Advance your computing career with artificial intelligence. Develop practical expertise in machine learning, deep learning and data modelling at ARU in Cambridge.
If you’re already working in computing, mathematics, or data analysis, this course will equip you with the practical AI skills employers are looking for.
You’ll learn about machine learning algorithms, neural computing, deep learning, and Natural Language Processing (NLP), and discover how to analyse data, develop intelligent models, and create AI-powered solutions that improve systems, solve complex problems and support innovation across industries.
Before starting the course, we strongly recommended that you have basic programming knowledge of Python for Machine Learning.
Hear more about our MSc Artificial Intelligence from Course Leader Dr Arooj Fatima.
Hear more about our MSc Artificial Intelligence from Course Leader Dr Arooj Fatima.
Why ARU?
Master machine learning algorithms, neural computing, deep learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Build practical skills using real-world datasets
Study in Cambridge’s ‘Silicon Fen’ and connect with leading tech employers
Prepare for high-demand careers in machine learning, AI learning, data analysis and modelling
ARU unlocks the potential you have deep inside to flourish.
Fabrice Thomas Luchmun, MSc Artificial Intelligence student
Gain in-demand skills at the forefront of computing.
As organisations across every sector adopt AI technologies, demand is growing for professionals with expertise in machine learning, data analysis and intelligent systems. This course prepares you for careers in AI, data science, software development and technology consultancy, equipping you with practical skills to help organisations innovate, automate processes and solve complex real-world challenges.
This course prepares you for a range of careers in artificial intelligence, data science, and software development, as well as further academic research. Potential job roles include:
AI Engineer
Machine Learning Engineer
Data Scientist
Data Analyst
AI Consultant
Intelligent Systems Developer
Software Engineer
AI Research Assistant
We want you to be a step ahead when you graduate, so we offer:
We’re here to help you develop your CV and find that all-important role after graduation. Our Employability Service offers tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, help to complete job applications, and much more. You’ll have 24/7 access to an online Careers Centre too, which is packed with useful resources.
The support continues after you graduate, with lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.
Gain the expertise to develop intelligent systems and lead the next generation of AI innovation.
Dr Arooj Fatima, Course Director
Gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to understand, develop, and apply modern AI and data science techniques.
You’ll develop a strong foundation in semantic data technologies, learning how to structure and integrate semantic data, develop ontological models, and build intelligent applications that extract insights, support data-driven decision-making, and create value from complex datasets.
You'll also explore machine learning, neural computing, and deep learning, examining how these techniques are applied to large-scale data across diverse domains, including the physical and biological sciences, finance, and the social sciences.
You'll complete your Master's with a Major Project, researching an AI topic of your choice that matches your interests and career ambitions, applying advanced AI methods, and demonstrating your ability to address a significant research or industry problem independently.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
You can choose to study with us over two years (full-time), and take Professional Experience modules (2x project modules or 2x placement modules) in Year 2, with a Preparation for Professional Experience module in Year 1. You'll also complete your Postgraduate Major Project (60 credits) in Year 2.
Professional experience modules
Postgraduate Major Project (60 credits)
Professional Experience Computing Project 1 (60 credits) *
Professional Placement 1 (Computing and Information Science) (60 credits) *
Professional Experience Computing Project 2 (60 credits) *
Professional Placement 2 (Computing and Information Science) (60 credits) *
Professional Experience modules are a great way to learn more about an industry. They take place in Year 2 of your course, with each module lasting approximately 12 weeks (or one trimester).
You can choose which modules to take. Options include project work on campus, and industry placements. Our Placements Team is here to help you secure a placement.
Throughout the course, we’ll use a range of assessment methods to measure your progress. You’ll complete exams, essays, research reports, oral presentations, and a dissertation on a subject of your choice.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
Enjoy a range of facilities designed to support your studies and career development.
In our dedicated computer labs and skills spaces, you'll have access to specialist hardware, software and online resources including:
Cisco devices
Intel's AI Academy data processing resources
Microsoft Imagine Premium's professional tools
AWS Academy resources
You'll have extensive library and IT resources, and careers support through our Employability Service. After you graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.
You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.
Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course; please email [email protected] for further information. Applicants to undergraduate courses can also check our information about undergraduate entry qualifications.
You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course.
See entry requirements for the MA or MSc
We welcome applications from international and EU students, and accept a range of international qualifications.
Check the section 'English language requirements' for IELTS requirements.
Fees and funding
£11,700UK students starting 2026/27 (full-time, per year)
Fees are payable upfront, in full or in instalments, but there's no need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees and about postgraduate loans and funding.
£11,700UK students starting 2026/27 (full-time, per year)
Fees are payable upfront, in full or in instalments, but there's no need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees and about postgraduate loans and funding.
£19,500International students starting 2026/27 (full-time, per year)
You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter