Course summary

In a world where AI prevails, organisations will increasingly require graduates who combine expertise in the development and implementation of machine learning applications with a keen understanding of societal and ethical considerations, and the ability to communicate. The MSc Artificial Intelligence & Ethics addresses this need for interdisciplinary engagement by teaching students the computational and programming techniques that underpin contemporary AI, while providing a philosophical grounding in the field. The MSc Artificial Intelligence & Ethics is an integrated programme of study with dual foci on both theory and application. Presupposing no background in computing, students are equipped with the relevant knowledge and data programming skills – covering recent technical developments alongside broader ethical and theoretical considerations – to fulfil the needs of a vast range of organisations and employers. Structure The MSc Artificial Intelligence & Ethics consists of eight taught courses, seven courses (90 credits) in Computer and Data Science and one course (30 credits) in the Humanities, plus an individual software development project (60 credits). The seven computing courses teach students the theory and application of computer and data science, especially in relation to Artificial Intelligence (AI). In Semester One, students learn the basics of programming (e.g. control flow statements and data collections), alongside the fundamentals of computing (e.g. logic operators, algorithm complexity and data structures). how to ingest and transform data (e.g. numerical arrays, images or text). In Semester Two, students learn how to design and structure programs and how to develop machine learning applications at breadth and depth. We choose Natural Language Processing to study depth because it has a profound technical and societal impact nowadays and it is pertinent to humanics. The humanities course teaches students to think carefully and communicate clearly about philosophical (ethical and other) issues arising in relation to computing, data usage, AI, and other emerging technologies. The individual project offers an opportunity to students to pursue impactful interdisciplinary projects on an agreed topic of their choice in digital humanities or computational social sciences within the University and with its partners. It runs throughout the year so that students have ample time to focus their independent learning with the right guidance by their supervisor(s). Students will gain experience interacting with non-technical audiences to gather problem specifications and explain solutions. Teaching & learning The MSc Artificial Intelligence and Ethics will be delivered through a mixture of lectures, seminars, lab-based tutorials and office hours. Students who are enrolled full-time should anticipate devoting approximately 35-40 hours per week to their studies for the duration of their degree. In Michaelmas and Hilary terms, this will include approximately six to seven formal contact hours per week, with the remainder consisting of structured independent study. Career Opportunities Students of the MSc Artificial Intelligence and Ethics have access to personalized guidance to help clarify and create practical plans to achieve career aspirations. In addition, they enjoy opportunities to network with our partner-employers in the technology and public sector, while studying just minutes from both London’s Central Business District and East London Tech City.