Data Science and AI in Creative Industries MSc
Subject to validation.
Course start date 2025.
Length:
Full-time 1 year, part-time 2 years
Learn how computer science, data analytics, and AI drive innovation and enhance everyday experiences in the creative industries.
The MSc in Data Science and AI in Creative Industries builds on your experience in creative and non-technical subjects to prepare you for professional roles in the rapidly evolving fields of creative technology, data science and AI. This course takes an experimental and exploratory approach, enabling you to investigate fundamental conceptual and technological frameworks. You will engage with a range of computational approaches to data science questions, using your specialist knowledge to interrogate and redefine the boundaries of data science and AI, presenting innovative solutions based on experimental research data and methods. This course is for those looking to break into data science and AI from non-technical backgrounds.
The course focuses on tackling complex data science problems within creative technology and functional AI. Through project-based learning, you will enhance your skills in modern programming languages, machine learning methods, experimental tools, and data analysis. The course supports a critical and ethical approach, reflecting on the social implications of data science and AI on society. There is an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and creative problem-solving to strengthen your technical and teamwork skills, critical thinking, and your proficiency in analysing, validating, and interpreting data.
Why study with us
- Advanced technical skills: Develop your expertise in modern programming languages, machine learning methods, experimental tools, and data analysis, creating sophisticated, clean, and efficient solutions.
- Interdisciplinary approach: Benefit from shared delivery with other postgraduate courses, fostering a collaborative environment that reflects industry practices and promotes knowledge-sharing and interdisciplinary interaction.
- Professional-level resources: Utilise a wide range of professional resources, including contemporary technology and industry-standard tools, media labs, 2D & 3D studios, workshops, computer labs, high-specification PCs, digital darkrooms, analogue and digital resources, licensed specialist software, a media resource centre, and the Make Space, supporting you in creating practical and creative solutions to project briefs.
- Ethical and inclusive research: Adopt an ethical approach to your work, focusing on the social and ethical implications of data science and AI, and emphasising accessibility, equality, diversity, and sustainability.
- Professional portfolio development: By the end of the course, you will have created a professional body of work that reflects your interests and prepares you for industry, enhancing your ability to communicate research visually.
- Innovative problem solving: Engage with complex computational problems through project-based learning, promoting original and innovative approaches to technical proficiency and professional working methods.
Course structure
This course is part of our suite of Master’s in Computing, Games and Data Science, offering a collaborative framework across various specialisations, including MSc Creative Computing, MSc Games Computing, and MSc Data Science and AI in Creative Industries. This provides students with opportunities to engage with peers from different disciplines while working on individual assignments. Such collaboration mirrors the professional dynamics in the creative industries today, allowing students to gain valuable experience in interdisciplinary teamwork and real-world problem-solving.
This programme is a one-year course, including 30 weeks of direct teaching time and a 15-week final project. You will need to complete five units and one 60-credit major project (180 credits in total). All units on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award. If you study part-time your modules will be split across two years. Full course details, including aims and assessment criteria, will be provided in the course specification upon validation.
Course content
This unit launches your master’s study experience at Norwich, immersing you in cutting-edge practices and emerging research in data science and AI, with a particular focus on the creative industries. You will develop critical comprehension and knowledge in creative technology and machine learning, emphasising data science practices and functional AI approaches. This unit encourages an expanded approach to creative thinking, examining broader systems and the interconnected boundaries of data science and AI with other fields. Students will explore research methodologies, allowing for articulate critique and analysis, applying scientific principles to create mathematical models of real-world problems using practical coding skills. Through research-led projects, continuous experimentation, and reflection, you will deepen your understanding of these technologies. This process will help you grasp broader concepts and ethical implications, preparing you for a successful career in the digital technology sector or creative industries.
This unit equips students with advanced technical skills essential for computational practices in data science and AI. Through a combination of individual and group projects, students engage with various media and processes, refining their technical expertise to tackle theoretical and conceptual challenges. The unit will cover algorithmic design, machine learning, data analysis, interactive dashboards, neural networks, predictive modelling, and emerging technologies like AR/VR/AI. The unit’s research-led framework, combined with iterative experimentation, will deepen your practical expertise and expand your working methods with innovative ideas, equipping you to shape and influence the evolving landscape of data science and AI.
This unit explores leading practices and emerging data science and AI research within broader socio-economic, political, ethical, and cultural contexts. Through reflective analysis and interactive sessions, you will deepen your understanding of key themes such as machine learning theory, creative computing theory, and globalisation. The course focuses on computing ethics, social data science, and international data policy, preparing you to analyse and apply critical approaches to technology development in your work. The unit includes research-led projects, critical reflective writing, and an examination of computational design practices, positioning you as a critically engaged practitioner ready to contribute to contemporary and cultural debates.
This unit builds on the ‘advanced technical skills’ unit, enhancing your professional-level expertise in data science and AI. It emphasises the importance of technical proficiency in supporting the theoretical and conceptual aspects of computational design and prototyping. Through practice-based research projects and both individual and group work, you will refine computing processes, explore innovative solutions, and push the boundaries of digital environments. The curriculum covers algorithmic design, machine learning, data analysis, interactive dashboards, and emerging technologies like AR/VR/AI. You will challenge established technical norms and fully utilise contemporary and emerging techniques, seamlessly blending theoretical concepts with technical expertise to produce complex and innovative outcomes.
