Overview
The UK high-performance computing (HPC) market is projected to reach £2.44 billion (USD 3.09 billion) by 2030. This is driven by the growing adoption of machine learning and big data analytics. These technologies are fuelling the demand for advanced HPC resources capable of managing and analysing massive datasets (Source: Grand View Research, Inc).
This course is for anyone with an undergraduate degree in computer science looking to gain advanced programming skills and cutting-edge expertise in AI.
Gain hands-on industry experience
Our Masters in Advanced Computing with AI offers opportunities to work with our AI experts on commercially relevant projects. You can also work on projects with industry or tech providers. Past placements have been at companies such as:
- Aggreko
- Craft Prospect
- OPEX
- ST Microelectronics R&D (UK) Ltd
- Falcon Foodservice
- Diageo
- Dukosi Ltd
- Canon Medical Research Europe
- Synaptec
Equip yourself with cutting-edge programming and AI skills
The course prepares you for a successful career in advanced software development or artificial intelligence. The MSc Advanced Computing with AI teaches you how to:
- implement advanced software solutions for a range of different platforms using appropriate technologies;
- use high performance parallel computing software technologies to efficiently solve complex processing problems;
- critically assess the suitability of software and AI solutions for commercial or public sector applications;
- use AI-based computer vision technologies to build computer systems that understand visual input or generate visual output;
- build an AI-supported human-computer dialogue system capable of interacting with speech or text using natural language;
- solve difficult computational or data problems using appropriate tools and structures.
You’ll learn mathematics and statistics, advanced programming and scripting in the languages Python and R, and parallel programming. You’ll also explore a modern, data-driven approach to AI including computer vision, natural language processing, and generative AI.
Learn from computer science and AI experts
Our academics lead cutting-edge research in computer science and AI. They focus on areas like complex systems modelling, computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing and optimisation.
The course offers a great opportunity to build your professional network with peers and industry leaders.
You’ll engage with industry through guest lectures and local industry career events. Recent speakers include Huawei, Bigspark, Red Star (AI for healthcare), Virtonomy, KBC Group, and Leonardo UK.
Top reasons to study with us
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree in computer science or a closely related subject such as software engineering. Applicants for this course are required to have significant programming experience.
This course is intended for students with a strong background in computing and programming. If you do not have a degree in computing, or a closely related subject, or equivalent experience, then you are strongly encouraged to join either our Big Data or Artificial Intelligence programmes instead.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
This course will cover the following key topics and technologies:
- Artificial Intelligence for Natural Language Processing
- Advanced Programming with Python
- Machine Learning
- Artificial Intelligence for Computer Vision
- Stochastic Processes and Optimisation
Modules
Compulsory modules for full time course
| Advanced Programming with Python (ITNPAC1) | 20 credits |
| Machine Learning (ITNPBD6) | 20 credits |
| Artificial Intelligence for Computer Vision (ITNPAI2) | 20 credits |
| Artificial Intelligence for Natural Language Processing (ITNPAI3) | 20 credits |
| Stochastic Processes and Optimisation (MATPMD4) | 20 credits |
| Option to choose between two dissertation options: | |
| Option 1: Dissertation Project (ITNPBD5) | 60 credits |
| Option 2: Professional Doctorate First Stage (ITNPMR9) | 60 credits |
Compulsory modules for part time course
| Advanced Programming with Python (ITNPAC1) | 20 credits |
| Machine Learning (ITNPBD6) | 20 credits |
| Artificial Intelligence for Computer Vision (ITNPAI2) | 20 credits |
| Artificial Intelligence for Natural Language Processing (ITNPAI3) | 20 credits |
| Option to choose between two part time dissertation options: | |
| Option 1: Dissertation Project (ITNPBDJ) | 60 credits |
| Option 2: Professional Doctorate First Stage (ITNPMRJ) | 60 credits |
| Stochastic Processes and Optimisation (MATPMD4) | 20 credits |
Course Details
Teaching
Modules offer a mixture of online content including videos, recorded short lectures, interactive activities, and face to face teaching sessions.
There’s a real mix of practical technology sessions taught in labs and workshops along with lectures, seminars and tutorials teaching you the theories and skills you will need for your career.
You’ll carry out a dissertation project using an artificial intelligence solution of your choice. With support from our staff, you’ll choose a specialist topic and become a real expert. You'll start with an in-depth analysis of the topic and its technology. Then you'll build a solution that will showcase your skills to employers and give you the knowledge to win a high level, high salary job.
Assessment
This is a practical course and the assessment reflects that. Each module has an assignment or an exam or both, but the emphasis is on the course work.
Course director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
There’s a high demand for graduates that have both advanced computer science and artificial intelligence skills. This is due to the predicted growth of the UK high-performance computing market.
The advanced computing and modern artificial intelligence skills that you will learn on this course will prepare you for a career in advanced software development or AI.
The average artificial intelligence developer salary in the UK is £60,000. Entry level positions start at £50,000 per year. More experienced workers make in excess of £81,000 per year (Source: UK Talent).
Career opportunities across industries
Graduates can explore exciting computing and AI careers in a variety of sectors, including:
- Gaming
- Media and entertainment
- Retail
- Transportation
- Government and defence
- Education & research
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare and bioscience
Potential roles for graduates could be in:
- Working with servers
- Data storage
- Networking devices
- Software development
- Cloud services
(Source: Grand View Research, Inc)
