This course is currently awaiting final validation. Applications will open once this has happened. Check back regularly for further updates.
Understand AI. Think Critically. Shape the Future.
Join an innovative, interdisciplinary programme that uniquely combines learning about how the technology works with an understanding of the important philosophical and ethical questions it poses and which shape policy for its implementation.
The course does not assume any prior technical knowledge or familiarity with the philosophical debates and would appeal to graduates from a wide range of backgrounds looking to equip themselves with the knowledge necessary for a fast-changing world.
About this course
Artificial intelligence is transforming the world of work, creativity, and communication - but understanding it and its impact goes beyond coding. This interdisciplinary course explores how AI connects with human thinking, ethics, and society, helping you navigate and shape the future of intelligent technologies.
Taught by staff with expertise in computing and philosophy, the course combines technical know-how with an understanding of the technology’s theoretical and social context. You’ll learn how AI systems work, what they can and can’t do, and how we can use them responsibly.
With a focus on discussion, collaboration, and applied thinking, you’ll explore key questions such as: Can machines really think? How do we balance innovation with fairness and accountability? What ethical and policy frameworks do we need to guide AI development?
Whether you’re in tech and want to understand AI’s social implications, or from the humanities and want to engage with the science driving change, this interdisciplinary programme advancing your understanding of the technology in its human context.
Join a vibrant community at Hull’s DAIM Centre, one of the UK’s leading hubs for research and teaching in AI and data science. Graduate with the critical, ethical, and analytical skills employers increasingly value - and help shape how we live with intelligent technology.
A day in the life at Hull
2 mins
Module options
For a full Masters degree, you'll study 180 credits over the duration of your course. Some programmes offer a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) qualification or a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) qualification. For a PGDip, you'll study 120 credits, and for a PGCert, you'll study 60 credits.
Filters
Programming for AI and Data Science
Learn the fundamentals of Python coding so you can progress onto the rest of the course.
Assessment: Portfolio of work
compulsory
20 credits
Understanding Artificial Intelligence
An introduction to the fundamental concepts in Artificial Intelligence, and their application. Topics include:
- Origins of AI: What is AI? From early history to the Dartmouth conference and the present day; Intelligent agents, and performance measures
- Learning, Frameworks and Packages: Introduction to supervised learning; Regression; Classification; Clustering; Artificial Neural Networks; Convolutional Neural Networks; Keras; Tensorflow
- Implications for Society: Legalities; Ethics and professional implications; Social consequences
This module is assessed by a portfolio of work, in the form of a programmed code and a corresponding technical report.
compulsory
20 credits
Fundamentals of Data Science
An introduction to the principles of data science and data analysis. Topics include:
- Data Science Context: Datafication of society and the history of data science.
- Properties and types of data (e.g., quantitative and categorical data)
- Classification and regression, introduction to Kaggle and other sources of data
- Data Management: Data collection and techniques; Cleaning of data and processing; Data errors and artefacts; missing data
- Introductory statistical approaches to data: Basic mathematical concepts; Introduction to probabilities; Descriptive statistics (e.g., centrality measures) and characterizing distributions; Correlations; Statistical hypothesis testing
- Data analysis and visualization: Types of visualization and interpretation; Identifying outliers; Regression models
- Applications: Real-world data applications, including examples
This module is assessed by a presentation and project report.
compulsory
20 credits
Research and Application in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
The module contains two themes that are strongly interrelated to each other:
The first theme offers options to study how AI and Data Science apply to real-world contexts. Options could include sustainability, healthcare, social responsibility, the creative industries, and the natural environment.
Alongside the first theme, you’ll develop your own research proposal to tackle a genuine research project. You’ll draw from the experiences in the options to identify questions and limitations associated with your proposed research. This will prepare you for your dissertation in Trimester 3.
compulsory
20 credits
Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Research Project
Plan and work independently on your own complex research-based problem. And report on the aims, methods and outcomes of your scientific investigation.
compulsory
60 credits
Mind, Language and Machines
Details TBC
compulsory
20 credits
Digital Ethics and Human Values
Details TBC
compulsory
20 credits
Our academics
You’ll be taught in DAIM - the University’s Centre of Excellence for Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Modelling - bringing together expertise from across disciplines.
Our academics’ specialisms span computer science, machine learning, philosophy, ethics, law, social sciences, healthcare, and the creative arts, giving you a truly interdisciplinary perspective on how AI shapes, and is shaped by, human society.
Dr Dawn Wilson
Senior Lecturer
Dawn’s multi-stage account of photography was internationally recognised as a new direction in the philosophy of photography. She works with research networks on photography, art, perception, image-theory, and cultural conservation projects.
Stephen Burwood
Senior Lecturer
Stephen has taught philosophy at the University for over 25 years. Their research focuses on Wittgenstein, philosophy of mind, embodied subjectivity, and the philosophy of higher education, as well as transhumanism, immortality, and the afterlife.
Entry Requirements
What do I need?
When it comes to applying for this Postgraduate Taught degree, you'll need an Undergraduate degree (or equivalent). For this course, you'll need a 2:2 from a relevant bachelor's degree.
The programme is designed for graduates who have a studied a subject that is relevant to this course.
If you’re an undergraduate student at Hull, you’re guaranteed a fast-track route to this postgraduate degree, as long as you meet the entry requirements.
In order to ensure our students have a rich learning and student experience, most of our programmes have a mix of domestic and international students. We reserve the right to close applications early to either group if application volumes suggest that this blend cannot be achieved.
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Scholarships
We offer a number of awards, bursaries and scholarships for eligible students. They’re awarded for a variety of reasons including academic achievement and/or to help those on lower incomes.
Scholarships and bursaries are separate to student loans. And the best bit is, you don’t pay a penny back.
Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship
University of Hull undergraduates progressing to a taught masters course may receive a 20% discount on the cost of their tuition fees.
Find out if you’re eligible by visiting the University of Hull Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship page.
See more Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships and awards to students at the university to help with their financial load.
To view all of our scholarships and determine whether you're eligible, please visit our Scholarships and Awards page.
Artificial Intelligence Facilities
Future prospects
Graduates from this programme go on to a wide range of careers where understanding the relationship between AI, ethics, and society is increasingly essential. Some may decide to start a new career - for example, as AI policy or ethics officers, AI literacy leads, or in graduate roles across business, law, or the public sector. Others may use the course to change direction or enrich their current careers – whether as teachers, lecturers, or researchers bringing new insights about technology and ethics into their fields.
Across sectors, there’s growing demand for professionals who can combine an understanding of AI systems with critical thinking and ethical awareness. Under new frameworks such as the EU AI Act, organisations must ensure staff involved in AI decision-making are trained in risk management and governance.
Whether you’re aiming to work in education, government, research, or industry, this course equips you with the analytical, ethical, and communicative skills needed to navigate the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence responsibly and confidently.
Take your career to the next level
Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.
Make your application online now, and our admissions team will get back to you as soon as possible to make you an offer.
This course is currently awaiting final validation. Applications will open once this has happened. Check back regularly for further updates.
Not ready to apply yet?
We regularly deliver virtual and on-campus events to help you discover your perfect postgraduate course, whether it’s a subject you already love or something completely different. Our events are an opportunity for you to chat to tutors and current students and find out about the career options a postgraduate degree could lead to.