MSc — 2025 entry People-Centred Artificial Intelligence (Online)
Our online MSc People-Centred Artificial Intelligence stands apart as the sole course of its kind in the UK. Using a unique, cross-disciplinary approach, shaped by the pan-university Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI (PAI), the course places the human, ethical and social elements at the heart of AI innovation.
About this
course
This online postgraduate taught course is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of AI by incorporating a wide range of core topics, equipping you for roles in industry, research, development or public service. Experience a truly cross-disciplinary approach to AI that will equip you to use responsible and inclusive innovation to solve the grand challenges facing society.
Place humans at the heart of innovation and implementation, and help augment human capabilities to deliver an inclusive and responsible force for good.
Statistics
Top-rated school
Ranked No. 1 in the UK for computer vision*, and No. 5 for AI**, for outstanding faculty research contributions to prestigious publications in the computer science field (2023–2024).
Pioneering research
The university pioneered Machine Perception in 1986 through the world-leading Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing.
AI research legacy
Curriculum is informed by the Surrey Institute for People-Centred Artificial Intelligence and is designed to augment human capabilities for the benefit of society.
*Computer Science Rankings: Computer Vision (2023–2024)
**Computer Science Rankings: AI (2023–2024)
What you will study
The MSc People-Centred Artificial Intelligence course has a strong focus on technical expertise, and weaves social, ethical and regulatory understanding into a curriculum designed to build future leaders of AI innovation. Under the guidance of industry pioneers, you’ll learn fundamental AI concepts and master universal machine learning tools essential for any AI job role, as well as specific practical and research skills in key AI topics and applications.
The curriculum is delivered through a combination of asynchronous teaching and learning activities and regular live sessions. It culminates in a project that provides an opportunity to explore, in depth, a social or technical area of AI.
Modules
The MSc consists of 180 credits and is divided into 11 fully autonomous credit-bearing modules, delivered through a ‘carousel’ approach across six terms. All modules are worth 15 credits, except the final project, which is worth 30 credits.
Tuition and fees are subject to change and may increase each academic year. Tuition does not include technology platform licensing, or support services.
Once you have been accepted on the course, pay your tuition fees online.
February 2025 - Part-time - 2 years
- UK/Overseas
- £6,450 per year
June 2025 - Part-time - 2 years
- UK/Overseas
- £6,450 per year
September 2025 - Part-time - 2 years
- UK/Overseas
- To be confirmed per year
A complex world calls for flexible learning designed for your needs. In the online MSc People-Centred Artificial Intelligence course, you’ll find an intuitive platform, comprehensive support and top-notch education designed for real people with real lives.
- Attend regular teaching sessions, held on Zoom, that allow for rich discussion and debate with peers and faculty.
- Complete interactive assignments, using a customisable platform that follows best practices for online learning.
- Access full-spectrum career services, including interview prep, one-on-one coaching, self-assessments and salary resources.
- Connect with a student success advisor, who will serve as your dedicated partner throughout the course.
Learn from leading academics and industry pioneers
As a student in the Artificial Intelligence MSc course, you will learn from our faculty who are experienced, active practitioners and top researchers in translating computer science research into commercial application. They bring their real-world experiences and case studies to the online classroom.
The online course prepares you for a broad range of career paths beyond tech-facing roles. While this may include joining one of the big tech companies, you could also carve your own path via the entrepreneurial route or by pursuing further research.
The social approach of this course can help those looking to channel their tech expertise to leverage innovation for the betterment of people and society. You could do this as a regulatory agent or policy maker, and shape the laws that control AI implementation both in the UK and around the world.
You could also leverage the cross-disciplinary research to use AI to solve challenges in industries such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing or entertainment. With the rapid growth of AI changing the way we live, work, learn and play, your career opportunities are limitless.
Our MSc helps you prepare for roles such as:
- AI scientist at a global technology company
- AI analyst in finance or other jobs requiring a systematic understanding of AI
- Entrepreneurial roles (in business start-ups focused on AI technology, for example)
- Industry-sponsored PhD studentship at the cutting edge of AI research
We seek applicants who are interested in channelling tech expertise to leverage innovation for the betterment of people and society. While not a hard requirement, it’s strongly recommended that prospective students have an undergraduate degree in engineering, physical, mathematical or computer science, as there is a significant amount of programming in the course.
Applicants must have a minimum of a lower second-class honours (2:2) UK undergraduate degree, or a recognised equivalent international qualification.
Because there is a significant amount of programming in the course, we strongly recommend that applicants have a degree in one of the following disciplines:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
We will also consider graduates with relevant work or programming experience.
International students in the United Kingdom
International applicants: search for entry requirements for your country to find the grade and qualifications we will accept.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence of your English language level. We accept results from the IELTS Academic with a minimum score of 6.5 overall, with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in each other element.
Application requirements
For further information, please see our admissions criteria and application requirements.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
- First when we make an offer.
- Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.