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Can you visualise yourself working with computer systems that have the potential to change the way we live forever? Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly developing area of computer science, which creates computer systems capable of human intelligence and/or interaction.

Northumbria University’s master’s in Artificial Intelligence provides an exciting opportunity to take your career into the rapidly developing area of AI. We welcome applications from candidates of any background, whether you wish to specialise your existing knowledge, or want to completely change your career direction.

This course will introduce you to the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and provide you with a holistic understanding of digital intelligence and its effects on society. To give you an extra edge in today’s competitive job market, in addition to your current expertise in various fields, the course explores key concepts, principles and theories of relevance to Artificial Intelligence professionals. 

You will be given the opportunity to engage in real world problems, evaluate options and apply professionally specific knowledge to resolve them. For our first cohort enrolled in 2020, we have provided all our students the opportunity to obtain the Azure AI Fundamental Certification through our partnership with Microsoft. 

As part of this Artificial Intelligence master’s degree, you will develop a strong understanding of the capability of AI and how best to utilise existing AI tools, allowing you to successfully implement this in practice. You will learn to identify requirements before the application of AI, and become aware of the implications that these tools have from a governance and operational perspective.

By the end of this programme, you will have engaged with various research activities. This will lead up to the planning and execution of a significant research project, which poses new questions and creates understanding. Through this, and the rest of your learning, you will develop a range of skills that will enhance your ability to communicate outcomes and knowledge to professional and academic audiences in appropriate formats. 

This master’s course is an excellent option if you hope to pursue further research into the area of AI, including PhD study.

Opportunities for employment in this area are vast. The demand for AI experts continues to grow, so graduates will have high earnings potential. Upon completion of this course, you will be able to adapt and advise on the practical application of AI tools and techniques in national and international organisations, across multiple industries, both nationally and internationally.

Want more information on our postgraduate courses and how to get funding? Get in contact with us today.

Course Information

Level of Study
Postgraduate

Mode of Study
1 Year Full-Time

Department
Computer and Information Sciences

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2024

Fee Information

Module Information

Funding and Scholarships

Discover the funding options available to you.

Discover NU World / A virtual journey through everything Northumbria has to offer.

Explore our immersive 360 tours, informative subject videos, inspirational student profiles, ground-breaking research, and a range of life at university blogs videos and articles.

Funding

Discover the funding options available to you.

Entry Requirements 2024/25

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in any subject. Other subject qualifications, equivalent professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

International qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry  
 
English Language requirements
 
International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
 
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS.  You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Fees and Funding 2024/25 Entry

Full UK Fee: £10,460

Full EU Fee: £19,750

Full International Fee: £19,750



Scholarships and Discounts

Click here for UK, EU and International scholarship, fees, and funding information.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

There are no Additional Costs

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

KF7006 -

Object Oriented Programming (Core,20 Credits)

This module is designed to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills in object oriented programming and program design concepts, using an object first approach. Specifically, you will learn how to design, implement, test and document programs and will gain practical programming experience by solving small scale problems. In addition, you will cover the need for standards and the principles of quality. In particular, the syllabus of the module will cover topics such as:

• Programming: simple data types and calculations; classes, objects, inheritance, interfaces, polymorphism; methods, constructors; parameter passing; arrays and strings; simple collection classes; statements for selection and iteration; exception handling; file and stream handling; APIs
• GUI programming : event driven programming, GUI components
• Tools: use of a compiler and associated Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Documentation tools.
• Program testing: purpose of testing, black box and white box testing. Use of tool support.

Since the module is intended for graduates from disciplines other than Computing, no previous programming experience is assumed.

