Ethical & Responsible Artificial Intelligence

Overview

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.

F/T Programme

Year one

Management of Change

Introduction to Data Science

Ethics and Governance in Artificial Intelligence

Responsible Artificial Intelligence in Practice

Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence

Applied Artificial Intelligence in Ethical Contexts

Masters Project (Research)



P/T Programme

Year one

Ethics and Governance in Artificial Intelligence

Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence

Applied Artificial Intelligence in Ethical Contexts



Year two

Management of Change

Introduction to Data Science

Responsible Artificial Intelligence in Practice



Year three

Masters Project (Research)

(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.



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.

This full-time course is delivered over one year in a hybrid format, combining both on-campus and online learning. The taught components are completed during semesters 1 and 2, with semester 3 dedicated to the dissertation.



This course is delivered part-time over three years in a hybrid format that combines both on-campus and online learning. Taught components are completed across Semesters 1 and 2 in the first two years, with the final year dedicated to the dissertation. Each year, students take 60 credits across two semesters.

Start Date: September 2026 and January 2027.

Careers and Opportunities

Graduates with an MSc Ethical and Responsible AI will have a range of job opportunities in Northern Ireland 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.