STUDY

Postgraduate

MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Green data/particle wave
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: N/A
Start date: September 2025
Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: 2:2 or above in an undergraduate degree.
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: N/A
Start date: September 2025
Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: 2:2 or above in an undergraduate degree.

Overview

The MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is a postgraduate conversion degree. It is a partnership between us and you – we will give you the opportunities to gain deep knowledge, practical skills and meaningful expertise in data science and artificial intelligence, you bring enthusiasm, determination and a willingness to learn and make the most of the opportunities.

The University of Suffolk is an accredited AWS Academy, allowing students on the MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence degree to be taught the AWS Academy cloud computing curriculum by approved AWS Educators. 

This is a conversion course so your undergraduate degree can be in any subject.

Postgraduate Information Week 2025

Join us for PG Information week, where we will be exploring how postgraduate study can maximise your career prospects. The week will include live Q&As, discussions, and presentations, from industry professionals and current students about the benefits of postgraduate study, and how it can give your career a boost.

Find out more about PG Information Week Sign up to our PG Week sessions here
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The University of Suffolk is world-class and committed to our region. We are proudly modern and innovative and we believe in transformative education. We are on the rise with a focus on student satisfaction, graduate prospects, spending on academic services and student facilities.

2nd

in the East of England for graduate prospects

(The Complete University Guide 2024)

6th

in the UK for spend on academic services

(The Complete University Guide 2024)

11th

in the UK for social inclusion

(The Good University Guide 2023)

Course Modules

Full downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.

This module provides an introduction to the artificial intelligence (AI) and data science fields, covering the history of AI and exploring a variety of fundamental topics, such as probability, statistics and machine learning. The curriculum is designed to equip you with a thorough understanding of these foundational techniques, enabling them to apply AI and data science methods to solve complex practical problems. The module also provides an opportunity to reflect on the ethical dimension of AI and data science and sets the stage for more advanced topics later in the course.

Python is a popular programming language used by scientists working in the fields of artificial intelligence and data science. SQL (Structured Query Language) is a language used to query data stored in a relational database where large datasets are organised across multiple interconnected tables. An understanding of Python, SQL and relational databases and how the three technologies can integrate with each other is essential for solving problems within artificial intelligence and data science. This module will cover the key elements of Python programming and build towards harnessing the standard Python libraries and packages to create solutions. Best practices of Python coding will be embedded throughout the module. Relational database design and the SQL language will also be covered to enable the student to design and query datasets. You will also learn how to integrate all three technologies to create robust data-orientated applications.

The evolution of big data analytics has been significantly influenced by the advent of cloud computing. Historically, data analytics required substantial on-premises infrastructure, which was both costly and inflexible. However, with the emergence of cloud computing in the early 2000s, organisations gained the ability to process and analyse large datasets more efficiently and cost-effectively. This shift has enabled the rapid growth of big data analytics, transforming how businesses and researchers approach data-driven decision-making. This module provides a comprehensive grounding in cloud computing and NoSQL concepts and solutions, buttressed with extensive practicals to build experience in individual services and architectural designs. Moreover, the module will delve into the integration of AI and machine learning within cloud ecosystems, offering data analysts the tools to derive deeper insights and drive innovation. As the University of Suffolk is an AWS Academy partner institution, the module will give you an opportunity to acquire AWS certification(s) if you so wish.

Recent advancements in computing power, large-scale datasets and key theoretical insights have propelled the development of deep learning techniques. These techniques have significantly improved accuracy in a variety of computational tasks, such as computer vision, natural language processing, speech recognition and autonomous driving, thereby making numerous applications feasible. This module provides an in-depth introduction to deep learning models, including their fundamental components and training processes. You will explore a range of deep neural architectures, including recurrent neural networks, convolutional neural networks and transformers, as well as other AI models derived from them such as generative AI and deep reinforcement learning.

The Masters Project is the culmination of our taught MSc degrees. This project is your opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired from all the earlier modules on a real task – it is very likely a project proposed by a company or research organisation.

Course Modules 2024

Full downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.

This module provides an introduction to the artificial intelligence (AI) and data science fields, covering the history of AI and exploring a variety of fundamental topics, such as probability, statistics and machine learning. The curriculum is designed to equip you with a thorough understanding of these foundational techniques, enabling them to apply AI and data science methods to solve complex practical problems. The module also provides an opportunity to reflect on the ethical dimension of AI and data science and sets the stage for more advanced topics later in the course.

