Intelligent Systems MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

About the course

Capitalising on the recent growth in interest in artificial intelligence and intelligent robotics, this course aims to provide you with knowledge of the various models of computational intelligence, skills in the associated computational techniques, an insight into their theoretical basis and the ability to apply these techniques to a wide variety of problems. There are two similar courses within the department providing you with the flexibility to tailor your learning style and subjects specifically to your requirements. You may also be interested in Intelligent Systems and Robotics MSc| which has a robotics focus.

Computational intelligence encompasses the techniques and methods used to tackle problems not well solved by traditional approaches to computing. The four areas of fuzzy logic, neural networks, evolutionary computing and knowledge-based systems encompass much of what is considered to be computational (or artificial) intelligence. There are opportunities to use these techniques in many application areas such as robot control and games development depending on your interests.

Modules include work based on research by the Centre of Computational Intelligence (CCI)|. With an established international reputation, their 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. Past students have published papers with their CCI project supervisors and gone on to PhD study.
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Key facts

UKPASS course code: G50076

Duration: One year full-time (with optional one year placement available), two to six years part-time or by distance learning

Start Date: September (A January start may be available after consultation with the course leader, otherwise September start for all modes of study)

Entry and admission criteria

You should have the equivalent of a British Honours degree (2:2 minimum) in a relevant subject. Most science and engineering-based subjects are acceptable, as long as you have some experience of computer programming (the language does not matter, it is an understanding of programming principles that we are looking for).

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 do not have the normal entry requirements but can demonstrate substantial experience in an appropriate area, you can be considered for entry to the course.

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.

Teaching and assessment

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.

Course modules

• Computational Intelligence Research Methods details quantitative and qualitative approaches including laboratory evaluation, surveys, case studies and action research.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Programming presents a logical programming approach. AI programming is a key skill and a necessary tool for problem solving in industry.
• Mobile Robots discusses the hardware and software architectures used to build mobile robot systems.
• Fuzzy Logic considers the various fuzzy paradigms that have become established as computational tools.
• Artificial Neural Networks appraises neural network computing from an engineering approach and the use of networks for cognitive modelling.
• Evolutionary Computing details the theoretical issues of evolutionary computing, including genetic algorithms, evolutionary systems, data representation and genetic operators.
• 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.
• Data Mining examinesthe tools and techniques neededto mine the large quantitiesof data generated in today’sinformation age. It providespractical experience as well asconsideration of research andapplication areas
• 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.

Academic expertise

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.

Graduate careers

Graduates typically follow careers in robotics programming and research, games development, control systems, software engineering, internet businesses, financial services, mobile communications, programming, software engineering and many more. A number of past graduates are now studying for PhDs.

Fees and funding

Annual Tuition Fees for Higher Education Courses from 1st September 2013 to 31st August 2014

Full-time UK/EU Postgraduate Courses Standard Fees £4,200 Postgraduate Placement Year Fee £650 Students Equivalent or Lower Qualification Status* £5,000 Overseas
Postgraduate Courses Standard Fees £12,200 Postgraduate Placement Year Fee £750 Part-time Part-time fees are charged on a credit basis, you will need to complete 180 credits over the course of an MSc programme. 15 Credits £350 Students Equivalent or Lower Qualification Status* 15 Credits
£420 Continuation Fee** £150 Distance Learning
UK/EU Per 15 credits
£350
Overseas Per 15 credits for International students
£565

For more information please take a look at our Funding| section.

* ELQ Student definition - If you are a Home or EU status student and you already have a qualification at or above the level of the programme you wish to study from any country you will be considered as an Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) student. In 2008 the UK Government decided to stop funding universities for student in this situation and therefore the following fees will apply £5,000. Students from outside the EU are not affected by the policy.

** A fee that is charged on a periodic basis where PG or Research students need to extend their registration to complete the course.

Scholarships

Are you a DMU Alumni? Receive up to £2000 off your Tuition Fees*

As part of the University’s on-going commitment to enhance the personal and career development of graduates, we are pleased to announce that from this September the University will be introducing The Faculty of Technology Alumni Scholarship| which will allow graduates to receive up to £2000 off tuition fees* for Postgraduate study.

Facilities

The University has its own Advanced Mobile Robotics & Intelligent Agents Laboratory situated in Gateway House.

The Advanced Mobile Robotics & Intelligent Agents Laboratory contains a variety of mobile robots ranging from the Lego Mindstorm to the Wheelbarrow robot for bomb disposal.

This facility provides excellent resources for teaching and research.

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.