Course summary
Want to start a career in one of the most fascinating and in-demand fields of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Data Science? Using student-centric and problem-based approaches, the MSc Applied AI and Data Science course will equip you with the grounding knowledge, industry-standard skills and technology to open doors to a wide range of careers. This postgraduate conversion course has been designed to increase AI and data science experts in the UK market with the support of the OfS and industrial partners, including IBM, Motion-Robotics, Barter For Things Ltd, 451 Research, and University Hospital Southampton. This course is also suitable for those who may not have a computer science or STEM academic background, but wish to start a new career in AI and data science. Throughout the course you will explore fundamental principles and techniques, and will be supported to develop the practical skills to apply to AI and data science techniques to solve real-world problems. This course also offers 33 scholarships (£10,000 each) for the 2023/24 academic year, and work placement opportunities, to increase the skilled workforce and diversity in AI and data science. 27 scholarships will be awarded as part of the £8.1million Office for Students (OfS) funding initiative (#JoinYourAIFuture) and six additional scholarships will be funded by Solent University. The scholarships are available mainly for female, black, and disabled students (see scholarship criteria here and scholarship FAQs here). The recent growth and developments in AI and data science is bringing significant social, economic, and health benefits to the world. Using AI and data science techniques, digital machines can analyse and learn from big datasets, and discover more efficient ways to do complex tasks and make intelligent decisions with much higher accuracy and speed than human beings. Automation of routine or mundane tasks is also a big feature of AI. This is boosting the global economy by transforming business models across all sectors like healthcare, science, finance, banking, sales, marketing, manufacturing, engineering, construction, travel, leisure, hospitality, environmental monitoring, transport, and logistics. AI enabled applications have already become an integral part of our life. When you speak to Siri or interact with Cortana, AI and data science algorithms are running behind them. Other exciting applications include medical diagnostics, speech recognition and synthesis, robotics, autonomous vehicles, stock price prediction, chatbots, natural language processing, and language translation. Currently, AI is also being used to research Covid-19 treatments and vaccines. The course also offers the chance to take a paid work placement in industry for up to six months after completing all modules. This gives you valuable practical experience and confidence working in industry, boosting your CV and helping you to secure jobs in this area. Support is given to help you find a placement but is your responsibility to secure one. Alternatively, you may also apply to undertake a paid research placement at the University for up to six weeks, giving you the experience of working as part of a research team. This would help you to pursue a career in research and academia.
- This course is for:
Modules
Core modules • Programming for Problem Solving Problem-solving is the most sought-after skill in computing - identifying problems, devising solutions and implementing them in software. This module will develop both your problem-solving and programming skills in Python, using real-world datasets and case studies. • Introduction to AI AI is revolutionising the way we live. Learn the underlying principles and techniques of data-driven AI solutions to real-world problems, from industry-standard machine learning techniques, models, and algorithms to the limitations and ethics of AI. T rimester two modulesCore modules Data Analytics and Visualisation Data analysis helps business organisations understand their past, evaluate their present and predict the future. This module explores key principles, theories and industry-standard techniques of data analytics and visualisation methods. Applied AI in Business From speech recognition to medical diagnosis, applied AI is solving problems both new and ancient. Through real-world scenarios and open-ended projects, this module explores the practical and professional skills required for data-driven AI solutions using industry-standard tools. • Dissertation Project Your self-managed dissertation reflects your interests within the field, drawn from relevant theory and practical considerations. You will identify a project topic, define the aims and objectives, manage a project plan and produce specific artefacts that demonstrate your intellectual and practical skills. • Optional modules Work placement (starting in year two after completing all modules) Supported by our in-house careers and employability service, a work placement in the industry gives you the opportunity to reflect on and implement your newfound knowledge and skills, and to learn about new concepts and working practices – as well as enhancing your professional connections and employability.
How to apply
International applicants
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office. International and EU part-time fees: Students from outside the UK are usually unable to obtain a visa for part-time study. Please visit our visas and immigration page for more information. We strongly advise all applicants to check the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to visit our website to see the relevant information that outlines both Solent University and Home Office requirements for a number of language tests.
Entry requirements
• Honours degree at 2:2 or higher in any discipline, or extensive industrial experience in this area. • Applicants should be able to show an interest in learning coding, AI and data science techniques. Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are: • IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component • TOEFL IBT 92 with a minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 20 in reading, listening and speaking • Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component or equivalent. Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9675 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9675 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9675 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9675 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9675 | Year 1 |
| EU | £17065 | Year 1 |
| International | £17065 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact [email protected].
All course costs are covered by your tuition fees, however you are encouraged to have a laptop for your personal use.
Sponsorship information
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Provider information
Southampton, Solent University
East Park Terrace
Southampton
SO14 0YN