Postgraduate Programs 2025/26
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
Award Title

Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence

Program Short Name

MSc(AI)

Mode of Study

Both full-time and part-time

Normative Program Duration

Full-time : 1 year
Part-time : 2 years

Program Fee

HK$360,000

Program Advisor

Program Director: Prof Song GUO, Chair Professor of Computer Science and Engineering

Enquiry

The field of artificial intelligence (AI) has experienced rapid development over the past decade, leading to significant transformations in numerous industry sectors. As a result, AI has evolved beyond being solely an area of computer science. Our carefully designed MSc program addresses the latest trends in AI development and aims to meet the growing demand for skilled AI practitioners. This program is tailored to both recent graduates and working professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.

On successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts of artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, and natural language processing.
  2. Apply advanced programming skills to develop AI algorithms and models for realworld problems in various application domains.
  3. Design and implement AI systems that can learn from data, reason, and make decisions in complex environments.
  4. Evaluate the performance of AI systems using appropriate metrics, and optimize their performance using advanced algorithms and techniques.
  5. Analyze ethical and social implications of AI technologies, and develop solutions that address issues such as bias, fairness, privacy, and accountability.
  6. Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams of experts to design and develop AI solutions that meet the needs of various application domains.
  7. Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify and address challenges and opportunities in the development and deployment of AI technologies.
  8. Demonstrate professionalism and integrity in all aspects of AI development and deployment, and adhere to ethical and legal standards.
  1. Minimum Credit Requirement

    30 credits 
     

  2. Credit Transfer  

    Subject to approval of the Program Director and the University regulations governing credit transfer, a maximum of 9 credits can be transferred to the program.
     

  3. Core Courses

    12 credits

ARIN 5101
ARIN 5102
ARIN 5103
ARIN 5104

 

  1. Elective Courses

    12 credits

   Specialized AI Technology Courses (at least 6 credits):   

ARIN 5201
ARIN 5202
ARIN 5203
ARIN 5204

 

   Application-oriented AI Courses (at least 3 credits):

ARIN 5301
ARIN 5302
ARIN 5303
ARIN 5304
ARIN 5305

 

   Special Topics:

ARIN 6000

 

  1. Compulsory Practicum Training

   6 credits

ARIN 6900

 

  1. Remarks

  • Part-time students may take a maximum of 9 credits in each term.
  • Students failing to meet the graduation grade average (GGA) requirement of 2.850 or above are required to repeat or take additional course(s) even if they attain passing grades for all courses.

To qualify for admission, applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Admission is selective and meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
 

1. General Admission Requirements of the University
  • Applicants seeking admission to a master's degree program should have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution, or an approved equivalent qualification.

2. English Language Admission Requirements

Applicants have to fulfill English Language requirements with one of the following proficiency attainments:

  • TOEFL-iBT: 80 *

  • TOEFL-pBT: 550

  • TOEFL-Revised paper-delivered test: 60 (total scores for Reading, Listening and Writing sections)

  • IELTS (Academic Module): Overall score: 6.5 and All sub-score: 5.5 *

* Refers to scores in one single attempt only. Test at home option is not accepted.


Applicants are not required to present TOEFL or IELTS score if

  • their first language is English, or

  • they obtained the bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an institution where the medium of instruction was English.

3. Program-Specific Admission Requirements
  • A bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline, or

  • A bachelor’s degree in other disciplines with at least two years of post-qualification work experience relevant to the program

4. Additional Information

Integrated Bachelor-Master Pathway

  • Only for HKUST students in Year 3 or above who are studying a bachelor's degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science (COMP/COSC), Computer Engineering (CPEG), Data Science and Technology (DSCT), Information Systems, and Business Statistics and Operations Management (RMBI). Admission depending on academic excellence. 
  • Successful applicants will receive a conditional offer for admission to MSc(AI) and need to pay a deposit at the prevailing deposit rate.
  • They will be allowed to start taking MSc(AI) courses in their final year of undergraduate study, and will enter the MSc(AI) Program upon successful completion of the undergraduate degree.
  • Upon entering MSc(AI), they can transfer up to 6 credits taken during the undergraduate study to fulfill the MSc(AI) program requirements. They will pay tuition fee for the remaining credits on a pro-rata basis, with a minimum payment for 24 credits.

Apply online before the application deadlines.

 

Application Fee

HK$450

Application Deadlines

For 2025/26 Fall Term Intake (commencing in Sep 2025):

Non-local Applicants*
Full-time: 1 Nov 2024 (Round 1); 1 Jan 2025 (Round 2)
Part-time: 1 Nov 2024 (Round 1); 1 Jan 2025 (Round 2)
 

Local Applicants

Full-time: 1 Nov 2024 (Round 1); 1 Jan 2025 (Round 2)
Part-time: 1 Nov 2024 (Round 1); 1 Jan 2025 (Round 2)


 * Applicants are considered as non-local students if they hold (i) student visa/ entry permit; or (ii) visa under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG); or (iii) dependent visa/entry permit who were 18 years old or above when they were issued with such visa/ entry permit by the Director of Immigration. For details on student visa/ entry permit requirements, please click here.