Artificial Intelligence and Public Policy MRes, by Distance Learning
1-2 years, full- or part-time
Robust research skills and applied expertise in artificial intelligence policymaking are increasingly sought after in today’s job market. Our MRes in AI and Public Policy offers a flexible and rigorous specialist education, equipping you with an understanding of the societal impacts of AI and the ability to apply evidence-based research to real‑world policy challenges.
Course information
Taught by School of Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy
Course description
Course description
Please note: this course is currently subject to approval.
The rapid development of artificial intelligence has created an urgent need for high-quality, evidence-based public policy. The MRes in AI and Public Policy is designed for those who want to shape how AI is governed, regulated and used - whether in public policy roles, consultancy and industry, or through advanced academic research.
This programme provides advanced training in research methods, critical analysis and data analysis, with a clear focus on the policy challenges raised by AI. You will develop a rigorous understanding of AI public policy, including governance, strategy, regulation, management and ethics, and examine how AI intersects with key policy domains such as politics, employment, health, the environment, security and policing, and social justice.
A core aim of the degree is to equip you with the tools needed to analyse complex policy problems and develop robust, evidence-based solutions. In a rapidly changing technological environment, these research skills are essential for identifying opportunities, anticipating risks and contributing to innovative and responsible AI policy.
As a research-focused master’s degree, the MRes is particularly suited to those planning to pursue a PhD or other research-intensive careers in academia, policy analysis, consultancy or industry. Throughout the programme, you will engage with Leicester’s active research culture, with opportunities to participate in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, connect with research networks, and develop the skills needed for academic outputs such as conference presentations and journal publications.
Alongside preparation for advanced study, the programme emphasizes the real-world application of research. You will develop the capacity to navigate complex regulatory environments, assess ethical and social risks such as bias and discrimination, and bring together insights from academia, industry and government to support effective AI policymaking.
Whether you aim to influence AI governance and strategy, advise organisations on responsible AI use, contribute to public policy development, or build an academic research career, the MRes in AI and Public Policy will equip you to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to this rapidly evolving field.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
- First or second-class honours degree from a UK university or equivalent degree from a non-UK university or academic institution, or;
- Postgraduate degree or diploma from a recognized institution, or;
- Higher Education diploma with a minimum of three years appropriate and relevant work experience (defined as having worked in a supervisory, managerial or professional role)
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in September 2026
- MRes: £9,800
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Find out more about tuition fees, scholarships and funding.
International Students
Starting in September 2026
- MRes: £9,800
You will need to pay a deposit to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is creating strong demand for professionals who can design, analyse and evaluate effective, evidence‑based public policy. The MRes in AI and Public Policy equips you with advanced research, analytical and policy skills that are highly valued across the public sector, academia, consultancy and industry. You will develop transferable expertise applicable to a wide range of career pathways, including:
Academic and Research Careers
The MRes provides strong preparation for doctoral study and research‑intensive roles. You may progress into work as a researcher or lecturer in AI and public policy, as well as in think tanks, NGOs and corporate research and development environments where advanced analytical skills are essential.
Public Policy and Consultancy Roles
The programme supports careers in government bodies, policy units, consultancy firms and regulatory organisations, where you will contribute to AI policy development, evaluation, governance and strategic planning.
Industry and Technology‑Focused Roles
You’ll be well prepared for policy‑oriented roles within industry, including AI policy research, strategy, planning and management roles in technology‑driven organisations.
Specialist Policy Careers
The MRes enables you to develop expertise in specific AI policy domains, including health, the environment, security and policing, employment, government and social justice.
Entrepreneurial Pathways
For those interested in innovation, the research and analytical skills developed through the MRes also support entrepreneurial ambitions, including launching data‑driven or research‑based ventures.
Our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering and more. From Freshers’ Week to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.
Course structure
Modules
Modules
Semester 1
AI and Public Policy Theory and Practice (30 credits)
Part 1: AI and Public Policy Perspectives:
This module provides a foundational understanding of the principles, strategies, and techniques required to research AI Public Policy, in terms of AI concepts, governance, strategy, management and ethics.
Part 2: AI and Public Policy Key Research Areas:
You will evaluate the implication of AI for public policy research in areas such as employment, health, migration, security/policing and the environment.
- 70%: Individual essay examining perspectives on AI public policy
- 30%: Individual reflective case study analysing a contemporary AI policy research challenge
Semester 2
AI Policy Research Skills and Applications (30 credits)
Part 1: Researching AI for Public Services:
On this module, you will use qualitative and qualitative research techniques to leverage data and understand citizen needs. You will apply these techniques to research AI in Policymaking: Analysing social challenges, predicting policy outcomes, and implementing AI-driven policy solutions in the areas we examined in the first semester, such as politics, employment, health, environment, security/policing).
Part 2: Researching Regulation & Ethics:
In this part of the module, you will navigate the regulatory environment, ensuring responsible AI use, and mitigating bias and discriminatory outcomes. In Cross-Sector Collaboration and Producing a Policy Brief, you will be trained to bring together expertise from academia, industry, and government to develop effective AI policies and produce a Policy Brief.
