ABOUT THE COURSE

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 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. 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 analyze 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.

Course Modules

Trimester one:

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.

Trimester two:

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.

Trimester three:

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 artifacts that demonstrate your intellectual and practical skills.

Optional:

Work placement (starting in year two after completing taught 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.

English language Requirements

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 minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component

• Duolingo English Language Test - 100 overall with a minimum of 90 in each component

• or equivalent.