“This course is incredibly rewarding, and upon completion, it unlocks a plethora of opportunities in various fields.”
MScApplied AI and Data Science
Apply direct
Starting in: 2025
Register your interest- 1 year full-time (January start)
- 1 year full-time with placement (January start)
- 1 year full-time (May start)
- 1 year full-time with placement (May start)
- 1 year full-time
- 1 year full-time with placement
- 2 years part-time
- 2 years part-time with placement
Entry requirements: 2:2
Or higher
Up to: 20% alumni discountFind out more
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study an applied AI and data science master's degree at Solent University
Immerse yourself in the in-demand fields of AI and data science. Using problem-based approaches, your studies will equip you with the knowledge and skills to open doors to a wide range of careers.
- 0scholarships of £10,000 each available to eligible students
- 0thUK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022)
- £0minvested in our campus estate and facilities in the last five years
- This course offers 22 scholarships of £10,000 each. The scholarship scheme is part of the £8.1m OfS funding initiative to increase the skilled workforce and diversity in AI and data science. The scholarships are available mainly for female, black, and disabled students. Students from some other groups, such as low socioeconomic backgrounds are also considered.
- Applicants from all academic disciplines can apply. This conversion course means you can apply even if you haven't studied in this subject area before. Add to your skills, diversify your knowledge, expand your experience, and learn something new.
- The placement option of this course allows you the opportunity to gain a paid work placement in industry for up to six months after completing the taught modules - giving you valuable practical experience and confidence working in industry, boosting your CV and helping you to secure jobs in this area.
- You'll have access to IT suites equipped with high-spec computers, as well as state-of-the-art-software and application development environments, enabling you to design and develop AI and data science applications for real-world problems.
- You'll benefit from strong industry links. This course has many industry partners, including IBM, Motion-Robotics, Barter For Things, 451 Research, and University Hospital Southampton.
- You'll be able to take part in our annual industry conference. Our Solent Computing, AI and Data Science (SCAIDS) conference brings together students and industry contacts, providing excellent networking opportunities.
- This course is eligible for the Postgraduate Master's student loan. This loan is from Student Finance England and can be used to cover costs (ie, accommodation, tuition fees) associated with postgraduate studies (it was up to £12,167 for 2023 entry).
- Access to free computing career consultation for life. Our careers advice service, Solent Futures is available to all Solent students and graduates for life, helping you to progress in your current career or discuss options for a change in career.
- You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.
Course overview
This postgraduate conversion course has been designed to increase AI and data science experts in the UK market with the support of the OfS and industrial partners, including IBM, Motion-Robotics, 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.
This course also offers 22 scholarships to home students (£10,000 each covering the September, January and May intakes for the 2024/25 academic year), and work placement opportunities, to increase the skilled workforce and diversity in AI and data science. These 22 scholarships will be awarded as part of the £8.1million Office for Students (OfS) funding initiative (#JoinYourAIFuture).
The scholarships are available mainly for female, black, and disabled students. Students from some other groups, such as low socioeconomic backgrounds are also considered (see scholarship criteria here and scholarship FAQs here).
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 analyse 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 Covid-19 treatments and vaccines.
The course also offers the chance to take a paid work placement in industry for up to six months after completing all modules. This gives you valuable practical experience and confidence working in industry, boosting your CV and helping you to secure jobs in this area. Support is given to help you find a placement but is your responsibility to secure one. Alternatively, you may also apply to undertake a paid research placement at the University for up to six weeks, giving you the experience of working as part of a research team. This would help you to pursue a career in research and academia.
Course features
Apply direct
You can apply direct to Solent University for this course
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
January start available
This course has an option to start in January
May start available
This course has an option to start in May.
This course is for
This conversion master's course is specifically designed for those who want to learn practical skills to apply AI and data science techniques to solve real-world problems.
The course does not require any prior technical knowledge. Therefore, the course is equally suitable for applicants who do not have any computer science or STEM background, but wish to either start a new career in AI and data science or enrich their own areas with AI and data science expertise.
What this course leads to
This course will give you the skills and knowledge to enter a variety of roles including:
- Applied AI developer
- AI strategy manager
- Data analyst
- Data scientist
- Data mining engineer
- Machine learning engineer
- Business analyst
- Digital marketing analyst
Meet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Students will have access to IT suites equipped with high-spec computers and state-of-the-art-software and application development environments required to design and develop AI and data science application for real-world problems.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
Trimester one
Core modules
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
Core modules
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
Core modules
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 artefacts that demonstrate your intellectual and practical skills.
Optional modules
Work placement (starting in year two after completing all 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.