More information

KF7011 -

Systems Analysis & Design with UML (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about methods of analysing and designing information systems using object-oriented methods. You will gain an understanding of the general IT system development lifecycle and the activities and personnel roles applicable at each lifecycle stage, and of the concepts of professional standards and codes for systems analysis and design projects. This will include learning how to specify system requirements and use systems analysis and design techniques to develop workable solutions to business information system problems. You will be learn and apply an object-oriented approach to develop information systems projects using the techniques of the Unified Modelling Language (UML) - the leading notation used for specifying systems. This will include advanced modelling concepts and techniques that are used to build complex object models. In particular, the syllabus of the module will cover topics such as:
• Information systems: information systems to support organisational types and objectives; strategic, tactical, operational and control systems
• Systems development activities and lifecycles: the systems development lifecycle, rationale for 'staged' system development and the key stages, roles and deliverables; the role of prototyping and iterative development; Unified System Development Process (USDP) or another lifecycle for object-oriented development
• Systems investigation techniques: the key areas of system investigation and applicable fact-finding techniques - interviewing, document examination, observation etc.
• Systems specification techniques using an object-oriented approach: defining the problem statement and structuring it through Use Case Modelling; going from Use Cases to a first-cut behavioural model (communication diagrams) with associated class diagrams; basic modelling syntax.
• Object oriented design: object model-objects, classes, inheritance, generalisation, links and associations; purpose of design; interaction modelling (sequence diagrams) and state machines in design; specifying operations with activity diagrams; design patterns.
• Class and method design: classes, objects, and messages
• Data Management Layer Design: relationship database, object-oriented database design, data access design and manipulation classes
• Human-Computer Interaction Layer Design: including principles for user interface design, content awareness, user experience, etc
• Physical layer design: including elements of the physical architecture layer, architectural components, infrastructure design, etc
• Construction: including programming management, documentation, and testing



• Professional codes of practice: the need for professional standards within analysis and design; British Computer Society, the Chartered Institute for IT codes.

More information

KF7028 -

Research Methods and Project Management (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about research and the processes involved in carrying out research in the area of computer and information sciences. The module will encompass the full research cycle from development of the initial concept through to final evaluation and reflection on your research. You will learn how to search, find and evaluate the literature and how to use this to construct a critical literature review. You will also be able to gain an understanding of different research methods and techniques and how to apply them in practice. You will be given the opportunity to gain expertise in data and information analysis, from data collection through to the analysis, presentation and interpretation of results. You will be able to critically evaluate and reflect on the research process. You will also learn about ethics and professional conduct whilst undertaking research and consider and manage risk (including health and safety) and legal, societal and sustainability issues with respect to a research project.

Alongside this you will be provided with the skills and techniques to effectively manage a project from start to finish, including the planning and monitoring aspects.

More information

KF7029 -

MSc Computer Science & Digital Technologies Project (Core,60 Credits)

The aim of this module is to enable you to undertake a substantial academic research project at Masters level, record your progress though this, and present the results from your research in both written and oral forms. Your research project will be a major piece of independent and original research centred at the forefront of your programme discipline within the wider sphere of computer and information sciences.

You will experience the full life cycle of a research project from initial conception and development of a research proposal, through a critical review of the literature, planning, design, implementation and analysis of your main research project, to final evaluation, reflection and dissemination. You will be expected to conduct your research in an ethical and professional manner, and manage risk and consideration of the legal, societal and sustainability issues applicable, to this academic research project. You will also be expected to apply your expertise, project management and practical skills within your particular domain of computer and information sciences and demonstrate critical and innovative thinking and problem solving within a research environment.

More information

KV7001 -

Academic Language Skills for Computer and Information Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home institution can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject area in the Department of Architecture and Built Environment. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’.
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Discussing ethical issues in research, and analysing results.
• Describing bias and limitations of research.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

KV7003 -

AI and Digital Technology (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn various digital technologies that will work with AI for various real-world applications, and investigate how these technologies can transform the business, finance, manufacturing, etc. The module will cover the following key topics, such as:
• Digital transformation technology
• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• Big data
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Blockchain
• Robotics
• Clouds
• Cyber security and privacy
• Industry 4.0

More information

KV7004 -

AI Studio (Core,20 Credits)

The aim of the module is to provide you with knowledge and understanding of artificial intelligence techniques and digital signal and image processing systems, including how to solving problems in these areas. In particular, you will cover topics such as:
• Introduction to artificial intelligence
• Supervised machine learning techniques and classifiers
• Shallow learning and Deep learning neural network techniques
• Optimisation algorithms for general neural networks
• Unsupervised machine learning techniques
• Introduction to digital signal, image and computer vision fundamentals
• Applications of state-of-the-art supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques with real datasets

