MA Artificial Intelligence (Digital Transformation)

This introductory module explores human-centred AI, focusing on the ethical, social, and professional implications of AI technologies. You’ll explore how to design AI systems that enhance human capabilities while promoting inclusivity and minimising harm. You'll also learn about how artificial intelligence can be applied in various contexts, and critically engage with current research. Topics include AI in daily life, human-AI interaction, ethics, and bias. This will prepare you to navigate AI's societal impact and professional relevance with a responsible approach.

This module teaches the statistical learning and machine learning methods that form the foundation of modern AI. Although these methods rely on advanced mathematics, you don’t need a background in maths or computer science to complete this module. You’ll learn about key AI algorithms, explore model development, and study the hardware and software they require. The module also covers data types, learning methods, and how to balance accuracy with interpretability. Topics include regression, classification, neural networks, and more.

In this module, you'll explore essential techniques and practices for employing AI in various industry settings. You’ll also learn to develop, deploy, and manage AI systems effectively. We'll focus on real-world applications, providing insights into the computational and data aspects of AI, basic programming skills, and the use of digital tools in the AI environment. This prepares you to create and monitor effective AI solutions.

This module explores how AI can be harnessed to address social issues and shape public policy. You'll learn about how AI tools enhance our understanding and responses to societal challenges, and impact policymaking. From a critical standpoint, you’ll examine AI’s applications, ethical implications, bias mitigation, and data protection. Through case studies and theoretical learning, you’ll design AI-driven strategies for complex social problems. You’ll be capable of contributing meaningfully to policy discussions and influencing them as a result.

This module equips you with advanced knowledge of the legal, societal, and ethical challenges posed by AI technologies. It covers interdisciplinary and global perspectives on embedding fairness, transparency, privacy, and inclusiveness in AI applications across sectors like healthcare, education, and criminal justice. It also explores the evolution of AI principles, AI-driven privacy issues, and the impact of AI regulations on digital inclusion and democracy. You’ll learn to assess AI challenges and regulation frameworks from a critical standpoint.

This module provides an in-depth examination of generative AI, focusing on technologies such as transformers and large language models. It includes practical training in prompt engineering, model fine-tuning, and deployment. You’ll also address the ethical implications, societal impacts, and potential risks of generative AI, including its contribution to discussions on Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). You’ll engage with both the technical aspects and the broader concerns associated with these technologies.

This module equips you with the essential skills required to carry out research and pursue lines of enquiry. You’ll be guided through every aspect of the research process, from formulating your research topic to selecting appropriate research methods. With an emphasis on professional practice and critical reflection, this module teaches you to tackle ethical considerations, manage data securely, and prepare research proposals. This knowledge will be crucial for your dissertation, and future research projects.

This module explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising job roles, organisational structures, and labour markets within the modern workplace. It addresses the broad impacts of AI-driven automation and augmented human intelligence, emphasising ethical, social, and economic dimensions. Through a blend of theoretical foundations and real-world case studies, you’ll explore the opportunities and challenges presented by AI. This will prepare you to harness its potential for innovation, skill evolution, and organisational transformation effectively.

This module examines the intersection of artificial intelligence with governance and economic structures worldwide. You'll explore AI's role in shaping decision-making processes, labour markets, international trade, and public policy. You'll also look at the socio-technical impacts of AI, addressing challenges such as trust, regulation, and global cooperation. Additionally, you’ll cover the practical aspects of AI integration. You’ll gain the skills to analyse global AI policies, evaluate diverse cultural approaches, and understand AI's role in economic and social transformations.

In this module, you'll independently design and conduct a research study on a topic of your choice related to the course. This involves identifying and evaluating relevant literature, formulating a research question, and employing appropriate methods for data collection and analysis. You’ll need to critically assess and reflect upon your research process and manage methodological challenges. You’ll then present your findings in a structured, well-cited report. You’ll receive guidance on this from your dissertation supervisor.

To join the course, you’ll need:

• a minimum of a 2:1 class degree in any subject, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree; or
• a minimum of a 2:2 class degree in any subject, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, and at least 2 years’ employment in a recognised graduate role 

Here’s what we’ll ask you to provide:

• a detailed CV: Highlight your relevant professional and personal experiences
• a professional reference letter: A trusted referee should explain why you’re a strong candidate for this course
• a personal statement (300–500 words): Tell us about your interest in the course, how it aligns with your career goals, and how your experience so far has prepared you for success at master’s level

In your personal statement, highlight examples that demonstrate your abilities in:

• time management
• organisation
• communication
• teamwork
• personal responsibility
• critical thinking
• problem-solving

If you don’t meet the standard academic requirements, don’t worry. We review applications on a case-by-case basis and will assess whether your background and experience are suitable for this course. We would strongly recommend holding:  

• a minimum of a 2:2 class degree in any subject, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree 
• additional relevant professional or industry qualifications, such as those accredited by professional bodies 

Here’s what we’ll ask you to provide:

• a detailed CV: Highlight your relevant professional and personal experiences
• a professional reference letter: A trusted referee should explain why you’re a strong candidate for this course
• a personal statement (300-500 words): Tell us about your interest in the course, how it aligns with your career goals, and how your experience so far has prepared you for success at master’s level

In your personal statement, highlight examples that demonstrate your abilities in:

• time management
• organisation
• communication
• teamwork
• personal responsibility
• critical thinking
• problem-solving

You’ll need to provide evidence of your English language ability equivalent to an IELTS (academic) score of 6.5, unless:

• You’re a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, one of the countries recognised for English language proficiency. Please contact our adviser team to confirm if your country qualifies.
• You can demonstrate that you’ve worked professionally in English for at least 2 years. In this case, a professional reference letter will be required.
• You have completed an undergraduate degree taught and assessed in English up to 2 years preceding the date of first enrolment at the University of Southampton. In the case of degrees taught by two or more partner institutions of which only one is taught and assessed in English, you must demonstrate that a minimum of 2 years have been taught and assessed in English.
• You have been awarded a degree that was fully taught and assessed in English between two and five years prior to the date of first enrolment at the University and can demonstrate that you’ve worked professionally in English for a minimum of 12 months in the last two years. In this case, a professional reference letter will be required.