ICIS Course Spec - MSc Artificial Intelligence (Version 2)

Saved on: Monday 08 April 2024 03:28PM

MSc Artificial Intelligence 01 SEP 2022 - 31 AUG 2028 | Version 2

Course Leader: Mabrouka Abuhmida

Course Team: Ian D Wilson, Andrew Ware, Carl D Jones
Awarding Body: University of South Wales
Teaching Institutions: University of South Wales
Final Award: MSc
Intermediate Award(s): PgDip, PgCert
Mode of Study: Full Time, Part Time
JACS Code: I100

QAA Benchmarks / Other External Reference Points:

Computing 2016

Document Version

Version: 2
Valid From: 01 SEP 2022
Valid To: 31 AUG 2028

08/04/2024 Page 1 of 8 15:28

 ICIS Course Spec - MSc Artificial Intelligence (Version 2)

Educational Aim

To develop an ability to reformulate and use practical, conceptual, and technological understanding of machine
intelligence to create ways forward in contexts where there are many interacting factors.

To enhance the student’s ability to critically analyse, interpret and evaluate complex information, concepts and
theories that is informed by research at the forefront of developments in machine intelligence.

To enable students to understand the wider contexts in which intelligent computer systems are found including an
awareness of relevant legal, social, ethical and professional issues.

To develop an ability to undertake design and development activities within the field of machine intelligence based
on a systematic understanding of essential principles and practices, tools and techniques.

To enable students to critically evaluate their own actions, methods and results, as well as those of others, and
their short and long-term implications.

To develop an attitude of personal responsibility and entrepreneurship when planning and developing courses of
action, which includes recognising and responding to opportunities for innovation.

To allow demonstration of an advanced ability to develop industry-standard software, along with supporting design
and test documentation, entailing development in an industry-appropriate language, presentation and
manipulation of objects, and creativity or innovation derived from the student's own interests.

To develop depth of knowledge and understanding of recurring themes such as abstraction, complexity and
evolutionary change that will facilitate the development of lifelong learners in a rapidly changing profession.

To develop a life-long learner, who can exercise broad autonomy and judgement, set goals and identify
resources.

To further develop transferable skills, including communication, working with others, problem solving and
improving own learning and performance, and apply these to non-trivial problems.

Learning Outcomes

A1
To critically describe practical, conceptual or technological knowledge necessary to create solutions to
problems in machine intelligence contexts.

A2
To critically review complex information, concepts and theories at the forefront of the discipline to
inform decision making.

A3
To explain the wider contexts, including legal, social, ethical and professional matters, within which
the field of machine intelligence operates.

A4
To identify and describe appropriate theoretical and practical approaches to solving problems utilising
machine intelligence.

A5
To show discernment in the synthesis of principles and practices governing the development of
intelligent computer systems to solve real-world problems.

A6
To demonstrate knowledge of applicable research techniques.

08/04/2024 Page 2 of 8 15:28

 ICIS Course Spec - MSc Artificial Intelligence (Version 2)

B1
To plan and develop courses of action that initiate or underpin substantial developments utilising
machine intelligence.

B2
To exercise autonomy and judgement in the selection of optimal solutions to problems.

B3
To be able to critically analyse, design, implement and evaluate systems and solutions that embody
artificial intelligence where there are many interacting factors.

B4
To take responsibility for planning and developing a project, and to exercise broad autonomy and
judgement across a significant area of work or study.

B5
To initiate and lead complex tasks and processes, taking responsibility – where relevant – for the work
and roles of others.

B6
To further develop investigative, research, writing and presentation skills as a self-directed,
autonomous learner. This can be measured in the MSc Project module.

C1
To be able to apply strategic, practical and conceptual understanding in the broad context of intelligent
computer system development.

C2
To determine and use appropriate design and modelling techniques to develop intelligent computer
system applications within legislative constraints.

