Mathematics for AI and Data Science microcredential

The Mathematics for AI and Data Science microcredential is designed for those who have applied to MSc AI and Government or MSc AI and Sustainable Development who do not have an A Level Mathematics at Grade A (or equivalent) qualification.

Key details:

Mode: Online, self-paced, hosted on FutureLearn

Cost: Free of charge

Duration: Up to 100 hours

Level: Postgraduate Microcredential
Completion deadline: Overseas students - 18th August, Home students - 15th September (please refer to your offer contract)

Overview

This microcredential is for Home and International students who hold a conditional offer for our MSc AI and Government and MSc AI and Sustainable Development programmes and is an alternative means of meeting the mathematical requirements for these programmes.

The course aims to provide a solid grounding in essential mathematical concepts, including:

Foundational principles

Calculus

Linear Algebra

Probability Theory

This online self-paced course is intended to support students’ confidence in their mathematical comprehension and competency. Upon successful completion of this microcredential, it will be considered as part of the conditions of your offer.

Frequently asked questions

Is the microcredential compulsory?

Completion of the Mathematics for AI and Data Science microcredential is a condition of your offer to study MSc AI and Government or MSc AI and Sustainable Development if you do not have a formal academic background in mathematics. You must complete this in order to meet these conditions and progress with your application.

Who is required to complete the microcredential?

Applicants who have received an offer for either MSc Artificial Intelligence and Government or MSc Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development who do not have a formal academic background in mathematics.

If you have already applied to either of these programmes and completion of the microcredential is a condition of your offer, you will receive an email from our Admissions team on how to enrol.

How will I know if I need to complete the course?

If required, you will receive a direct email from the Admissions Team explaining that completion of this course is a condition of your offer.

How do I enrol?

Information on how to enrol to this microcredential will be emailed to you by our Admissions Team when you receive your offer. The microcredential is hosted on FutureLearn.

What is the deadline to complete the course?

The deadlines are as follows:

If you are an Overseas student, the deadline to meet the conditions of your offer is the 18th August 2025.
If you are a Home student, the deadline to meet the conditions of your offer is 15th September 2025.

If you are unsure which of these deadlines applies to you, please refer back to your offer letter.

How do I inform the University once I’ve completed the course?

Once you have completed the Mathematics for AI and Data Science microcredential, please upload your FutureLearn Certificate of Achievement to the University of Birmingham applicant portal to confirm fulfilment of this condition.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions about your application or the content of the microcredential, please contact our Admissions Contact Team. Details on how to contact them can be found in your offer letter.

If you experience any technical issues with FutureLearn, please reach out to FutureLearn directly via their website.