Frequently Asked Questions
Is the new MSc offered on the same basis as the existing MSc in Software Engineering and the MSc in Software and Systems Security?
Yes, in most regards the new MSc will sit alongside the others, so that the Professional Masters Programme offers three similar degrees instead of two. There are two significant differences:
- The MSc in AI for Business offers access to four modular courses taught at the Saïd Business School; these are available only to students enrolled on this degree.
- The registration fee for the MSc in AI for Business will be higher (£8,000, spread over the payment instalments) than the fee for the other MScs.
I am enrolled on the MSc in Software Engineering or the MSc in Software and Systems Security. Can I switch to the new MSc?
You are able to switch between degrees within the Professional Masters Programme. To do this, you need to complete a simple form and demonstrate that you have suitable expertise/experience for your new course. This will be evaluated by the Director of Studies. Do note that if you move onto the new MSc, the higher fee will apply. Also, be aware of the requirement to take at least six of the modular courses on the schedule for AI for Business: if you have already completed more than four modular courses not on that schedule, you will need to take additional courses in order to meet the requirements.
When will the new MSc start?
We are accepting new applicants from this term (Michaelmas 2025) for a start date in October 2026. If you want to apply to transfer onto the new degree, the process will be available later in the current academic year, but the additional modular courses will not be scheduled until academic year 2026/27 (some may not arrive until the following academic year: the schedules are under development).
If I am enrolled on the MSc in AI for Business, what happens if I need to leave the course early?
If you have completed four courses, at least three from the schedule for the new MSc, with suitable grades, you can ask the examiners to consider you for the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Machine Learning. If you complete eight, at least six from the schedule for the new MSc, you can be eligible for a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Machine Learning.
When will the full descriptions of the modular courses for the new MSc be available?
We hope to have the descriptions available on the website during October 2025. These may be subject to amendment before the courses are actually first delivered.
I want to enrol on the existing Machine Learning/AI modules, but they are all full already!
These have become very popular. We are actively considering how to add more capacity.
Can I make a suggestion for additional course topics?
Yes, please do. You can send your ideas to the Programme Office: please include details, or references to other advanced courses, as appropriate. We can’t promise to take these on board – and certainly not on a particular time-scale – but we are keen to meet demand where we can.
I have another question
Please do get in touch.