Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development MSc

About this degree

An MSc programme that blends technical learning with an immense opportunity to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this degree will enable you to become an AI specialist, with a crucial awareness of how AI can be applied to benefit the environment and humanity.

UCL Computer Science is renowned for its role in AI breakthroughs. It was part of the development of AlphaGo – the first computer programme to defeat a professional human Go player. You will join other students to study machine learning and AI technologies, while learning what technology can deliver to enable sustainable development, reduce environmental impact, and support humanity. Delivered in the heart of London, this programme enables you to learn in the AI Growth Capital of Europe.

An intrinsically multidisciplinary programme, you will learn from a variety of subject specialists and industry experts, gaining an in-depth understanding of why AI practitioners are also needed in sectors aside from big technology companies. You will work on an individual project in partnership with a stakeholder who is facing a sustainable development challenge, giving you hands-on experience of problem-solving using AI in this area.

From delivering life-saving blood by drones in Rwanda, to optimising nutritional input in agriculture to increase tomato crops in the Netherlands, AI is already delivering world-changing concepts. By joining us, you will be part of the next generation able to use technology to find creative solutions to support global wellbeing.

Tackle emergent challenges through this one-of-a-kind MSc programme that brings the technical side of Artificial Intelligence (AI) together with environmental and humanitarian issues. This is an incredible opportunity to find solutions to pressing problems in sustainable development. Taught at UCL, an international home of AI breakthroughs, this programme places graduates at the heart of a rapidly growing sector.

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree (or an international qualification of an equivalent standard) in a highly quantitative subject such as computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or the physical sciences. Relevant work experience may also be considered. Additionally, applicants must be comfortable with undergraduate mathematics in areas such as linear algebra and calculus. Evidence should be included within the application to demonstrate suitable mathematical skills (to at least A Level Mathematics standard), analytical skills and programming experience in a procedural language.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

As this is the second year the programme has run, alumni information is not yet available. However, we expect graduates of this programme will have the core skills in AI to enable them to enter a broad range of employment. The focus on sustainability will make you particularly suitable to work for an organisation specifically targeting the SDGs, or to enter the fast-accelerating movement of start-ups in sustainable development.