The rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise UK organisations by enhancing efficiency, productivity, innovation, and competitiveness. As AI evolves, so does the regulatory environment, addressing challenges like bias, transparency, and data privacy. Effective governance and regulation are crucial to ensure AI aligns with human rights, democracy, and security. Responsible AI involves designing, developing, and deploying AI systems that are safe, fair, transparent, and compliant with laws. This responsibility falls on developers, organisations, and regulators. There is a growing demand for professionals skilled in ethical AI, particularly in compliance, regulation, and leadership roles.

The target audience of the MSc Ethical and Responsible AI is non-specialist. Students can enrol from successful completion of any primary UG Honours degree subject. This course will differ from other AI courses since it will focus not only on AI techniques, programming, and emerging technologies, but just as importantly on the significance of ethical skills required for the AI technologies sector.

Career options
Graduates with an MSc Ethical and Responsible AI will have a range of job opportunities in Northern Ireland and the UK. In Northern Ireland, companies such as the BT Ireland Innovation Centre and PwCs Advanced Research and Engineering Centre are prominent employers seeking AI professionals with a focus on ethics. These organisations are involved in cutting-edge AI research and development, providing roles for AI Ethics Consultants, Data Scientists, and AI Policy Advisors.

In the broader UK market, tech giants such as Google DeepMind, IBM, Microsoft, and Accenture are leading the way in ethical AI. These companies require professionals who can ensure their AI systems are developed and deployed responsibly. Roles in these companies include AI Research Scientists, AI Developers, and AI Consultants, focusing on integrating ethical considerations into AI technologies. The financial sector, healthcare, and government agencies also offer significant opportunities for AI professionals to work on ethical AI projects, ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting fair practices.

There are job roles within these companies including AI Research Scientists, AI Developers, and AI Consultants, focusing on integrating ethical considerations into AI technologies and ensuring fairness and transparency in data practices, advising on AI policy, and conducting research on AI's ethical implications. The financial sector, healthcare, and government agencies also offer significant opportunities for AI professionals to work on ethical AI projects, ensuring compliance with regulations.