Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence MSc
2 Years | Distance Learning | Upcoming Intakes: January 2025, April 2025

If you’re looking to switch careers into computer science, wanting to enhance your existing professional opportunities, or interested in developing your knowledge of AI, this course is for you. 

It’s designed for graduates with degrees in an unrelated subject to kickstart a new AI career in one of the fastest growing sectors within computer science. You’ll develop the core understanding of information technology and artificial intelligence needed to work as a machine learning engineer, web developer and other in-demand roles. 

If you’re already working in IT, it will give you the specialist AI skillset you need to progress or specialise.

And if you work in an organisation that generates data every day, this course will teach you how to harness AI, machine learning and data analysis to supercharge commercial performance. Discover more about studying Computer Science at Northumbria. 

A minimum of 15 hours study per week is recommended for this course, making it ideal for working professionals. Our distance learning delivery and flexible model on the computer science MSc means you can balance your studies alongside any existing commitments. Gain your Masters within 27 to 48 months depending on how fast you want to study.

We’ve designed this Masters in partnership with online experts to make sure you get the most flexible and engaging experience possible. We understand all our students are different and lead busy lives. That’s why our focus is on self-paced, interactive learning that will allow you the freedom to study whenever and wherever it suits you. The recommended study time for the course is 15 hours a week. 

You will access all your computer science learning materials through our eLearning portal (elp) Blackboard Ultra. You will study one module at a time. The form of your assessments will vary between modules but all of them will be submitted online. There will be no need to come to campus throughout the duration of your course. Discover more about how we help distance learners succeed at Northumbria University.

Each of our modules has been carefully designed to ensure you gain the knowledge you need about that topic in the most effective, most engaging way. However, all of them will be split into multiple sessions and follow a three-stage structure: Learn, Explore and Apply. In each teaching week, you’ll have the chance to engage with interactive tools and media, ranging from text-based to video/audio (“Learn”), as well as complete online readings (“Explore”) in your own time. There will also be the chance to test yourself and receive formative feedback. 

You’ll join a supportive, lively online community. Throughout the course, you will participate in virtual discussion boards with your academics and fellow students, sharing your thoughts, knowledge, and experience with them as you learn (“Apply”). In addition, you will be able to attend live webinars on key aspects of the module and its delivery/structure, such as assessments. These sessions will offer you the chance to engage with your tutors in real time and ask any questions you have about the course. If you are unable to attend these scheduled sessions, they will also be recorded so you can watch them at a time that works for you.   

As well as the support of your module tutors and fellow students, you’ll have access to our Student Success Team from day one through to graduation. Whether you need pastoral guidance, help with assessments or advice about fees, they will be with you at every step. Blackboard Ultra also offers 24/7 access to a range of advice and support services, such as Ask4Help, too. 

You will also be able to access over half a million books and e-books through our online University Library Services.

Northumbria is ranked in the top 50 UK universities according to The Guardian University Guide 2022. You’ll learn from academics based in our Computer and Information Sciences department. Northumbria University is rated as one of the best young UK universities in global rankings (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022). 

As part of the Institute of Coding, the Computer Science MSc with Artificial Intelligence course’s remit includes helping close the gap between the increasing demand for digital skills and the supply of sufficiently trained recruits. 

The teaching staff’s specialisms include artificial intelligence, big data, digital networks, social computing, human-computer interaction, the Internet of Things and information sciences. Get to know some of the tutors you may learn from below, or meet the rest of the department here.

Our Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence MSc has been designed to ensure you benefit directly from our Computer and Information Sciences department’s research output.  

Throughout your studies, you’ll be immersed in a research-rich environment pioneered by our dedicated research groups, including our Computational Intelligence and Visual Computing (CVIC) research group. The group develops and disseminates emerging work in computational and machine learning intelligence. They focus on solving real problems related to the broad area of physical and soft digital security, graphical visualisation, visual data processing, and machine automation.   

As part of the UK government-funded Institute of Coding, set up to help fill the growing digital skills shortage, we’ll equip you with the advanced research skills employers are looking for. 

You’ll learn sought-after programming web languages and software, including Python, Javascript, Oracle SQL Plus, Pandas, Python 3 and Microsoft Azure. 

Throughout the course, you’ll be encouraged to ask innovative questions and hone your critical thinking and problem solving skills. All of this will culminate in you producing your own Masters-level dissertation project in the final stages of the course, on a topic of your choice.  

Demand for employees with specialist Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence qualifications is high. During this course, you’ll build the in-depth understanding and skills needed to advance your career in computer science, even if you’re new to the field. 

We’ve handpicked our modules to help you stand out in a lucrative market, developing both your “soft skills” and your technical capabilities. You’ll take broad-based Computer Science modules, including Object Orientated Programming, Data Modelling and Analytics and Secure Web Development, as well as those dedicated to refining your specialist AI skill set. 

You’ll explore topics such as digital signage and image processing systems, shallow and deep learning neural network techniques, unsupervised machine learning techniques, intelligent user interfaces and more. You’ll also have a chance to grow your interpersonal, research, project management and problem solving skills through an independent dissertation project. Discover what skills you need to get a job in AI.

Upon graduation, you’ll be well placed to take up a range of roles, including but not limited to: 

• Machine Learning Engineer
• Research Scientist
• Algorithm Developer
• Computer Vision Engineer
• SLAM Engineer
• Solutions Architect
• Engineering Manager  

Successful completion of this Masters in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence could also lead you to a Postgraduate Research Degree. As a distance learning student, you’ll be able to tap into our Careers and Employment Service, which offers a range of resources and support, available online and on a one-to-one basis.