Intelligent Systems and Robotics MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

Artificial intelligence and intelligent robotics are rapidly growing fields that you can become part of. On this course you’ll be able to gain knowledge of the various models of computational intelligence, acquire skills in the associated computational techniques, and learn how to apply them to solve a wide variety of problems.

Entry Criteria
Structure and assessment
Facilities and features
Opportunities and careers
Take your next steps
Contact us

Overview

Computational Intelligence (CI) encompasses the techniques and methods used to tackle problems that traditional approaches to computing struggle to solve. The four areas of fuzzy logic, neural networks, CI optimisation and knowledge-based systems encompass much of what is considered to be computational (or artificial) intelligence. There are also opportunities to apply what you learn in areas such as robot control and games development, depending on your interests.  

You can choose from a number of specialist modules including natural language processing, artificial neural networks and data mining techniques, while developing your skills in our dedicated robotics laboratory, equipped with a variety of mobile robots. The applied computational intelligence module considers knowledge-based systems, as well as the historical, philosophical and future implications of AI, and focuses on current research and applications in the area.

Modules include work based on research by the Institute of Artificial Intelligence (IAI). With an established international reputation, its work focuses on the use of fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks, evolutionary computing, mobile robotics and biomedical informatics, providing theoretically sound solutions to real-world decision making and prediction problems. Previous students have published papers with their IAI project supervisors and progressed on to PhD study.

Key features

This course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Our internationally recognised Institute of Artificial Intelligence (IAI) helps to inform the content of our course, allowing you to understand the current research issues related to artificial intelligence and potential areas that need more research focus.
The modules you’ll study feature work based on research by our IAI and focus on the use of fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks, evolutionary computing, mobile robotics and biomedical informatics, providing theoretically sound solutions to real-world decision-making and prediction problems.
Your studies can work around your work and other commitments with full-time, part-time or distance learning study options available. This makes the course ideal for both recent graduates and professionals already in employment.
Take advantage of our AI laboratory featuring cutting-edge workstations and technologies such as the Emotiv Flex Gel Sensor Kit and Emotiv PRO, Lynxmotion Hexapod robot, Turtlebots, HTC Vive development kits, 3D Scanner, 3D Printer and Lego EV3 Kits.
Artificial intelligence is a growing industry across the globe. Employment opportunities exist in areas such as games development, control systems, software engineering, internet businesses, financial services, mobile communications, programming, and software engineering.

Scholarships

International Scholarships

Find out about available scholarships and country specific fee discounts for international students.

More courses like this:

Computing MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

News stories

Manufacturer celebrates a boost in business thanks to DMU's MSc

UK
EU/International

Programme code: G70071

Location of study: Campus or online/distance learning

Start Date: September

Duration: One year full time. Two years part time.

Fees and funding:

2023/24 full-time fees for UK students: £9,000 per year, part-time fees £750 per 15 credits

Find out more about course fees and available funding.

Additional costs and optional extras associated with this course.

How to apply

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

Programme code: G70071

Location of study: Campus or online/distance learning

Start Date: September

Duration: One year full time. Two years part time.

Fees and funding:

2023/24 tuition full-time fees for EU and international students: £17,100 per year, part-time fees: £1,425 per 15 credits

Find out more about course fees and available funding.

Additional costs and optional extras associated with this course.

How to apply

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

Entry criteria

You should have the equivalent of a British Honours degree (2:2 minimum) in a relevant subject.

We are happy to consider equivalent qualifications from anywhere in the world.

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

If you have no formal academic qualifications but do have extensive industry experience we will consider your application on an individual basis.

If you feel you would like to talk to us about your qualifications before submitting an application please do not hesitate to call or email using the contact details below.

Whilst the University tries to ensure that all of its programmes run as advertised it is sometimes necessary to make significant changes to the structure of the programmes or to discontinue a programme entirely if for instance there are insufficient student numbers or staff changes. This will sometimes happen between an offer being made and enrolment.

Where changes are made the University will endeavour to inform applicants as early as possible to minimise the potential disruption to the application process. Where possible an alternative programme will be offered in a similar subject area.

In cases where programmes are changed or discontinued the University will send a communication to you electronically and/or by hard copy outlining your options.

Structure and assessment

Semester 1:

Computational Intelligence Research Methods details quantitative and qualitative approaches including laboratory evaluation, surveys, case studies and action research.
Fuzzy Logic considers the various fuzzy paradigms that have become established as computational tools.
Natural Language Processing focuses on Natural Language Processing (NLP) using Python. It uses NLTK and Pytorch. NLTK is a leading platform for NLP which provides a number of text processing libraries for classification, tokenization, stemming, tagging, parsing, and semantic reasoning, wrappers for industrial-strength NLP libraries. Pytorch provides access to deep learning function which can be applied to NLP problems.
Mobile Robots discusses the hardware and software architectures used to build mobile robot systems.

