Artificial Intelligence | University of Aberdeen

Course summary

This programme engages with all aspects of AI, from its fundamentals to the cutting-edge techniques revolutionising how we live, learn, work and socialise, to open up career opportunities in this dynamic, fast-moving field. The MSc Artificial Intelligence covers the theoretical underpinning of a wide variety of AI-related techniques including data and text mining, machine learning, reasoning, natural language generation, knowledge representation, and distributed AI systems as well as the technology, techniques, tools, software and methodologies used to apply these underlying theories to real-world problems.

You will learn how to engineer and evaluate AI systems and also engage in debates around the legal and ethical issues involved in the ethics of AI technology. The programme culminates with a research project, which you will undertake under the supervision of a member of staff and can also be undertaken with an external company or organisation. Typical projects include extending, improving or adapting existing AI theories or techniques to solve different problems or comparing competing techniques or tools to solve a particular problem.

The skills and knowledge you will learn on this programme is shaped by the latest research in AI. The University of Aberdeen has over 30 years’ of experience, and a worldwide reputation in AI-related research, focusing on areas such as machine learning, data science, natural language generation, and multi-agent systems. Data and AI is one of five interdisciplinary research priorities for the University of Aberdeen and the department has strong links with the University's Centre for Data and Artificial Intelligence.

Spin-out successes from the University of Aberdeen include ARRIA NLG, one of the world’s leading natural language generation companies. Our close industry links mean you will have opportunities to apply your skills through training and networking events and industrial placements organised through organisations such as the Data Lab, Intel AI Academy, IBM, Intelligent Plant, and Aberdeen City Council.

Modules

Course Modules

View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your master’s degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.

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Entry requirements

Our minimum entry requirement for this programme is a Computing Science degree at 2:2 (lower second class) UK Honours level (or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth).

Key subjects you must have covered: Python, Algorithmic problem solving and Data Structures. Programming experience in other languages, such as Java, C and C++, is recommended - but not required - to follow the courses taught in this programme.

Applicants with a 2:2 or equivalent in Engineering (e.g. Electronic/Electrical Engineering) will be reviewed by the selectors for suitability on a case-by-case basis.

English language requirements

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)	6.5	Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted.
TOEFL (iBT)	90	TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818
PTE Academic	62	Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted
Institution's Own Test	Pass	Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for one year) Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course

To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Standard requirements are used by the Schools of Biological Sciences; Engineering; Geosciences; Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; Natural and Computing Sciences; and Psychology. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your course, unless otherwise stated.https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

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

Fee information is not yet published for entry in Academic Year 2027/2028. For guidance, the fees on the University Online Prospectus website are for 2026/27.

Sponsorship information

Aberdeen Alumni Discount - PG

This scholarship is available for students registered for online programmes and on-campus programmes delivered at our Aberdeen campus.

A special ‘loyalty discount’ of 20% off the cost of any element of self funded graduate study is available to University of Aberdeen graduates who wish to undertake further study at the University of Aberdeen. The discount applies to a range of taught graduate programmes (Masters, Diploma, Certificate and Short Course), and the year one of a full time research programme (years one and two for part time research students). It is available to both UK/EU and International students.

Please see Eligibility at the link provided.

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/69