Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence BSc (2024)

• British Computer Society

  Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

  British Computer Society

  Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

• Start date:

  September 2025

  September 2025

• IB score

  38-36

  IB requirements

  38 with 5 in maths at Standard/Higher Level or GCSE maths, 5 (B) or above. 36 with 6 in computer science at Higher Level, and 5 in maths at Standard/Higher Level or GCSE maths, 5 (B) or above

  IELTS

  6.5 (6.0 in each element).

  English language requirements

  As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check ourEnglish language policies and equivalenciesfor further details.

  For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

  If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend aPresessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP)course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

  If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

  High school qualifications

  Check ourcountry-specific informationfor guidance on qualifications from your country

  A level

  A*AA - AAA

  Required subjects

  GCSE Maths at grade B and GCSE English at grade C

  Excluded subjects

  Please note that A level ICT or IT do not qualify for the lower level.

  Additional entry requirements

  A*AA (AAA if you have an A in computer science/computing)

  All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2023 entry.

  Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circ*mstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see ourcontextual admissions policyfor more information.

  Non-UK entry requirements

  Alternative qualifications

  RQF BTEC Nationals

  RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma D*DD

  RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma and 1 A level DD + A* or D*D + A in A level Computer Science

  RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate and 2 A level D + A*A or D + AA including A level Computer Science

  Access to HE Diploma

  Pass Access to HE Diploma with 42 Level 3 graded credits at Distinction and 3 Level 3 graded at Merit

  GCSE English

  GCSE English grade 4/C

  Selection Process

  Due to the volume of applications we receive to our Computer Science courses from highly qualified candidates we operate a ‘gathered field’ selection process. This involves holding applications received by the UCAS equal consideration deadline 25thJanuary 2023 and assessing them in one go. It will take us a bit longer to make decisions on applications, but this ensures that we are able treat all applications fairly and make offers to the most suitable applicants. We aim to make decisions as soon as possible and applicants should expect to hear from us by 31 March at the very latest.

  Visa restrictions

  International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK.Student route visascan be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses.The Standard Visitor visaroute is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’sVisa and Immigration teamif you need advice about your visa options.

  Mature Students

  At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on themature students webpage.

  Work experience

  NA

  A level

  A*AA - AAA

  Required subjects

  GCSE Maths at grade B and GCSE English at grade C

  Excluded subjects

  Please note that A level ICT or IT do not qualify for the lower level.

  IB score

  38-36

  IB requirements

  38 with 5 in maths at Standard/Higher Level or GCSE maths, 5 (B) or above. 36 with 6 in computer science at Higher Level, and 5 in maths at Standard/Higher Level or GCSE maths, 5 (B) or above

  Additional entry requirements

  A*AA (AAA if you have an A in computer science/computing)

  All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2023 entry.

  Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circ*mstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see ourcontextual admissions policyfor more information.

  UK entry requirements

  Alternative qualifications

  We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

  Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:

  • Access to HE Diploma
  • Advanced Diploma
  • BTEC HND/HNC
  • BTEC Extended Diploma

  This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see thealternative qualifications pagefor more information.

  RQF BTEC Nationals

  RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma D*DD

  RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma and 1 A level DD + A* or D*D + A in A level Computer Science

  RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate and 2 A level D + A*A or D + AA including A level Computer Science

  Access to HE Diploma

  Pass Access to HE Diploma with 42 Level 3 graded credits at Distinction and 3 Level 3 graded at Merit

  GCSE English

  GCSE English grade 4/C

  Contextual offers

  We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria –check if you’re eligible.

  Selection Process

  Due to the volume of applications we receive to our Computer Science courses from highly qualified candidates we operate a ‘gathered field’ selection process. This involves holding applications received by the UCAS equal consideration deadline 31st January 2024 and assessing them in one go. It will take us a bit longer to make decisions on applications, but this ensures that we are able treat all applications fairly and make offers to the most suitable applicants. We aim to make decisions as soon as possible and applicants should expect to hear from us by 31 March at the very latest.

