University of Hertfordshire - BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)

University of Hertfordshire

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.

Entry Requirements

UCAS pointsA LevelBTECAccess Course TariffIB requirement
112-120

BBC - BBB

DMM - DDMOverall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3112-120 points from a minimum of 2 HL subjects at grade 4 or above

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.

Career Prospects

Our graduates have become software developers, programmers, web developers, business analysts, database administrators, project managers and IT consultants, or have studied for postgraduate degrees. There are careers across many employment sectors, including the IT industry, business, education and government.

Recent employers have included Blackberry, GSK, HP, IBM, John Lewis, and T-Mobile. Other graduates have continued with postgraduate studies (typically an MSc or PhD) at Hertfordshire or at other universities.

More about the course

This course adds a specialism in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to a broad base in Computer Science. AI is a discipline in which computers, software and machines are designed and developed to display intelligent characteristics. The engineering of intelligent systems relies on core skills such as programming and the application of modelling methods.

The course is for anyone with an interest in academic computer science, in particular artificial intelligence and robotics. It is not necessary to have A-level or equivalent in Maths, Computer Science or ICT.

The programme as a whole is very flexible. The Computer Science route gives you the opportunity for an optional work placement or study abroad in the third year, the chance to specialise in later years, and there is an MEng for suitably qualified candidates. Alternatively, you could opt for the Information Technology route, which has a different emphasis. However, you do not need to decide until you have started your course and can make an informed choice based on experience.

We offer a blend of practical and theoretical work. You will learn about the fundamental principles of the subject, which will be illustrated with current real-world technologies and applications wherever possible. To gain your degree, you will have developed a wide range of skills: problem solving, analytical, creative, and professional.

After graduating, you’ll be equipped to work in a range of specialist roles in academic or industrial research or in software development. For example, you could carry out research into social robotics or design intelligent systems. Recent employers have included Blackberry, GSK, HP, IBM and John Lewis. Other graduates have gone on to postgraduate study.

Recent employers have included Blackberry, GSK, HP, IBM, John Lewis, and T-Mobile. Other graduates have continued with postgraduate studies (typically an MSc or PhD) at Hertfordshire or at other universities.

More about the course

This course adds a specialism in artificial intelligence (AI) to a broad base in computer science. AI is a discipline in which computers, software and machines are designed and developed to display intelligent characteristics. The engineering of intelligent systems relies on core skills such as programming and the application of modelling methods.

The course is for anyone with an interest in academic computer science, in particular artificial intelligence and robotics. It is not necessary to have A-level or equivalent in Maths, Computer Science or ICT.

The programme as a whole is very flexible. The Computer Science route gives you the opportunity for an optional work placement or study abroad in the third year, the chance to specialise in later years, and there is an MEng for suitably qualified candidates. Alternatively, you could opt for the Information Technology route, which has a different emphasis. However, you do not need to decide until you have started your course and can make an informed choice based on experience.

We offer a blend of practical and theoretical work. You will learn about the fundamental principles of the subject, which will be illustrated with current real-world technologies and applications wherever possible. To gain your degree, you will have developed a wide range of skills: problem solving, analytical, creative, and professional.

Course Details

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.

Year 1

Human dimensions of computing
Programming
Models and methods in computing
Platforms for computing

Year 2

Contemporary issues
Database concepts
Computer science development exercise
Algorithms and data structures
Operating systems and networks

Optional modules
Artificial intelligence
Computer architecture
Cognitive and social robotics
The c family

Year 3

Project planning
Computer systems security
Constructive artificial intelligence
Ai robotics and applications
Artificial intelligence project

Optional modules
Artificial life
Software quality
Embedded systems development
Machine learning and neural computing
Programming paradigms
Quantum computing
Mobile computing

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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