A prospective student of AI masters is required a background in computer sciences, and possession of ‘solid mathematical skills, including linear algebra and calculus’ (City, University of London, 2024). Google results for Artificial Intelligence Masters fetches MSc degrees. ‘A Bachelor’s degree with a high (minimum of 65%) 2:1 honours (or international equivalent) in Computer Science or another relevant quantitative discipline (such as Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Natural Science, Electronic Engineering, General Engineering, Operations Research, or a joint degree in two such subjects),’ says the requirements for Artificial Intelligence MSc at King’s College London. 

I fail to meet the requirements for MSc degrees. I studied Broadcast and Digital Journalism at University of West London (UWL). I want to be part of the AI industry, What Can I Do?

The University of Birmingham offers an alternative for students with social science backgrounds. MSc AI and Government is ‘designed for ambitious social scientists seeking to drive change, this innovative degree builds your technical abilities’ (University of Birmingham, 2024). This MSc feeds the interest of non-STEM students merging AI industry needs in UK with fundamental knowledge in machine learning, natural language processing, generative AI and data science. I find particularly interesting the course offered the University of Birmingham prepares students for a volatile AI industry without governmental regulations. On a future post, I will discuss UK’s approach to AI regulation.

Currently, post-graduate offer in AI is divide in three categories: MSc degrees focused in AI development; MA degrees developing an AI ethical and societal AI framework; and masters merging philosophy and software skills. The later is offered by the University of Birmingham.

AI ethics can be studied from different types of courses. AI Governance: Technology, Ethics and Institutions is an one-day course offered by the University of Oxford in December 2024. The course covers a historic revision of AI, and an exploration of the impact and implications of it in the international stage. The course fee starts from £110. People who are interested in the course can attend online or in person at Rewley House, Oxford. Ethics of AI is a 3 weeks course offered by The London School of Economics and Politics. The course is created by the Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method. It targets professionals and leaders within tech industry who want to expand their understanding of AI implication in society. These short-term courses reflect the growing need of understanding and applying ethics to the implementation of AI in everyday-life. 

AI ethics will impact the perception, adoption and use of AI in the coming years. It is down to the early cohorts of AI courses to shape companies and communities with their knowledge. It is worth to keep track of this development.  

Masters in artificial intelligence regulation ethics philosophy, I googled a different set of keywords after my first failed attempt to retrieve relevant results. Adding ‘ethics’ and ‘philosophy’ to the search brought back the following results:

None of the results above are London universities. Birkbeck, University of London appears further down on the same page.  Birkbeck’s AI, Ethics and Society course is one of the most accessible options to everyone wanting to add AI studies to their CV. ‘Option modules give you the chance to explore the regulatory and theoretical challenges that new algorithmic technologies pose to the law’ (Birkbeck, University of London, 2024). Students can choose from a range of 7 option modules including Big Data Management, Demystifying Computing with Python, and Introduction to Analytics and Business. This is a comprehensive course focused on developing analytical skills. 

The University of Cambridge and University of Edinburgh courses are distinctive from other educational offerings. Their course are created by researching institutions that provide up-to-date information to their students. The Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence says, ‘as the programme is run by a specialist research centre, rather than a department, the curriculum is uniquely multidisciplinary, informed by up-to-the-minute research developments, and incorporates experts from diverse areas, including philosophy, machine learning, computer science, policy, law, and more’ (University of Cambridge, 2024). Access to a community of researchers after the course ends, it is an attractive benefit for students. ‘The Futures Institute model (which we call ‘fusion’ teaching) allows students to study on a fully online basis, or to combine online with on-campus study’ (University of Edinburgh, 2024). The University of Edinburgh offers the course online, targeting students whose living and professional circumstances are less flexible. 

The application window is open for courses starting in 2025. University fees are subject to change. Please check up-to-date information on the universities’ website. Wishing you a smooth and successful application process.