MSc Data and Artificial Intelligence Ethics

Postgraduate entry requirements:

1. Academic Qualifications: Prospective postgraduate applicants to the University of Edinburgh are typically required to have achieved a minimum academic qualification of approximately 60%, based on their previous academic achievements and qualifications.  

2. English Language Proficiency:  

   • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall score of 7.0, with at least 6.0 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).

   • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test (iBT), with at least 20 in each component (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing).

   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): Minimum overall score of 70, with at least 59 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. These scholarships aim to promote diversity, academic excellence, and global engagement. 

Global Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh offers Global Scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate students. These scholarships provide financial assistance towards tuition fees and living expenses, enabling talented students from around the world to access quality education at Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships: International postgraduate students pursuing research-based programs (Ph.D., MSc by Research) can apply for Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships. These scholarships provide full or partial funding for tuition fees and living expenses during the research program.

School-specific Scholarships: Some academic schools and departments within the university offer scholarships targeting international students in specific disciplines or programs. These scholarships may be merit-based or need-based and vary in terms of eligibility criteria and funding amounts.

Commonwealth Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh participates in various Commonwealth scholarship schemes, providing opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK government and other organizations.

External Funding Sources: International students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, such as government scholarships, private organizations, and international foundations, to support their studies at the University of Edinburgh.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.

Graduating with an MSc in Data and Artificial Intelligence Ethics from the University of Edinburgh opens doors to diverse and impactful career opportunities at the intersection of technology, ethics, and governance. This specialized program equips graduates with the ethical reasoning skills, policy knowledge, and technical understanding necessary to address complex ethical challenges posed by data-driven technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).  

1. Ethics Consultant: Graduates can work as ethics consultants for technology companies, advising on ethical considerations in the design, development, and deployment of AI systems. They assess risks, conduct ethical impact assessments, and propose strategies for responsible innovation.

2. Policy Analyst or Researcher: Many graduates pursue careers as policy analysts or researchers for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations focused on technology policy and regulation. They contribute to shaping ethical guidelines, data protection laws, and governance frameworks for AI.

3. Compliance Officer: Graduates may work as compliance officers, ensuring that organizations adhere to ethical standards, data protection regulations (such as GDPR), and industry guidelines in their use of AI technologies. They develop and implement compliance programs and conduct audits.

4. AI Ethics Officer: Some graduates specialize as AI ethics officers within technology companies, responsible for integrating ethical considerations into AI development processes. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to embed ethical principles into algorithmic design and decision-making.

5. Researcher in Ethical AI: Graduates interested in research can pursue roles as researchers in ethical AI, exploring topics such as fairness, accountability, transparency, and bias mitigation in AI systems. They contribute to advancing knowledge and best practices in the field of AI ethics.

6. Technology Policy Advisor: Graduates can work as advisors on technology policy and regulation, providing guidance to policymakers, legislators, and industry stakeholders on ethical AI practices. They participate in shaping national and international policies related to data governance and AI ethics.

7. Academic and Educator: The MSc serves as a pathway for further studies (Ph.D.) and academic careers in ethics, technology, or interdisciplinary fields. Graduates can become educators, teaching courses on data ethics, AI governance, and responsible innovation.