As AI technology continues to intertwine with our daily lives and, in the process, revolutionise efficiency across sectors, UK universities are paving the way for students to become the architects of the next wave of AI-driven solutions, whether in speech recognition, language processing, robotics, or beyond.
At universities across the UK, students are invited to delve into the expansive world of AI and computer science through its BSc AI courses. These programmes, while retaining their unique characteristics, share an emphasis on equipping students with both fundamental and advanced technical skills. Curriculums ensure comprehensive exposure from understanding the mechanics of AI, machine learning, and data-driven technologies to the principles of biologically inspired algorithms and consciousness. Additionally, these courses foster technical proficiencies and promote essential skills in teamwork, communication, systems design, and entrepreneurship.
Top Ten Universities for BSc AI Courses in the UK
Learn more about studying BSc AI courses in the UK below (Guardian University Guide 2024) or book a free consultation with SI-UK today to begin your application.
1. University of Edinburgh
At the University of Edinburgh, courses initially centre on essential mathematics and informatics. As students advance, there are more opportunities to specialise based on their interests. Those enrolled in a dual degree must also complete mandatory courses for their secondary discipline.
Annually, students are required to cover 120 credits over two terms. While some of these credits are reserved for mandatory courses, the rest can be allocated to elective subjects. Electives could be offered by departments other than the School of Informatics.
- Suggested course: BSc Artificial Intelligence
- Entry requirements: IB 43 points with 777 at HL
- International fees: £33,450 per year
2. Imperial College London
At Imperial College London's MEng Computing course in AI and ML, students delve into the workings of contemporary computer and communication systems. They'll gain insights into their utilisation and modification for creating future computing solutions.
The central aspect of this course provides a broad perspective on computing. It encompasses foundational concepts and principles, the capacity to adjust to technological shifts, and hands-on exposure to practical computing.
- Suggested course: MEng Computing (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning)
- Entry requirements: IB 41 points to include 7 points at a higher level
- International fees: £33,450 per year
3. University College London
The BSc Computer Science at UCL "delivers world-class, industry-relevant teaching, with a strong focus on solving real-world problems through problem-based learning". In the 3rd year, students will study an Artificial Intelligence and Neural Computing module that "introduce basic concepts of artificial intelligence for reasoning and learning behaviour; and to introduce neural computing as an alternative knowledge acquisition/representation paradigm".
- Suggested course: Computer Science BSc
- Entry requirements: IB 40 points | A total of 20 points in three higher level subjects including grade 7 in Mathematics, with no higher level score below 5
- International fees: £41,000 per year
4. Liverpool Hope University
Liverpool Hope’s BSc AI course provides insights into the functional elements of AI: its mechanics, capabilities, practical applications, potential future advancements, and ways to engage with upcoming AI-driven sectors.
In the initial year, students undergo roughly 12 hours of instruction weekly, which decreases to around 10 hours in the subsequent two years. Beyond these scheduled lessons, students should also allocate time for self-study and collaborative learning, especially when preparing for group evaluations.
- Suggested course: BSc Artificial Intelligence (Hons)
- Entry requirements: IB 26 points
- International fees: £12,500 per year
5. University of Sheffield
Studying computer science at the University of Sheffield transforms you beyond being merely a coder. Alongside technical prowess, you'll hone competencies in collaboration, articulation, system crafting, and entrepreneurial thinking.
This specific course delves into algorithms inspired by biology, their connection to actual biological cognition, and the essence of consciousness. Certain units share content with the primary computer science degree, ensuring students receive a robust foundation in core concepts. Options for specialisation include delving into voice recognition, language analysis, or exploring robotics.
- Suggested course: Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) BSc
- Entry requirements: IB 38, with 6 in Higher Level Maths
- International fees: £26,950 per year
6. University of Bath
If you have a strong interest in exploring contemporary AI technologies and wish to specialise from the outset of your academic journey, Bath’s computer science is tailored for you. It offers a comprehensive understanding of computer science and AI, encompassing machine learning. You'll receive a thorough grounding in both theoretical and hands-on aspects. The curriculum integrates AI, systems architecture, software creation, computational maths, and computer imagery.
