI role and those where the role is a data scientist. Graduates from this course will be well placed for jobs in either of those fields.
Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising sectors like marketing, finance, sport, manufacturing, healthcare and government. It is also a skill much sought after by the tech giants like Google, Facebook and Amazon. Graduates with an AI qualification will find employment in sectors such as:
- business or customer analytics
- robotics
- computer vision
- advanced healthcare
- financial technology (Fintech)
- legal technology (Lawtech)
- automotive (self driving cars)
- social media
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