2. How you learn

The course builds on your foundational knowledge by introducing programming for data analytics, data manipulation and visualisation, and machine learning foundations. You’ll also explore neural networks and their application to make decisions based on data. 

We’ll consider ethics, security, privacy and AI-bias in data, alongside the fundamental data analytics and AI technologies, and responsible approaches to their use and applications. 

You learn through:  

• lectures 
• tutorials and seminars 
• regular feedback 
• laboratory sessions 
• real-world problem and practical activity-based sessions and assessment 
• group and individual project work 

Key themes 

You’ll build on your core knowledge with larger projects that solve challenging real-world problems, collaborating with industry clients. During the projects you’ll have regular scrum meetings with academics and clients to identify narratives, learning needs and action plans. You’ll then enact these through independent study, combining support from academics and self-directed study.   

As the course progresses, you’ll explore and research the hybrid domain of data science and AI. This further enhances your learning in the area and is the start of your individual dissertation project. Here you’ll tailor a significant piece of work of your choosing in the discipline.

Course support

You’ll receive support from academic advisers and regular guidance from a supervisor during your dissertation. You’ll also act as mentors for new students.

Course leaders and tutors

Vishal Parikh

Principal Lecturer in Information Systems and Data Management

Vishal is a senior lecturer in Information Systems, and teaching on both undergraduate and postgraduate courses run by the Department of Computing. He is also a Fina … Read more

Applied learning

Work experience 

This course has a work experience route that offers a placement in industry of up to 12 months. For further information, please see MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Work Experience).

Live projects

We have strong links with the data analytics and AI industry, making sure curriculum content is relevant and aligned with industry requirements. Our partners and collaborations across local and national research centres include Sheffield Hallam’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Robotics, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, AstraZeneca and the British Machine Vision Association. 

Collaborations with domain experts mean you get to see cutting-edge technologies and real-world applications. These collaborations include live projects, where you can work on real-world challenges in data science and the application of AI to data analysis. These projects encourage technical and professional skills that are essential for industry employment – such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication and leadership. The aim is to mirror the complexity of scenarios encountered in the professional realm. 

Networking opportunities

Through networking events you’ll be able to connect with industrial professionals. Building these connections enhances your understanding of the AI landscape, opening doors to mentorship, internships and potential employment opportunities. 

You’ll also be able to interact with our MSc Big Data Analytics and MSc Artificial Intelligence students. You can attend our AI Festival – which brings together different cohorts for an insightful day of presentations, networking opportunities and celebrations of completed projects. The events also include themed competitions, allowing you to showcase your skills and knowledge in AI, promoting innovation and development in this rapidly evolving field. 

As part of your learning on the course, we also have regular guest lectures who are experts in their field of AI. 

3. Future careers

The course prepares you to develop a wide range of careers, including: 

• AI data science consultancy
• data science and AI engineering
• financial data science
• machine learning 

4. Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

City Campus

City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.

City Campus map | City Campus tour 

Location

Howard Street
Sheffield
S1 1WB

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Adsetts library

Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.

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6. Entry requirements

8. Fees and funding

• Home students
• International students

Home students

Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £10,620 for the course.

If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.

International students

Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,725 for the course.

Postgraduate student loans

Up to £12,858 is available in 2025/26 for home students on most masters courses.

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Additional course costs

The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

General course additional costs

Additional costs for School of Computing and Digital Technologies (PDF, 131.3KB)

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.