Semester 2:

Computational Intelligence Optimisation (CIO) is a subject that integrates artificial intelligence into algorithms for solving optimisation problems that could not be solved by exact methods. Thus, CIO is the subject that defines and designs metaheuristics, i.e. general purpose algorithms. This makes CIO the subject that tackles optimisation problems in engineering, economics, and applied science
Artificial Neural Networks and Deep Learning appraises neural network computing from an engineering approach and the use of networks for cognitive modelling.
Applied Computational Intelligence considers knowledge-based systems; the historical, philosophical and future implications of AI; then focuses on current research and applications in the area
Intelligent Mobile Robots covers sensing, representing, modelling of the environment, adaptive behaviour and social behaviour of robots. OR
Data Mining, Techniques and Applications examines the tools and techniques needed to mine the large quantities of data generated in today’s information age. It provides practical experience as well as consideration of research and application areas

Summer:

Individual Project provides the opportunity to demonstrate skills acquired from the course in a problem solving capacity. This typically involves the analysis, design and implementation of a computer system.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

The course consists of an induction unit, eight modules and an individual project. The summer period is devoted to work on the project for full-time students. If you choose to study via distance learning, you would normally take either one module per semester for four years or two modules per semester for four years plus a further year for the project.

Teaching is normally delivered through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, discussions and e-learning packages. Assessment is via coursework only and will usually involve a combination of individual and group work, presentations, essays, reports and projects.

Distance learning material is delivered primarily through our virtual learning environment. Books, DVDs and other learning materials will be sent to you. We aim to replicate the on-site experience as fully as possible by using electronic discussion groups, encouraging contact with tutors through a variety of mediums.

Contact and learning hours

On-site students will have the lessons delivered by the module tutors in slots of three hours. In the full-time route, you can expect to have around 12 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, with approximately 28 additional hours of independent study. There are also three non-teaching weeks when fulltime students can expect to spend around 40 hours on independent study each week.

Taught by experienced research staff from the Centre for Computational Intelligence (CCI), an internationally recognised centre highly rated in the most recent Government Research Assessment Exercise, you will gain a professional qualification that gives substantially enhanced career and research prospects in both traditional computing areas and in the expanding area of computational intelligence.

Facilities and features

Facilities

We have our own AI laboratory situated in Gateway House featuring cutting-edge workstations and technologies such as the Emotiv Flex Gel Sensor Kit and Emotiv PRO, Lynxmotion Hexapod robot, Turtlebots, HTC Vive development kits, 3D Scanner, 3D Printer and Lego EV3 Kits.

Mobile Robotics is taught as an option at undergraduate level as well as on the Artificial Intelligence with Robotics BSc programme. On the Intelligent Systems and Robotics MSc programme students will be exposed to the more advanced techniques.

The Centre for Computational Intelligence (CCI) conducts research into use of computational intelligence techniques on mobile robots and encourages PhD applications in this field.

Library and learning zones

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available.

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our Library website, e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose.

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including the Virtual Learning Environment, Collaborate Ultra, DMU Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub.

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live LibChat, online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our Learning Services, and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

More flexible ways to learn

We offer an equitable and inclusive approach to learning and teaching for all our students. Known as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), our teaching approach has been recognised as sector leading. UDL means we offer a wide variety of support, facilities and technology to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.

Just one of the ways we do this is by using ‘DMU Replay’ – a technology providing all students with anytime access to audio and/or visual material of lectures. This means students can revise taught material in a way that suits them best, whether it's replaying a recording of a class or adapting written material shared in class using specialist software.

Opportunities and careers

Placements

During this course you will have the option to complete a paid placement year,* an invaluable opportunity to put the skills developed during your degree into practice. This insight into the professional world will build on your knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing you to progress onto your chosen career.

Previous students have taken up placements in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, including some international posts, with Intelligent Systems and Robots MSc students securing placements at leading companies such as Jaguar Land Rover.

Our careers programme DMU Works can help to hone your professional skills with mock interviews and practice aptitude tests, and an assigned personal tutor will support you throughout your placement.

^{*Country restrictions apply}

DMU Global

This is our innovative international experience programme which aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons – helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world.

Through DMU Global, we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

Previous DMU Global trips have seen Intelligent Systems MSc students explore the Silicon Docks in Dublin to being inspired by educational and networking opportunities at the SAS Global Forum in Dallas.

Graduate careers

Jaguar Land Rover role places Nontawat at the cutting-edge of AI

Working at the cutting-edge of artificial intelligence (AI) is enriching Nontawat Pattanajak’s research and studies at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).

“AI is becoming increasingly important across many industries and careers, so the opportunity to gain professional experience has been very valuable.

“It’s giving me the chance to apply what I’ve learned at university to real-life projects and getting to use state-of-the-art tools and methods is developing my technical skills.

“I’m grateful to be working with a team of experts who are supporting my progress and that my role is stimulating and varied.”