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Study Artificial Intelligence, why & how to study

With Artificial Intelligence (AI), you can construct intelligent systems that support our everyday activities. Learn about AI and see if a career in this field is for you.

Artificially intelligent robot putting on a label

CONTENTS

  1. What’s Artificial Intelligence?

  2. What Artificial Intelligence degrees can you study?

  3. What do you need to get onto an Artificial Intelligence degree?

  4. What topics does an Artificial Intelligence degree cover?

  5. How will you be assessed?

  6. Why study Artificial Intelligence?

  7. Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying Artificial Intelligence?

  8. What do Artificial Intelligence graduates earn?

  9. What jobs can you get as an Artificial Intelligence graduate?

  10. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

  11. Similar subjects to Artificial Intelligence?

  12. Have any questions?

What’s Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the study and creation of systems that make decisions and solve problems as the human mind does.

Study for a degree in AI, and you’ll learn how to construct systems that can use language, conduct web searches or play games to benefit industries such as healthcare, security and entertainment.

Degree courses are usually very practical. You’ll study the subject area and develop your computing skills, preparing for a career in an exciting and rapidly advancing field.

Take a look at the university league table for Computer Science which includes Artificial Intelligence.

What Artificial Intelligence degrees can you study?

Artificial Intelligence can be studied as a single honours degree or alongside another subject as a joint honours qualification. Some course examples include:

Artificial Intelligence BEng

This three-year BEng Artificial Intelligence degree will give you new skills in numerical software development and enable you to apply knowledge and mathematical principles in the design and implementation of modern artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science systems, providing the opportunity to work in a wide range of industries from transport to healthcare and communications to entertainment. As AI is both a science and an engineering discipline there are also opportunities to study for a BSc as well as an integrated Master’s.

Search for Artificial Intelligence courses.

Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence BSc

Develop sound theoretical and practical skills in AI, software design, development and experimentation to become an innovative computing professional. This course is for you if you’re keen to learn about current Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, specialising in this field from the start of your degree, whilst still gaining a broad grounding in computer science.

Find Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence courses.

Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence BSc

A strong foundation in mathematical knowledge and technical skills is essential for the development of modern Artificial Intelligence systems. This course will equip you to work in this exciting field.

Explore this course.

Robotics, Autonomous and Interactive Systems BEng/MEng

Robotic and autonomous systems are now used in areas such as autonomous vehicle guidance, healthcare, remote surgery, industrial manufacturing and domestic assistance. This multi-disciplined Robotics degree brings together electronics, computer software, and mechanics. A MEng will give you the opportunity to do a deeper dive into this area. 

Discover Robotics, Autonomous and Interactive Systems courses.

Other options

Several options include studying an integrated foundation year or master’s, a year abroad or industry placement.

  1. GO TO
  2. Find an Artificial Intelligence degree
  3. Types of undergraduate degrees

What do you need to get onto an Artificial Intelligence degree?

Must have

Most undergraduate Artificial Intelligence courses typically ask for around 104–152 UCAS points. This could include the qualifications and range of grades as follows:

  • A Levels: A*AA–BCC
  • BTECs: D*DD–DMM
  • Scottish Highers: AABB–BBBC
  • International Baccalaureate: 36–28
  • Universities will usually ask that you have studied mathematics and one other science

Good to have

  • Studied one or more of the following subjects: computer science, further mathematics, information technology (IT), biology, chemistry, physics or electronics
  • Volunteering or work experience with an AI-related company
  • Knowledge of AI platforms and different computer software programmes
  • Membership of an AI-focused community
  1. GO TO
  2. Entry requirements
  3. About UCAS points
  4. Alternatives to A Levels

What topics does an Artificial Intelligence degree cover?

Typical module titles include:

  • Computer science
  • Computer hardware and operating systems
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data structures and algorithms
  • Intelligent robotics
  • Mathematics for engineering
  • Modelling
  • Software processes

How will you be assessed?

Depending on your modules, you could be assessed through:

  • Practical demonstrations
  • Presentations
  • Coursework
  • Laboratory exercises
  • Laboratory-based exams
  • Written examinations

Why study Artificial Intelligence?

Courses keep up to date with industry practices, and you’ll learn how to use modern, specialist equipment.

Career-specific skills:

  • Modelling
  • Testing and evaluation
  • Information management
  • Programming
  • Computational thinking
  • Professional responsibility

Transferable skills:

  • Critical thinking
  • Analytical skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Reflective thinking
  • Project management
  • Teamwork

Professional accreditations:

  • Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
  • Chartered Institute for IT (BCS)
  1. GO TO
  2. Reasons to study computer science 
  3. What are the highest paying degrees?

Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying an Artificial Intelligence degree? 

Some universities offer students specific scholarships, bursaries, or grants. It’s worth checking if you are eligible for any help, how to apply and what it covers such as materials, tuition fees and/or living costs.

What do Artificial Intelligence graduates earn?

Artificial Intelligence graduates can expect an entry-level salary of between £28,000 - £32,000.

The average salary for an artificial intelligence engineer in the UK is around £52,000. Salaries can be higher than £90,000 for those with lots of experience in high-level positions.

What jobs can you get as an Artificial Intelligence graduate?

AI graduates go into fields such as entertainment, healthcare, finance, commerce, manufacturing and education, working for employers like Microsoft, IBM, BAE Systems, EA Electronic Arts and the Walt Disney Company.

Examples of roles that graduates go into:

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Examples of postgraduate courses available at universities in the UK include:

  • Artificial Intelligence MSc
  • Artificial Intelligence Enabled Healthcare MRes
  • Artificial Intelligence for Business PGDip
  • Human Computer Interaction MSc
  • Interactive Artificial Intelligence PhD
  • Robotics and Autonomous Systems PhD

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