Manchester Metropolitan University
MSc in Artificial Intelligence
Manchester, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 21,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU and non-EU international students full-time fee
Key Summary
From simple automation tools to advanced models capable of processing natural language, artificial intelligence (AI) is progressing rapidly and has become a major part of everyday life.
Thanks to ongoing research and technological development, AI is now essential to how businesses and institutions operate. It’s also a key part of Industry 4.0, with government estimates suggesting AI could contribute £47 billion to the UK economy each year (gov.uk).
Our MSc Artificial Intelligence course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to be at the forefront of these developments. You’ll learn to design, implement, and evaluate intelligent systems capable of data-driven decision-making, while developing computational and algorithmic thinking to build AI-driven solutions for real-world challenges.
You’ll explore applications across diverse industries, including:
- Healthcare
- Autonomous systems
- Finance
- Cyber security
- Human-computer interaction
Building on your computing background, you’ll graduate ready to apply AI theories, techniques, and tools directly in the field.
Features and Benefits
- British Computer Society accredited
This means you'll benefit from teaching of the highest quality, meeting the rigorous standards set out by the profession. - Stand out with real-world experience
Build your professional network and boost your career prospects with an optional industry placement year. - We're part of the Institute of Coding
Giving you access to their cutting-edge computer lab to hone your coding skills and ensure you're ready to meet industry demands. - Study in world-class facilities
With cutting-edge computing labs and research spaces, our £115 million Dalton building helps you build the skills employers value most. - Learn alongside leaders in AI
Gain insights from experts who are leading regional research through the Centre for Digital Innovation – transforming sectors from sport to healthcare. - We're an Oracle Academy member
Access real-world software, sharpen your coding skills, and enhance your employability with Oracle-recognised certifications.
Course information
In our masters in artificial intelligence, you’ll study topics such as machine learning, robotics science, and generative AI. You’ll learn to design intelligent systems that adapt and learn from data, equipping you with highly sought-after skills in a competitive, fast-moving industry.
With 86% of our research outputs in computer science rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021), your learning is powered by cutting-edge, real-world expertise. As one of only five universities contributing to the UK government’s AI framework, you’ll be taught by industry leaders. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with advanced AI tools and frameworks, working with scalable, reproducible pipelines to build and evaluate real-world AI systems.
Beyond technical expertise, you’ll also develop valuable employability skills, including problem-solving, teamwork, report writing, and communication. You’ll also undertake an independent research project on a topic of your choice - designing, implementing, and evaluating a substantial piece of AI work, documented in a written dissertation.
As the UK’s second-largest tech hub, Manchester is an ideal location to study computing. You’ll have opportunities to connect with a booming tech community through guest lectures, sponsored projects, and work placements.
You can study the course full-time over one year or with an optional industry placement year, extending its duration to two years. A placement gives you the chance to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting, specialise in your area of interest, and build your professional network.
While it’s your responsibility to search and apply for a placement, you’ll receive support from academic staff and the University’s Careers and Employability Service to help you find a placement aligned with your goals.
Year 1
You'll study five core modules, including your individual research project.
If you choose to apply to study full-time with an optional industry placement year, the MSc course will be two years, and you'll start your placement after completing all the core modules in year one.
Core modules
- Principles of Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Robotics and Reinforcement Learning
- Deep Learning and Generative AI
- Independent Research Project
- Study and assessment
- Study
Year 2 (Placement)
You may choose to apply to complete an optional industry placement year, extending the course duration to two years.
Option modules
- Postgraduate Industrial Placement Year
The advanced skills and understanding you’ll gain on our MSc Artificial Intelligence course opens doors to a wide range of roles in a variety of industries, including:
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Automotive
- Government and defence
With strong links to the field of data science, you’ll also find opportunities in sectors like medicine, transport and economics as AI continues to expand.
You’ll be ideally placed to apply for specialist roles such as AI/machine learning software engineer or AI data specialist. You could also progress into academic research through MPhil or PhD study.
Study
- Full-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study
- Full-time with placement (year 1) 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study
- Full-time with placement (year 2) 0% lectures, seminars or similar; 100% placement; 0% independent study
Assessment
- Full-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
- Full-time with placement (year 1) 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
- Full-time with placement (year 2) 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination