Program Overview

Introduction to BSc (Hons) AI and Data Science

The BSc (Hons) AI and Data Science course at Manchester Metropolitan University is designed to provide students with specialist technical knowledge and analytical, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This course will equip students with the knowledge and skills to acquire, curate, manage, analyze, and make inferences from big data for solving real-world problems.

Course Overview

The course is structured to build knowledge and skills in artificial intelligence and data science, with a focus on analytical, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Students will be taught in specialist laboratories equipped with high-performance computers and the latest industry-standard software. The course has strong industry links, thanks to being located in a city with one of the biggest creative and digital sectors in the UK.

Features and Benefits

• Specialize in the exciting and fast-growing fields of artificial intelligence and data science.
• Study a curriculum designed with industry in mind to equip students with the range of skills and strengths that employers demand.
• The four-year placement route gives students the opportunity to spend their third year on an industry placement, boosting their employment prospects on graduation.
• The new Dalton building is equipped with dynamic learning spaces, world-class teaching and research facilities, and collaborative study zones.
• Experience what it's like to work as part of a professional team, finding solutions to complex problems via group projects.

Accreditations, Awards, and Endorsements

• The Chartered Institute for IT: The university is an educational affiliate of the BCS, the chartered professional body for IT in the UK.
• Chartered Institute of Information Security: The Department of Computing and Mathematics is an academic partner of the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec).
• Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA): The university is an Academy of the Computing Technology Industry Association and delivers their partner program.
• Institute of Coding: The university is part of the £40m national Institute of Coding and leading the charge to make coding accessible for all and to train the North West’s future digital workforce.
• Teaching Excellence Framework: The university has received an overall gold status in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), meaning it's rated as an outstanding university for its student experience.

Course Structure

The course is typically three years full-time, with options for a four-year placement or a foundation year.

Year 1

In Year 1, students will study core computing topics, including programming, mathematics for computing, and databases, along with an introduction to the fundamentals of AI. Students will also develop their study, communication, and teamworking skills.

Core Modules

• Data Science Fundamentals: Introduces data science practices, focusing on key processes from an applied perspective.
• Team Project: Challenges students to work in a team to implement and deliver a technical solution to a real-world inspired challenge.
• AI Fundamentals: Offers a broad overview of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the study of enabling computers to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
• Computational Thinking And Coding: Develops the core computational thinking and coding skills essential for systematic problem-solving.

Year 2

In Year 2, students will build on their knowledge, with core modules typically exploring areas such as machine learning, algorithms, and data structures. Students will also start developing their employability by engaging with the computing industry and community.

Core Modules

• Applied Statistics: Develops core principles of statistical thinking and practice, focusing on drawing reliable conclusions from data.
• Applied AI: Introduces fundamental principles and practical skills for building and evaluating machine learning models.
• Data Engineering: Introduces key techniques for designing and implementing data workflows that support the efficient preparation, transformation, and integration of data from varied sources and formats.
• AI And Society: Examines the far-reaching impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on individuals, communities, and institutions.

Year 3

In Year 3, students will have the choice to either go on a placement, where they'll work for a year in industry, or continue directly into their final year of study.

Core Modules

• Final Year Project: Consolidates the learning from the degree into an individual project, bringing together ideas and techniques from studies.
• Advanced AI Models And Applications: Explores advanced approaches to building and applying AI models, including techniques from deep learning and generative AI.
• AI Transformation And Impact: Examines the transformation and impact of current and emerging AI technologies across a range of sectors.

Study and Assessment

• Study: A combination of lectures, seminars, and independent study.
• Assessment: 100% coursework in Years 1 and 2, with a mix of coursework and examination in the optional foundation year.

Entry Requirements

• IELTS score: 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5.
• UK students: GCE A levels, Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma, Access to HE Diploma, T level, or IB Diploma.
• International students: IB Diploma, IELTS, and country-specific entry requirements.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are still being finalized. Information on 2025/26 standard undergraduate fees for UK/Channel Islands and EU/Non-EU international students is available.

Careers Support and Prospects

• Employed or in further study: 88.7% of UK-domiciled, full-time, first-degree graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation.
• Careers Service: Supports students in getting ready for further study or working life, including starting their own business.
• Future Me: Explores career plans and provides opportunities to top up skills with hundreds of online short courses.
• Rise: Offers chances to meet employers and help preparing for interviews.

Conclusion

The BSc (Hons) AI and Data Science course at Manchester Metropolitan University provides students with the knowledge and skills to acquire, curate, manage, analyze, and make inferences from big data for solving real-world problems. With its strong industry links, specialist laboratories, and focus on employability, this course is ideal for students looking to pursue a career in artificial intelligence and data science.