C3
To determine appropriate methods for interrogating large datasets in order to extract information that
can be used to inform decision making processes to meet business goals.

C4
To conceptualise a problem situation that involves many interacting factors, and to determine and use
appropriate approaches to producing a software solution.

C5
To determine and use appropriate project management techniques, research methods and tools within
an appropriate ethical framework.

C6
To produce a justified solution to a significant problem that is informed by a critical review of research.

Key Skills

08/04/2024 Page 3 of 8 15:28

 ICIS Course Spec - MSc Artificial Intelligence (Version 2)

D1 Communication:

Be able to effectively communicate through: discussion; oral, visual and electronic presentations; production
of written materials incorporating diagrams and images.

D2 Enquiry and Analysis:

Understand and apply enquiry and analysis skills appropriate to a specific course and to the work place.

D3 Problem Solving:

Apply various and appropriate approaches to the solution of a range of problems.

D4 IT/Digital Skills:

Use effectively and evaluate the use of IT for information retrieval, preparation, processing and presentation.

D5 Working with Others:

Work effectively as a member of a team that involves: recognising the need for different team roles and
organisations; identifying collective goals and responsibilities; working to achieve collective goals; taking
initiative, explaining and defending a point of view; sensitivity to group culture and practices; exercising
management skills.

D6 Employability:

Understand the typical requirements and expectations of employers, and apply that understanding to one’s
own work.

D7 Critical Reflection:
N/A

Course Structure

Level 7 Modules

Module Module Title Module Credit Module

Code Status Value Type
CS4S770 Knowledge-Based Systems Running 20 Specified
CS4S771 Machine Learning and Autonomous Running 20 Specified
Systems
CS4S772 Deep Learning Running 20 Specified
CS4S773 Computational Applications of Artificial Running 20 Specified
Intelligence
CS4T702 MSc Project Running 60 Core
IS4S706 Project Management and Research Running 20 Specified
Methodology
IS4S761 Principles of Computing Running 20 Specified

08/04/2024 Page 4 of 8 15:28

 ICIS Course Spec - MSc Artificial Intelligence (Version 2)

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods:

Lectures

An educational talk to an audience.

Seminars

A class in which the tutor and a small group of students discuss a topic.

Tutorials

A period of tuition given by a tutor to an individual or very small group.

Groupwork

Work done by a group of students in collaboration.

Project Supervision

A critical watching and directing activities and a course of action, typically heavily front and tail loaded.

Practical Classes and Workshops

Practical sessions at which students engage in intensive discussion and activity on a particular subject.

Directed Study (including Online Learning)

A course of study that is controlled by a specialist in the subject.

Independent Study

A course of study where no interaction with a tutor is planned or implied as part of the learning process.

Formative assessment-independent

A series of practical and written work that is undertaken independently.

Employer Engagement:

Visiting Speakers - Staff will utilize industry contacts primarily associated with research projects (e.g. KESS
and KTP) to provide visiting speaker opportunities when and where required.

Empolyer Forums - Staff have strong informal relationships with employers developed over 20 years. This
course will provide a focus for a local advisory board. These forums have and will continue to inform course
development.

Other - Most modules use case studies, scenarios, and examples from the cyber security industry to illustrate
concepts and their importance. Opportunities for work-related learning activities continue as students engage
in and contribute in a positive manner to the solution of world of work tasks and problems.

08/04/2024 Page 5 of 8 15:28

 ICIS Course Spec - MSc Artificial Intelligence (Version 2)

Means of Assessment:

Formative Assessment - Lectures and tutorials contain formative exercises to encourage students to
experiment and gain practical experience.

Learning Support:

Induction

The School plans and runs a programme of induction activities during the first week of attendance for both
new and returning students.

Induction lectures are recorded and made available to students through Blackboard, supporting students who
join the course after induction week or do not attend. These events introduce students to the course, basic
USW and IT regulations. Students get to meet the course staff and learn about basic online and physical
facilities.

