Why study this course?
Artificial intelligence is transforming every sector and the global shortage of skilled AI professionals means demand has never been higher. But in a field evolving as quickly as AI, success depends on more than technical capability. It requires adaptability, critical thinking, and the ability to judge when and how AI should be applied responsibly.
This programme blends rigorous theoretical study with hands‑on labs, group projects and opportunities to work on industry‑informed dissertations. You’ll learn to design, train and evaluate AI systems but also to question assumptions, understand limitations, and make thoughtful decisions about real‑world use.
On this MSc in Artificial Intelligence, you will:
- develop future‑proof technical skills across logic, machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing
- learn responsible AI practice, building the critical judgement needed to develop fair, transparent and ethical systems
- build critical judgement, learning how to evaluate AI technologies responsibly and make informed decisions in fast‑moving environments
- gain practical experience through lab work, collaborative projects and supervised research
- tailor your learning, with flexibility to explore other areas of computer science alongside core AI modules
- explore broader areas of computer science alongside your AI specialism, tailoring your degree to your interests
If your interests evolve, you may switch after your first semester to the MSc in Computer Science, provided you meet the programme and module requirements.
Teaching
A mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical classes.
Class sizes
Typically from 20 to 110 students.
Dissertation
A three-month project leading to a 15,000-word dissertation.
Assessment
Practical coursework exercises and exams.
Modules
The St Andrews degree structure is designed to be flexible. You study compulsory modules delivering core learning together with optional modules you choose from the list available that year.
If you choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a postgraduate diploma (PGDip) instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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- Object-Oriented Modelling, Design and Programming: introduces and revises object-oriented modelling, design and implementation up to the level required to complete programming assignments within other MSc modules.
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- Artificial Intelligence (Special Subject): This module is a guided reading module on any aspect of Artificial Intelligence not covered by other available modules.
- Complex Systems Modelling and Simulation: This module will introduce complex systems modelling and simulation, providing a broad grounding in a range of techniques and their applications to different classes of problems, with a practical focus on modern network-based models and simulation.
- Constraint Programming: introduces constraint-based reasoning as a powerful mechanism for knowledge representation and inference.
- Critical Systems Engineering: The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the concepts and development techniques used for critical, socio-technical systems.
- Databases: Introduces data models, modeling techniques, relational design and a range of issues in database implementation.
- Discrete Optimisation: This module introduces the theory and practice of discrete optimisation, whose problems are central to many real-world applications, ranging from timetabling to transportation networks.
- Fundamentals of Software Engineering: covers fundamental theory and practice of Software Engineering.
- Language and Computation: This module covers the major aspects of natural language processing and speech understanding.
- Logic and Software Verification: This module motivates the need for formal methods and software verification approaches as model checking for guaranteeing the correctness of software systems.
- Machine Learning: This module covers the essential theory and algorithms of Machine Learning, including mathematical foundations and methodological approaches.
- Machine Learning for Data Analysis: This module covers many of the methods found under the banner of Datamining, building from a theoretical perspective but ultimately teaching practical application.
- Principles of Computer Communication Systems: This module aims to equip students with a deep knowledge of fundamental concepts and terminologies of computer communication systems (CCS).
- Software Architecture and Design: introduces students to the concepts of software architecture and design as aids to developing good quality software.
- Software Quality: covers essential tools and skills for ensuring and maintaining software quality.
- Symbolic Artificial Intelligence: The module gives an overview of traditional AI methods and the philosophy of AI.
- Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence: This module covers reasoning and decision making in the presence of uncertainty.
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Students may take up to two of the following:
- Advanced Communication Networks and Systems
- Computer Architecture
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Security
- Concurrency and Multi-Core Architectures
- Databases
- Distributed Systems
- Logic and Software Verification
- Programming Language Design and Implementation
- Signal Processing: Sound, Image, Video
- Video Games
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During the second semester, students work with staff to define and agree upon a topic for the extended project, which they will work on during the final three months of the course, and which finishes in a 15,000-word dissertation. Dissertation projects may be group-based or completed individually, though students are assessed individually in either case.
The dissertation typically comprises:
- a review of related work
- the extension of existing ideas or the development of new ideas
- software implementation and testing
- analysis and evaluation
Each project is supervised by one or two members of staff, typically through regular meetings and reviews of software and dissertation drafts.
What it will lead to
Careers
Graduates with advanced AI skills are highly sought after in both industry and research. With strong technical foundations and the ability to apply AI responsibly, you’ll be equipped for a wide range of exciting and well‑paid roles, such as:
- AI programmer
- machine learning engineer or consultant
- full‑stack AI developer
- data analyst or data scientist
- research scientist
- integration engineer
- Cloud and distributed‑systems consultant
- game AI developer
The combination of robust technical expertise and responsible decision‑making ensures you’ll be prepared not only for today’s roles, but for the new careers ahead.
Elevate your career
Alumni of Computer Science MSc programmes have gone on to work in a variety of global, commercial, financial and research institutions, including:
- Microsoft
- Cisco
- Civil Service
- RegGenome
Further your education
The EngD programme in Computer Science is a four-year Engineering Doctorate involving an industrial partner. If you have already completed an MSc you may be able to proceed directly to the individual research component of the EngD.
Go your own way
Our Entrepreneurship Centre offers training and start-up support, gives you access to experienced and expert mentors and an investor network, and one-to-one advice to help you realise your commercial potential.
Why St Andrews?
The School of Computer Science is highly rated for its theoretical and practical research in areas such as:
- AI
- symbolic computation
- networking
- distributed systems
- human computer interaction
- systems engineering
Get to know us
Join our optional 'Transition to CS@St Andrews' online hub to get early information about learning, teaching, assessment and student support. You can chat with staff and current students during live monthly Question and Answer sessions over the summer before the start of your course.
Events
The School of Computer Science organises a regular programme of colloquia, talks and seminars by external and internal speakers from both industry and academia. The talks are aimed at bringing the diversity, excitement and impact of computer science from around the globe to staff and students within the School.
The St Andrews Computing Society (STACS) and Women in Computer Science at St Andrews (WICS) regularly organise hackathons and other events open to local and external participants, including Masters students. These are very popular events, often supported by industrial sponsors.
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- a 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in Computer Science.
- applicants to this programme are expected to be competent programmers with prior practical experience in a programming language such as Java, C, Python, C++ or JavaScript
The qualifications listed are indicative of standard requirements for entry. Some academic Schools may require applicants to achieve higher grades than the standard to be competitive. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University takes a holistic view of every application.
If your qualification does not appear in the list, it may not meet the typical requirements for entry to this programme. You may need a higher-level qualification to be competitive, for example, a Masters degree.
English language requirements
Some applicants may need to provide an English language test score to evidence their English language ability. Find out who needs to provide evidence of English language ability. Details of acceptable tests and scores are provided below.
Test scores are only normally accepted if obtained within two years of the programme start date.
Application requirements
- CV, which should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
- Personal statement (optional)
- One original signed academic reference
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates. Please only provide certified copies with official English translations if applicable. Do not send original documents as they cannot be returned.
Fees and funding
January 2027 entry
UK £12,630
Rest of the world £31,450
Fees for September 2027 entry will be confirmed later this year.
Application fee
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
Contact us
- Postgraduate online information events
- The School can help with course content, teaching and other topics: ask the School
- Ask University Admissions about how to apply, fees, scholarships and other topics
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 10 August 2026