Master in Data Science Artificial Intelligence Ai Msc Jan

At Queen's University Belfast, applications for the Mar 2027 intake are open until Dec 15, 2026; tuition fees are 25,800 GBP per year.

Artificial Intelligence and data-driven decision-making are fundamentally altering the operational landscapes of global industries, from automating complex medical diagnostics to optimizing financial systems and advancing sustainability. As the integration of these technologies accelerates, the core challenge for modern organizations has shifted from the question of adoption to the necessity of effective, ethical implementation. Despite this rapid expansion, there remains a critical skills gap for professionals capable of bridging the divide between theoretical AI mechanics and responsible, real-world application.

This MSc is engineered to address this demand by producing graduates equipped with the technical fluency, critical thinking, and ethical awareness required to lead in a fast-moving landscape. Jointly delivered by the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EEECS) and the School of Mathematics and Physics at Queen’s University Belfast, the programme draws upon a deep interdisciplinary research culture. Students benefit from the expertise of world-class facilities, including the Centre for Intelligent Sustainable Computing and initiatives like AI for Health, which foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government sectors.

Distinctive Project-Led Approach

Designed with a unique January start, this programme rejects traditional high-stakes written exams in favor of research-based coursework and applied projects. This structure ensures that students build a comprehensive professional portfolio while gaining continuous feedback, mirroring the collaborative, iterative nature of the modern AI industry. By focusing on Ethics, Engineering, and Analytics, the programme prepares students to navigate the complexities of deploying intelligent systems in diverse environments, from bioscience and agriculture to global finance.

Queen's University Belfast is a historic and research-led university located in the heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded as Queen's College Belfast in 1845 and established as an independent university in 1908, Queen's combines a long heritage with modern ambitions. The campus sits within a designated conservation area and serves a diverse community of around 24,915 students, including roughly 3,500 international students, creating a lively and inclusive environment for study and social life.

Academically, Queen's is a Russell Group member with strong disciplinary strengths and a clear focus on employability. The university hosts four flagship Global Research Institutes addressing Global Peace, Security and Justice; Cyber Security; Health Sciences; and Food Safety, offering students opportunities to engage with impactful research. Career-facing initiatives such as Degree Plus and targeted employer workshops enhance internships, placements and graduate prospects, while sustained investment in campus infrastructure has delivered new teaching facilities, a student centre and a cutting-edge clinical simulation centre for health-related programmes.

For international students, Belfast offers an affordable and welcoming city experience with rich cultural life and efficient transport links across the UK and Ireland. University support services help with arrival, visas and accommodation, and a variety of clubs, societies and volunteering options make it easy to build networks and gain practical experience. Queen's is a strong choice for students seeking rigorous teaching, active research opportunities and clear pathways into careers in the UK and beyond.