Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Master's Degree - MSc/PgD/PgC

Compulsory Modules

Programming for Data Analysis (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to help students to develop an understanding of programming and problem-solving strategies, as well as to develop, analyse and critically assess solutions to real-world data analysis problems.

Research & Professional Practice (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to equip the student with the skills, knowledge and techniques necessary to produce a dissertation with a research or technical focus.

Data Analytics & Visualisation (20 credits)

This module provides students with hands-on experience with public datasets or user-generated data, focusing on historical, current, and predictive data analysis. It covers data scraping, selection, visualisation, and analytics, integrating these with diverse analysis methods.

AI for Autonomous Systems (20 credits)

This module develops advanced knowledge and practical skills in designing, analysing, and deploying multi-agent systems for autonomous and distributed applications, including digital twins, with a strong emphasis on emergent behaviour, scalability, robustness, and ethical considerations in real‑world environments.

Responsible and Ethical AI (20 credits)

This module equips students with the technical skills to design, evaluate and govern responsible AI systems, addressing algorithmic bias, explainability, security and privacy, while aligning AI development with technical audit standards and UK and Welsh policy requirements.

Applied AI and LLM (20 credits)

This module develops advanced knowledge and practical skills in applied AI, focusing on large language models. Students explore modern LLM architectures, training, optimisation, evaluation and deployment, applying ethical and responsible AI principles to design and implement real‑world, high‑performance AI solutions.

AI Systems Design (20 credits)

This module provides a practical, intuitive understanding of how AI systems learn from data, covering the end‑to‑end machine learning workflow and key algorithms, from classical predictive models to advanced deep learning techniques for image‑ and sequence‑based applications.

Technology Dissertation (40 credits)

The aim of the technology project is for the student to apply knowledge, skills and techniques developed during directed and independent study to solve a real-world technology related project. The technology project may take the form of an in-depth research project or the development of a computer system.

To obtain an MSc degree, you must follow and successfully complete a total of 180 credits. PgC (60 credits) and PgD (120 credits) may be awarded as standalone or exit awards.

Course Delivery

Our academic staff lead engaging studio sessions, practical workshops, fostering a dynamic learning environment that encourages innovation and critical thinking.

Contact Hours

Approximately 1500 hours of expected self-study/independent learning in addition to timetabled delivery.

Support

The Programme Director provides further pastoral and academic support, guiding students through their studies and signposting to other services such as career development. Additionally, our wider student support teams – including wellbeing services and technical staff – are on hand to offer comprehensive assistance, ensuring students have the resources and support needed to thrive.

Technology and Facilities

This course will mostly be based on the open-source software and tools, considering the nature of the AI technologies and a push towards open-source tools to ensure fairness and transparency in AI. Some of the tools/platforms accessible for learning and teaching are Microsoft Azure, Power BI, Visual Studio, Anaconda, MATLAB, etc. Students will also have access to Cardiff Met’s library which provides most of the e-learning materials including journal and conference articles related to the programme’s learning outcomes.

Staff Expertise

This course will be delivered mainly by the academic staff based in Department of Data Science and Department of Computer Science. Staff expertise can be accessed through their profiles.

Assessments are created within the framework of Cardiff Metropolitan University EDGE (Ethical, Digital, Global and Entrepreneurship) competencies and they take the form of individual or group coursework, research-based assignments, practical assessments, presentations, reports, class tests and a dissertation/development project.

The specialist knowledge you will acquire through the course will place you in a strong position to pursue a wide range of careers including AI developer, data analyst, data scientist, IT consultant and managerial roles in industry. The programme also gives you a range of computing skills that could be widely applied to any role within the fields of business and computing.

Applicants should meet one of the following:

• Possess, or expect to obtain, an undergraduate degree or equivalent, in a relevant area, e.g., Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Computing, Engineering, with a minimum 2:2 classification.
• Hold a suitable professional qualification from an appropriate professional body.

Relevance shall be determined by the Programme Director with reference to the applicant’s transcript, and, if required, via an interview.

Equivalence shall be determined by the Admissions Team for applicants from outside the United Kingdom.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should refer to English Language Requirements to confirm the level and evidence of fluency required for entry to the programme.

Students with extant level 7 qualifications wishing to enter the course may apply on the basis of RPL for admission with Credit. In such cases the regulations detailed in the Academic Handbook will apply and allows for a maximum RPL of 120 credits on a master’s programme. In this case the remaining 60 credits would consist of the research methods module and the dissertation.

The admissions process is controlled by Cardiff Metropolitan University’s centralised admissions team in consultation with the Programme Director.

All applications from international students will be subject to an initial assessment of academic qualifications, English Language proficiency and overall suitability for the programme by the Admissions Team. However, the final decision remains the responsibility of the Programme Director.

How to Apply

Applications for this course should be made direct to the University via our self-service facility. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages.

International Applicants

Before making an application, international students should contact the International Office at Cardiff Met to discuss the necessary procedures in relation to studying with us. For further information visit www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/international.

Tuition Fees and Financial Support

For up-to-date information on tuition fees and the financial support that may be available, please refer to www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/fees.

Part-time Fees

Charges are per Single Module unless specified:

Undergraduate = 10 Credits; Postgraduate = 20 Credits

Generally, we find most students will complete 60 credits per year for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate study; to obtain a true costing please clarify this by contacting the Programme Director directly.

For general enquiries, please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6010 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For course specific enquiries, please contact the Programme Director, Dr Angesh Anupam:

• Email: aanupam@cardiffmet.ac.uk