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  • DeadlineStudy Details: MSc 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Course Description

Steer emerging technology. Transform public policy

Artificial intelligence is transforming governance. Birmingham’s groundbreaking MSc in AI and Government cultivates interdisciplinary changemakers equally fluent in the technical and ethical complexities. Through hands-on public sector projects, social science students emerge ready to responsibly direct these technologies for the public good. 

Designed for ambitious social scientists seeking to drive change, this innovative degree builds your technical abilities in areas like machine learning, natural language processing, generative AI, and data science alongside ethical insights for responsible AI governance. Through interdisciplinary modules, you will gain hands-on experience tackling policy issues from public health to transportation infrastructure using real-world datasets. Our experts spanning computer science and political science equip you with versatile competencies to shape outcomes using AI, from improving government operations to optimising public service delivery and modernising regulations.

This program opens doors to sought-after consulting, research and leadership roles pioneering solutions to pressing systemic issues. Stand out as a versatile, socially conscious graduate prepared to bring policymakers and technologists together through expertise in areas like algorithm audits, privacy protection, stakeholder analysis and change management within complex public sector environments.

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Fees

For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more

Programme Funding

The University of Birmingham is offering AI and Data Science Masters Scholarships in 2024-2025 for nine Masters programmes to upskill students from under-represented backgrounds to progress into the AI and Data Science workforce.

This will include over 100 students from under-represented groups, particularly women, Black and disabled students and those from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, who will each be supported by a Â£10,000 scholarship.

Scholarship funding will be prioritised for women, Black students, disabled students and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, to ensure that AI reflects the makeup of our society. Funding is intended only for those under-represented students who meet the eligibility criteria.

Student Destinations

This innovative degree equips graduates with highly sought-after expertise at the intersection of technological innovation and policymaking, preparing students for impactful careers. 

You will gain a powerful combination of technical competencies in AI and interdisciplinary understanding of governance to excel in roles driving change. Our graduates are poised to: 

  • Lead strategic implementation of AI systems to transform policy and public services as project managers, policy advisors, and technology consultants across government agencies. 
  • Pioneer ethical and responsible AI by evaluating technological impacts on society, advising regulators, or conducting critical research as analysts at think tanks, international organisations, and advocacy groups.  
  • Innovate new AI-enabled solutions to societal issues by joining public sector innovation labs, high-growth technology startups, and other enterprises driving positive change as technical product managers and data scientists. 
  • Continue academia through PhD research or university roles advancing discoveries in AI governance, policy innovation, and more as the next generation of scholars. 

This programme opens doors to meaningful careers positively shaping the growing role of AI across politics, society, business and technology.

Module Details

Compulsory modules

  • Algorithms for Data Science
  • Current Topics in Data Science
  • Programming for Data Science
  • AI Government and Policy  
  • Governance and Politics of AI
  • AI and Government Project

You must choose one module for the following list

  • AI for Global Challenges
  • Doing Political Research
  • Global Environmental Governance
  • Globalisation and Governance
  • Leadership in Public Services
  • Making Policy
  • Performance, Strategy and Challenge (face to face)
  • Public Financial Management
  • Public Leadership
  • Public Management and Leadership
  • Public Policy and Evidence
  • Public Sector Reform
  • Urban Poverty + Policy
  • Visualisation

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