BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a discipline in which computers and other devices are designed and developed to display intelligent characteristics. This course adds a specialism in AI to a broad base in technology and software development. Particularly in the first two years, you’ll find an emphasis on software development, professional programming, the modelling and design of systems and data, the principles of networking and the user experience. These give you the core skills to specialise in AI, where you can study the analysis, design and construction of knowledge-based and expert systems, artificial life and robotics, and systems based around the use of neural networks.
 

Your main campus is College Lane   
 

This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.  
 

What will I study?
 

Computer science is both an academic and a practical subject so you will be taught in different ways such as lectures, smaller group tutorials, supervised practicals (labs) and self-study including experiential learning. Assessment is by a mix of in-class tests, exams, and coursework.
 

Throughout your course, you'll have access to well equipped laboratory facilities, with PCs running Windows 7 and/or Linux and a whole range of industry-standard and educational software from Microsoft, Oracle, Adobe, and others. There are specialist labs for networking, multimedia, devices, robotics, and projects.
 

In addition to scheduled classes, about 16 hours per week in Year 1, you will be expected to spend the same amount of time in self-study taking advantage of the University's extensive and up-to-date facilities. These include the Learning Resource Centres (LRCs), open 24x7, with over 1,200 computer workstations and wifi access, Studynet our versatile online study environment accessible on and off campus, and open access to our labs.
 

Most of our students own their own PC or Mac, but this is not essential since you can use the university facilities instead or as well.
 

What you will learn
 

You will study the analysis, design and construction of knowledge-based and expert systems, Artificial Life and robotics, as well as systems based around the use of neural networks. This course draws on the expertise of the School’s internationally acclaimed AI research staff. In your first two years you will concentrate on building a broad integrated foundation, with your specialism in AI building on this foundation.
 

First Year
 

You will learn the foundations of the subject including topics such as an overview of the field, programming, modelling, and computing platforms.
 

Second Year
 

You will deepen your understanding and develop more advanced skills. There are technical modules on software development, programming, databases, operating systems and networks, plus two options in AI and robotics.
 

Third year
 

You have the option of taking a one-year paid work placement, or you can study abroad at one of our partner universities worldwide.
 

Final Year (3rd or 4th)
 

You will be offered core modules on computer security and project planning, specialist modules in Constructive AI and Robotics, plus two options, which can also be in other aspects of AI. Finally you will undertake an individual project in your chosen specialism, typically an extensive piece of practical work.

Additional requirements
 

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
 

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

UK Students
 

Full time

• £9250 for the 2022/2023 academic year
   

EU Students
 

Full time

• £14000 for the 2022/2023 academic year
   

International Students
 

Full time

• £14000 for the 2022/2023 academic year

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.  
 

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.  
 

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process. Recent placement students have worked at large organisations such as:

• Apple

• BT

• IBM

• Intel

• GSK

• Microsoft

• Xerox.

• Numerous smaller organisations, some family-run or near home.
   

If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.