Artificial Intelligence and Human Factors MSc

Postgraduate

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Equip yourself with the theoretical, technical and transferable skills needed for a successful career in artificial intelligence (AI).

Year of entry

2024-25 2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

EEST059

Start date

September 2025

How to apply

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Course overview

The increasing impact of AI on society has spurred significant interest in this field. We are witnessing continued growth in AI applications, and it's anticipated that AI will continue to reshape how we work and live for years to come.

This course aims to equip you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in AI, with a strong emphasis on the impact of AI on human developers and users.

Gain a deep understanding of AI and its influence on humans.
Explore advanced AI concepts such as soft computing, neural networks, and security.
Develop practical programming skills and learn to utilise diverse AI tools and techniques.
Course content covers programming, decision support systems, human factors, connected autonomous vehicles, deep learning and AI security.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

Gain the skills and knowledge to design and develop AI systems that address real-world problems.
Engage with experts in data science, computing and innovative virtual world applications.
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 involves developing computer systems that perform tasks requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. This multidisciplinary field spans STEM disciplines, focusing on human responses to AI and creating complex algorithms mimicking brain functions.

The course offers modules on AI and human factors, providing significant theoretical and practical understanding to develop AI systems that address real-world problems.

Modules

Neural and Evolutionary Computing - 30 credits

Gain an understanding of the principles of neural information processing, neural network models and algorithms, soft computing techniques using fuzzy logic, and the genetic fuzzy based hybrid. Learn the mathematical theory behind each model, write code to implement them, and apply these models to complex datasets. Learnings focus on application-oriented models and gain an understanding of neural AI methods to develop new algorithms when needed, rather than just using off-the-shelf tools.

Compulsory

AI Systems and Human Factors - 30 credits

This module focuses on decision-making in AI systems and Generative AI, along with the implications for human factors. Gain an understanding of various approaches and algorithmic tools available for making decisions in both simple and complex environments. Gain hands-on experience with techniques and tools used to create generative systems such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Variational Autoencoders (VAEs) and Transformer-based models.⁴

Compulsory

Human Factors for CAV and Safety Management - 30 credits

Explore the key principles of Human Factors when considering incidents related to AI, and how to manage and ensure safety. Learn to critically evaluate elements of human-autonomy interaction and consider different aspects of human processing and performance when interacting with AI systems such as Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs).

Compulsory

Advanced Software Development - 30 credits

This module provides a detailed overview of the advanced techniques, methodologies, and tools required by modern software development. Through a team-based software development project you will engage in practical application of these tools and skills to develop complex, high-performance, and scalable software systems.

Compulsory

Individual Research Project – 60 credits

This module will provide a comprehensive understanding of research methodologies, data collection, analysis and interpretation techniques culminating in the production of a dissertation and a software-based product which is the outcome of primary research.
Learn about different research designs, data collection methods, and analysis techniques. The module also emphasises the importance of ethical research practices and effective time management. We will provide guidance on dissertation structure, academic writing and referencing.

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

Teaching and learning methods may include:

workshops
lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
group projects.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module. Assessment methods may include:

essays
coursework
portfolios
project and group work.

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

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as computing, computer science, games technology or cyber security.

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

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

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.

Typical entry requirements

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as computing, computer science, games technology or cyber security.

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.

Fees and funding

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).

*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 facilities including specialist computing labs with high-performance hardware along with the utilisation of industry-standard AI software.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 24/7, in term-time. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student life on campus. Facilities include a food court, convenience store, multi-faith centre, medical centre, hairdresser, coffee shops and the Your SU offices. It has fully licensed function spaces and a bar.

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Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 36 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

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.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you could find yourself working in roles including:

AI Human-centred Researcher
AI and Software Developer
Data Analyst
Logistics professional.

On 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 utilising 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.

Where our graduates work

Successful graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as:

Human Factors Research Group
Rebellion Games
Infosys
Coventry University Group.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Start your application

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

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

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

How to apply

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

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

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

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

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, partnerships and memberships

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. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Where relevant, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) module content is undergoing assessment by the CMI to confirm that all criteria are met to the required standard. Whilst it is expected that students who successfully pass the module will be eligible to be considered by CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice as an additional qualification, we cannot confirm this until the accreditation is approved. This is a normal part of the continuous improvement process for our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

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

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 for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. 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.