More information

KV7005 -

Intelligent User Interfaces (Core,20 Credits)

At the cutting edge of interactive technologies we find intelligent systems. Artificial Intelligence (AI) increasingly allows interactive systems to work with autonomy, making decisions for users, carrying out tasks for them, and prompting input. As systems become increasingly intelligent, the challenges of designing interfaces that are transparent, understandable and accountable to the users become harder. In this module you will study the human factors considerations of designing, using and evaluating intelligent user interfaces (IUIs). You will study a number of application areas of IUIs, and will practice the design and evaluation skills of the Human-Computer Interaction professional to specifically prototype and evaluate an IUI in class.

Taking a human-centred perspective throughout, indicative topics that will be addressed will include (but are not limited to):

IUI Design and Prototyping Techniques
Voice User Interfaces / Natural Language Systems
Agent-Based Interactions / Chatbots
Recommender Systems
Human-Robot Interaction (Industrial and Personal)
Job/Function Allocation
AI and Secure Systems
Vehicle Automation / Intelligent Transport
Home Automation
Smart Cities
IUI Ethics

More information

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

KF7006 -

Object Oriented Programming (Core,20 Credits)

This module is designed to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills in object oriented programming and program design concepts, using an object first approach. Specifically, you will learn how to design, implement, test and document programs and will gain practical programming experience by solving small scale problems. In addition, you will cover the need for standards and the principles of quality. In particular, the syllabus of the module will cover topics such as:

• Programming: simple data types and calculations; classes, objects, inheritance, interfaces, polymorphism; methods, constructors; parameter passing; arrays and strings; simple collection classes; statements for selection and iteration; exception handling; file and stream handling; APIs
• GUI programming : event driven programming, GUI components
• Tools: use of a compiler and associated Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Documentation tools.
• Program testing: purpose of testing, black box and white box testing. Use of tool support.

Since the module is intended for graduates from disciplines other than Computing, no previous programming experience is assumed.

More information

KF7011 -

Systems Analysis & Design with UML (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about methods of analysing and designing information systems using object-oriented methods. You will gain an understanding of the general IT system development lifecycle and the activities and personnel roles applicable at each lifecycle stage, and of the concepts of professional standards and codes for systems analysis and design projects. This will include learning how to specify system requirements and use systems analysis and design techniques to develop workable solutions to business information system problems. You will be learn and apply an object-oriented approach to develop information systems projects using the techniques of the Unified Modelling Language (UML) - the leading notation used for specifying systems. This will include advanced modelling concepts and techniques that are used to build complex object models. In particular, the syllabus of the module will cover topics such as:
• Information systems: information systems to support organisational types and objectives; strategic, tactical, operational and control systems
• Systems development activities and lifecycles: the systems development lifecycle, rationale for 'staged' system development and the key stages, roles and deliverables; the role of prototyping and iterative development; Unified System Development Process (USDP) or another lifecycle for object-oriented development
• Systems investigation techniques: the key areas of system investigation and applicable fact-finding techniques - interviewing, document examination, observation etc.
• Systems specification techniques using an object-oriented approach: defining the problem statement and structuring it through Use Case Modelling; going from Use Cases to a first-cut behavioural model (communication diagrams) with associated class diagrams; basic modelling syntax.
• Object oriented design: object model-objects, classes, inheritance, generalisation, links and associations; purpose of design; interaction modelling (sequence diagrams) and state machines in design; specifying operations with activity diagrams; design patterns.
• Class and method design: classes, objects, and messages
• Data Management Layer Design: relationship database, object-oriented database design, data access design and manipulation classes
• Human-Computer Interaction Layer Design: including principles for user interface design, content awareness, user experience, etc
• Physical layer design: including elements of the physical architecture layer, architectural components, infrastructure design, etc
• Construction: including programming management, documentation, and testing



• Professional codes of practice: the need for professional standards within analysis and design; British Computer Society, the Chartered Institute for IT codes.

