Artificial Intelligence and Human Factors MSc

Postgraduate

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The MSc Artificial Intelligence and Human Factors course aims to produce graduates that have the theoretical, technical and transferable skills needed to gain a role in AI.

Year of entry

2024-25

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

EECT135

Start date

September 2024
May 2025

How to apply

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Course overview

Due to the increasing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society, we have seen a growing interest in this subject. We have seen a growth in the application of artificial intelligence in the last few years, with an anticipation that AI will continue to change how we work and live long into the future.

The course not only aims to give you a comprehensive understanding of artificial intelligence, but also how such approaches influence the humans who develop and use them.
Course content explores two key course themes; the fundamental and advanced theory and practice of AI, and how human factors influence and relate to AI. Content covers fundamental advanced concepts of AI such as Soft Computing Based Artificial Intelligence, Intelligent Decision Making, Neural Network Systems, and Security of Emerging Connected Systems.
You will have the opportunity to learn the practical skills of programming using diverse AI programming languages, the use of a spectrum of tools and techniques, as well as the theoretical foundations of AI and human factors.
You will be given the opportunity to study various modules related to human factors for AI including Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAV), Project Management in Engineering Organisation and Human Factors in Safety Management. The area of human factors and AI is not typically considered in many postgraduate courses focused on AI to date.

#JoinYourAIFuture Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Scholarships

The MSc Data Science conversion course and MSc Artificial Intelligence and Human Factors at Coventry University are part of the #JoinYourAIFuture programme, funded by the Office for Students. #JoinYourAIFuture is a national recruitment campaign to help address the shortage of AI and data specialists in the UK. An important aim of the campaign is to increase the number of people from underrepresented groups in the AI and data science fields, and to encourage graduates from diverse backgrounds to consider a future in these occupations.

The OfS, in partnership with the Department for Innovation, Science and Technology (DSIT, formerly the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport), have agreed to provide funding to deliver scholarships, worth £10,000 each to eligible students, as part of the AI and data science postgraduate conversion course scholarship programme in the 2024-25 academic year.

Full details available under Fees and funding section.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Studying Artificial Intelligence and Human Factors MSc at Coventry University will give you the chance to examine the core elements of Artificial Intelligence. Our aim is to teach you the skills and knowledge needed to design and develop AI systems that address real-world problems.
This could be the perfect course for those keen to work in the growing AI sector, a sector that is likely to influence society long into the future.
The course will explore elements of AI such as programming, decision support systems, human factors and CAV, deep learning, and AI and security, providing you with opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge needed to work with AI.
We try to provide you with opportunities to learn alongside active researchers in areas such as data science, pervasive computing, distributed computing and application, as well as innovative applications for interactive virtual worlds (subject to availability).
The course has been designed and developed with support from research and industry experts. This helps us ensure we are teaching the most up-to-date content around latest theory and technology associated with AI and Human Factors.

What you'll study

AI is the study of the theory and development of computer systems that can perform tasks one would consider as human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages. AI is a broad multidisciplinary field encompassing everything from understanding how people respond to AI to creating and using complex algorithms that mimic how the brain works. It involves many branches of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

This course includes a complementary suite of modules related to AI and human factors which aim to provide you with a significant theoretical and practical understanding of AI and the human factors that influence AI, so you can develop AI systems that solve real-world problems.

Modules

Soft Computing Based Artificial Intelligence - 15 credits

Decision Making for AI Systems - 15 credits

This module provides you with an understanding of various approaches and algorithmic tools available to make decisions in several situations: static and dynamic; deterministic and stochastic; and single stage and multiple stage. You will be focus on algorithms that are used to make decisions in simple and complex environments in the framework of utility theory.

Compulsory

Neural Network Systems - 15 credits

This module allows you opportunities to gain an understanding of the principles of neural information processing and neural network models and algorithms. You will explore mathematical theory for each model and implement several models by writing code and applying it to complex datasets. The focus will mainly be on application-oriented models and learning algorithms.

Compulsory

Project Management in Engineering Organisations - 15 credits

Security of Emerging Connected Systems - 15 credits

This module seeks to provide you with an appreciation of information security concepts and an understanding of how they are applied using Internet of Things (IoT) and Mobile Device (MD) technologies. You should gain a thorough understanding of the threats posed to organisations and people due to security risks, and an understanding of the human factors, legal, policy and technical approaches that are necessary to mitigate such risks for AI systems.

