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Understanding the nature of intelligence is one of the scientific challenges of the 21st century. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a fascinating subject in which you build intelligent machines and study the nature of mind. On the engineering side, this field is especially relevant in today’s world because of the benefits of making computers perform tasks that normally require human intelligence.
We are one of the leading centres for AI teaching and research in Europe, which enables us to offer an unusually rich and innovative programme for undergraduate study. Students benefit from a dedicated robotics and vision laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment, where practical exercises and projects are completed.
The split between AI and Computer Science in this programme is one-third/two-thirds in the first year, and half-and-half in the second year, with the flexibility to specialise in either area in the final year.
First year
In this year you learn about theories of mind and techniques for generating intelligent behaviour. These include evolutionary computing, techniques for game playing, expert systems for medical diagnosis, and many others. You experiment with the techniques by implementing them as computer programs, and to this end, learn AI programming in a major language. You meet weekly with your tutor, write essays and discuss major AI issues with other students in a small group setting.
In the Computer Science half of your degree you learn to program in a language called Java, which is widely used in business. There are also courses on the fundamentals of computer science, which explore the principles and mathematics that will support your work in later years.
Second and third years
In the second year you take more advanced modules in specific areas of AI, including an Introduction to Natural Computation, Machine Learning, Computer Vision and Natural Language Understanding. You learn another programming language, while taking another core Computer Science module in which you will apply your Java skills to building systems involving databases, graphics and human–computer interaction. You will also study the principles underpinning computer architectures and operating systems. These modules will give you all the skills you need to carry out your final-year project.
Third year
In the final year you take eight options from around 20 currently on offer. These include Intelligent Robotics, Neural Computation and Advanced Natural Language. You can choose to specialise in Computer Science or AI, or take a mixture of both. In your degree project, you work one-to-one with a lecturer to build an AI or computing system of your choice.
Teaching and assessment
Our teaching employs a mixture of lectures, tutorials, exercise classes, practical work, projects, and independent study all aimed at strengthening your understanding by active involvement.
Career opportunities
AI affects many aspects of commerce and society. It is a key technology in many of today’s more innovative applications including banking systems that detect credit card fraud, intelligent agents in computer games, robotic surgery, medical diagnosis and space exploration.
Because of the outstanding international reputation of our Artificial Intelligence and Natural Computation groups, our students enjoy stimulating and lucrative careers. Many of our students are employed by top companies throughout the world in a wide range of industries as well as in the public sector.
Examples of AI technologies
Duration of programme: 3 years; 4 years with a Year Abroad or a Year in Industry
Full-time Degree
