University of Birmingham - College of Social Sciences
MSc in AI and Sustainable Development
Birmingham, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 30,370 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* deadline for International students I 29 August 2025 deadline for Home students
** for full-time International students| for part-time International students: £15,185 | for full-time UK students: £11,740 | part-time UK students: £5,870 per year
Key Summary
Our course will help you kickstart your career by empowering you to lead in ethical tech innovation. Gain the expertise to influence global policies, drive sustainable solutions, and make a lasting impact through interdisciplinary and practical learning.
What makes this course different?
This programme offers rigorous interdisciplinary training, integrating AI with social sciences to tackle global challenges. You’ll gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge techniques, from machine learning to policy analysis, while focusing on impactful, responsible technology deployment. With a breadth of expertise and optional modules available to develop a broader perspective, you’ll graduate equipped and confident to lead in diverse roles, driving meaningful change in underserved communities and beyond.
- Integrated Curriculum: Study a combination of computer science and social science perspectives to offer a comprehensive skillset for tackling complex challenges.
- Advanced Technical Training: Learn from expert in their fields who cover the latest in programming, machine learning, and data science to ensure you master highly sought-after skills.
- Focused Development: Enhance your essential non-technical skills such as systems thinking, ethical reasoning, and participatory design, crucial for driving responsible innovation.
- Practical Experience: Benefit from valuable insights into the real-world deployment of AI in underserved regions, balancing benefits with potential risks.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Visit the course page for more information on the modules available.
Module information
The programme is composed of six 20-credit core modules completed by 20 credits to choose across a range of optional International Development modules. To complete this and graduate with the 180 credits that will award you the MSc, you will have to undertake a 60-credit dissertation project.
The modules listed are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Visit the course page for more information on the modules available.
The programme’s emphasis on adaptability, critical thinking, collaboration and communication provides you with essential transferable abilities to excel in diverse settings. You will gain intercultural fluency and nuanced understanding applicable worldwide, especially in regions with great potential for AI to empower communities when responsibly deployed.
We expect graduates to drive change as innovative leaders navigating complex challenges at the intersection of technology, sustainability and inclusive development.
Open doors to a wide variety of career opportunities with our MSc in AI and Sustainable Development. This interdisciplinary programme equips you with the technical and ethical expertise to drive responsible AI innovation, preparing you for impactful roles in NGOs, governments, and international organisations. You’ll gain hands-on experience and a global perspective, ready to address real-world challenges in sustainability, inequality, and governance.