Applied AI and Data Science (Taught)

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Open days

26Jun

Solent University (Southampton) - Postgraduate Afternoon (Virtual)

Postgraduate

21Aug

Solent University (Southampton) - Postgraduate Application Workshop (Virtual)

Postgraduate

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 brand-new postgraduate conversion course has been designed to increase AI and Data Science experts in the UK market with the support of OfS and industrial partners including Barter For Things Ltd, 451 Research, and University Hospital Southampton. This course is also suitable to 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 36 scholarships (£10,000 each) as part of the £13million Office for Students (OfS) funding initiative (#JoinYourAIFuture) and work placement opportunities to increase the skilled workforce and diversity in AI and Data Science. The scholarships are available mainly for female, black, and disabled students (full eligibility criteria available from admissions). 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 COVID19 treatments and vaccines.

This course is for:

This conversion master's course is specifically designed for those who want to learn practical skills to apply AI and data science techniques to solve real-world problems. The course does not require any prior technical knowledge. Therefore, the course is equally suitable for applicants who do not have any computer science or STEM background, but wish to either start a new career in AI and data science or enrich their own areas with AI and data science expertise.

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.

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. 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

EU	£17065	Whole course
England	£9675	Whole course
Northern Ireland	£9675	Whole course
Scotland	£9675	Whole course
Wales	£9675	Whole course
Channel Islands	£9675	Whole course
International	£17065	Whole course

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.