Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons)

UCAS code: I1I4

Can computers think like humans? Ask the big questions and demystify the computer science behind artificial intelligence (AI) as you learn to create the systems, games and applications of the future.

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Overview

Course length:	3 years full-time Typically 4.5 years part-time
Start dates:	September 2025
Location:	Edge Hill University
Example offers:	BBC-BBB (A Level) or DMM (BTEC) View full entry criteria
Subject(s):	Computer Science
Faculty:	Arts and Sciences
Department:	Computer Science

Students are taught the basics of the Sawyer robot.

Computers can see us, talk to us, and increasingly make decisions like us. On this course, you’ll explore how intelligence works and use that knowledge to design programmes and systems that make life better.

This is a fast-moving speciality built around a set of core skills. You will develop a strong foundation in computer science and AI by studying programming, mathematics, autonomous secure systems, intelligent systems, and data analytics.

Artificial intelligence meshes together different computing techniques to create new solutions. We teach you to create AI tools and rate their success. You’ll also work in robotics as you start to picture where you can take AI next.

Robotics and automated systems that utilise artificial intelligence help with medical diagnostics, gaming, and manufacturing. AI is in your home and school. Soon it will help every part of society. Our degree in computer science and artificial intelligence gives you the expertise to work in this exciting profession.

Course features

International students can apply
Sandwich year option available
Studying abroad option available
Work placement opportunity

My degree has widened my understanding and opportunities.

Finley Ellis

BSc (Hons) Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence

View student profile

What you'll study

We packed Year 1 with the fundamentals of the digital world. You’ll look at computer architecture, networks and professional practice. We will also teach you about software development, key mathematical concepts and the foundations of computer science. It is important to us that you feel confident in your core knowledge as you move up to Years 2 and 3.

Compulsory modules:

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Professional Practice 1 introduces you to the computing profession and the professional practices of the industry. You will be introduced to the relevant regulatory requirements and accreditations governing the computing profession. You will also discover the role of professional bodies such as The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), TIGA the network for games developers and digital publishers, and The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). Another key strand of the module is the development of key transferable skills. These include working independently and as part of a team, communicating effectively, and presenting information in a variety of formats including both written and oral. You will be encouraged to become a reflective and questioning learner and devise a personal development plan.

Module code: CIS1704

Credits: 20

Assessment

80% Coursework

20% Practical

In Year 2, we want you to get hands on. You’ll strengthen your programming skills for complex tasks and use multi-sensors in robotics. You’ll make recommendations as a data analyst and explore computer forensics. At the same time, you’ll deepen your knowledge of the ideas behind computer science and AI. We care about your future: our employability module helps you develop transferable skills. You can also take a year in industry before beginning Year 3.

Compulsory modules:

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Applied Machine Learning reveals how machine learning is being applied to various problem domains such as computer vision, robotics, machine translation, text processing, medical diagnostics, and web mining. The impact of machine learning is clearly visible in our daily lives. We are surrounded by smart appliances such as cameras capable of recognising faces, chat-bots answering our questions on websites, and personalised news and advertisements when we browse content online. Autonomous transportation and robot-based goods delivery will soon become a reality. Given these changes all around us, it is important to combine knowledge of the underlying principles of machine learning with their practical application to provide innovative solutions. This module will immerse you in state-of-the-art methods in machine learning and develop your skills in various technologies, from programming languages such as C/C++, Python and Java, to software frameworks such as Tensorflow and Pytorch. You will discover the key challenges preventing or impeding automated machine learning for a range of practical problems, practically evaluate machine learning algorithms, and design, develop and implement an end-to-end machine learning system that has real-world applications.

Module code: CIS2720

Credits: 20

Assessment

100% Coursework

Database Systems introduces you to the fundamental concepts in database design. Designing and implementing databases is a key skill in the computing industry where businesses of all sizes depend upon database management systems to gain a competitive advantage. Databases also play a central role in many information systems and are an integral part of e-commerce. This module will develop your practical skills in database modelling, development and design. You will discover the techniques for appropriate and efficient conceptual, logical and physical database design and learn how to create, handle, manipulate and manage database systems and resources.

