Artificial Intelligence (with a Year in Industry) BSc

Program Overview

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Artificial Intelligence (with a Year in Industry) BSc (Hons)

Overview

We are on the brink of a technological revolution that will profoundly alter the way we live, work, and relate to one another. In its scale, scope, and complexity, the transformation will be unlike anything humankind has experienced before. Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems are being developed today that would have been considered to belong to the realms of science fiction only a couple of years ago. The pace of change in AI is such that it has blindsided many politicians and policymakers. A very few are only now, at this late stage, becoming aware of the potentially massive disruptive impact of AI on all aspects of life in the 21st century. What is in no doubt is that the direction that AI takes will have a profound impact on all of our futures.

There is a major, and growing, skills shortage of AI practitioners. It is becoming increasingly important to understand how AI works; what it can and can’t yet do, what it may be capable of, how to utilise it, and how to develop AI in a responsible, scientific and ethical way.

This course will teach you about the practical aspects of AI: how it works, what it can do, how it can be practically utilized for many different purposes, how it may develop in the future, and how to be part of the AI based industries of the future.

Course Structure

Teaching on this degree is structured into lectures, where all students are taught together, seminars of smaller groups of around 15-20 students, and tutorials which typically have no more than 10 students.

During your first year of study, there are approximately 12 teaching hours each week, which reduces to approximately 10 teaching hours in your second and third years. On top of teaching hours, you are also expected to spend a number of hours studying independently each week, as well as studying in groups to prepare for any group assessments that you may have.

Year One

The first year serves as an introduction to artificial intelligence blended with foundational computer science principles. The year emphasises both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience, ensuring students are well-prepared for the AI-centric challenges ahead.

Students will engage in programming using Python and C, two languages pivotal to AI development. These languages not only facilitate software creation but also nurture computational thinking, a cornerstone of AI problem-solving. Course topics include:

• Professional Skills: Tailored to set the stage for learning about computing and AI and ensuring you have the necessarily study skills.
• Structured Problem Solving: With Python as the primary tool, students will learn to approach problems methodically, a skill crucial for AI algorithm development.
• Database Technology Fundamentals: As AI often relies on vast datasets, understanding database technology from theory to practice is essential.
• Python Programming: A deep dive into Python, the go-to language for many AI applications.
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: An overview of AI, its history, applications, and the potential it holds for the future.
• Website Development Basics: This basic understanding is essential for all students, going into HTML, CSS and the basics of Javascript.
• Data Engineering Foundations: Learn the intricacies of handling, processing, and analysing data, a critical component in training and refining AI models.

Throughout this first year, students will gain a holistic understanding of the AI landscape. By engaging in practical Python and web programming projects, they'll apply their theoretical knowledge, honing their computational problem-solving skills. This robust foundation ensures they're well-equipped for deeper dives into artificial intelligence in subsequent years.

Year Two

During your second year, you will build upon the foundational knowledge from the first year. Topics include the following:

• Intelligent Systems: You will gain a wide range of skills in AI, with an emphasis on machine learning, but also metaheuristics and cellular automata. Understand foundational ML algorithms, understand neural networks, reinforcement learning and deep learning. You will also explore the ethics of AI, the nuances of NLP, and the potential of semi-supervised learning, ensuring a well-rounded grasp of intelligent systems.
• Graph Theory: Understanding the mathematical foundations of graphs is essential to modern machine learning, notably current edge techniques such as graph neural networks.
• Computer Vision: You will study how machines interpret and understand visual information from the world. Learn the foundational techniques and algorithms that enable computers to process, analyse, and make decisions based on visual data, bridging the gap between human and machine perception.
• Professional and Study Skills: The essential skills that every AI and computer science professional should have. This topic emphasizes effective communication, teamwork, and the critical study techniques that will support your academic journey and future career.
• Object-oriented Programming with C++: This topic provides a comprehensive understanding of classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, and other core OOP concepts, ensuring a strong foundation for advanced software development.
• Algorithm Design and Analysis: The intricacies of algorithm development and performance analysis are explored. Learn how to design efficient algorithms, understand their complexities, and choose the right algorithm for specific tasks, optimizing both time and space.
• Software Engineering: Master the principles of software development, from requirement analysis to deployment. This topic covers best practices, design patterns, and methodologies that ensure the creation of robust, scalable, and maintainable software systems.
• Human-computer Interaction: Discover the science behind user-friendly interfaces and impactful user experiences. This topic focuses on design principles, user testing, and the psychology of user interactions, ensuring that software meets the needs and expectations of its users.

Year Three

You spend your third year on compulsory placement in industry.

Year Four

This year focuses on advanced and specialized areas of AI, providing students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills. The curriculum is designed to deepen understanding and enhance proficiency in several key domains of AI, preparing students for industry demands and innovations.

• Natural Language Processing (NLP): A critical component of AI, used extensively by companies such as Google, DeepMind, and Microsoft. Students will learn classical NLP techniques based on linguistics in the first semester, followed by advanced methods like Transformers and Language Models in the second semester. The course also covers the application of these techniques in areas like Stock Trading, preparing students for roles in high-earning fields like Data Science and Search Engineering.
• Vision Systems: This builds on previous knowledge of computer vision, focusing on more advanced techniques and applications for interpreting visual data. Students will study advanced object recognition and scene understanding, gaining skills applicable to robotics, autonomous vehicles, and augmented reality.
• Machine Learning Hardware: Also known as AIoT, this focusses on the practical aspects of AI, specifically on programming with PyTorch and deploying AI models to physical devices. Students will learn the essentials of hardware-software integration and the optimization of AI models for real-world deployment.
• Internet-of-Things (IoT): Complementing your AIoT studies, you will learn about the principles and applications of interconnected devices and systems. The course covers the fundamentals of things such as smart devices, sensor networks and data processing.
• Cybersecurity: You will study topics such as network security, cryptography, and threat detection. Students learn to identify vulnerabilities, implement security protocols and learn how machine learning techniques can be used to predict and mitigate cyber threats. Practical sessions often involve hands-on labs and projects to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Entry Requirements