Compulsory

CAV Human Factors - 15 credits

This module introduces you to the key principles of Human Factors when considering autonomous vehicles, and specifically the interaction between such systems and the humans using them. On completion of this module, you should be able to critically evaluate elements of human-autonomy interaction and discuss different aspects of human processing and how this is related to human performance when interacting with Connected Autonomous Vehicles of varying capabilities.

Compulsory

Human Factors and Safety Management - 15 credits

The purpose of this module is to introduce you to the key principles of Human Factors when considering autonomous vehicles, and specifically the interaction between such systems and the humans using them. The module will look at the societal changes that may result from widespread CAV deployment and the ethical concerns and difficulties that may be encountered.

Compulsory

Individual Research Project Preparation - 15 credits

In this module, you will identify a suitable topic of study and project supervisor. You will then exercise and extend your skills in gathering, understanding and critically evaluating literature, assessing and acting on relevant ethical and legal issues and applying planning processes for the undertaking of a significant piece of work.

Compulsory

Entrepreneurial Practice - 10 credits

This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to effectively lead and develop people in a strategic and entrepreneurial way. You will explore for example, the influence and impact of leadership theories, culture, wellbeing, the principles of entrepreneurial practice and understand the different contexts in which entrepreneurship can flourish as well as the characteristics of entrepreneurial leadership within different types of organisational scenarios.

Compulsory

Individual Project - 50 credits

This module provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate competence in applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the taught part of the course. The module will require investigation and research as core activities, leading to analysis, final summations and insightful recommendations. The project will culminate in a comprehensive, thorough and professional report, documenting the approach, conduct and outcomes of the project.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

You will have access to modern teaching tools including our online learning platform which is currently Aula, Microsoft 365 and Tophat, using learning techniques such as blended learning and flipped learning to encourage you to explore different state-of-the-art AI topics.

We stress practicality whenever appropriate and try to strike a good balance between theory and application, as well as industrial-related experience and current research topics. A variety of equipment and software are used for these purposes, including HPC clusters and a GPU server purposely built for deep machine learning and neural networks tasks.

You will be given opportunities to work with new AI and usability technology to help develop new AI solutions, at the level of real-world applications. You may get the opportunity to work with staff that have experience of commercial and research AI. You will undertake individual and group-based AI projects. By working in groups, you should have the opportunity to develop large-scale AI projects using AI-based software development methodologies with a focus on human factors within AI. Our students currently use the same AI software and technology that is used in research and industry.

Teaching contact hours

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is estimated 13 contact hours per week in the taught semesters with self-study approximately 25 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules. In Semester 3 you will focus on your project. Contact hours will be reduced and self-directed study time will increase.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods depending upon the module. Assessment methods include coursework, essays, project and group work, viva (where we interview you about work you’ve done), practical exams (for example presentations and tests), and formal examinations.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are assessed fairly and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International Experience Opportunities

You will have the opportunity² to take part in Collaborative Online International Learning projects. These COIL projects are included within the curriculum and provide you with an opportunity to interact with international universities and industry professionals. COIL projects provide you with the opportunity to develop your intercultural competences and digital skills, while working with others on AI-related development activities.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Applicants should hold an honours degree 2:2 or above in a relevant academic discipline, such as computing, computer science, games technology and cyber security.

Each application will be considered on its merits and the final decision will be made by the course director.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200 per year	Not available
EU	£11,200 per year with EU Support Bursary £18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600 per year	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

#JoinYourAIFuture Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Scholarships

The MSc Data Science and MSc Artificial Intelligence and Human Factors at Coventry University are part of the #JoinYourAIFuture programme, funded by the Office for Students.

#JoinYourAIFuture is a national recruitment campaign to help address the shortage of AI and data specialists in the UK. An important aim of the campaign is to increase the number of people from underrepresented groups in the AI and data science fields, and to encourage graduates from diverse backgrounds to consider a future in these occupations.

