Artificial Intelligence - Ethical & Responsible AI

Summary

The rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise UK organisations by enhancing efficiency, productivity, innovation, and competitiveness. As AI evolves, so does the regulatory environment, addressing challenges like bias, transparency, and data privacy. Effective governance and regulation are crucial to ensure AI aligns with human rights, democracy, and security. Responsible AI involves designing, developing, and deploying AI systems that are safe, fair, transparent, and compliant with laws. This responsibility falls on developers, organisations, and regulators. There is a growing demand for professionals skilled in ethical AI, particularly in compliance, regulation, and leadership roles.



The target audience of the MSc Ethical and Responsible AI is non-specialist. Students can enrol from successful completion of any primary UG Honours degree subject. This course will differ from other AI courses since it will focus not only on AI techniques, programming, and emerging technologies, but just as importantly on the significance of ethical skills required for the AI technologies sector.



About

The MSc Ethical and Responsible AI is designed for non-specialists, making it accessible to graduates from any undergraduate discipline. This three semester master’s course seeks to equip students with both the technical skills to develop AI solutions and a deep understanding of ethical considerations in the AI industry.

(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.

Attendance

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.

Start Date: September 2025.

Career options

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.