Learning resources
At Solent, our aim is to deliver innovative, inclusive and intellectually stimulating teaching to develop self-confident and highly employable graduates. All our courses are design with employability in mind, which makes industry-based learning a priority.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent students and alumni about their careers and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more storiesLearn transferable skills
You will be supported to develop a range of transferable skills throughout the course. This includes programming, project management, problem-solving, analytical skills, technical writing, teamwork, communication and presentation skills.
These transferable skills empower you to work in a range of different industries after graduation. The course will also equip you with research and academic skills helping those who wish to pursue a PhD or an academic career.
Why choose a career in AI and data science?
According to Statista, the market for AI technologies is vast, amounting to around 200 billion U.S. dollars in 2023 and is expected to grow well beyond that to over 1.8 trillion U.S. dollars by 2030.
This new postgraduate conversion course has been designed to increase AI and data science experts in the UK market with the support of the OfS and industrial partners, including Barter For Things Ltd, 451 Research, and University Hospital Southampton.
This course will give you the skills and knowledge to enter a variety of roles including: applied AI developer, AI strategy manager, data analyst, data scientist, data mining engineer, machine learning engineer, business analyst, digital marketing analyst.
Students will have access to IT suites equipped with high-spec computers and state-of-the-art-software and application development environments required to design and develop AI and data science application for real-world problems.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent students and alumni about their careers and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more stories“This course is incredibly rewarding, and upon completion, it unlocks a plethora of opportunities in various fields.”
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Alumni network
As part of our global alumni community, you can take advantage of a range of benefits.
Whether it's been days or decades since you left us, or you're soon to don your cap and gown, things are constantly changing at Solent. We're always innovating, but we're also immensely proud of our heritage. And that means you.
Research and knowledge exchange
Research doesn't just live in publications and journals - the effects of groundbreaking research can be found everywhere you look. That's why research at Solent has always been firmly rooted in industry needs and real-world application.
Solent University prides itself on carrying out not only pioneering research, but also research that addresses real world problems. We offer opportunities to study for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in a number of areas.
At Solent, we want to help you achieve your best and discover new insights. Whether you're thinking about applying for a PhD, or already underway with your research studies, you'll find useful guidance and information in our research pages.
Research at SolentTuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK and Channel Island full-time fees: £10,475 per year
- International full-time fees: £18,450 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
All course costs are covered by your tuition fees, however you are encouraged to have a laptop for your personal use
Alumni discount
Solent alumni are eligible for a 20% reduction of tuition fees if returning to study a postgraduate course.
Find out moreBursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University has secured 36 scholarships (£10,000 each) as part of the £13million Office for Students (OfS) funding initiative (#JoinYourAIFuture) to increase the skilled workforce and diversity in AI and Data Science. These scholarships are to assist applicants from under-represented groups in AI and Data Science areas and are available for full and part-time routes of this course. Find out more on our scholarships page.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Discover Solent University Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.Find out what Southampton has to offer Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
Honours degree at 2:2 or higher in any discipline, or extensive industrial experience in this area
- Applicants should be able to show an interest in learning coding, AI and data science techniques.
- Qualifications equivalent to the above may also be considered – contact the University for further information.
- We also consider candidates with alternative qualifications and related professional experience.
Key entry requirements
Honours degree at 2:2 or higher in any discipline, or extensive industrial experience in this area.
- Applicants should be able to show an interest in learning coding, AI and data science techniques.
- Qualifications equivalent to the above may also be considered – contact the University for further information.
- We also consider candidates with alternative qualifications and related professional experience.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
Honours degree at 2:2 or higher in any discipline, or extensive industrial experience in this area.
- Applicants should be able to show an interest in learning coding, AI and data science techniques.
- Qualifications equivalent to the above may also be considered – contact the University for further information.
- We also consider candidates with alternative qualifications and related professional experience.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at this PDF document which outlines both Solent University and Home Office requirements for a number of language tests.
An honours degree at2:2 or higher
Your application checklist
Please ensure you upload the following mandatory documents with your application.
- Two academic or professional references.
- Certified transcripts of qualifications, including English language proficiency if a non-UK student.
- Copy of passport.
- Copy of current visa (if applicable).
- A personal statement.
- Employer sponsor form, where appropriate.
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 92 with a minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 20 in reading, listening and speaking
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component
or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Study options
Make your application
- 1 year full-time (January start)
- 1 year full-time with placement (January start)
- 1 year full-time (May start)
- 1 year full-time with placement (May start)
- 1 year full-time
- 1 year full-time with placement
- 2 years part-time
- 2 years part-time with placement
