Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems MSc

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

The MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems prepares students to address real-world challenges through advanced study in AI, robotics, machine learning, and autonomous technologies.

Applications will open for our September 2026 start date by mid-September 2025.

From robotaxis and social robots to drones that can detect and repair faults, autonomous technologies are revolutionising the world around us.

Our MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems will help meet the huge global demand for professional engineers with specialist AI skills. You’ll be able to tackle complex challenges, use advanced robotics and apply machine learning across diverse environments.

You could be modelling when industrial machines are likely to fail, predicting traffic flows, improving energy efficiency or reverse-engineering the brain to explore new technologies and treatments. The course includes a focus on design, simulation, control and intelligent decision-making processes. You’ll also use Python for programming and will develop a range of technical and project management skills.

We take a hands-on, practical approach, with case studies and personalised support. You will tackle real-world problems and generate solutions to industrial challenges, improving processes and efficiency using AI and autonomous systems.

Using our facilities, you'll also gain practical experience with advanced robotic systems, such as a collaborative robot designed for safe human interaction and adaptable automation tasks, and an industrial-grade robot used for automation and control system learning. These robots can be programmed to work in different frames and explore robot kinematics, including joint control, trajectory planning, and real-time motion adjustments.

The interdisciplinary course brings together specialist experts from our Engineering and Computing Departments. They are active researchers, with knowledge of industry insights and innovations.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems

Course content

Our unique combination of technical rigour, research and applied learning means you will have skills that are highly sought after by employers.

Autonomous systems – those requiring minimal human intervention – are used in self-driving cars, industrial automation, smart robotics and intelligent transport systems. To help understand these applications, you will explore machine learning, robotic kinetics and dynamics, intelligent vehicle control and system validation.

You will also use Python for AI programming. To develop your skills as a data scientist, you will delve into mining, informatics and visualisation. Using case study examples, you’ll learn how to design and implement solutions.

You will also undertake your own large-scale project, using engineering principles. It could focus on a particular design problem, look at how to improve a process or develop a product.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Entry requirements

At least a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree from a UK university, or the international equivalent, is required in a related engineering or computing discipline, such as Electronic Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Development, Network Computing or Cyber Security. 

Facilities

  • Our dedicated AI lab, with full AI demonstrator facilities including human tracking and computer vision equipment    
  • A collaborative robot designed for safe human interaction and adaptable automation tasks, and an industrial-grade robot used for automation and control system learning

Real Time Lab

Our Real Time Lab has a suite of 20, 6 axis programmable robotic arms, autonomous vehicles, micro-controllers, motors, sensors and state-of-the-art design suites for embedded software programming and electronic design.

Watch video View virtual tour

Software Development Tools

You'll have access to development environments for desktop, mobile and enterprise applications as well as access to common IDE’s Visual Studio, Visual Code and Rider, with the ability to test and deploy to a range of devices and configurations.

Networking Labs

The networking labs consist of three fully equipped Cisco labs with around 340 devices, plus a Juniper set-up which can be incorporated into courses. Read more

Find out more about our networking facilities. 
Watch video

Careers

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Fees

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Apply

Applications are not currently available for this course.

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations. 

Have you considered?

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021