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Postgraduate Course

AI and Digital Transformation MSc

Understand, evaluate and apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled technologies within organisational and professional contexts.

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Knowledge of and experience with AI are in demand across industries and sectors. Develop an in depth expertise in areas such as Generative AI and machine learning foundations. This will enable you to understand and apply advanced AI concepts, techniques and responsible innovation principles.

London campus

  • Duration – 1 year full time, 2 years full time with Professional Experience, 2 years part time
  • Start date – February 2027, September 2027
  • School – London

Minimum entry requirements

2:2 honours degree in a related subject

Tuition fees

    UK 2026-27 £10,200 full time

    International 2026-27 £11,800 full time

Course overview

Expand your knowledge with modules that combine foundational theory learning with advanced principles and practice across AI, machine learning and digital transformation domains. Through integrated modules covering Large Language Models and Prompt Engineering, you will build the knowledge and skills necessary to design, evaluate and communicate AI enabled solutions using contemporary generative AI approaches. 

Laboratory sessions will allow you to put your knowledge into practice. Work on real industry case studies and projects to develop your skills. You will also engage with contemporary IT sector trends in regular seminars and workshops conducted by industry profession

You can study this course with a professional experience, which can be either an industry placement you find or in York St John University London's Enterprise Academy. The Enterprise Academy will support you in developing advanced technical skills through applied AI and digital transformation projects addressing real industry challenges. 

Learn in an environment that supports specialisation and enhances practical skills in line with professional standards. This course is perfect for you if you have a background in computer science, digital technology or another other related field and want to advance your career in AI and related sectors. You will feel enabled to design, deploy, evaluate and manage AI enabled solutions for organisations. 

Course structure

How you will study

You can study this postgraduate course full time with or without an industry placement. This allows you to fit your studies around other commitments. You can also study this course with or without a year long industry placement.

Full time (without an industry placement)

If you choose to study full time without the industry placement, the course will take 1 year to complete. You will study:

  • 4 compulsory modules
  • A compulsory dissertation module

Full time (with an industry placement)

If you choose to study with an industry placement, the course will take 2 years to complete. You will study:

  • 4 compulsory modules
  • A compulsory dissertation
  • A year in industry

You can find out which modules are available in each term in the Course Specifications.

Modules

Credits: 30

Compulsory module

AI and machine learning play a central role in digital transformation. Gain the theoretical understanding, analytical skills and practical capabilities required to critically engage with AI and machine learning within modern digital transformation contexts. Explore how AI systems are designed, assessed and applied within industry environments while critically considering issues relating to transparency, accountability, privacy and responsible innovation.

Credits: 30

Compulsory module

Gain practical skills in the design, application and evaluation of Large Language Models (LLMs) and prompt engineering techniques. Building on core concepts of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning concepts, you will explore the architecture, capabilities and limitations of foundation models, This will enable you to develop effective prompt-based solutions for a range of organisational and societal applications.

Credits: 30

Compulsory module

Learn about how organisations can strategically leverage Artificial Intelligence, data-driven innovation and digital technologies to create sustainable value and achieve competitive advantage. Critically examine strategic planning approaches,  leadership models and change management methodologies. You will evaluate the relationship between technology adoption, business strategy and organisational culture.

Credits: 30

Compulsory module

Develop an advanced understanding of the infrastructure, engineering practices and operational methodologies required to develop, deploy and manage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) systems within real industry environments. Bridge the gap between AI model development and reliable production deployment. In practical sessions you will gain experience in designing and implementing MLOps workflows using appropriate platforms, frameworks and tools.

Credits: 60

Compulsory module

This is your opportunity to demonstrate your advanced research capability, critical analysis skills, independent judgement and project management abilities. You will undertake a substantial independent research or development project in an area of artificial intelligence and digital transformation that interests you. Identify and investigate a complex problem, critically engage with relevant literature and evidence, select and justify appropriate research or technical methods to manage the project from proposal through to completion.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and learning

The teaching methods used on this course will help you become an innovative, professional, and reflective AI and digital transformation practitioner. Sessions could include:

  • Interactive workshops
  • Seminars
  • Debates
  • Discussion forums
  • Tutorials

We recognise everyone has different backgrounds with education and professional experience so we provide comprehensive support in study skills, academic conventions, analytical methods, digital tools, and scholarly writing.

Assessment

ur assessments are designed to prepare you for working in the industry after graduation and reflect typical tasks. Assessment methods may include:

  • Portfolio work
  • Reports
  • Formative demos
  • Artefacts
  • Presentations
  • Research work

You will receive regular feedback to help you improve throughout your studies and will be provided in a variety of ways, including written guidance and face to face sessions. This will help you identify clear pathways to enhance you research capabilities, knowledge and skills.

Optional placement year

Choosing the placement year option can give you a competitive edge in your future career. It is an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have learned in the workplace.

Entry requirements

Qualifications

Minimum entry requirements

    2:2 honours degree in a related subject

If your honours degree is not in a related discipline, but you can demonstrate extensive professional experience in the subject, your application will be considered.

International students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

If you do not have traditional qualifications, you might be able to provide evidence of professional experience in the subject as an alternative way to meet the entry requirements. This is called Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Appropriate references and records of employment would need to be presented to support your case for admission.

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

Fees and funding

UK

February 2027 entry

  • The tuition fee for 2026 - 2027 without Professional Experience is £10,200 for full time study.
  • The tuition fee for 2026 - 2027 with Professional Experience is £10,200 for the first year, and £1,600 for your professional experience year (£11,800 in total).

September 2027

  • The tuition fee for 2027 - 2028 without Professional Experience is £10,500 for full time study.
  • The tuition fee for 2027 - 2028 with Professional Experience is £10,400 for the first year, and £1,600 for your professional experience year (£12,000 in total).

These costs apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

Postgraduate loans are available to help you pay for your master’s course. Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

Funding opportunities

International

February 2027 entry

  • The tuition fee without Professional Experience is £11,800.
  • The tuition fee with Professional Experience is £15,400. £11,800 for your first year, and £3,600 for your Professional Experience year (£15,400 in total)

September 2027 entry

  • The tuition fee without Professional Experience is £12,000.
  • The tuition fee with Professional Experience is £15,600. £12,000 for your first year, and £3,600 for your Professional Experience year (£15,600 in total)

These costs apply to all students living outside the UK.

For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

International Fees and Funding

Tuition fees

    UK 2026-27 £10,200 full time

    International 2026-27 £11,800 full time

Alumni Scholarships

If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.

Scholarships for alumni

Additional costs and financial support

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Accommodation and living costs

View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.

Career outcomes

Where could AI and Digital Transformation take you?

You will develop knowledge and skills on this course that would be highly valued in AI and technology based roles, such as:

  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • AI Strategy Consultant
  • AI Governance and Compliance Officer
  • AI Project Manager
  • AI Software Engineer

Your range of transferable skills would also open opportunities in other related fields.

Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study

Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market.

Our careers service, Future You, provides support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

  • Employer events
  • LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
  • Workshops on application writing and interview skills
  • Work experience and volunteering opportunities
  • Personalised career advice

This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.

Apply for this course

For postgraduate degrees you must apply directly to York St John University using the application links. This will take you to the application form you will need to fill out for this specific course.

To complete the online application form you will need to create login details.

Please contact 2 referees before submitting your application. An automated request for a reference will be emailed to them as soon as you submit. Your application will not be reviewed until both references are in place.

Fees and key information

Apply now

Course highlights

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