  Foundation progression options

  If you don't meet our entry requirements there is the option to study the engineering and physical sciences foundation programme. If you successfully pass the year, you can progress to any of our computer science courses. There is a course forUK studentsand one forEU/international students.

  Mature Students

  At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on themature students webpage.

  Work experience

  NA

• UCAS Code:

  G4G7

  G4G7

• Study abroad

  You have the opportunity to apply to study abroad as part of this course, living and learning in a different culture.

  Benefits of studying abroad

  Students who choose to study abroad are more likely to achieve a first-class degree, secure a graduate-level job, and earn more on average than students who did not (Gone International: Rising Aspirations, Universities UK International, 2019).

  • Gain a global perspective of computer science
  • Meet new people from all over the world
  • Improve your communication skills, confidence and independence

  We provide support throughout the process, including an academic advisor and a dedicated team to help you with the practicalities. All teaching is in English.

  International semester abroad

  You can apply to spend part of your second year abroad, and study abroad at one of our highly-ranked international partner universities. This means that you can still complete your degree within the standard timeframe. Possible destinations include:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Hong Kong
  • Ireland
  • Mexico
  • New Zealand
  • Singapore

  Finance

  You’ll pay a reduced tuition fee for the time that you’re abroad and the university also offersa range of funding opportunities, as well as external funding being available.

  Year in industry

  Ouryear in industry coursegives you the opportunity to spend a year on placement with an industrial partner. This can help improve your employability and experience working in a real company. Previous students have worked at Capital One, ASOS and Experian.

  You will be supported by the university as you apply for placements.

  Please note: Study Abroad and the Year in Industry are subject to students meeting minimum academic requirements. Opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circ*mstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

  Study abroad

  On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions or at University of Nottingham China or University of Nottingham Malaysia. If you are successful in applying to study abroad, you will get the opportunity to broaden your horizons and enhance your CV by experiencing another culture. Teaching is typically in English, but there may be opportunities to study in another language if you are sufficiently fluent.  You can choose to study similar modules to your counterparts in the UK or expand your knowledge by taking other options.  The school you are joining may also have additional study abroad options available. Please visit the school website for more information.  

  Please note:  In order to study abroad you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria.

  Year in industry

  On this course you may be able to spend a year working in industry where you could gain first-hand experience of exciting challenges and refine the skills you have built so far in the course. While it is the student’s responsibility to find and secure a year in industry host, the university will support you throughout this process.

  Please note: In order to undertake an integrated year in industry, you will have to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the University and meet any requirements specified by the industry host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake an integrated year in industry as part of your course. If you are studying a course with an integrated year in industry and you do not secure an integrated year in industry opportunity, you will be required to transfer to the version of the course without an integrated year in industry. This will be reflected in the title of your degree when you graduate.

• *For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable),see our fees page.

  If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed usingguidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

  Additional costs

  As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

  You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies. If you do these would cost around £40.

  Due to our commitment to sustainability, we don’t print lecture notes but these are available digitally. You will be given £5 worth of printer credits a year. You are welcome to buy more credits if you need them. It costs 4p to print one black and white page.

  If you study abroad, you need to considerthe travel and living costs associated with your country of choice. This may include visa costs and medical insurance.

  Personal laptops are not compulsory as we have computer labs that are open 24 hours a day but you may want to consider one if you wish to work at home.

  Scholarships and bursaries

  International students

  We offer a range ofinternational undergraduate scholarshipsfor high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

  Additional costs

  As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

  You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies. If you do these would cost around £40.

  Due to our commitment to sustainability, we don’t print lecture notes but these are available digitally. You will be given £5 worth of printer credits a year. You are welcome to buy more credits if you need them. It costs 4p to print one black and white page.

  If you study abroad, you need to considerthe travel and living costs associated with your country of choice. This may include visa costs and medical insurance.

  Personal laptops are not compulsory as we have computer labs that are open 24 hours a day but you may want to consider one if you wish to work at home.

