Why study this course?
This programme is ideal for students without a computer science background who want to develop in鈥慸emand machine learning skills, whether to enhance their current role or move into an AI鈥慺ocused career path. You’ll gain the adaptability, critical judgement and ethical awareness needed to navigate a field that is evolving at speed.
Alongside core machine learning theory, you’ll learn through hands鈥憃n lab, software development work, and collaborative projects. This practical experience helps you build confidence as you apply algorithms, experiment with models, and solve real鈥憌orld challenges.
With this conversion MSc in Machine Learning you will:
- build strong foundational knowledge of computer science so you can understand systems from the ground up
- gain specialist expertise in machine learning, neural networks and natural language processing
- learn responsible AI practice, developing the judgement to evaluate models ethically, safely and effectively
- develop programming skills in Python and other languages introduced across modules
- explore wider areas of computer science, tailoring your learning beyond compulsory topics
- strengthen adaptability and problem鈥憇olving, preparing you to keep pace with emerging tools, frameworks and research
- complete a substantial research and development project, conducting deep investigation and delivering a significant software implementation
- work in modern 24/7 computing labs, part of a close鈥慿nit and collaborative School community
You may switch to an conversion MSc in Computer Science or Artificial Intelligence, or MSc in Computing and Information Technology after the first semester.
Teaching
A mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical classes.
Class sizes
Typically from 20 to 110 students.鈥�
Dissertation
A three-month project in machine learning leading to a 15,000-word dissertation.
Assessment
Practical coursework exercises and exams.
Modules
The 58吃瓜 degree structure is designed to be flexible. You study compulsory modules delivering core learning together with optional modules you choose from the list available that year.
If you choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a postgraduate diploma (PGDip) instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of 58吃瓜. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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Students will take the following three compulsory modules:
- Programming Principles in Practice: introduces computational thinking and problem-solving skills to students who have no or little previous programming experience.
- Fundamentals of Computation: introduces foundational Computer Science topics to students without prior background in the subject.
- Uncertainty in AI: covers reasoning and decision making in the presence of uncertainty.
And one of:
- Machine Learning: covers the essential theory and algorithms of machine learning, including mathematical foundations and methodological approaches.
- Machine Learning for Data Analysis: covers many of the methods found under the banner of datamining, building from a theoretical perspective but ultimately teaching practical application.
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The following modules are optional for Computer Science programmes. Not all combinations of modules will be available for all programmes, and some modules are subject to pre-requisites being satisfied.
Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered:
- Computer Security
- Critical Systems Engineering
- Databases
- Data Ethics and Privacy
- Data-Intensive Systems
- Fundamentals of Software Engineering
- Human Computer Interaction Principles and Methods
- Information Visualisation
- Interactive Software and Hardware
- Masters Programming Projects
- Principles of Computer Communication Systems
- Software Architecture and Design
- Software Product and Project Management
- Software Quality
- Symbolic AI
- User-Centred Interaction Design
- Web Technologies
- Video Games
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During the second semester, students work with staff to define and agree upon a topic for the extended project, which they will work on during the final three months of the course, and which finishes in a 15,000-word dissertation. Dissertation projects may be group-based or completed individually, though students are assessed individually in either case.
The dissertation typically comprises:
- a review of related work
- the extension of existing ideas or the development of new ideas
- software implementation and testing
- analysis and evaluation
Each project is supervised by one or two members of staff, typically through regular meetings and reviews of software and dissertation drafts.
What it will lead to
Careers
Machine learning expertise is in high demand across sectors that rely on data鈥慸riven insight, automation, recognition systems and intelligent technologies.
Graduates of the conversion MSc in Machine Learning typically flourish in roles such as:
- machine learning engineer
- AI programmer or developer
- full鈥憇tack AI developer
- data analyst or data scientist
- research scientist
- integration engineer
- cloud and infrastructure consultant
- computer vision specialist
- games and interactive media developer
Your ability to understand machine learning from first principles, and to apply it responsibly and ethically, ensures long鈥憈erm career resilience in a field that continues to expand rapidly.
Elevate your career
Alumni of computer science MSc programmes have gone on to work in a variety of global, commercial, financial and research institutions, including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Bloomberg, Adobe, Salesforce, Cisco, Huawei, Civil Service, and RegGenome.
Further your education
The 鈥痠s a four-year Engineering Doctorate involving an industrial partner. If you have already completed an MSc you may be able to proceed directly to the individual research component of the EngD.
Go your own way
Our offers training and start-up support, gives you access to experienced and expert mentors and an investor network, and one-to-one advice to help you realise your commercial potential.
Why 58吃瓜?
The School of Computer Science is highly rated for its theoretical and practical research in areas such as:
- 鈥痑rtificial intelligence
- health informatics
- human computer interaction
- programming languages
- responsible and sustainable computing
- systems
Get to know us
Offer holders will be invited to join our optional 'Transition to CS@58吃瓜' online hub to get early information about learning, teaching, assessment and student support. You can chat with staff and current students during live monthly Question and Answer sessions over the summer before the start of your course.
Events
The School of Computer Science organises a regular programme of colloquia, talks and seminars by external and internal speakers from both industry and academia. The talks are aimed at bringing the diversity, excitement and impact of computer science from around the globe to staff and students within the School.
The and ) regularly organise hackathons and other events open to local and external participants, including Masters students. These are very popular events, often supported by industrial sponsors.
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at 58吃瓜 you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements
Application requirements
- CV, which should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
- Personal statement (optional)
- One original signed academic reference
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates that confirm your current or final marks. If your transcripts are not in English, please provide certified translations. Do not send original documents as they cannot be returned.
English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Fees and funding
- UK: £12,630
- Rest of the world: £31,450
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
Contact us
- Postgraduate online information events
- The School can help with course content, teaching and other topics:
- about how to apply, fees, scholarships and other topics
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the .
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University鈥檚 approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 9 June 2026