University College London (UCL)
Machine Learning MSc
London, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
The Machine Learning MSc is designed to give students a strong foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of machine learning. The program covers key topics such as supervised and unsupervised learning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning. It also explores important areas like data analysis, statistical inference, and algorithm development, helping students develop skills to design and implement intelligent systems. By engaging with real-world datasets and projects, students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in industry or research.
The course emphasizes a broad understanding of machine learning methods and their applications across various fields, including healthcare, finance, and technology. Throughout the program, students learn to critically evaluate models, address ethical considerations, and stay updated with emerging advancements. The curriculum combines lectures, practical exercises, and group projects to encourage active learning and problem-solving. It aims to equip students with the technical expertise and confidence needed to contribute effectively to the evolving AI landscape.
UCL Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students, including our UCL Masters Bursary for UK students and our UCL Global Masters Scholarship for international students. You can click the link below to search via the scholarships finder for awards that you might be eligible for. Your academic department will also be able to provide you with more information about funding.
External Scholarships
Online aggregators like Postgraduate Studentships, Scholarship Search, Postgraduate Funding and International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search contain information on a variety of external schemes.
If you have specific circumstances or ethnic or religious background it is worth searching for scholarships/bursaries/grants that relate to those things. Some schemes are very specific.
Funding for disabled students
Master's students who have a disability may be able to get extra funding for additional costs they incur to study.
Teaching and learning
This programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, lab classes. Your self-directed learning is supported by online resources.
You will be assessed through various methods, including coursework, projects, exams, and a final research project/ dissertation.
For full-time students, typical contact hours are approximately 12-16 contact hours per teaching week, depending on module selections and timetabling. These contact hours include lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, office hours and other events.
Outside of these sessions, students are expected to engage in significant self-directed study and complete assessments. Formal teaching and self-directed study together amount to a workload comparable to a full-time job, roughly 35-40 hours per week in total.
Modules
Full-time
The Machine Learning MSc is a one-year programme.
- In Term 1, you will study supervised learning to gain in-depth familiarity with various classical and contemporary supervised learning algorithms. You will also choose from a wide range of optional and elective topics.
- In Term 2, you will choose further optional topics and deepen your understanding of core principles. You will also begin preparation for your final research project/ dissertation.
- In Term 3, you will primarily focus on your final research project/ dissertation and any examinations that take place in the main examination period.
Compulsory modules
- Supervised Learning
- MSc Machine Learning Project
Optional modules
- Graphical Models
- Probabilistic and Unsupervised Learning
- Open-Endedness and General Intelligence
- Applied Machine Learning
- Advanced Topics in Machine Learning
- Approximate Inference and Learning in Probabilistic Models
- Statistical Natural Language Processing
- Reinforcement Learning
- Machine Vision
- Machine Learning Seminar
- Bayesian Deep Learning
- Applied Deep Learning
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Machine Learning.
What this course will give you
This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities:
- Recognition from a top-ranked university: UCL is consistently ranked among the best universities globally (ranked 9th in the QS World University Rankings 2025), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide. Additionally, UCL was named the Times and Sunday Times University of the Year 2024.
- High-quality education from leading experts: Learn from world-renowned academics who are at the forefront of computer science innovation. UCL Computer Science is recognised for its research excellence, ranked first in England and second in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics in the UK's most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
- Real-world experience through project work: Apply your knowledge and skills in practical settings with a substantial research project. Many of these projects are conducted in collaboration with industry partners via the IXN Industry Exchange Network, giving you valuable hands-on experience and industry insights.
- Strong employability with high employment rates and starting salaries: Our graduates are highly sought after in the job market, thanks to UCL's strong reputation and the skills gained during the programme. You'll be well-prepared to enter a variety of high-demand roles in machine learning.
- Enhanced research skills: The research-based components of the programme will equip you with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, preparing you for potential doctoral studies or research-intensive roles in industry.
The foundation of your career
Graduates from this programme secure positions in prominent sectors, including multinational companies like BAE Systems. Many pursue further studies or academic careers in diverse domains such as robotics, music, psychology, and bioinformatics at top universities worldwide.
Employability
This programme uniquely focuses on both theoretical and practical aspects of machine learning, preparing you for roles in various industries or for PhD research. You will gain comprehensive knowledge to advance your career rapidly.
Networking
You’ll have regular opportunities to connect, collaborate and network with peers and members of academia and industry as part of your Master’s, particularly through collaborative project work and research seminars.
- As a student and later as a graduate, you will have access to the UCL Careers events programme, connecting you with employers and alumni. This programme provides invaluable insight into the reality of different roles, sectors, and current application processes.
- UCL has a large number of clubs and societies, which can be an effective way to connect with peers who share similar interests and career goals.
- Be part of a university where entrepreneurial minds thrive. Our academic and industrial networks provide a safe and supportive environment if you want to grow your own company.
- London’s Tech scene is vibrant and has regular networking events.