- Suggested course: Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons)
- Entry requirements: IB 7, 7, 6 at HL
- International fees: £26,200 per year
7. Heriot-Watt University
The BSc Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) honours degree at Heriot-Watt spans over four years and emphasises the creation of strong and functional systems. The objective is to train students in utilising advanced tools and methodologies and to empower them to develop the next wave of software tools for future system developers. The curriculum offers a harmonious blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice, enriched by the research insights of their teaching staff. Students collaborate on a year-long group project to address a substantial, real-world challenge in the third year. Meanwhile, fourth-year students undertake an extensive individual research project throughout the year.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
- Entry requirements: IB 28 points (with Mathematics at Higher Level 5)
- International fees: £33,450 per year
8. King’s College London
The BSc in Artificial Intelligence at KCL offers a comprehensive insight into various core areas. This includes the basic tenets of AI, encompassing programming, discrete maths, and algorithm crafting. Delving further, data science and machine learning are explored, covering areas like language processing techniques and interactions between humans and AI. The curriculum also touches upon the sphere of knowledge representation with its logic and interaction techniques, which include aspects of data depiction, knowledge structuring, and formal authentication. Lastly, students will delve into the sector of optimisation, strategy formulation, and self-reliant agents, understanding topics such as independent robotic programming, foundational logic, and network enhancement.
- Suggested course: BSc Artificial Intelligence
- Entry requirements: IB 35 points, including 776 at Higher Level
- International fees: £33,450 per year
9. University of Southampton
Dive into the evolving field of AI and machine learning with the AI course at the University of Southampton. Equip yourself to craft advanced systems and graduate with sought-after, expanding skills. You will also learn about emulating natural intelligence, creating smart systems, and mastering AI essentials like advanced programming, data analysis, deep learning, and computer vision.
- Suggested course: Artificial Intelligence (BEng)
- Entry requirements: IB 38 points overall with 19 points required at Higher Level
- International fees: £25,000 per year
10. University of Loughborough
The BSc AI degree at the University of Loughborough goes beyond programming. It cultivates teamwork, communication, systems design, and entrepreneurial skills.
This course delves into biologically inspired algorithms, their connection to biological intelligence, and the essence of consciousness.
Certain modules align with the core computer science degree, ensuring a strong foundation in fundamentals. Specialisation options include speech recognition, language processing, or robotics.
- Suggested course: Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons) degree
- Entry requirements: IB-37 (6,6,6 HL) including HL Maths
- International fees: £27,250 per year
Study BSc AI in the UK
Book a free consultation with SI-UK today to learn more about studying BSc AI in the UK or to begin your application for the upcoming intake.
BSc AI FAQ
What is the scope of BSc artificial intelligence in the UK?
The UK is home to some of the world's leading universities that offer comprehensive AI courses. Graduates find opportunities in diverse sectors, including tech companies, finance, healthcare, automotive industries, and research institutions. The demand for AI specialists is high, with the UK government and private sectors investing heavily in AI research and application.
What is the scope of AI?
The scope of AI extends across various domains. From everyday applications like voice assistants and recommendation engines to complex uses in healthcare diagnostics, financial predictions, autonomous vehicles, and advanced robotics, AI is transforming industries. Furthermore, as research deepens and technology evolves, the potential applications of AI are bound to expand, influencing sectors not currently impacted by AI.
What are the fees for BSc AI in the UK?
On average, for international students, fees could be anywhere from £15,000 to £30,000 or more per annum. It's essential to check specific universities for precise fee structures and potential financial aid or scholarship options.
Which branch of AI is best?
AI's "best" branch largely depends on individual interests and where one sees the most potential for growth and innovation. Some popular branches include machine learning (especially deep learning), natural language processing, robotics, and computer vision. Each has its own set of challenges and opportunities. For instance, deep learning has shown significant advancements in image and speech recognition, while natural language processing is critical for chatbots and translation services.
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