Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering MSc

Deepen your expertise in software engineering by becoming an expert in Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering.

About this programme

The MSc brings together advanced topics in software engineering with essential knowledge and skills required to design, build, deploy and manage machine learning systems in complex real-world environments. The programme provides the opportunity to conduct a substantial research or engineering project.

There is a high demand for graduates with combined expertise in machine learning and software engineering to fill positions advertised as Artificial Intelligence Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer or Data Engineer.

This new MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering responds to this demand by integrating modules from our highly regarded MSc in Software Systems Engineering and from our Master’s in machine learning, together with newly created modules in data engineering.

The programme covers foundations and practices for all software engineering activities needed for the design, coding, testing, deployment and evolution of large-scale, data-intensive systems. It also includes electives in machine learning and data science.

I believe the Department of Computer Science at UCL is very supportive when it comes to building industry connections and helping career development. They frequently invite representatives from various companies to give talks, which can be incredibly informative.

Female student wearing a white jacket stood in front of a pale blue building

Narmin Mustafali - Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering MSc graduate

Watch Overview of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering MSc - UCL Computer Science Department on YouTube.

Why study this programme?

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities:

  • Recognition from a top-ranked university: UCL is consistently ranked among the best universities globally (ranked 9th in the QS World University Rankings 2026), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide.
  • High-quality education from leading experts: Learn from world-renowned academics who are at the forefront of computer science innovation. UCL Computer Science is recognised for its research excellence, being ranked first in England and second in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics in the UK’s most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
  • Real-world experience through project work: Apply your knowledge and skills in practical settings with a substantial research project. Many of these projects are conducted in collaboration with industry partners via the IXN Industry Exchange Network, giving you valuable hands-on experience and industry insights.
  • Strong employability with high employment rates and starting salaries: Our graduates are highly sought after in the job market, thanks to UCL’s strong reputation and the practical, industry-focused skills gained during the programme. You’ll be well-prepared to enter a variety of high-demand roles in AI and data engineering.
  • Enhanced research skills: The research-based components of the programme will equip you with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, preparing you for potential doctoral studies or research-intensive roles in industry.

Modules

Compulsory modules

  • Software Development Practice
  • Professional Practice
  • Engineering for Data Analysis 1
  • Engineering for Data Analysis 2
  • MSc Software, Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering Group Project
  • MSc Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering Research Project
  • Requirements Engineering and Software Architecture
  • Validation and Verification

Optional modules may include:

  • Supervised Learning
  • Introduction to Machine Learning
  • Data Science
  • Information Retrieval and Data Mining
  • Applied Deep Learning

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment, and module content and availability are subject to change.

Who is the programme for?

Entry requirements

This programme is for you if:

  • you have a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree (or international qualification of an equivalent standard) in computer science, computing, or software engineering, including a good background in data systems, artificial intelligence, and mathematics. Relevant work experience may also be considered;
  • you have a background and a strong interest in software engineering.

If your primary interest is in data science and machine learning rather than the engineering of complex software systems that use Machine Learning, our other Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning-related MSc programmes may be more suitable.

Employability 

Many sectors rely on large Artificial Intelligence or data-driven software systems, and you will gain exposure to some of these throughout the programme due to UCL’s strong industry ties. You will acquire a strong skillset in the many aspects of large software systems engineering during this programme, enabling you to pursue a career as an Artificial Intelligence software engineer, Artificial Intelligence system engineer or general software engineer when you graduate.

The research-based curriculum promotes strong research skills, which you will develop through your final research project/dissertation; you will be well-equipped to undertake doctoral research in software engineering for large data-driven systems.

Computer Science Postgraduate students earned on average £53,000* per year.  

(*This figure is the mean salary taken from the most recent aggregated Graduate Outcomes Data (2018-2023) for postgraduate taught graduates from UCL Computer Science.)

Career destinations

This programme launched in September 2024, so we do not have Graduate Outcomes Data. However, Computer Science alumni have been employed at global companies, sometimes by the companies they have engaged within the context of their final project/dissertation, whilst others have gone on to pursue further study or a career in academia.

Significant attention has been received from various industrial partners who eagerly seek to recruit graduates from the esteemed programme. Their enthusiastic support and endorsement acknowledge the exceptional skills and qualifications possessed by our graduates in the dynamic fields of Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering.

The strong demand for graduates in the current job market is further highlighted through collaborative engagement with industrial partners. The exceptional value and expertise provided by the programme are recognised by the industry, positioning our graduates as highly sought-after candidates for a wide range of employment opportunities.

Future Events 

We do not have any further open events planned for the academic year of 2025/26. 

We plan to run both in-person and online events next academic year. If you would like to receive information about these events and general information from UCL Computer Science, please complete the form below. 

 

 To see full information about this programme, including its structure, detailed module descriptions, fees and funding, full entry requirements and more, please visit the UCL Graduate Prospectus