Personal Academic Coach

The Course Leader acts as personal tutor who is able to meet students on a regular basis. The typically small
cohort size means that the Course Leader quickly recognises each student and identifies each one’s
engagement and progress. If the cohort size was to significantly increase then a Course Tutor would be
appointed to assist the Course Leader.

Office hours

Normal university office hours apply, which is typically 08:30 to 17:00.

Students are informed of the open-door policy and are always welcome to chat with the course team when
they are available on campus.

In addition, most team members publish hours when they are available for drop-in sessions without
appointment. Staff is also available on emails and teams.

Tutorials

Every taught module has tutorial and/or practical hours associated with every hour of lecture, where students
are able to practice what they are learning and receive individual support.

Seminars

Tutor-supported seminars allow flexible classroom time for students to learn by doing, to practice, to discuss
and to demonstrate their work.

Progress meetings

Each student will meet their personal tutor once a term to discuss progress.

Research Supervision

A student would meet their project supervisor a minimum of three times, typically towards the start and end
of the project life-cycle. For a part-time student equivalent support will be provided, however this will need to
be adapted to fit the timing of their project.

Online Resources

Teaching and coursework assessment materials are made available on-line through the University’s virtual

08/04/2024 Page 6 of 8 15:28

 ICIS Course Spec - MSc Artificial Intelligence (Version 2)

learning environment (VLE).

Modern computing laboratories provide access to specialist resources. The University also has centrally-
managed open-access laboratories for more general work. Each student has an academic e-mail account
that is particularly useful when requesting support from teaching and tutorial staff.

Some modules on the course also schedule additional online drop-in sessions to provide students more
flexibility who might have missed on campus sessions.

Advice Zone

The University operates an Advice Zone located in the Library.

DDS Service

The University runs a DDS Service that can agree an Individual Support Plan. The Plan summarises the
support that has been agreed.

IT/Library

The University has a modern library that provides access to textbooks, journals, on-line materials and
equipment. There are open-access computer laboratories in the Library.

The School maintains five computer laboratories available to students based in the Computer Science
department that are equipped with 130 Linux, Windows and MacOS workstation, which supplement the
university maintained general access laboratories. In addition, students will have access to the Artificial
Intelligence and Robotics workshop, which itself has limited access.

Entry Requirements
The School of Computing and Mathematics seeks actively to promote University policies on equal opportunities
and widening access and will seek to recruit as wide a range of students as the current mode of attendance and
admission requirements permit.

The procedures, criteria and regulations for admission, including promotion of wider access and equal
opportunities will follow those established for the existing post-graduate provision offered by the School of
Computing and Mathematics. Normally, evidence will be sought of successful completion of an under-graduate
Honours degree and, where appropriate, a minimum average IELTS (International English Language Testing
System) score of 6.5.

This course is aimed at graduates with a minimum 2:2 Honours degree or equivalent who would like to broaden
their existing knowledge and open up a new career path. Applications from engineering, IT, science, mathematics
or business graduates in particular are welcomed. All entrants must have strong numeracy and IT skills.

Candidates applying to the course with non-standard qualifications will be judged on an individual basis using
Recognition of Prior Learning procedures as defined in the University’s Regulations. For example, the University
may admit students on the basis of their prior experiential learning, provided that it is identifiable, relevant to the
programme of study for which they are applying and provides sufficient evidence of their ability.

08/04/2024 Page 7 of 8 15:28

 ICIS Course Spec - MSc Artificial Intelligence (Version 2)

Course Exit Points

Award Criteria Final

MSc Yes
180 credits of which at least 150 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6

PgDip No
120 credits of which at least 90 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6

PgCert No
60 credits with at least 40 at Level 7 and no more than 20 at Level 6

Progression Route
Typically MSc graduates continue their careers in industry or commence doctoral research.

Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all
students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of
designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However
some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found
at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/

Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A

08/04/2024 Page 8 of 8 15:28