  Scholarships and bursaries

  Home students*
  

  Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on ourfinancial support pages.

  * A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

This module considers both the structure of databases, including how to make them fast, efficient and reliable, and the appropriate user interfaces which will make them easy to interact with for users. You will start by looking at how to design a database, gaining an understanding of the standard features that management systems provide and how you can best utilise them, then develop an interactive application to access your database.

Through the lectures and computing sessions you will learn how to design and implement systems using a standard database management system, web technologies and GUI interfaces through practical programming/system examples.

You will gain a broad overview of the fundamental theories and techniques of artificial intelligence (AI).

You’ll explore how computers can produce intelligent behaviour, and will consider topics such as the history of AI, AI search techniques, neural networks, data mining, philosophical and ethical issues, and knowledge representation and reasoning.

You will spend two hours per week in lectures for this module.

You’ll cover the basic concepts in mathematics which are of relevance to the computer scientists.

These include:

• logic
• sets
• functions and relations
• graphs
• induction
• basic probability
• statistics and matrices

The module introduces basic principles of programming and algorithms. It covers fundamental programming constructs, such as types and variables, expressions, control structures, and functions.

You'll learn how to design and analyse simple algorithms and data structures that allow efficient storage and manipulation of data. You'll also become familiar with basic software development methodology.

You will spend around six hours per week in lectures, computer classes and tutorials.

This module covers important aspects of algorithms, namely their correctness and efficiency.

You’ll study topics such as:

• proofs in propositional logic and predicate logic
• classical vs. intuitionistic reasoning
• basic operations on types
• verification of list based programs
• introduction to program specification and program correctness

To address the issue of efficiency we cover the use of mathematical descriptions of the computational resources needed to support algorithm design decisions. The emphasis is upon understanding data structures and algorithms so as to be able to design and select them appropriately for solving a given problem.

This module builds on the Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence module.The emphasis is on building on the AI research strengths in the School.

You will be introduced to key topics such as AI techniques, fuzzy logic and planning, and modern search techniques such as Iterated Local Search, Tabu Search, Simulated Annealing, Genetic Algorithms, and Hyper-heuristics, etc.

You will also explore the implementation of some AI techniques.

To build on first year programming modules and further develop programming ability and experience, including ability to develop and understand a large piece of software, build user interfaces and follow a realistic design and testing procedure.

Topic examples include: design diagrams and modelling; GUI programming; testing software engineering methodologies (including agile development and tools), refactoring; design patterns and SOLID principles; all in the context of understanding anddeveloping maintainable third-party code. You will spend around three hours per week in lectures and two hours per week in computer classes studying for this module.

You'll investigate classes of formal language and the practical uses of this theory, applying this to a series of abstract machines ultimately leading to a discussion on what computation is and what can and cannot be computed.

You'll focus in particular on language recognition, but will study a range of topics including:

• finite state machines
• regular expressions
• context-free grammars
• Turing machines
• Lambda calculus

This module builds on parts of the ACE module addressing data structures and formal reasoning and introduces concepts which are important to understand the analysis of algorithms in terms of their complexity.

Building upon the introductory Functional Programming module in year one, you’ll focus on a number of more advanced topics such as:

• programming with effects
• reasoning about programs
• control flow
• advanced libraries
• improving efficiency
• type systems
• functional pearls

You’ll spend around four hours per week in lectures and computer classes.

This module covers the following topics:

• overview of parallel and distributed computing
• applications of distributed systems
• fundamental concepts of distributed systems (processes and message passing, naming and discovery, fault tolerance and partial failure, consistency and cacheing, security)
• reliable network communication
• distributed system design approaches (direct vs indirect communication, client-server vs peer-to-peer, stateful vs stateless interfaces)
• introduction to distributed data management
• introduction to distributed algorithms

An overview of the field of human computer interaction which aims tounderstand people's interactions with technology and how to apply this knowledge in the design of usable interactive computer systems.

The module will introduce the concept of usability and will examine different design approaches and evaluation methods.

