About this course
A very topical course, combining theory and practical aspects of machine learning with a view to forming capable professionals for the jobs market in this field.
- Embark on this newly developed course on a topic of great recent and predicted growth
- Explore the theory of machine learning and practical applications
- Benefit from studying both the practical focus and real industrial applications - this is one of a small number of such courses available
- Learn from academics with substantial experience in machine learning and industrial collaboration
Machine Learning is the scientific study of the ways in which computer systems can be programmed to perform a specific task without using explicit instructions, relying on patterns and inference instead through algorithms and statistical models.
This course is unique in combining theoretical and practical aspects of Machine Learning that will prepare graduates for a career in Industry or Academia. Modules include both aspects throughout the programme and prepare graduates for a variety of roles in Machine Learning development and deployment.
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study Hours
Students should expect between nine and 12 hours of contact per week, in addition to an average of approximately 30 hours of self-study per week throughout the academic year. In the summer term, you will work solely on your project, which has an expected workload of 600 hours.
Teaching Methods
You'll gain core knowledge and understanding on this course via lectures, tutorials, practicals, coursework, projects, seminars and guided independent study. You will also receive feedback on all work you produce.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
Studying at the Byrom Street site in the City Campus, which has recently enjoyed a 6 million investment, you will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching facilities. We have over 150 high performance computers including PC/ Linux Workstations and Networked Multimedia PCs for general use, in addition to the campus computing cluster. Youll also have access to an exclusive Game Technology Lab, a Computer Forensics Lab, two Multimedia Labs, a Distance Learning Lab and specialist labs for research on network security and networked appliances.
Course tutors

Dr Rubem Pereira
- Programme Leader
I really enjoy the stimulating environment associated with learning and teaching at the cutting edge of computing and ICT technology.
I really enjoy the stimulating environment associated with learning and teaching at the cutting edge of computing and ICT technology.
Before joining the LJMU team, Rubem completed his PhD in Computer Network Performance Modelling in 1997. In the same year he started working at LJMU. He has been a reader in Multimedia Networks and became programme leader for MSc programmes in Computing in 2003. He has also participated in many externally funded projects, supervised PhD students and organised national and international workshops and conferences. Rubem's special areas of interest include: network technologies, distributed systems, video encoding and streaming, the future of Internet, modelling and performance analysis and evaluation of computer systems.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
As a machine learning graduate, you can expect to be responsible for creating software, algorithms and mechanisms that support intelligent systems, that can learn and develop themselves as they operate. Self-driving cars, pattern recognising predictive systems, for instance, are examples of such systems. Machine Learning medical systems that can recognise patterns to predict health outcomes are becoming increasingly relevant for medical prediction and diagnosis.
You will provide computers with the automatic ability to learn, fine tune and improve performance with their own experience.
In addition, there are huge opportunities in research, both academic and in industry, developing new algorithms, systems and conducting experiments on intelligent systems.
Tuition fees and funding
- Home fee:
- £9,840
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
Your university life
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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.