Python is a popular programming language used by scientists working in the fields of artificial intelligence and data science. SQL (Structured Query Language) is a language used to query data stored in a relational database where large datasets are organised across multiple interconnected tables. An understanding of Python, SQL and relational databases and how the three technologies can integrate with each other is essential for solving problems within artificial intelligence and data science. This module will cover the key elements of Python programming and build towards harnessing the standard Python libraries and packages to create solutions. Best practices of Python coding will be embedded throughout the module. Relational database design and the SQL language will also be covered to enable the student to design and query datasets. You will also learn how to integrate all three technologies to create robust data-orientated applications.

The evolution of big data analytics has been significantly influenced by the advent of cloud computing. Historically, data analytics required substantial on-premises infrastructure, which was both costly and inflexible. However, with the emergence of cloud computing in the early 2000s, organisations gained the ability to process and analyse large datasets more efficiently and cost-effectively. This shift has enabled the rapid growth of big data analytics, transforming how businesses and researchers approach data-driven decision-making. This module provides a comprehensive grounding in cloud computing and NoSQL concepts and solutions, buttressed with extensive practicals to build experience in individual services and architectural designs. Moreover, the module will delve into the integration of AI and machine learning within cloud ecosystems, offering data analysts the tools to derive deeper insights and drive innovation. As the University of Suffolk is an AWS Academy partner institution, the module will give you an opportunity to acquire AWS certification(s) if you so wish.

Recent advancements in computing power, large-scale datasets and key theoretical insights have propelled the development of deep learning techniques. These techniques have significantly improved accuracy in a variety of computational tasks, such as computer vision, natural language processing, speech recognition and autonomous driving, thereby making numerous applications feasible. This module provides an in-depth introduction to deep learning models, including their fundamental components and training processes. Students will explore a range of deep neural architectures, including recurrent neural networks, convolutional neural networks and transformers, as well as other AI models derived from them such as generative AI and deep reinforcement learning.

The Masters Project is the culmination of our taught MSc degrees. This project is your opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired from all the earlier modules on a real task – it is very likely a project proposed by a company or research organisation.

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WHY SUFFOLK

2nd in the UK for Career Prospects

WUSCA 2024

3rd in the UK for spend on academic services

Complete University Guide 2025

4th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction

Guardian University Guide 2024
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Student at The DigiTech Centre
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Students at The DigiTech Centre
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Students at The DigiTech Centre
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Inside The DigiTech Centre

Entry Requirements

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Career Opportunities

Employer demand for people skilled in Data Science and AI is proven. The number of AI jobs in the UK listed on its online jobs board grew 485% between 2014 and 2017 according to research from the job website ‘Indeed’. Gartner’s survey on AI revealed that there is a rapid growth in the number of AI based jobs in big organisations, and a tempo change from 4 projects per organisation in 2019 to 10 projects in 2020 and accelerating to an expected 35 projects in 2022.  
 
Regionally digital skills in general and Data Science in particular have been identified by employers as a priority area. The Innovation Martlesham cluster where the University of Suffolk’s new DigiTech Centre is co-located has seen growth in the number of ICT jobs from 600 in 2016 to 1200 in 2019 with 2000 jobs projected for 2024.

An increasing percentage of these jobs require core skills in Data Science and AI. Consultations with regional businesses revealed that there is an increasing demand for professionals with strong Data Science skills who are capable of developing machine learning models based on existing AI rapid development frameworks. As a graduate of this degree, you will be ideally placed to take advantage. 
 
In addition to careers in industry, as a graduate of this course, you will also be able to progress into doctoral research. 

Your Course Team

Dr Adnane Ez-zizi

Dr Adnane Ez-zizi is a Senior Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Course Leader for the MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

Adnane Ez-Zizi staff profile photo

Dr Kakia Chatsiou

Kakia is a Lecturer in Computing with expertise in machine learning, information management systems and data science.

Kakia Chatsiou staff profile photo

Hisham Jaward

Hisham is a lecturer in Computing and AI. Work at previous universities in Monash, Bristol and Imperial College, UK, have included developing algorithms.

Hisham Jaward staff profile photo

Steven Harris

Steve maintains an active interest in 'serious games' including, gaming for the visually impaired and early years educational games.

Steven Harris staff profile photo

Fees and Funding

UK Full-time Tuition Fee

£10,215

per year
UK Part-time Tuition Fee

£1,703*

per 30 credit module
International Full-time Tuition Fee

£15,930

per year

*Please contact Student Centre for further information on part-time fees

Further Information

Postgraduate Loans are available for this course, we also offer University of Suffolk Alumni a 25% reduction on fees, find out more below.

Postgraduate Funding Alumni Loyalty Scheme International Students

How to apply

Applying for a postgraduate programme is simple, you can apply using the link below. You can also find out more about what to include on your application and how to contact us for support during the process on the Postgraduate Study link.

Apply Now Postgraduate Study
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"The University of Suffolk empowered me to be better, to aim high and to make positive changes. I found people here that inspired me and supported me through my journey."

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