Course Summary
Shape the future of AI with ethical expertise. Lead in compliance, regulation, and innovation with the MSc Ethical and Responsible AI.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
(i) a second-class honours degree or better, from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or
(ii) an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification.
iii) the content of the qualification presented (as described in (i) may have a maximum of 50% computing content.
English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Application Details
Start Date: September 2025.
Fees
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
Graduates with an MSc Ethical and Responsible AI will have a range of job opportunities in Northern Ireland and the UK. In Northern Ireland, companies such as the BT Ireland Innovation Centre and PwC’s Advanced Research and Engineering Centre are prominent employers seeking AI professionals with a focus on ethics. These organisations are involved in cutting-edge AI research and development, providing roles for AI Ethics Consultants, Data Scientists, and AI Policy Advisors.
In the broader UK market, tech giants such as Google DeepMind, IBM, Microsoft, and Accenture are leading the way in ethical AI. These companies require professionals who can ensure their AI systems are developed and deployed responsibly. Roles in these companies include AI Research Scientists, AI Developers, and AI Consultants, focusing on integrating ethical considerations into AI technologies. The financial sector, healthcare, and government agencies also offer significant opportunities for AI professionals to work on ethical AI projects, ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting fair practices.
There are job roles within these companies including AI Research Scientists, AI Developers, and AI Consultants, focusing on integrating ethical considerations into AI technologies and ensuring fairness and transparency in data practices, advising on AI policy, and conducting research on AI's ethical implications. The financial sector, healthcare, and government agencies also offer significant opportunities for AI professionals to work on ethical AI projects, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Duration
The full-time provision offers one point of entry in September. The degree will normally be completed in three semesters across a single academic year. The programme is delivered in-person at the Derry~Londonderry campus. It is not available in distance learning/online delivery mode.