Joint M.Sc.in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

M.Sc. Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and the University of Birmingham are pleased to announce their Joint Masters Program in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Learn from the leaders in the field through a world-class curriculum with the flexibility to choose your location for a part of the program. With an opportunity for industrial placement, and a year-long research project co-guided by expert faculty from both institutes, this 18-month program promises to give you an unparalleled learning experience while you gain international exposure.
 
Join the exciting academic journey that starts at the prestigious IIT Madras in Chennai. As part of the program, you will have the opportunity to complete a short industrial placement to gain valuable hands-on experience. In the following semester, you will head to the esteemed University of Birmingham for your studies.

On completing the second semester, you will have the option to choose between two tracks. The choice is yours, and whichever track you choose, you can be assured of a world-class education and an experience that will set you up for success in your future career.

Study Tracks

Track 1: Complete your research project and attend electives at the University of Birmingham, leading to an overall continuous stay of 12 months in the UK.
Track 2: Return to IIT Madras to complete your research project and attend electives in Chennai.

Why study this Joint Masters?

Top-Ranked Institutions

• Both the University of Birmingham and IIT Madras have strong reputations for academic excellence and research.
• The University of Birmingham’s School of Computer Science is world-renowned for its education and research. 
• IIT Madras’ is recognized as an Institute of Eminence by the government of India for excellence in technical education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and industrial consultancy.

Specialization in Data Science and AI

• Get the opportunity to learn from highly experienced academics and leading industry professionals.
• The University of Birmingham is a partner in the Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence. Birmingham has state-of-the-art, multi-million-pound facilities, including dedicated laboratories for Computer Science students, a teaching laboratory for Robotics, and research laboratories for Security, Medical Imaging, Intelligent Robotics and Computer Vision.
• IIT Madras has world-class infrastructure for research in Data Science and AI, including high-performance computing facilities, cloud computing resources, and advanced software tools. The institute has several Centres of Excellence in the field, including Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and AI. These centres provide a platform for interdisciplinary research and collaboration.

Access to Industry Partnerships

• Both universities have strong industry partnerships and collaborations, providing opportunities for industrial placement and networking with professionals in the field. This hands-on experience will give you a competitive edge in the job market and help you build your professional network.

International Experience

• Gain a unique global perspective on Data Science and AI while studying at two leading institutions in the UK and India. You will develop cross-cultural competencies that are highly valued by employers in today’s globalized world and build a diverse network of contacts in both countries, including fellow students, professors, and professionals in the industry.

Winter Project - Industrial Placement

• Get employment ready through practical industry experience working on real data science and AI projects in some of the best companies in Chennai.
• Expand your professional network and make connections with experienced data scientists and AI experts.
• Experience a new culture and work environment, enhancing your cross-cultural communication skills.
• Stand out in the job market by demonstrating your adaptability, resilience, and ability to work in diverse environments.
• Develop independence, self-confidence, and problem-solving skills through a challenging but rewarding personal growth experience.

Research Project

• Hands-on Experience: During the program, you will work on a nearly year-long research project that will give you hands-on experience in applying theoretical concepts to real-world problems in Data Science and AI. This experience is invaluable when it comes to finding employment in the industry, as it shows potential employers that you have practical experience in the field.
• Expert Guidance: Your research project will be supervised by experienced faculty from IIT Madras and the University of Birmingham. They will offer guidance and mentorship throughout the project, ensuring that you receive exposure to cutting-edge research and are well-prepared for future research opportunities.
• Skill Development: Through the project, you will develop essential skills such as data analysis, programming, and problem-solving, which are highly valued in the industry. This hands-on approach will help you refine your skills and build a solid foundation in Data Science and AI.

Eligibility

Academic Scores

• Students will be considered for this programme with the following academic scores:
  • Holders of a Bachelors degree of three or more years in duration in Engineering/ Science (in a numerate discipline) from a recognized university. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved 60% or higher for 2:1 equivalency (1st class)

Language

Students who have not completed their degree from a majority speaking English country, as defined by the UKVI will be required to provide evidence of successful completion of a recognised English Language test. 

• IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall, with at least 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing.
• Pearson Test of English PTE Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English C1 Advanced Minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI) B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill.

The equivalencies for this from the Indian Standard XII English are:

• 80% from ISC, CBSE, and Maharashtra
• 75% from West Bengal
• 85% from Other State boards

The application form charges: INR 1500/-

Timeline

• Applications close : 18 March 2024
• Online test : 31 March 2024
• Online interview : 15 - 25 March 2024
• Results : Mid May 2024
• Start of Program : July 2024

Curriculum

Sessions and Mobility

Term 1: July 2024 to early February 2025

Taught courses and winter project (industrial placement) at IIT Madras, Chennai, India.

Term 2: February 2025 to June 2025

Taught courses and winter project (industrial placement) at the University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK.

Term 3 & 4: June 2025 to January 2026

Track 1: Taught elective courses and a nearly year long co-guided project at the University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK.

Track 2: Taught elective courses and a nearly year long co-guided project at IIT Madras, Chennai, India.

Tuition Fee Structure

Track 1

• IIT Madras: INR 3,00,000
• University of Birmingham: £10,980

Track 2

• IIT Madras: INR 6,00,000
• University of Birmingham: ~ £ 7,500

Employability

The field of data science and artificial intelligence is experiencing rapid growth and high demand for skilled professionals. Acquiring expertise in this domain presents an exciting opportunity for individuals seeking to advance or transition their career. 

Your experience at two of the world’s leading institutions in India and the UK, will arm you with a unique international perspective, specialized knowledge and skills, and give you access to industry partnerships. Additionally, it will help you develop cross-cultural communication skills and broaden your understanding of different approaches to Data Science and AI, giving you the edge you need to advance your career in this rapidly evolving field.

Here are just a few of the many roles open to professionals in this exciting field across a diverse range of industries.

Jobs

1. Data Scientists
2. Business Intelligence Engineers
3. Machine Learning Engineers / Consultants
4. Business Analytics
5. Tech-Leads
6. Research Engineers / Fellows
7. Director / Manager Innovations
8. Engineering Managers

 Industries

1. Software Development
2. Electronics and Telecommunication 
3. Manufacturing and Factory operations
4. Robotics and smart solution development 
5. Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI)
6. Healthcare
7. Energy and Utilities
8. Retail

• The University of Birmingham has a Careers Network which you can access while studying. An expert team can offer you advice, mentoring and support with CVs and job applications.
• IIT Madras’ robust industry connections make it a highly sought-after destination for recruitment, providing students with ample opportunities to participate in the institute’s placement season.

Related Links

• Syllabus for test
• Sample question paper - 2023

Source : Portal of IITM-UoB Data Science course