Module code: CIS2700

Credits: 20

Assessment

60% Coursework

40% Exam

Knowledge Representation and Reasoning will train you in methods that can be used to extract pertinent and useful information from large-scale date sources. Over the past decade, there has been an exponential increase in the availability of online data resources. Technical methods of efficiently managing and interpreting large-scale data resources now play a pivotal role in driving business automation and informing critical business and design decisions. To deal with the rapid proliferation of available data, in both structured and unstructured formats, data processing techniques have had to adapt. By leveraging well-defined mathematical frameworks, knowledge representation and reasoning can accurately model information encoded in online data resources and infer new and novel knowledge that is not immediately evident to human users. This module will introduce you to the fundamental computational methods for knowledge representation and reasoning. These include first-order logic, ontology engineering, and propositional and predicate logic. You will also gain the practical skills needed to design, implement and evaluate knowledge representation and reasoning methods and analyse the strengths and limitations of each approach.

Module code: CIS2709

Credits: 20

Assessment

100% Coursework

Become an AI specialist in your final year. Focus on the theories and practical aspects of artificial intelligence. Learn to design user-friendly human-robot interaction systems. Understand smart devices. Dive into the AI techniques behind popular games. Bring it all together to create your own piece of software in a research and development project, and graduate with highly desirable real-world skills.

Compulsory modules:

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Autonomous Secure Systems and Smart Devices introduces you to the theory and practical aspects of developing secure, smart and autonomous digital devices, from smart phones and wearable fitness-tracking technology to household controllers and voice interaction personalised assistants. Over the past decade, our digital world has drastically changed with a wide range of digital devices now being integrated into everyday tasks. Such devices have the ability to communicate with each other, generating vast amounts of data, and adapt their behaviour according to user preferences. This module will introduce you to the design and implementation of these autonomous secure systems and smart devices, modelling key ubiquitous computing properties and smart architecture models, as well as data analytics and machine learning methods on sensor data and security management of smart devices. You will gain the skills and confidence to design, implement and evaluate a software system that can be embedded into a smart and secure digital device.

Module code: CIS3418

Credits: 20

Assessment

100% Coursework

Big Data provides an overview of the need for big data and how big data methods can be exploited by different sectors. Computer scientists, physicists, economists, mathematicians, political scientists, bio-informaticists, sociologists and many others are clamouring for access to the massive quantities of information produced by and about people, things and their interactions. Diverse groups argue about the potential benefits and costs of analysing information from Twitter, Google, Facebook, Wikipedia and every space where large groups of people leave digital traces and deposit data. Significant questions emerge. Big data is now part of every sector and function of the global economy, while planning and strategic decision-making processes rely on large pools of data that need to be captured, aggregated, stored and analysed. There is a need for information scientists to understand and provide guidance to businesses on how to leverage the most from big data analysis and stay ahead of the competition. This module explores the need for big data, assesses the software that’s being developed to handle structured and unstructured data, reveals the big data methods for specific sectors, and analyses infrastructure and security issues.

Module code: CIS3416

Credits: 20

Assessment

100% Coursework

Intelligent Systems explores the artificial intelligence (AI) techniques embedded within many games to add greater depth and challenge to players. The module will explore the theory behind artificial intelligence programming. It provides the opportunity to develop your skills in writing AI code, using a range of key for the gaming industry. You will discover the adoption of artificial intelligence into the software develop process, learn how to create AI routines, and integrate these concepts into gaming code. Topics covered will include turn-based games, machine perception, decision support systems, planning and scheduling. You will also explore current developments and potential future applications of intelligent technology, as well as examining the ways in which artificial intelligent systems can solve a range of problems such as speech and pattern recognition. The module will culminate with the opportunity to implement a software application, underpinned by artificial intelligence, that meets the requirements of a brief you are given.

Module code: CIS3417

Credits: 20

Assessment

100% Coursework

Research and Development Project gives you the opportunity to show individual creativity and originality, apply your knowledge and skills, and demonstrate the ability to undertake an individual project through investigative research, problem-solving, effective communication and management. The project will be executed independently under the guidance of a supervisor. In exceptional circumstances group projects may be permitted as long as individual deliverables are clearly identified and this has been agreed with the Module Leader and Supervisor. You will conduct in-depth work on a substantial issue, including researching and analysing the problem and finding and realising a solution.

