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Postgraduate degree

Artificial Intelligence MSc

Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.

Key information

Study mode:
Full time
Duration:
1 year full-time, September to September
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Apply

The Artificial Intelligence MSc degree is designed to give graduates the understanding, practical knowledge and expertise to evaluate, design and build intelligent systems using an extensive range of tools and techniques.

Key benefits

  • 6th in the UK for Computer Science (QS World Rankings 2024).
  • The Department of Informatics has a reputation for delivering research-led teaching and project supervision from leading experts in their field.
  • You'll interact with world-class experts in many exciting areas of Computer Science, including Algorithms and Data Analysis, Cybersecurity, Human-Centred Computing and Software Systems.
  • You'll study a wide-range of innovative modules, covering both the theory and practice of modern Computer Science.
  • Friendly and supportive learning environment, with students from across the globe.

The Artificial Intelligence MSc will prepare you for work developing intelligent systems. There is the opportunity to explore a range of optional modules, allowing you the freedom to develop your study pathway to reflect your interests. We will use a delivery method that will ensure you have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face-to-face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that you also experience elements of digital learning and assessment. The course is taught at the Strand and Waterloo Campuses. This puts you in the heart of London with access to all its academic resources and within easy reach of the social and entertainment attractions of one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. The Department of Informatics is based in the recently renovated Bush House, Strand Campus.

Base campuses

The Quad - Strand campus
Strand Campus

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

Waterloo campus exterior at night
Waterloo Campus

Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Regulating bodies

kcl logo

King's College London and Affiliates

UK applicants

Standard requirements

A minimum high 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above

If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).

Programme-Specific Requirements

A Bachelor's degree with a high (minimum of 65%) 2:1 honours (or international equivalent) in Computer Science or another relevant quantitative discipline (such as Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Natural Science, Electronic Engineering, General Engineering, Operations Research, or a joint degree in two such subjects). Applicants should also have a sound background in basic mathematics, in particular familiarity with standard concepts of calculus, trigonometry, linear algebra, vectors and matrix mathematics. In addition, applicants should be competent in computer programming to the level expected at the end of the first year of a BSc honours degree in computer science.

Please note: Meeting the minimum requirements for your application to be considered does not guarantee an offer as applications for this programme are very competitive.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

English language requirements

English language band:
B

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

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

Selection process

Applications must be made online using King’s Apply, the Admissions Portal.

A non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.

Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King’s Apply if your application has been assessed and being held as part of this process.

Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Personal Statement Yes

A personal statement is required. You must answer the following three questions on the application form:

  1. Why are you applying for this specific programme, and how does it fit with your future plans? (max 250 words)
  2. How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme? (max 250 words)
  3. What do you hope to contribute to the computer science community, and how do you envision making a positive impact during your time in this programme? (max 250 words)
Previous Academic Study Yes A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
References Yes One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you.
Other Optional Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application

Teaching methods - what to expect

We use lectures, seminars, and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. We often use a flipped classroom approach that creates opportunities for active learning engagement and interaction with world-class experts. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work, e.g. 150 hours work for a 15-credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module, including independent study. 

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Written/Practical Examinations
  • Presentations
  • In-Class Tests
  • Individual Project Dissertation

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include written and computer-based exams, coursework, oral presentations, in-class tests, and an individual project dissertation.

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. You will complete the course in one year, studying from September to September.

Required modules

You are required to take:

Individual Project (60 credits)

Optional modules

In addition, you are required to take 120 credits from a range of optional modules, including at least 30 credits from Artificial Intelligence modules and at least 30 credits from Machine Learning modules, which may typically include:

Agents & Multi-Agent Systems (15 credits)
Nature-Inspired Learning Algorithms (15 credits)
Pattern Recognition, Neural Networks & Deep Learning (15 credits)
Philosophy & Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)
Artificial Intelligence Planning (15 credits)
Data Mining (15 credits)
Computer Vision (15 credits)
Distributed Ledgers & Crypto-currencies (15 credits)

You will be able to select up to 30 credits from a range of level 6 modules but should note that there are specific regulations surrounding this option that must be carefully considered before making your module selection. Modules may typically include:

Optimisation Methods (15 credits)
Human-Computer Interaction (15 credits)
Computational Models (15 credits)
Machine Learning (30 credits)
Agents, Reasoning and Decision Making (15 credits)
Formal Verification (15 credits)

If you are a student who has previously studied in the Department of Informatics and have taken and passed any modules before (at level 6 or 7), you are not permitted to take these again. This is not permitted by the academic regulations.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

The Careers Service runs tailored sessions for Informatics students and a careers programme which includes skills sessions and visits from top employers.

Our graduates have gone on to have successful careers working for IT companies, and the IT departments of large institutions (private and public sector). Other graduates have entered into the field of academic and industrial research.

Destinations

Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:

  • Senior Account Manager, Electronia
  • Cloud Solution Architect, Microsoft
  • Technical Solutions Consultant, Google
  • Data Scientist, ZF Group
  • Engineer, Sony
  • Developer, Unloc

Tuition Fees

UK:

Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)

International:

Full time: £37,800 per year (2025/26)

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

Deposit

If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.