This module introduces the field of digital image processing, a fundamental component of digital photography, television, computer graphics and computer vision.

You’ll cover topics including:

• image processing and its applications
• fundamentals of digital images
• digital image processing theory and practice
• applications of image processing

You’ll spend around three hours in lectures and computer classes each week.

Spending four hours a week in lectures and computer classes, you’ll cover the following topics:

• security of the computer
• security of networks
• security and the internet
• software and hardware security
• mobile security
• basic cryptography

You’ll examine the principles of 3D computer graphics, focusing on modelling the 3D world on the computer, projecting onto 2D display and rendering 2D display to give it realism.

Through weeklylectures and laboratory sessions, you’ll explore various methods and requirements in 3D computer graphics, balancing efficiency and realism.

You’ll examine current techniques for the extraction of useful information about a physical situation from individual and sets of images.

You’ll cover a range of methods and applications, with particular emphasis being placed on the identification of objects, recovery of three-dimensional shape and motion, and the recognition of events.

You’ll learn how to implement some of these methods in the industry-standard programming environment MATLAB.

You’ll spend around three hours a week in lectures and laboratory sessions.

You’ll be given a basic introduction to the analysis and design of intelligent agents, software systems which perceive their environment and act in that environment in pursuit of their goals.

You’ll cover topics including:

• task environments
• reactive, deliberative and hybrid architectures for individual agents
• architectures and coordination mechanisms for multi-agent systems

You will spend around four hours each week in lectures and tutorials for this module.

Information Visualisation is the process of extracting knowledge from complex data, and presenting it to a user in a manner that this appropriate to their needs. This module provides a foundational understanding of some important issues in information visualisation design. You will learn about the differences between scientific and creative approaches to constructing visualisations, and consider some important challenges such as the representation of ambiguous or time-based data. You will also learn about psychological theories that help explain how humans process information, and consider their relevance to the design of effective visualisations.

If you want to learn how to design and implement your own interactive information visualisation, you should also take the linked module G53IVP (Information Visualisation Project). Together, these two modules form an integrated 20 credit programme of study.

This module is an introduction to the design of human-AI interaction to ensure the AI-driven systems we build are beneficial and useful to people.

The module will cover practical design topics including methods and techniques such as natural language processing and human-robot interaction. The module will also consider societal and theoretical concerns of human-AI interaction, including the ethics of AI, responsible innovation, trust, accountability and explainable AI.

The practical component of the module will involve building AI-driven systems that drive conversational experiences, such as a text-based ‘chatbots’ and speech-controlled services/ ‘skills’, involving automatic speech recognition and natural language processing.

You’ll perform an individual project on a topic in computer science. You’ll produce a 15-25,000 word project report under the guidance of your supervisor, who you will meet with for an hour each week.

The topic can be any area of the subject which is of mutual interest to both the student and supervisor, but should involve a substantial software development component.

In this module you will gain practical experience of how to design and evaluate a distinctive interactive visualisation which presents information gathered from a complex and interesting data source.

You will gain experience in web-based technologies that enable the implementation of multi-layered and interactive information visualisations, supported through lab work that introduces specific features of these technologies.

This module will require some challenging programming work and assumes some basic knowledge of HTML, CSS and Javascript. Introductory tutorials will be provided to those without this prior knowledge.

Providing an introduction to machine learning, pattern recognition, and data mining techniques, this module will enable you to consider both systems which are able to develop their own rules from trial-and-error experience to solve problems as well as systems that find patterns in data without any supervision.

You’ll cover a range of topics including:

• machine learning foundations
• pattern recognition foundations
• artificial neural networks
• deep learning
• applications of machine learning
• data mining techniques
• evaluating hypotheses

You’ll spend around six hours each week in lectures and computer classes for this module.

This module examines how knowledge can be represented symbolically and how it can be manipulated in an automated way by reasoning programs.

Some of the topics you’ll cover include:

• first order logic
• resolution
• description logic
• default reasoning
• rule-based systems
• belief networks