MSc Ethical and Responsible Artificial Intelligence
AI is a powerful force reshaping society. Learn how to design and manage it in a responsible and ethical way.
Key facts
- Award Masters / MSc, Postgraduate Certificate, Professional Graduate Diploma
- Start date September 2027
- Duration MSc: 12 months full time; 24 months part time. PGDip: 6 months full time; 12 months part time
- Mode of study full time, part time
- Delivery on campus
Overview
Society will only get the best out of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through responsible and ethical practice. The jobs market is reflecting this critical need as AI power surges across all industries. There were almost zero mentions of ‘responsible AI’ in jobs ads in 2019. Now there is a global demand. The responsible AI market is forecast to grow at 19.7%, reaching £2.34 (USD 3.2) billion in 2031 (Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence).
Our MSc Ethical and Responsible Artificial Intelligence will give you the expertise to make AI work, and work ethically. You will learn how to design and deploy responsible AI-enabled systems in real-world contexts.
An AI ethics degree for the real world
This degree focuses on preparing you for your career in AI. You’ll be ready to operate at the interface between technical development and organisational practice.
- Critically assess AI solutions for commercial or public sector applications.
- Learn best practice for using generative AI in scientific, commercial and educational settings.
- Learn about regulatory frameworks such as GDPR or the EU AI Act.
- Become an expert in Python, a popular scripting language used in data science and artificial intelligence.
- Select the right generative AI tools for a task.
- Use financial applications to experience working with complex ethical and regulatory requirements.
- Collect and analyse data to train a machine learning solution.
- Evaluate ethical and legal implications of solutions that incorporate AI or related technologies.
Ethics to environment: the impact of Artificial Intelligence
AI systems have the power to damage the environment, communities and workforces. With proper thought and planning, this can be avoided.
We focus on end-to-end ethical and responsible development and deployment of AI systems. We especially emphasise governance and accountability. You’ll learn how to use generative AI in a legal and socially responsible way.
Interdisciplinary specialty in digital justice
This Masters in AI ethics explores profound questions about AI and digital justice. How does AI impact social justice? What are the consequences of digital technologies in policing, courts, borders and communities? How do we reduce AI’s potential to perpetuate discrimination, repression and inequality?
We have collaborated with the university’s humanities and social science experts to ensure that critical thinking is integrated with technical knowledge.
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 or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
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.
- TOEFL exams taken before 21 January 2026: 80 overall with 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking.
- TOEFL exams taken from 21 January 2026: 4 overall with no less than 4 in any band.
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, University of Stirling International Study Centre 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
Modules
Compulsory modules (timings based on full time course)
| Yr 1, semester 1 - Autumn | Digital Justice (CRMP019) | 20 credits |
| Yr 1, semester 1 - Autumn | Python for Data Science (ITNPBD2) | 20 credits |
| Yr 1, semester 1 - Autumn | Applying Generative AI (ITNPBD4) | 20 credits |
| Yr 1, semester 2 - Spring | Mobile Financial Applications (ITNPFT3) | 20 credits |
| Yr 1, semester 2 - Spring | Responsible AI: Ethics, Governance and Safety (ITNPAI5) | 20 credits |
| Yr 1, semester 2 - Spring | Machine Learning (ITNPBD6) | 20 credits |
Dissertation options - Yr 1, semester 3 - Summer
| Dissertation Option | Professional Doctorate First Stage (ITNPMR9) | 60 credits |
| Dissertation Option | Dissertation Project (ITNPBD5) | 60 credits |
Teaching
Teaching includes a mixture of formats such as face to face lectures, seminars and practicals, as well as online content including videos, recorded short lectures and interactive activities.
Assessment
Assessments will take a range of styles including online open folder examinations; closed book examinations; reflective writing; essays; reports; presentations; multiple choice tests; and creating digital artefacts. A common pattern is to submit a mid-term coursework assessment followed by a further assessment at the end of the module.
Some modules will offer formative assessments early in the module, which do not count towards your module grade, but give you the opportunity to practice your technique and test your knowledge.
Course director
Fees and funding
|
2027/28 |
|
|---|---|
| UK and Republic of Ireland students | £11,800 |
|
International (including EU) students Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000–7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students. |
£24,300 |
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.
Fee information
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.
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
Learn more about loans and funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
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
An MSc in ethical and responsible AI opens great employment opportunities after graduation. This includes jobs across all sectors and industries.
Reports by the UK Government and the World Economic Forum highlight AI skills gaps and shortages in critical roles. Shortages are particularly evident in emerging areas such as AI governance, human–AI collaboration, and systems integration.
Companies need professionals who can manage AI risks and build public trust. Graduates can pursue careers in technology companies, financial services, consulting, government, healthcare, policy organisations and regulators.
You can find roles as a
- responsible AI specialist
- AI ethics analyst
- AI governance officer
- AI risk manager
- AI compliance specialist
- AI policy advisor
- AI auditor
- trust and safety manager
- data ethics consultant
- responsible AI programme manager
How much will you earn?
In the UK, the average salary for specialised ethical AI, AI ethics, and AI governance roles generally ranges from £66,588 per year. Top earners can make up to £162,651 (Source: Glassdoor).