More information

KF7028 -

Research Methods and Project Management (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about research and the processes involved in carrying out research in the area of computer and information sciences. The module will encompass the full research cycle from development of the initial concept through to final evaluation and reflection on your research. You will learn how to search, find and evaluate the literature and how to use this to construct a critical literature review. You will also be able to gain an understanding of different research methods and techniques and how to apply them in practice. You will be given the opportunity to gain expertise in data and information analysis, from data collection through to the analysis, presentation and interpretation of results. You will be able to critically evaluate and reflect on the research process. You will also learn about ethics and professional conduct whilst undertaking research and consider and manage risk (including health and safety) and legal, societal and sustainability issues with respect to a research project.

Alongside this you will be provided with the skills and techniques to effectively manage a project from start to finish, including the planning and monitoring aspects.

More information

KF7029 -

MSc Computer Science & Digital Technologies Project (Core,60 Credits)

The aim of this module is to enable you to undertake a substantial academic research project at Masters level, record your progress though this, and present the results from your research in both written and oral forms. Your research project will be a major piece of independent and original research centred at the forefront of your programme discipline within the wider sphere of computer and information sciences.

You will experience the full life cycle of a research project from initial conception and development of a research proposal, through a critical review of the literature, planning, design, implementation and analysis of your main research project, to final evaluation, reflection and dissemination. You will be expected to conduct your research in an ethical and professional manner, and manage risk and consideration of the legal, societal and sustainability issues applicable, to this academic research project. You will also be expected to apply your expertise, project management and practical skills within your particular domain of computer and information sciences and demonstrate critical and innovative thinking and problem solving within a research environment.

More information

KV7001 -

Academic Language Skills for Computer and Information Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home institution can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject area in the Department of Architecture and Built Environment. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’.
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Discussing ethical issues in research, and analysing results.
• Describing bias and limitations of research.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

KV7003 -

AI and Digital Technology (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn various digital technologies that will work with AI for various real-world applications, and investigate how these technologies can transform the business, finance, manufacturing, etc. The module will cover the following key topics, such as:
• Digital transformation technology
• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• Big data
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Blockchain
• Robotics
• Clouds
• Cyber security and privacy
• Industry 4.0

More information

KV7004 -

AI Studio (Core,20 Credits)

The aim of the module is to provide you with knowledge and understanding of artificial intelligence techniques and digital signal and image processing systems, including how to solving problems in these areas. In particular, you will cover topics such as:
• Introduction to artificial intelligence
• Supervised machine learning techniques and classifiers
• Shallow learning and Deep learning neural network techniques
• Optimisation algorithms for general neural networks
• Unsupervised machine learning techniques
• Introduction to digital signal, image and computer vision fundamentals
• Applications of state-of-the-art supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques with real datasets

More information

KV7005 -

Intelligent User Interfaces (Core,20 Credits)

At the cutting edge of interactive technologies we find intelligent systems. Artificial Intelligence (AI) increasingly allows interactive systems to work with autonomy, making decisions for users, carrying out tasks for them, and prompting input. As systems become increasingly intelligent, the challenges of designing interfaces that are transparent, understandable and accountable to the users become harder. In this module you will study the human factors considerations of designing, using and evaluating intelligent user interfaces (IUIs). You will study a number of application areas of IUIs, and will practice the design and evaluation skills of the Human-Computer Interaction professional to specifically prototype and evaluate an IUI in class.

Taking a human-centred perspective throughout, indicative topics that will be addressed will include (but are not limited to):

IUI Design and Prototyping Techniques
Voice User Interfaces / Natural Language Systems
Agent-Based Interactions / Chatbots
Recommender Systems
Human-Robot Interaction (Industrial and Personal)
Job/Function Allocation
AI and Secure Systems
Vehicle Automation / Intelligent Transport
Home Automation
Smart Cities
IUI Ethics

More information

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.



Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need. 

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support




All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Your Learning Experience

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

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northumbria.ac.uk/terms

Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees

Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints


If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

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