Artificial Intelligence

Overview

Artificial Intelligence is a core discipline within Computer Science; however, it has applications in almost every industry sector including, but not limited to, Health, Financial Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Media, Energy, Civic Society and Public Policy.



The UK will need a larger workforce with deep AI expertise, and more development of lower level skills to work within the domain. This specialist programme has been developed in response to evidence of demand from industry and business for upskilling of staff in the area of AI and addresses a clear gap in the marketplace for postgraduate study.



The course will cover all core areas including preparing participants for a career with knowledge and problem-solving skills in AI and with an appreciation of how it can be used in a range of applications.



The course content has been informed by internationally leading research being conducted in the School and by our strong industry partnerships.



There are also opportunities for graduates from the PgCert Artificial Intelligence to embark on further research by enrolling for PhD study affiliated with the research centres within the School of Computing.

The Postgraduate Certificate award consists of three compulsory taught modules (totalling 60 credits). As part of the programme, students will be required to use various programming languages, including Python and R.



• Data Science and Machine Learning

• Knowledge Engineering

• Emerging and Advanced Topics in AI

Applicants must:

(a) have gained

(i) a second class honours degree or better, in the subject areas of Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or closely related discipline, 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 excluding Conversion courses; and the qualification must be in the subject areas of Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or closely related discipline.



and



(b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent). For applicants whose first language is not English the minimum English language requirement is an Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5, Trinity ISE: Pass at level III or equivalent English language tests comparable to IELTS equivalent score.



In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) and/or (b), where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.



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.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country



Exemptions and transferability

The entry requirements facilitate accreditation of prior learning.

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

Part-time Typically 5-10 timetabled on campus hours per week Monday – Friday including lectures, tutorials and practicals in the computer labs for the taught components of the course.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

The UK will need a larger workforce with deep AI expertise, and more development of lower level skills to work within the domain. On successful completion of the programme, students can continue on to our full MSc in Artificial Intelligence