The University of Leeds has announced that applications are now open for its full-time MSc in AI Ethics and Society, a 12-month postgraduate programme beginning in September 2026. The course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address the ethical, societal, and governance challenges associated with the growing use of artificial intelligence.
The programme aims to prepare future leaders to navigate the complex impact of AI on society. Students will gain strategic insights into how artificial intelligence influences areas such as policymaking, public trust, accountability, and governance, while learning how to design and manage responsible AI systems that benefit society.
Delivered by the Leeds Institute for Societal Futures, the programme offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates perspectives from philosophy, social sciences, public policy, and technology. In addition to core modules on AI and ethics, students participate in challenge-based learning focused on real-world issues, including bias in AI systems, the influence of automated technologies on democracy and power structures, human-AI interaction, and the transformation of knowledge in the digital age.
The curriculum also benefits from contributions by industry experts, policymakers, and representatives from non-governmental organisations, ensuring that students engage with contemporary debates and real-world applications of AI governance and ethics.
Programme Details
Entry Requirements: First-class or equivalent undergraduate degree in a relevant subject from a recognised Indian university.
Start Date: September 2026
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
Duration: 12 months (full-time)
English Language Requirements:
Applicants must have Standard XII English with 70–75% depending on the state board, or an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any component.
Tuition Fee: £26,500 (approximately ₹31.18 lakh)
Scholarships Available for Indian Students
The University of Leeds offers a range of scholarships to support international students, including:
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£6,000 International Masters Regional Scholarships available for all Indian students.
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International Excellence Scholarship for Indian Students, offering up to a 50% tuition fee reduction, with 500 awards available for international applicants.
Industry Exposure through the Global Industry Programme
Students enrolled in the MSc will also have the opportunity to gain practical industry exposure through the University of Leeds’ Global Industry Programme. This two-week virtual consultancy project allows students to collaborate with organisations on real-world challenges, helping them build industry connections while developing professional and practical skills that enhance employability.
Career Opportunities
The MSc in AI Ethics and Society prepares graduates for a rapidly expanding job market shaped by the widespread integration of artificial intelligence across sectors. The programme equips students to contribute to the ethical and responsible implementation of AI in fields such as consulting, policymaking, technology, government, and regulatory compliance.
Graduates may pursue emerging roles including AI ethics advisor, responsible innovation specialist, policy analyst, public-sector AI governance expert, technology governance consultant, researcher in AI and society, communications and engagement specialist, or advisor on ethical AI deployment across sectors such as education, healthcare, and government.
With its interdisciplinary approach and strong industry engagement, the programme aims to develop professionals capable of shaping the responsible future of artificial intelligence.
