Applied Artificial Intelligence MSc

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AI is one of the defining technological developments of our time. It’s already changing how organisations analyse information, create products, deliver services and make decisions. For professionals across sectors, developing AI literacy is now essential to staying relevant, contributing confidently and ensuring these technologies are used responsibly.

Our MSc Applied Artificial Intelligence is a 100% online, interdisciplinary master’s for professionals who want to understand AI in depth and apply it in their own field, without needing a background in STEM.

You’ll build technical confidence in artificial intelligence, programming and machine learning, while examining the ethical, legal, social and professional questions that shape successful AI adoption.

You’ll then specialise through a pathway in Creativity and Culture, Education and Society, Public Policy, or Security — allowing you to connect your learning to the sector, challenges and career direction that’s most relevant to you.

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Studying an applied AI MSc gives you the opportunity to move beyond surface-level familiarity with AI tools. You’ll develop a stronger understanding of the systems, methods and questions that shape AI adoption, while learning how to evaluate its risks, opportunities and practical implications.

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AI careers

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AI is reshaping the global job market. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, AI and big data are the fastest-growing skills globally, while technology-related roles — including AI and machine learning specialists — are among the fastest-growing career areas. The report also found that 59% of the global workforce will require reskilling or upskilling by 2030.

As AI is adopted across business, education, government and the creative industries, employers increasingly need professionals who can combine AI literacy with strategic thinking, communication and problem-solving skills.

For graduates of this programme, this creates opportunities to future-proof your career and apply AI expertise in your sector.

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Our practical AI master’s helps you apply what you learn to the sector you work in — and to the challenges you want to solve.

You’ll benefit from:

• An accessible route into AI
  Build your technical confidence in programming, machine learning and core AI concepts — even if you’re not from a STEM background.
• Specialist pathways
  Choose a sector-specific pathway and develop AI knowledge that’s relevant to your role, organisation and career goals.
• A focus on responsible AI
  Examine the ethical, legal, social and governance questions that shape how AI should be designed, evaluated and deployed.
• Applied learning
  Connect theory to real-world challenges through case studies, applied tasks and a pathway-specific research project.
• Flexibility for working professionals
  Study 100% online and part-time, with asynchronous learning designed to fit around work and other commitments.

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The online MSc Applied Artificial Intelligence begins with 60 credits of required modules.

You will then progress through your chosen pathway, studying four, 15-credit modules. Two modules in your chosen pathway are required, while the other two are optional.

Finally, you’ll complete an Interdisciplinary Research Methods module and a 45-credit dissertation.

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Throughout the programme, you’ll complete a range of assessments that reflect the interdisciplinary and professional nature of applied AI.

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In the early stages of the programme, assessments focus on building confidence in core technical, conceptual and critical skills. You’ll also take part in formative learning activities such as peer review discussions, group exercises and debates designed to support your progress and deepen your understanding.

As you move through your specialist pathway, assessments become increasingly applied and sector-focused, encouraging you to evaluate AI challenges and opportunities within real professional contexts.

The programme culminates in an independent applied research project or practice-based dissertation linked to your chosen pathway, allowing you to investigate a topic relevant to your professional interests or career goals.

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When you study a master’s in applied artificial intelligence at King’s College London, you benefit from:

• A university-wide focus on AI innovation
  We established the King’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence to bring together experts across computer science, healthcare, cybersecurity, policy, law and ethics to advance responsible, real-world AI innovation.
• Research-led teaching with real-world relevance
  You’ll learn in a research-intensive environment shaped by current developments in machine learning, generative AI, digital health, trustworthy AI systems and AI governance.
• Expertise in responsible and applied AI
  King’s AI research explores how artificial intelligence is transforming industries and society — from healthcare and education to cybersecurity and public policy — helping to ensure your learning reflects the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of AI.

Learn more about AI research at King’s and the Department of Informatics.

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Our rankings

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This course is designed for graduates and professionals who want to understand, apply and critically evaluate AI in professional contexts.

It’s particularly suited to learners from non-STEM backgrounds who want to build technical confidence while developing a responsible and applied understanding of AI.

You may be looking to progress in your current sector, move into an AI-related role, support digital transformation in your organisation or build the confidence to contribute to strategic decisions about AI adoption.

The programme is relevant for professionals across education, public policy, law, security, culture, communications, business, consulting, governance and the creative industries.

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This MSc Applied Artificial Intelligence is delivered 100% online, helping you balance postgraduate study with your professional and personal commitments.

Delivered through King’s virtual learning environment, KEATS, the programme gives you 24/7 access to learning materials, including readings and recorded lectures.

The asynchronous learning model means you can study part-time from wherever you’re based, while engaging with a diverse online learning community.

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You should have a 2:1 honours degree or above, or an overseas equivalent, in any subject.

Applicants with a 2:2, or overseas equivalent, may be considered where they have significant work experience in a related field.

As part of your application, you will need to answer personal statement questions and provide one reference. Depending on your previous qualifications, you may also need to submit a CV.

You’ll need to provide official academic transcript(s) showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, you will also need to provide copies of your official degree certificate. If your academic documents were issued in a language other than English, you will need to submit both the original documents and official translations.

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English language requirements

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English language band: B

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English language requirements page.

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The total cost of our Applied Artificial Intelligence MSc programme is £17,000.

Students must pay a deposit of £2,500 upfront to secure their place on the course.

These tuition fees may be subject to increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.

Depending on your country of residence, you may also have to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) in addition to your tuition fees. You can find further information on the King's Goods and Services tax page.

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The next start date is 25 January 2027. The application deadline for this intake is 7 December 2026.

There are 3 intakes per year in January, May and September.

For all application deadlines, click the ‘Get programme details’ button on this page, complete the form and an Enrolment Advisor will be in touch to provide more information.