The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

  • If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 1 January and 31 March, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 1 April and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies 
  • Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
  • Library fees and fines 
  • Personal photocopies 
  • Printing course handouts 
  • Society membership fees
  • Stationery 
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses 
  • Graduation costs

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

The Artificial Intelligence MSc will prepare you for work developing intelligent systems. There is the opportunity to explore a range of optional modules, allowing you the freedom to develop your study pathway to reflect your interests. We will use a delivery method that will ensure you have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face-to-face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that you also experience elements of digital learning and assessment. The course is taught at the Strand and Waterloo Campuses. This puts you in the heart of London with access to all its academic resources and within easy reach of the social and entertainment attractions of one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. The Department of Informatics is based in the recently renovated Bush House, Strand Campus.

Base campuses

The Quad - Strand campus
Strand Campus

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

Waterloo campus exterior at night
Waterloo Campus

Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Regulating bodies

kcl logo

King's College London and Affiliates

UK applicants

Standard requirements

A minimum high 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above

If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).

Programme-Specific Requirements

A Bachelor's degree with a high (minimum of 65%) 2:1 honours (or international equivalent) in Computer Science or another relevant quantitative discipline (such as Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Natural Science, Electronic Engineering, General Engineering, Operations Research, or a joint degree in two such subjects). Applicants should also have a sound background in basic mathematics, in particular familiarity with standard concepts of calculus, trigonometry, linear algebra, vectors and matrix mathematics. In addition, applicants should be competent in computer programming to the level expected at the end of the first year of a BSc honours degree in computer science.

Please note: Meeting the minimum requirements for your application to be considered does not guarantee an offer as applications for this programme are very competitive.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

English language requirements

English language band:
B

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

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

Selection process

Applications must be made online using King’s Apply, the Admissions Portal.

A non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.

Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King’s Apply if your application has been assessed and being held as part of this process.

Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Personal Statement Yes

A personal statement is required. You must answer the following three questions on the application form:

  1. Why are you applying for this specific programme, and how does it fit with your future plans? (max 250 words)
  2. How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme? (max 250 words)
  3. What do you hope to contribute to the computer science community, and how do you envision making a positive impact during your time in this programme? (max 250 words)
Previous Academic Study Yes A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
References Yes One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you.
Other Optional Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application

Teaching methods - what to expect

We use lectures, seminars, and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. We often use a flipped classroom approach that creates opportunities for active learning engagement and interaction with world-class experts. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work, e.g. 150 hours work for a 15-credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module, including independent study. 

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Written/Practical Examinations
  • Presentations
  • In-Class Tests
  • Individual Project Dissertation

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include written and computer-based exams, coursework, oral presentations, in-class tests, and an individual project dissertation.

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. You will complete the course in one year, studying from September to September.

Required modules

You are required to take:

Individual Project (60 credits)

Optional modules

In addition, you are required to take 120 credits from a range of optional modules, including at least 30 credits from Artificial Intelligence modules and at least 30 credits from Machine Learning modules, which may typically include:

Agents & Multi-Agent Systems (15 credits)
Nature-Inspired Learning Algorithms (15 credits)
Pattern Recognition, Neural Networks & Deep Learning (15 credits)
Philosophy & Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)
Artificial Intelligence Planning (15 credits)
Data Mining (15 credits)
Computer Vision (15 credits)
Distributed Ledgers & Crypto-currencies (15 credits)

You will be able to select up to 30 credits from a range of level 6 modules but should note that there are specific regulations surrounding this option that must be carefully considered before making your module selection. Modules may typically include:

Optimisation Methods (15 credits)
Human-Computer Interaction (15 credits)
Computational Models (15 credits)
Machine Learning (30 credits)
Agents, Reasoning and Decision Making (15 credits)
Formal Verification (15 credits)

If you are a student who has previously studied in the Department of Informatics and have taken and passed any modules before (at level 6 or 7), you are not permitted to take these again. This is not permitted by the academic regulations.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

The Careers Service runs tailored sessions for Informatics students and a careers programme which includes skills sessions and visits from top employers.

Our graduates have gone on to have successful careers working for IT companies, and the IT departments of large institutions (private and public sector). Other graduates have entered into the field of academic and industrial research.

Destinations

Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:

  • Senior Account Manager, Electronia
  • Cloud Solution Architect, Microsoft
  • Technical Solutions Consultant, Google
  • Data Scientist, ZF Group
  • Engineer, Sony
  • Developer, Unloc

Tuition Fees

UK:

Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)

International:

Full time: £37,800 per year (2025/26)

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

Deposit

If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.

The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

  • If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 1 January and 31 March, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 1 April and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies 
  • Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
  • Library fees and fines 
  • Personal photocopies 
  • Printing course handouts 
  • Society membership fees
  • Stationery 
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses 
  • Graduation costs

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

Application closing date guidance

We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. We may need to request further information from you during the application process.

King's College London is committed to the recruitment of students with the greatest academic ability and to maintain a diverse student population. In order to ensure a balanced international student population for our most competitive programmes, we have implemented the following deadlines:

For applicants who are currently residing in mainland China, the first application deadline is 10 January 2025 (23:59 UK time).

  • We highly encourage you to apply by this deadline due to high demand, but applications will continue to be reviewed thereafter until the final application deadline on 9 March 2025 (23:59 UK time).
  • If you reside in mainland China and apply for this programme after the above final deadline, your application may be automatically withdrawn and you will not be eligible for an application fee refund.

For all other applicants, our first application deadline is on 9 March 2025 (23:59 UK time). The final application deadlines for this programme are:

  • Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
  • Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)

After the first application deadline in March:

  • if the programme is not yet full, we will continue to accept applications until all available places are filled up to the final application deadlines above
  • if the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications

Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if you apply after the first application deadline, and we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.

Key information

Study mode:
Full time
Duration:
1 year full-time, September to September
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Apply

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