Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development - Virtual Open Day
Tackle emergent challenges through this one-of-a-kind MSc programme that brings the technical side of Artificial Intelligence (AI) together with environmental and humanitarian issues.
About this programme
This is an incredible opportunity to find solutions to pressing problems in sustainable development. Taught at UCL, an international home of AI breakthroughs, this programme places graduates at the heart of a rapidly growing sector.
An MSc programme that blends technical learning with an immense opportunity to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this degree will enable you to become an AI specialist, with a crucial awareness of how AI can be applied to benefit the environment and humanity.
An intrinsically multi-disciplinary programme, you will learn from a variety of subject specialists and industry experts, gaining an in-depth understanding of why AI practitioners are also needed in sectors aside from big technology companies.
UCL Computer Science Open Event
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In my case, the majority of industry exposure came through the dissertation. When selecting projects, we had the opportunity to collaborate with over 20 industry partners. One of these was a firm called Holistic AI, founded approximately 5 years ago by UCL alumni, which operates in the field of AI governance.
When working on the project over the summer, I had the pleasure to meet and interact with people across the company, and I now work there full-time.
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, 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).
- Industry connections: Leverage UCL’s strong links with organisations such as UNESCO, the NHS, Google, and innovative start-ups, providing you with real-world problem-solving experiences and industry insights.
- Practical experience: Work on a dissertation project with an industry partner, applying your AI skills to solve a real-world problem in sustainable development.
- 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.
- Technical AI skills: You will learn about the technical side of AI and how to apply it in real-life contexts, and become part of the growing conversation on the ethics and social responsibility of AI. This burgeoning element of AI is critical to technological outlook and, as a future AI expert, you will help to shape and implement it.
Modules
Compulsory modules
- Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
- Probabilistic Modelling
- MSc Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development Project
- Deep Representations and Learning
- Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development
- Applied Artificial Intelligence
- Artificial Intelligence for Domain-Specific Applications Project Preparation
Optional modules may include:
- Information Retrieval and Data Mining
- Statistical Natural Language Processing
- Computational Modelling for Biomedical Imaging
- Accountable, Transparent, and Responsible Artificial Intelligence
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 an international qualification of an equivalent standard) in a highly quantitative subject such as computer science, physical sciences, life sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Relevant work experience may also be considered.
- Additionally, you should be comfortable with undergraduate mathematics in areas such as linear algebra and calculus. Evidence should be included within the application to demonstrate suitable mathematical skills (to at least A Level Mathematics standard), analytical skills, and programming experience in a procedural language.
Employability
As a graduate of the Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development MSc, you will bring a range of relevant skills and knowledge to future employers.
You will have gained a strong foundational knowledge of the technical aspects of AI that is critically needed by employers, from big tech companies to small start-ups. With the ability to blend technological know-how with a critical mindset and apply it to social, economic, and environmental issues, you will graduate with a set of skills that are essential in today’s world.
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
Graduates will have the core AI skills to enter various fields, particularly in organisations targeting the SDGs or within the fast-growing sustainable development start-up sector. With AI spreading across all industries, this MSc prepares you for a broad range of roles, with AI skills that are increasingly in demand.
Graduates have obtained work with CarbonRe, HolisticAI, Institute of Computing for Climate Science (University of Cambridge), CapGemini, Google, and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (UK Government).
Others have chosen to do PhDs at UCL and other leading universities around the world.
Register below to receive further information.
Future Events
- We’re planning two exciting in-person events for early 2026. To receive a personalised invitation once the booking form goes live, fill out the form below.
In-person Open Event, Bloomsbury
- Date: Thursday 5th February 2026
- What to expect: Meet staff and students from UCL Computer Science to learn more about our MSc programmes.
In-person Open Evening, UCL East
- Date: Wednesday 25th February 2026
- What to expect: Meet staff and students from UCL Computer Science based at UCL East and visit our new state-of-the-art campus. This event is for students interested in the following programmes: Disability, Design and Innovation MSc; Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MSc; Software Engineering for the Internet of Things MSc.
- Once registrations open, you’ll receive an email inviting you to sign up for the event. To ensure you receive an invitation, please select Graduate Studies as your Intended Level of Study and agree to be contacted via email.
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