• A-Levels: BCC
• UCAS Tariff Points: 104 UCAS Tariff points must come from a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent). Additional points can be made up from a range of alternative qualifications
• BTEC: DMM
• Access to HE: 104 Tariff Points
• IB: 24
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 104 Tariff Points from Higher Level qualifications only
• Welsh Baccalaureate: This qualification can only be accepted in conjunction with other relevant qualifications
• T-Levels: Merit
• Subject Requirements: No specific subject requirements

International Entry Requirements

• Specific Country Requirements: Select your country
• IELTS: 6.0 overall (with reading and writing at 6.0) and no individual score lower than 5.5. We also accept a wide range of International Qualifications. For more information, please visit our English Language Requirements page.

Careers

A degree in AI from Liverpool Hope will make you highly employable, having developed a range of highly sought after skills. With the AI industry growing very fast, there will be opportunities to work as an AI specialist designing or programming a wide range of intelligent systems. Your diverse range of skills will make you highly employable in other sectors too.

Enhancement Opportunities

SALA

The Service and Leadership Award (SALA) is offered as an extra-curricular programme involving service-based experiences, development of leadership potential and equipping you for a career in a rapidly changing world. It enhances your degree, it is something which is complimentary but different and which has a distinct ‘value-added’ component. Find out more on our Service and Leadership Award page.

Study Abroad

As part of your degree, you can choose to spend either a semester or a full year of study at one of our partner universities as part of our Study Abroad programme. Find out more on our Study Abroad page.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are £9,535* for full-time undergraduate courses.

If you are a student from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, your tuition fees will also be £9,535*.

The University reserves the right to increase Home and EU Undergraduate and PGCE tuition fees in line with any inflationary or other increase authorised by the Secretary of State for future years of study.

*subject to Council approval.

Scholarships

We have a range of scholarships to help with the cost of your studies. Visit our scholarships page to find out more.

International Tuition Fees

The International Tuition fees for 2025/26 are £14,500.

Visit our International fees page for more information.

Course Combinations

This degree is only available to study as a Single Honours.

Program Outline

The program explores both the theoretical and practical aspects of AI, focusing on crucial skills such as machine learning, data analysis, and algorithm development.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with a solid foundation in programming, data science, and AI.
• Develop students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities.
• Enable students to understand the ethical and societal implications of AI.
• Prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing field of AI.

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Program Description:

• The program employs a blended learning approach utilizing lectures, smaller group seminars, tutorials, and independent study.
• The first year provides a strong grounding in computer science principles and programming fundamentals utilizing languages like Python and C. Students gain practical experience while exploring essential concepts like structured problem solving and database technology.
• Year two delves deeper into AI, addressing topics such as machine learning, natural language processing, metaheuristics, and cellular automata.
Students gain hands-on experience through practical programming assignments and learn about ethical considerations relating to AI.
• Year three is dedicated to a compulsory industry placement, offering students valuable real-world experience.
• Year four focuses on advanced and specialized AI domains including Natural Language Processing (NLP), Vision Systems, Machine Learning Hardware, and Internet-of-Things (IoT).
Students strengthen theoretical understanding while applying skills to solve complex problems in specific AI applications.
• Students have the option to participate in the Service and Leadership Award (SALA), a program designed to enrich the student experience through service opportunities, leadership training, and fostering career preparedness.

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Outline:

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Year One:

• Professional Skills
• Structured Problem Solving
• Database Technology Fundamentals
• Python Programming
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• Data Engineering Foundations

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Year Two:

• Intelligent Systems
• Data Visualization
• Computer Vision
• Professional and Study Skills
• Object-oriented Programming with C++
• Algorithm Design and Analysis

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Year Three:

• Industry Placement

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Year Four:

• Natural Language Processing
• Vision Systems
• Machine Learning Hardware
• Internet-of-Things

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Assessment:

The program employs a variety of assessment methods to gauge student learning and development:

• Examinations: Assessing understanding of core concepts and knowledge.
• Coursework: Incorporating research, data analysis, project development, and written assignments.
• Presentations: Evaluating student understanding through oral communication and presentation skills.
• Industry placement evaluation: Utilizing various assessments by the employer to assess performance and application of acquired knowledge and skills.

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Teaching:

• The program boasts experienced and knowledgeable faculty with expertise in AI and related fields.
• Learning methods include interactive lectures, small group discussions, hands-on practical assignments, and engaging tutorials.
• The program encourages independent research and critical thinking through individual study and group projects.

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Careers:

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for diverse careers in the AI industry, with potential roles including:

• AI Developer
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Data Analyst
• Data Scientist
• AI Consultant
• Robotics Engineer
• NLP Specialist
• Computer Vision Engineer
The program enhances employability by fostering skills in critical thinking, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and adapting to various technological advancements.

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Other:

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• The tuition fees for the 2024/25 academic year are £9,250 for full-time undergraduate courses.
• If you are a student from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, your tuition fees will also be £9,250.
• The University reserves the right to increase Home and EU Undergraduate and PGCE tuition fees in line with any inflationary or other increase authorised by the Secretary of State for future years of study.
• The International Tuition fees for 2024/25 are £12,500.