Program Overview

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Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence (MEng)

Award: Master of Engineering

Typical Offer: A*AA

Duration: 4 years

Course Type: Full-time

Campus: Highfield

UCAS Course code: G4GR

About this course

Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionise work, leisure and travel in ways we can only imagine. It has the potential to solve global health, social and environmental challenges. On this computer science with artificial intelligence course, you’ll learn to design and build the AI programs and systems behind these exciting developments.

As a highly respected hub for AI research, you'll benefit from a range of specialist modules that few UK universities can match. You’ll also be taught by academics actively involved in the latest advances in AI.

Areas you’ll study include machine learning, computer vision, intelligent agents, game theory and robotics.

You’ll graduate with outstanding career prospects in one of today’s most exciting and rapidly evolving fields of computer science.

As part of your master's you will:

• learn how to design, build and deliver software programs and systems
• study AI principles and practice at an advanced level
• be taught by academic staff at the forefront of research
• do an individual special project in year 3
• take part in a group design project in year 4, working with an academic or industry customer

This MEng Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of:

• fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer

This course is also accredited by the British Computer Society

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Entry requirements

A-levels

A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A).

A-levels additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 38 points overall, with 19 points required at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation)

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics.

DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics or DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

Additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

Other requirements

• UK students
• International students
• Other ways to qualify

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

Course structure

This accredited course is designed to give you industry experience alongside our research-led teaching.

We encourage you to take summer work placements in an industry of your choice or even add a full year in industry to help you gain the experience you need for accreditation.

All our computer science degree courses share the same compulsory modules in years 1 and 2, making it easy to switch between them. In the third and fourth years, you can tailor your degree by choosing optional modules.

Year 1 overview

You’ll study the logical and mathematical theory underpinning computer science. You’ll also gain an understanding of the fundamentals of computer hardware.

As an introduction to software engineering, you’ll cover data structures and algorithms. You’ll also look at the principles of AI programming, including using an object-oriented approach and software engineering processes.

You’ll apply your knowledge by working on practical projects. For example, you’ll build algorithms and data analysis tools, and develop software user interfaces.

Year 2 overview

You’ll deepen your understanding of computer science by studying topics, such as artificial intelligence, communication protocols and the TCP/IP layered model.

A group project will give you first-hand experience of working in a team, and of the problems of communication and scale in software engineering.

Year 3 overview

An individual project is a chance to explore in depth an area of AI that interests you, under the supervision of an academic who is doing work in that area. Recent topics include:

• the use of machine learning to enhance the high street shopping experience
• improving autonomous driving systems

You’ll take a compulsory module in engineering management and law. You’ll also specialise in artificial intelligence choosing options such as machine learning, simulation and advanced robotics.

You could also study a language, take modules from other disciplines such as psychology or chemistry, or choose from a range of innovative interdisciplinary modules.

Year 4 overview

You’ll take part in a group design project. This involves working in a team for an industry or academic customer to solve a real-world problem. For example, previous students built an AI system for Ordnance Survey for a project entitled ‘learning from aerial imagery’.

Optional modules cover topics such as machine learning, computational finance and biologically inspired robots.

There is also an opportunity to study abroad for a semester.

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Course time

How you'll spend your course time:

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3
• Year 4

Year 1

• Study time: 30% scheduled learning & teaching, 70% independent learning
• Assessment: 54% written exam, 37% coursework, 9% practical exam

Year 2

• Study time: 29% scheduled learning & teaching, 71% independent learning
• Assessment: 50% written exam, 47% coursework, 3% practical exam

Year 3

• Study time: 22% scheduled learning & teaching, 78% independent learning
• Assessment: 16% written exam, 84% coursework

Year 4

• Study time: 23% scheduled learning & teaching, 77% independent learning
• Assessment: 31% written exam, 59% coursework, 10% practical exam

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Self-management
• Confidence
• Leadership
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Networking
• EDI leadership
• Adaptability
• Problem solving
• Resilience

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Information and Communication
• Manufacturing
• Education
• Finance and Insurance
• Public Administration and Defence
• Scientific and Technical

Careers directly related to this course:

• Computer scientist
• Data scientist
• Software engineer
• Software developer
• Cyber security engineer
• Technical consultant
• Technology analyst
• Web developer
• Game developer
• Systems engineer

Wider career opportunities:

• Software developer
• Data scientist
• IT project manager
• University lecturer
• Patent attorney
• IT consultant
• Investment banker
• Technical sales manager
• Cyber security specialist

Example job titles of Southampton MEng Computer Science graduates:

• Software engineer
• Software developer
• Computer scientist
• Technical consultant
• Data scientist
• Machine learning engineer
• Game programmer
• Business development engineer
• Cyber security consultant
• Process engineer

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,535.
• EU and international students pay £29,400.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees
• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges, and expenses regulations

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: G4GR
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• predicted grades
• academic achievements
• personal statement
• academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:
Tel:+44(0)