- 70%: Individual essay investigating AI policymaking, regulation and ethics through a specific case study
- 30%: Policy Brief assessment designed to develop professional policy communication skills
Independent Research Project and Research Presentation (120 Credits)
In this module, with the guidance of a specialist supervisor, you will choose your own topic in relation to AI public policy, you will critically engage with existing literature and theoretical frameworks, identify gaps in knowledge, apply an advanced understanding of research methodologies, and propose original contributions to AI policy research, including policy recommendations on the policy area your project focused on. You will then present your project in the ‘Festival of Policy Ideas’.
- 85%: Independent Research Project (20,000 words)
- 15%: Individual research presentation
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester
Explore AI governance, regulation, strategy, management and ethics, while examining the impact of AI across key policy areas including politics, employment, health, the environment, security and policing, and social justice.
You will be granted privileged access to our Policy Masterclass series, usually reserved for academic staff and PGRs, and experience specialised policy research produced by the Institute for Policy (IoP).
Engage with our active research culture. Connect with research networks, develop advanced research and academic skills, and gain experience producing conference papers and journal‑ready outputs—preparing you for doctoral study and research‑intensive policy, consultancy or academic careers.
Develop transferable expertise applicable to a wide range of career pathways, including Academic and Research Careers, Public Policy and Consultancy Roles and Industry and Technology‑Focused Roles.
Teaching and learning
The MRes AI and Public Policy offers a flexible and comprehensive learning experience, combining structured coursework with independent research. You can expect to dedicate approximately 25-30 hours per week to your studies, which includes reading, engaging with course materials, completing assignments and conducting independent research.
The course is designed to allow you to manage your study schedule around personal and professional commitments, making it ideal if you’re balancing other responsibilities. A blended learning approach is used, featuring a mix of recorded lectures, readings, case studies and online modules that guide you through core research methodologies, critical thinking and data analysis. Live webinars and virtual seminars offer interactive opportunities to engage with tutors and fellow students, while recorded lectures provide flexibility for those unable to attend live sessions.
Throughout the course, you will receive dedicated support from the University of Leicester’s research teams, ensuring you have access to expert guidance and resources. Academic tutors provide personalised feedback on your assignments and research projects, helping you refine your skills and advance your knowledge.
Additionally, you will have access to the University’s extensive library resources and research databases, which are essential for conducting high-level business research. This blend of flexible study options, interactive learning and continuous academic support ensures that you are well-equipped to succeed in your academic journey and excel in research-intensive roles across academia, consultancy, and industry.
The teaching and learning methods for each taught module include: online-seminars (2x2 hours), directed tasks, interactive module-material text using the University's virtual learning environment. There will be pre-recorded short lectures (3 minutes) introducing each unit for this module. Each module has 10 units. The Independent research project includes 8 supervision meetings and a 2-hour seminar from the module leader.
You will be challenged to critically appraise a range of global research articles that have been published in a range of formats. You will learn to recognise the limitations of various methodological approaches and the requirements for ethical practice.
You will be guided through the research process by an experienced researcher. Training will be provided on both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, in addition to data analysis tools. This will provide an excellent foundation for you to undertake your own ethical research project.
All of our teaching staff on the programme are engaged in related research, allowing them to use their diverse experiences and findings within the teaching of each module. Additional research-briefed content will be included from the wider university, drawing on research from other Schools and Institutes.
You will learn to apply your knowledge of theoretical concepts and ideas to a range of different public policy contexts within the two taught modules.
In addition, you will take part in a variety of activities which are based on real-world issues:
Festival of AI Policy
- You’ll present case studies from modules one and two.
- Encourages peer learning & builds global policy community.
Dissertation Café
- Informal drop-in sessions for dissertation support (virtual equivalent of on-campus models).
- Encourages peer reassurance and community.
AI Policy Response Labs
- Spontaneous sessions responding to current events (e.g., policy bans, AI governance announcements).
- Keep content current and co-created.
Assessment
Assessments on the MRes in AI and Public Policy use a range of methods to ensure you graduate with both strong academic research skills and practical, real‑world policy expertise relevant to employment and further research.
AI and Public Policy Theory and Practice
Assessment is designed to develop critical engagement with key debates in AI policy:
- 70%: Individual essay of 4000 words examining perspectives on AI public policy
- 30%: Individual reflective case study of 2000 words analysing a contemporary AI policy research challenge
AI Policy Research Skills and Applications
This module focuses on applied research, regulation and ethics:
- 70%: Individual essay of 4000 words investigating AI policymaking, regulation and ethics through a specific case study
- 30%: Policy Brief assessment of 2000 words designed to develop professional policy communication skills
Independent Research Project and Research Presentation
The core research element of the MRes is assessed through:
- 85%: Independent Research Project (20,000 words)
- 15%: Individual research presentation Together, these assessments ensure you can design and conduct rigorous research, analyse complex AI policy issues, and communicate findings effectively to both academic and policy audiences.
Key dates
September 2026 start
- Application deadline: 4 September 2026 (Please note if you require a visa to study you will be required to submit your course application by 24 July 2026)
- Deposit payment deadline: 7 August 2026
- CAS request deadline: 4 September 2026
- 70% tuition payment deadline: 4 September 2026
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course AI and Public Policy | Qualification MRes | Duration 1 year, full-time | Start Dates September each year |
Availability
Applications not yet available for this course. Please contact study@le.ac.uk for any queries. |
| Course AI and Public Policy | Qualification MRes | Duration 2 years, part-time | Start Dates September each year |
Availability
Applications not yet available for this course. Please contact study@le.ac.uk for any queries. |