The OfS, in partnership with the Department for Innovation, Science and Technology (DSIT, formerly the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport), have agreed to provide funding to deliver scholarships, worth £10,000 each to eligible student, as part of the AI and data science postgraduate conversion course scholarship programme in the 2024-25 academic year.

The investment in the AI and data science postgraduate conversion course scholarship programme aims to:

Increase the diversity of people in the UK AI and data science workforce;
Increase industry support to diversify the UK AI and data science workforce; and
Increase the supply of digitally skilled workers by converting graduates who did not study a STEM undergraduate degree.

More information is available on the Office for Students website.

Applications for scholarships will initially be reviewed using a points-based system. Priority for these awards will be given to applicants in the following categories:

Female students
Black students (as defined by HESA codes: 21; 22; 29; 41; 42)
Disabled students

Consideration will also be given to applicants who meet other underrepresented criteria in the following secondary categories:

Students from low socioeconomic backgrounds
Care experienced students
Estranged students
Gypsy, Roma, Traveller students
Refugees
Children from military families, veterans and partners of military personnel.

Before you submit your application, please ensure you read all the guidance notes, and terms and conditions below to ensure you are eligible to apply.

Download the scholarship application form.

Download the scholarship application guidance notes for full details of the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions.

Application deadline of Sunday 2nd June 2024

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

We offer modern facilities⁴, including specialist computing labs with high-performance hardware along with the utilisation of industry-standard AI software. The faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing has multifunctional teaching and research buildings that aim to offer high quality learning of AI theory and practice.

Cisco Lab

The Cisco lab is used for working with general networking and towards accreditation by CISCO. Optional modules allow students to work in the lab to develop skills in preparation for the CISCO certification exam.

Virtual Laboratories

Provide a cutting edge virtualisation environment that can be used to create entire virtual networks, complete with services, users and even attackers. Students can access this environment from anywhere on or off campus.

Games Technology lab

High-end gaming PCs with the capacity to run industry standard games engines and programming environments. It also supports Virtual Reality (VR) game development.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

Develop competencies in soft computing, usability, neural networks, decision-making, and user interface for intelligent autonomous systems.
Analyse a variety of problems and opportunities utilizing these concepts and provide solutions focused on satisfying customer requirements.
Contribute to the emerging intelligent autonomous systems industry.
Develop relevant technical skills in emerging technologies to adapt to the challenges in the computing related field in a global context.
Critically assess the use of CAVs to address and mitigate societal challenges, improving environmental and social welfare at the local and global level.
Effectively communicate research, concepts, solutions and recommendations, and demonstrate a professional approach to presentations, teamwork and leadership.
Critically evaluate and develop solutions to complex, inter-related, multi-faceted issues that can be found in a variety of organisations and professional contexts.

We aim to produce graduates ready to take advantage of the current growth in AI career opportunities. Successful graduates may find themselves taking up roles as AI experts, machine learning modellers, data scientists, human factor designers, Internet of Things programmers, or developers of autonomous cars.

Given the ever-changing natural of AI, it is likely that successful graduates of this course will work in an industry that continues to progress and develop. The Royal Society and British Academy identified different categories of new AI jobs including ‘trainers’ (those training AI systems), ‘explainers’ (those understanding AI outputs for accountability), and ‘sustainers’ (those monitoring AI systems). Although it is likely that successful graduates will go to work in the AI sector, there could also be opportunities to work in other sectors due to learned transferable skills from this course, including problem-solving and decision-making.

Where our graduates work

This master’s course aims to provide you with the capability to develop Artificial Intelligence solutions with a focus on human factors to aid society. As a result, you should gain the skills for roles in a wide range of sectors that will benefit from artificial intelligence such health and medicine finance, marketing, academia, scientific research, transportation, telecommunications, space and military.

Given that artificial intelligence is such a new and evolving field, there are various opportunities for graduates to explore, such as creating start-up companies to develop their own ideas. Artificial Intelligence Experts are currently in short supply and there is high demand for Artificial Intelligence and Human Factors skills from companies and research institutions.

Should you wish, upon successful completion of this course you will be in an ideal position to take up PhD research in AI and Human Factors. AI and Human Factors are hot topics in research and so the opportunity is there to join this vibrant research community.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.

Full-time applications

Part-time applications

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team.

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.