This unit enhances your knowledge of data science and AI, focusing on developing effective research and reflective strategies. It will deepen your critical understanding and expertise, broadening your contextual knowledge of socio-economic, political, ethical, and cultural issues. Building on the content covered in the ‘dialogue, debate, and domain knowledge’ unit, you will engage in interactive sessions to interrogate critical frameworks such as machine learning theory and globalisation. The unit involves refining research approaches, examining the boundaries of communication disciplines, and contributing to broader knowledge debates. Hand-on projects and iterative analysis cycles will strengthen your ability to synthesise conceptual and practical problem-solving, positioning you as critically engaged reflective practitioners who use a range of research methods to expand social and ethical dialogues.
The major project unit is the culmination of the MSc in Data Science and AI in Creative Industries, applying accumulated knowledge and skills to a project. You will identify a research question, design a project to test hypotheses, and achieve innovative outcomes, which may include multiple outputs or a focused study on a specific aspect of your practice. Supported by academic staff with professional experience in data science and AI, you will deepen your knowledge and understanding of the historical, theoretical, cultural, technical and economic contexts that surround your chosen topic. Indicative fields of study may include or focus on machine learning, networks, modelling, computational visualisation, and the Internet of Things. Research-led practice will help you to engage with established, contemporary, and future-facing techniques and technologies supporting the ideation and realisation of your major project. This will further your personal knowledge and confidence in synthesising experiments and ideas into complex creative outcomes.
Careers Information
The use of data science and AI in the creative industries is only just starting, and the opportunities around this field are growing as people change how they do business. Our MSc in Data Science and AI equips you with skills and knowledge for a dynamic career across a range of creative industries, combining interdisciplinary opportunities with your unique expertise. By combining data science and AI knowledge with creative practice, you’ll graduate ready to apply advanced techniques to real-world challenges. You’ll be prepared for roles across various industries, with the ability to critically evaluate methodologies, design and conduct empirical research and effectively communicate your findings.
This course prepares you for a career in a variety of disciplines related to games computing, including:
Career opportunities
- Data analyst
- Data architect
- Data scientist
- AI creative technologist
- Digital media analyst
- AI-driven content creator
- Interactive experience designer
- Data-driven marketing strategist
- Media and entertainment data analyst
- AI-powered product designer
- Data visualisation specialist
You’ll also get specialist creative careers advice from our Business and Employability Team to help support you as you plan your career.
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Entry Requirements
We typically require an honours degree of 2:1 or equivalent in art and design, computer science, or humanities. The most relevant undergraduate degrees are in digital media – graphic design, communication design, interactive media, information technology – but also psychology and ethnography.
Those with industry experience or relevant skills from non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including individuals currently employed. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please contact us for guidance before applying.
Language requirement (International/EU)
If English is not your first language, IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Portfolio requirement
A portfolio is not required to apply for this course.
2024/25 university fees
Norwich University of the Arts will assess students’ tuition fee status using the guidance provided by the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
Students from the UK or Ireland, and EU students with ‘Settled’ or ‘Pre-Settled’ status, will be charged ‘Home’ fees if they meet the relevant residency requirements.
Home/UK
- Postgraduate degree (full-time) £10,600
- Postgraduate degree (part-time, over 2 years) £6,625
For home postgraduate degree students starting in 2024, fees will remain the same for each year of your course.
For 2024, UK nationals and EU nationals who have ‘Settled’ or ‘Pre-Settled’ status may be eligible for a government loan towards course fees or living costs. Both full-time and part-time master’s degree students can apply for the master’s loan. Find out more about postgraduate master’s loans.
Alumni discount
Home Norwich alumni can benefit from a £1,000 discount on Norwich postgraduate degree fees.
Staff and teacher discount
All Norwich staff and art teachers at high schools or sixth form colleges can benefit from £1,000 discount on Norwich postgraduate degree fees.
International
- Postgraduate degree (full-time) £24,000
For international postgraduate degree students starting in 2024, fees will remain the same for each year of your course.
If you are a resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £2,500 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
International scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries for international students. To find out more and see if you’re eligible, please visit the scholarships for international students page.
Additional costs
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition. Accommodation, cost of materials, and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees.
Learning and teaching
The course is delivered through a variety of engaging learning and teaching methods. Lectures will introduce you to core topics, provide contextual understanding, and clarify the objectives of assigned tasks. You will participate in creative workshops, technical labs, and seminars, and receive individual mentorship. Throughout these sessions, you will have opportunities to work independently, and collaboratively in groups, engaging in practical and creative exercises designed to enhance your knowledge and skills.
Assessment
Our assessment methods will vary based on the unit you choose and provide a comprehensive measure of your learning and progress. These methods may include:
- Course work
- Presentations
- Learning journal
- Reflective evaluation
- Body of creative work
- Reflective research report
- Team project evaluation
- Major project
- Supporting documentation
- Critically reflective essay
How to apply
Applications to our postgraduate courses should be made directly to Norwich University of the Arts using a Postgraduate Application Form.
Postgraduate Application form 2023-24 – Word format
Applications should be returned to admissions@norwichuni.ac.uk
Terms and conditions
- Norwich Terms and Conditions (11/12/20)
- Norwich Student Regulations and Procedures (01/10/23)
- Student Protection Plan (01/11/23)
When should I apply for an MA course?
There is no official deadline for applying for a postgraduate course. We would recommend you apply by 25 August (at the very latest) of the autumn you wish to start. This will allow time for your interview to take place and the necessary paperwork to be processed if you are successful in achieving a place. International students requiring a visa should apply as soon as possible in the year they wish to start. Email our International Team for more information.
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