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Artificial Intelligence for Engineering and Design MSc

2 years with professional placement, starting in September 2025

Explore the latest developments in AI and learn how to apply them to solve engineering challenges across industries worldwide.

Artificial intelligence is one of the fastest growing technologies, with many sectors having to adapt quickly. As the integration of artificial intelligence into industries becomes more widespread, so do new opportunities. Engineers with expertise in applying AI methods to improve business productivity, efficiency, and sustainability are in high demand.

We've designed our new master's to meet this demand and help move engineering practice as we know it into the future. You'll study a range of AI-related topics, combining engineering and design with data science, machine learning, and applied artificial intelligence. We teach the professional and transferrable skills to lead on applying new technologies in this rapidly shifting arena. You’ll also explore how AI can help transform society through technological advancements, while considering its wider impact in areas such as ethics.

Working with real-life case studies, you'll learn how to use data and advanced algorithms to solve the complex challenges found in industry. This, along with the creative, problem-solving, and technical skills valued by employers will help prepare you to innovate solutions at a professional level.

Key benefits

  • Wide-ranging topics: explore artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, big data, the Internet of Things, digital twins, automation, process control, cyber security, and new digital ways of working
  • Research skills: work with academics in our research centres to complete an individual research project, where you’ll apply your knowledge to a challenge or development opportunity
  • Sustainability focus: use analytical and problem-solving skills to make creative, ethical, and responsible sustainable decisions with the support of AI
  • Optional 12-month placement: get professional experience as part of your MSc course and improve your career prospects

A multidisciplinary learning experience

Our course draws on expertise spanning all four departments in our Faculty of Engineering & Design so you'll get a broad view of how AI can be applied across a range of fields. You’ll learn from academics at the forefront of research and teaching in architecture, and chemical, civil, electronic, electrical, and mechanical engineering.

Use specialist facilities

You'll have access to a range of facilities, equipment and digital tools to support you through your studies. These include labs for high-performance computing for AI, robotics and automation, and design and manufacturing. You'll also use specialist software and have access to the Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS) opensource database.

From course to career

Your career is at the forefront of our minds when we develop new courses. So we work with our industry partners to identify what expertise and skills they want from our graduates and make sure we embed these throughout your degree. We also have a dedicated postgraduate employability team in our Faculty to support you with CV writing, placements, interview preparation and skills, job seeking, and career development.

We aim to prepare you to start a career in industry, research, or academia when you graduate. You could go on to work in large or small industrial settings, making an impact using data to innovate new levels of efficiency. Or, you could progress to further research and complete a PhD with us or another institution.

Find out more about how our master's courses can help improve your employability

2025/26 Academic Year


Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 2 years. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2027. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.


Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Year 1

Semester 1

Compulsory units

  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning for engineering and design

    20 credits

  • Digital transformation: project and change management

    10 credits

  • Professional and research skills for Engineering and Design

    10 credits

Semester 2

In the second semester, you’ll choose two optional units from the following four.

Compulsory units

  • Digital transformation: project and change management

    Continued

  • Professional and research skills for Engineering and Design

    Continued

Optional units

  • AI and sustainable development

    10 credits

  • Advanced numerical methods

    10 credits

  • Automation, manufacturing and design

    10 credits

  • Smart cities and the internet of things

    10 credits

Summer

Compulsory units

  • Professional placement

    60 credits

Year 2

Semester 1

Compulsory units

  • Professional placement

    60 credits

Semester 2

Compulsory units

  • Professional placement

    Continued

Summer

Compulsory units

  • Research project

    30 credits

Placement


You’ll spend up to 12 months on paid placement after the end of your first year. This allows you to apply your engineering knowledge to the workplace and build on industry-relevant skills through first-hand professional experience. You’ll increase your understanding of how the industry sector runs, and how you could meet the skills demand now and in the future. It’s also a great opportunity to develop a network of industry professionals that could help you in your future career.

We have extensive links with engineering and design companies offering placements both in the UK and further afield. We will do our best to help you find a placement and support and guide you through the process. Our Faculty's PGT employability team organises and delivers employability workshops to guide you through the whole placement process from CV writing and interview techniques to prepare you for applying. We cannot guarantee you a placement position so if you are unable to secure a placement, you'll transfer on to our 12-month alternative course.

Find out more about placements and employability

Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.


Learning

  • Research project
  • Lectures
  • Practical sessions
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Placement
  • Presentations
  • Projects
  • Report
  • Written examination
  • Other

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

Your overall workload includes class contact hours, independent learning, and assessment activities. We expect you to work independently and as part of a group.  Class contact hours vary throughout your course but are usually around 10-16 hours a week during the taught semesters. These hours can include lectures, seminars, lab activities, and tutorials.

We provide extra briefing sessions to help you prepare for the summer project. You’ll receive direct guidance from an allocated academic staff member for this activity.

We expect you to do independent learning and assessment. Timetabled and independent learning is usually around 36 to 40 hours a week and includes individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, and preparing for assessment.

Recognition of professional qualifications


As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

‘We have professors and teachers who are actually practising AI and ML workflows in their daily research lives so students will get a hands-on introduction.’
Dr Sourav Chatterjee Lecturer in chemical engineering AI-guided chemical synthesis

Entry requirements


Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

You should have a Bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a high 2:2 or above.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject, such as engineering (e.g. chemical, civil, mechanical, electronic or electrical engineering) or architecture. We expect your degree to have a strong numerate element and also that you are familiar with programming. We will also consider relevant subjects, such as sciences, if there is a strong numerate element and familiarity with engineering and programming.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Artificial Intelligence for Engineering and Design MSc with professional placement


Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Extra costs

You'll need a laptop computer with WIFI, camera and microphone to get the most out of your course. Preferably, this will have a powerful multi-core processor or dedicated GPU. Our IT Purchasing service can advise you on the best equipment for your needs. There is also support available to help you access the technology you need.

If you receive an offer, you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of £1,000 when you accept to secure your place. This will be deducted from your tuition fee when you register.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

Application information


  • Course title
    Artificial Intelligence for Engineering and Design
  • Final award
    MSc
  • Mode of study
    Full-time
  • Course code
    TDUEE-AE04
  • Department
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Home application deadline
    31 August 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full.

  • Overseas application deadline
    31 July 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full. We may consider late applications but if you need a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will need time to apply for and receive your visa to be in the UK by the start of the course.

  • Application eligibility
    Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator

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