MSc Artificial Intelligence

The MSc Artificial Intelligence is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 180 credits.

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.  

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including:  

• multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments 
• discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students 
• live seminars and Q&A sessions with your tutors 
• a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals  
• support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team 

Assessments 

You’ll be assessed through a series of assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, delivering live presentations or by submitting longer written pieces. 

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways: 

• our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent 
• you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme 
• you’ll be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log into the learning platform 
• there’s a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work 
• you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise 

Online learning experience 

Your learning experience will be fully supported by high-quality learning materials and resources, delivered via our state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE).  

On average, your learning experience will include the following: 

• directed learning (40%) – this includes participating in tutor-led discussions and seminars, completing interactive exercises on the VLE, and watching videos and lecturecasts. You’ll also be able to book appointments with your module tutor during their office hours, which can be found on the VLE 
• self-directed learning (30%) – including undertaking wider reading and research in your area of study to develop your understanding of the subject area 
• assessment (30%) – time spent preparing and completing assignments and activities that contribute towards your overall assessment 

Typically, you’ll need to dedicate a minimum 15-20 hours of study per module, per week. 

Study duration 

Our MSc Artificial Intelligence has an indicative study duration of 2 years, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.  

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.  

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.  

All our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.  

On successful completion of your degree, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. 

Academic staff 

A quality teaching experience is at the heart of everything we do.  

The dedicated tutors who teach our course modules are subject matter experts, experienced academics and leading industry thought leaders. They play a vital role in ensuring the latest theories and areas of study are covered in our courses, and are proud to provide a high level of academic support. 

You can find more information on our key academic staff and their experience here. 

Quality and assurance  

We’re proud to provide a first-class education to students anywhere in the world and adhere to the strictest quality standards.  

The University of Essex Online is a recognised member of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and registered with the Office for Students (OfS).  

All our degrees are delivered by Kaplan Higher Education UK, a world-leading education provider with over 15 years’ experience. 

Artificial intelligence is creating growing demand for professionals who can apply AI technologies to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. This MSc Artificial Intelligence will equip you with the specialist knowledge and practical skills needed to enter or progress within AI and technology-focused roles. Career opportunities span a range of sectors, including technology, healthcare, financial services, manufacturing and government. Potential roles you may move in to include Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, AI Architect, Business Intelligence Lead, AI Analyst or AI Researcher. 

Alongside technical expertise, you’ll develop highly valued professional skills in research, critical thinking, project management, communication and problem-solving, helping you succeed in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Many of our graduates have gone on to work for well-known employers, such as the NHS, BT and and FBGS International NV. 

Gaining a postgraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2024 Career and Employability Survey showed: 

• 4 in 5 undergraduates said their studies helped career progression 

• 2 in 5 students feel ready to make a career change 

• 90% of students felt better prepared for their career after studying with us 

• 7 in 10 undergraduate students would recommend us to a friend 

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our MSc Artificial Intelligence, as a minimum you must have an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification.

Work experience entry route

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our MSc Artificial Intelligence, you must have at least three years’ relevant work experience in IT or computer science.

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Course induction

Once enrolled, as part of your induction which runs for two weeks, you will complete a short aptitude test designed to assess your ability to meet the intellectual and practical demands of the course. The results of the aptitude test will help us identify any support you may need and will not prevent you from continuing with your studies. In addition, you will be required to pass your first assignment within the same period to progress and continue on the course.

Full tuition fee:  

£13,206 UK / £13,884 International (2026-27) Δ

• Designated for postgraduate student loans in England.
• Pay in full upfront to secure your total tuition cost with no future fee increases or choose flexible monthly payment options to spread the cost.
• Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you are a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online.
• Global scholarships of up to 15% for international students residing in specific regions out the UK.

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach modules on our MSc Artificial Intelligence are experts in this field of computing.