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Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development MSc

London, Bloomsbury

UK students International students

Study mode

Full-time

UK tuition fees (2026/27)

£21,500

Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)

£42,700

Duration

1 calendar year

Programme starts

September 2026

Applications accepted

Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 27 Mar 2026

Applications closed

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026

Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

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, applicants 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.

The English language level for this course is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

Blend technical AI training with the chance to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in this unique Master's. You’ll become an AI specialist with the critical ability to apply AI for the benefit of the environment and humanity.

UCL Computer Science, renowned worldwide for its role in AI breakthroughs, offers an interdisciplinary programme where you’ll study machine learning and AI while also exploring their applications to sustainable development challenges.

Studying in London, recognised as the best city in the world to study AI, further enriches your learning experience.

You’ll learn from subject specialists and industry experts across various fields, gaining the insights needed to apply AI beyond traditional tech roles. A key feature is the individual project, where you’ll partner with stakeholders facing sustainable development challenges. As a result, you’ll not only gain hands-on experience in AI-driven problem-solving, but you’ll also have an impact on real world issues.

From life-saving drone deliveries in Rwanda to agricultural innovations in the Netherlands, AI is already transforming the world. By joining this programme, you’ll be part of the next generation of AI practitioners, ready to develop creative solutions that support global well-being.

Who this course is for

This programme is ideal for graduates from a wide variety of backgrounds, including computer science, mathematics, statistics, economics, physical sciences, life sciences, engineering or similar disciplines. It offers technical AI training and shows you how to apply it in real-world scenarios, making it particularly suitable for those passionate about using technology to contribute to sustainable development solutions. Every year, this Master’s programme also welcomes a range of experienced professionals from public servants to digital activists to social entrepreneurs.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

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 9^th in the QS World University Rankings 2026), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide.
World leaders in sustainability: Learn how to apply AI to Sustainable Development Goals at an institution recognised for its commitment to Sustainability (ranked 1^st in the UK and 5^th globally in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2025).
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.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

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.

If you're interested in learning more about the academic and professional journeys of UCL Computer Science students, please visit our Student Experiences page. While some of these testimonials feature alumni working in industry or research, we also interview students during their studies.

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.

Theo King

MSc Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development

Read more about Theo

Employability

Graduates of this programme will bring essential AI skills to any sector, with a strong foundation in applying these technologies to sustainable development. You will have demonstrated your technical abilities through hands-on projects and developed a creative, solution-focused mindset that is critically needed in today’s world.

Networking

You’ll have regular opportunities to connect, collaborate and network with peers and members of academia and industry as part of your Master’s, particularly through collaborative project work and research seminars.

As a student and later as a graduate, you will have access to the UCL Careers events programme, connecting you with employers and alumni. This programme provides invaluable insight into the reality of different roles, sectors, and current application processes.
UCL also has a large number of clubs and societies, such as the AI Society, Computer Science Society, and Environmental, Social and Governance Society, which can be an effective way to connect with peers who share similar interests and career goals.
Be part of a university where entrepreneurial minds thrive. Our academic and industrial networks provide a safe and supportive environment if you want to grow your own company.
London’s Tech scene is vibrant and has regular networking events.

Teaching and learning

This programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, lab classes, and self-directed learning supported by online resources.

You will be assessed through various methods, including coursework, projects, exams, and a final research project/dissertation.

For full-time students, typical contact hours are approximately 14-16 contact hours per teaching week, depending on module selections and timetabling. These contact hours include lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, office hours and other events.

Outside of these sessions, students are expected to engage in significant self-directed study and complete assessments, totalling approximately 21-24 hours per week. Formal teaching and self-directed study together amount to a workload comparable to a full-time job, roughly 35-40 hours per week in total.

Modules

: The Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development MSc is a one-year, full-time programme.

In term 1, you will study topics including probabilistic modelling, deep learning, and foundations of artificial intelligence and AI for sustainable development. These topics will set the foundation for the whole degree, preparing you for further topics and your research project/dissertation.

In term 2, you have the opportunity to explore real-world applications of AI with topics like transparent, fair and responsible AI Information Retrieval and Natural Language Processing. You will also begin preparation for your final research project/dissertation.

In term 3, you will focus on any examinations that take place in the main examination period and undertake your final research project/dissertation.

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

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. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development.

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Where you'll study

Two small wheeled remote control vehicles on floor with group of students in background

UCL Computer Science boasts state-of-the-art facilities that are designed to enhance your learning experience. Our recently renovated labs, with 55 high-performance PCs, ample laptop space, and versatile power options, create an optimal study environment. UCL East is home to our Intelligent Robotics Lab, a hub of innovation and cutting-edge technology. Facilities include the new Innovation Lab, which combines a computer cluster, advanced manufacturing equipment (such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and power tools), and an electronics manufacturing and testing area, all within a single space. The lab also features a motion capture system for conducting experiments on robot and human movement. Additionally, UCL boasts an award-winning Student Centre and 18 specialist libraries, ensuring you have access to top-tier resources and study spaces.

Find out more

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All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: UCL Computer Science Master's Courses

Join us for an exciting online session led by staff and students from UCL Computer Science. We'll explore our 17 MSc programmes in areas such as AI, Machine Learning, Fintech, Robotics, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, and Disability Innovation. We'll cover key information about admissions, scholarships, careers, and student life, followed by a live Q&A with staff and students. We want you to leave this session with a feel for what life is like as a UCL Computer Science student.

Watch on demand event

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students

Fee description	Full-time
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£21,500
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£42,700

Additional costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Students will require a modern computer (PC or Mac) with minimum specifications of 8GB RAM and 500GB SSD storage with a camera and microphone. While it is not a requirement, we recommend at least 16GB RAM and 1 TB SSD storage. Approximate costs may range from £800-£1500. If you are considering undertaking a machine learning project, there will be computational capability available to you from within the Computer Science department. Nevertheless, you may find it helpful to have a capable GPU in addition to the above.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

For more information about funding opportunities for UCL Computer Science taught postgraduate programmes, please see the department's scholarships webpage.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

: UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 25 June 2026

Value: Tuition fees plus £17,096 stipend ()

Criteria Based on financial need

Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this course of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

why you want to study Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development at graduate level
why you want to study Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development at UCL
what particularly attracts you to this programme
how your academic background meets the demands of this challenging programme
where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to elaborate on your reasons for applying to this programme and how your interests match what the programme will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

This course requires two references. Further information regarding references can be found on this Selecting your references page.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.