Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)

Program Overview

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Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) BSc (Hons)

Year of entry

• 2025 - for 2026 entry see here - for 2025 entry see here

UCAS code

• G410

Duration of study

• 3 years or 4 years with international or placement year

Course summary

Learn to apply advanced algorithms and analysis techniques to big data sets to make predictions, draw conclusions, and program the AI software of the future. Our research-focused BSc combines a solid foundation in computing, mathematics, and programming with specialisation in advanced areas such as machine learning. From engaging with real-world challenges to spending time in industry, you will graduate with the practical, technical and logical reasoning skills sought by employers.

Why study Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) at Keele University?

• Accredited by the British Computer Society - The Chartered Institute for IT
• Graduate with a named specialism on your degree to highlight your skills to employers
• Enhance your employability by learning to program in Python and Java
• Be career ready by gaining transferrable, professional and employability skills
• Access a wide range of equipment including supercomputer facilities and a VR lab

Course overview

Our research-focused programme provides a robust grounding in computational problem-solving, programming and mathematics to equip you with the skills needed for further study. In later years you will build upon these foundational topics, in current and advanced areas of computer science, including data science, artificial intelligence, graphics and game development, digital forensics, and software engineering.

By following the artificial intelligence pathway through the degree programme, you will have the opportunity to discover modern approaches to artificial intelligence including computational intelligence and nature-inspired algorithms. You will explore practical application of cutting-edge techniques on real-world problems and later spend time researching current research topics and writing a novel research proposal. The specialism includes study of artificial neural networks, evolutionary computation, as well as covering adaptive behaviour in natural systems from the perspective of computational neuroscience.

Throughout the programme, you’ll engage with real-world scenarios to enhance your learning. You can spend time in industry with a year-long or modular placement, develop professional and employability skills, and pursue a personal interest in computer science by proposing a project that showcases your knowledge and skills. You can also personalise your degree, by choosing from a variety of optional modules. This gives you flexibility to explore new topics or deep dive into areas you are passionate about.

In your final year you will unleash your creativity and undertake a substantial piece of research, applying theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills to an AI-related technical, software, research or business-related problem. Your final year project is an excellent opportunity for you to draw together skills in experimental study design, critical interpretation of data, presentation and project management. You will also deepen your understanding in AI by studying a pre-defined advanced module in Computational and Artificial Intelligence, whilst choosing optional modules in subjects that are aligned to your interests.

Modules for Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are subject to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Introduction to Programming
• Computer Systems and Fundamentals
• Mathematical Foundations of Computing
• Introduction to Algorithms
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Professional Practice in Computing

Optional modules

• Cybercrime
• Computer Graphics and Animation
• Computer Games Development
• Flexible Work Placement (Level 5)

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Database Systems
• Web Technologies
• Data Science Techniques
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Software Engineering
• Computational and Artificial Intelligence I

Optional modules

• Individual Study Topic in CS
• Computer Graphics and Animation
• Computer Games Development
• Flexible Work Placement (Level 5)

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Computer Science Project
• Computational and Artificial Intelligence II

Optional modules

• Machine Learning Applications
• Cyber Security
• Advanced Programming and Software Design
• Software Development Management
• Programming for Virtual Worlds
• Professional Experience in Education
• Flexible Work Placement (Level 6)
• Advanced Databases and Applications
• Communications and Networks
• Advanced Web Technologies
• Data Ethics and Security

Entry requirements

These are the typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If your qualifications aren't listed, please contact us to check if we can accept them. If you don't think you'll meet the stated requirements, you may be able to access this course via a Foundation Year.

Typical offer

Please ensure you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and/or English language requirements.

• A Level: BBB Subject specifics apply
• BTEC: DDM Subject specifics apply
• T Level: Merit Subject specifics apply

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year

• UK: £9,535 for the 2025/6 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval).
• International: Band 1, £17,700 for the 2025/26 academic year

Supporting you

Throughout your studies we will give you plenty of support and guidance, to help you reach your full potential. From an academic mentor to module leaders, our open-door policy makes it easy to reach us when you need help.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching

We embrace a modern approach to learning that includes a balanced mixture of immersive lectures and lab-based sessions. Each taught module will include traditional lectures with support material provided via our virtual learning environment. Our labs also offer remote accessibility.

You will also benefit from a variety of teaching and learning activities informed by and involving our partners from industry. This includes a series of guest lectures from organisations such as Microsoft, the BBC, and CapGemini, as well as grouped and individual projects potentially involving real-world data from industry.

Teaching methods include traditional lectures, practical sessions in our state-of-the-art computer laboratories, tutorials, web-based learning and group projects.

Assessments

Our assessments often connect to the real-world working environment, putting your understanding of the subject matter to the test in real-life situations. Assessments include examinations, class tests, coursework, short reports, dissertations, project reports, oral and video presentations.

Research

Keele is at the forefront of research and our academics in Computer Science are internationally recognised leaders in research on synthetic biology, wearable technologies, health and cultural informatics, responsible artificial intelligence, computer vision, evolutionary robotics, automata theory, formal languages, and theory of computation. We focus on research that has the potential to create a significant impact on the computational understanding and engineering of complex systems, to improve people’s quality of life and to pave the way for world leading innovations that improve the security, reliability and quality of computing devices and services used in industry.

Keele is also in the unique position of hosting the first living laboratory for energy-efficient technologies: the multi-million-pound Smart Energy Network Demonstrator (SEND). Our expertise feeds into modules in the latter years of your degree.

Research themes within our computer science division include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Human-Centred Computing
• Future Systems
• Theoretical Computer Science

Your future career

Pursuing a career in AI allows you to work with modern innovations and specialise in cutting-edge technology. You will graduate with a wide variety of subject specific and transferrable skills across many areas including problem solving, computational thinking, team working, project management, modelling and professional considerations.

The opportunities for graduates with computing skills are continuously growing. Many of our graduates move into employment that is directly computing-related, for example as systems analysts, software engineers and consultants. A number of graduates go on to study for higher degrees in a wide range of subject areas.

Jobs that a graduate of this programme may also pursue include:

• AI data analyst
• Big data engineer
• Software engineer
• Research scientist
• Data scientist

Foundation year

Studying a Foundation Year, for whatever reason, offers an alternative route to Keele, and provides a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree. That extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge and, perhaps most importantly, build your confidence.

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, offering preparation for your chosen degree with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, build your confidence, and provide a better understanding of higher education.

On our Foundation Year, you'll join our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

Course structure

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester one modules

• FYO-00211 | Foundations in Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Scientists | 15 credits
• FYO-00221 | Foundations of Computational Theory and Programming | 30 credits
• FYO-00187 | Academic Skills for Computer Scientists and Mathematicians | 15 credits

Semester two modules

• FYO-00233 | Advancing Applied Maths and Computing - Making Decisions | 15 credits
• FYO-00225 | Advancing Programming | 15 credits
• FYO-00235 | Advancing Applied Maths and Computing - Logic, Codes & Cryptography | 15 credits
• FYO-00227 | Advancing Computing: Client-Led Collaborative Design | 15 credits

Entry requirements

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application.

• 56 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A Level, BTEC, Access Course, or T Level).
• Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English and C in GCSE Maths / Level 2 Functional Skills Maths.