Heriot-Watt University
Study Postgraduate

MSc Artificial Intelligence

The course

Delivery type
Weekdays (full-time) / Weekends (part-time)
Duration
1 year (full-time) / 2 years (part-time)
Intake date
September, January* (* part-time only)
Location
Dubai
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Overview

Our MSc in artificial intelligence gives you the understanding and skills to develop intelligent software applications, such as those involving evolutionary computation and learning.

You will develop skills in specialist areas with clear applications in industry, including data mining, pattern recognition and machine learning. The MSc project in some cases can be carried out in collaboration with an outside industrial or academic organisation.

Accreditation

This programme is accredited by the BCS, the chartered institute of IT.

Read more about the UAE Federal Accreditation.

Transcript

Artificial Intelligence refers to the ability of a computer or machine to replicate tasks that typically require human intelligence. It is behind today’s stunning advancements like chatbots, digital assistant, robots, even self-driving cars.

Now we are witnessing a wide deployment of AI technologies, in all types of enterprises, products, and services.

Organizations have used AI to improve customer experience, increase operational efficiency and grow their revenue.

And that is why jobs in AI have jumped reportedly to 75% over the past four years and are still expected to grow. 

With UAE aiming to be among the world leader in AI by 2031 and expand the use of AI across sectors like education, energy, transportation and space, career opportunities in AI are also growing at a rapid pace in the UAE & the Gulf region.

Employers look for AI professionals who can:

Understand what the different AI technologies provide including their limitations and their ethical implications.

and who can identify specific business opportunities that need improvement and can select the appropriate AI tools required for deployment.

Course content

Full-time students take four courses each semester and ordinarily must take all core courses.

Core courses

  • Biologically Inspired Computation
  • Data Mining and Machine Learning
  • Research Methods and Project Planning
  • Master's project and dissertation

Optional courses

  • 3D Graphics and Animation
  • Advanced Interaction Design
  • Advanced Software Engineering
  • Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Agents
  • Computer Games Programming
  • Software Engineering Foundations
  • Big Data Management
  • Intelligent Robotics
  • Applied Text Analytics
  • Applied Development and Operations (DevOps)

After Semester 2, students continue full-time on the MSc project.

Project

In the third semester (May-August) students undertake a specialist MSc project which is written up as a 15,000 word dissertation. This project enables further development and consolidation of skills introduced in the taught courses, applying them to a challenging practical problem in this subject area.

Entry requirements

Admission requires a good Honours degree (first or second class) that includes a substantial component of computing or IT. Equivalent overseas qualifications will be considered. 

Given the clear practical element of the programmes, other candidates holding less than a good Honours degree - or its equivalent - but with compensating qualifications or experience may be admitted to the Postgraduate Diploma programme.

A transfer to the MSc programme will be possible later on if exams and coursework are at MSc level.

To find out more about the entry requirements for this programme, please send an email to dubaienquiries@hw.ac.uk

English language requirements

Where English was not the medium of instruction at secondary school, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (with all elements passed at 6.0 or above). Applicants who have completed secondary and tertiary education will need to provide documentary evidence. A minimum of one year full-time study in English will be required.

Fees and funding

  • AED 91990*

* All tuition fees inclusive of VAT

Scholarships and bursaries

See our range of degree entry, undergraduate, postgraduate taught and PhD scholarships and discounts.