Module code: CIS3425

Credits: 40

Assessment

80% Practical

20% Coursework

Secure Complex Systems introduces you to a range of complex systems and their inherent security issues. The IT industry is constantly changing as advances in hardware, software and methodologies results in new systems being constantly developed and new application areas being discovered. Being at the forefront of these technologies is key to businesses wishing to obtain or keep their competitive advantage. These advancements in technology, while beneficial, are also pushing the boundaries of security technology and practices. This module will expose you to cutting-edge IT developments and other next generation technologies as they emerge along with the structures and technologies to keep them secure. You will have the exciting opportunity to contribute to these developments by identifying potential enhancements and providing recommendations for the future direction of the use of IT advances in complex systems. A key focus of the module will be on developing your critical thinking skills to evaluate current developments and identify the best option from a variety of choices.

Module code: CIS3414

Credits: 20

Assessment

100% Coursework

How you'll study

Teaching methods are designed in consultation with leading employers in the region. Many classes are based in computer laboratories, focusing on student activity as a means of learning. We introduce theoretical concepts by building on practical activity.

Classes are highly interactive, with the practical application of concepts a key factor, as well as cases drawn from real-life. Workshops, seminars, group tutorials and practical activities provide opportunities for you to work interdependently.

To enhance your employability, you will be given opportunities to work together and develop the essential people skills to complement your technical ability.

Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.

How you'll be assessed

You will be assessed through a combination of practical exercises, reports, essays, presentations and examinations. We want you to develop the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, therefore assessment includes both of these forms, though the emphasis is strongly on individual work.

Who will be teaching you

You will be taught by staff who are passionate about student learning and development. The programme team are specialists in computing and are active researchers in areas including artificial intelligence, machine learning, intelligent systems, distributed systems, mobile computing, data science and web information architecture. Academic staff are regular contributors to conferences and journals, engaging with the wider business and academic environment in disseminating knowledge and delivering impact.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points, for which no specific subjects are required, plus GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).

Please note, for all programmes in the Department of Computer Science, a level 2 numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.

Example offers

Qualification	Requirement
A Level	BBC-BBB.
BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications)	Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM).
T Level	Overall grade of Merit.
International Baccalaureate (IB)	We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points.
Access to Higher Education Diploma	45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit or 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.

If you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

English language requirements

International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

If your current level of English is half a band, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

How to apply

Apply online through UCAS

Read our guide to applying through UCAS to find out more about the application process.

Apply as an international student

Please see our international student pages for further information about how to apply as a prospective international student.

Part-time applications require a direct application to Edge Hill. Please select the year of entry that you wish to apply for.

Apply for September 2025 part-time.

Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

Facilities

The Department of Computer Science is based in the state-of-the-art £13million Tech Hub. This purpose-built development offers highly contemporary suites of outstanding facilities for Computer Science and Engineering students. Our modern computing and engineering laboratories are equipped with comprehensive test and measurement equipment, high-specification computers, high-resolution screens and the latest hardware and software.

A four-screen CAVE (Computer Augmented Virtual Environment) provides a super immersive 3D virtual environment, enabling users to immerse themselves in a virtual room and experience real life scenarios in 4K resolution. There are also specialist laboratories for networking and games programming, in addition to a specialist research laboratory, open access laboratory and a Harvard style lecture theatre.

Where you'll study

Tech Hub

Learning resources

Learning resources include robots and a robotics simulator, wired and wireless networking hardware, graphics software, web development tools, software development environments, big data servers, eye trackers, giant 3D interactive teaching screens, and other specialist software required for studying forensics and internet security techniques.

Finance

Tuition fees

£9,535

a year

£17,000

a year

2025/2026 part-time fee information will be added when available.

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.

Financial support

Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional maintenance loan funding to help with living costs.

Scholarships

We offer a range of scholarships, which celebrate the determination, commitment and achievement of our students. Many of our scholarships are awarded automatically. There are some however, where you will need to be involved in an application or nomination process. To find out more about our scholarships and check your eligibility, please visit our dedicated scholarships pages.

Money Matters

Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students, together with details of how to apply for potential funding.

Money Matters

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.

Your future career

You’ll leave us with the skills and knowledge to launch your career in computer science and artificial intelligence. Jobs you could apply for include Software Engineer, Data Scientist, and Business Intelligence Manager.

Our graduates are ready to work in many different industries, such as:

automotive
aerospace
finance
petrochemical
biomedical
manufacturing
energy

If you prefer to pursue an academic path, you can apply for a range of computing master’s as the next step on a route to a PhD.

Course changes

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

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Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence

Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons)

Overview