About this course

Master a wide range of modern approaches to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. You’ll learn to design and develop the next generation of systems and services, and graduate with a skillset that is both in demand and growing.

AI is one of the fastest developing areas of computer science and is quickly becoming essential in automating processes across nearly all domains of modern life.

Techniques involving big data and machine learning are driving efficiency and performance, rapidly transforming the ways we live and work.

On this artificial intelligence program you’ll have the opportunity to:

explore natural intelligence using computer models and learn to build systems capable of intelligent decisions and actions
explore core AI technologies and techniques, including high level programming, data analytics, deep learning and computer vision
use our modern lab facilities as you undertake practical, research-led learning
tailor your course to your interests by specialising in a range of optional topics
undertake a group design project in your final year

This masters degree in artificial intelligence is also available with a foundation year.

Year in industry

Enhance your employability by taking this course with a paid industrial studies placement year.

Apply using:

Course name: Artificial Intelligence with Industrial Studies
UCAS code: I402

You’ll have the opportunity to:

undertake a 1-year placement at a recognised partner company, further boosting your employment prospects
explore natural intelligence using computer models and learn to build systems capable of intelligent decisions and actions
explore core AI technologies and techniques, including high level programming, data analytics, deep learning and computer vision
use our modern lab facilities as you undertake practical, research-led learning
tailor your course to your interests by specialising in a range of optional topics
undertake a group design project in your final year

As a graduate in Artificial Intelligence, you’ll be ideally placed to meet the demand for numerate and skilled scientists and engineers in the field.

Our 1-year placement is a great way to show that you can relate your academic skills and knowledge to contemporary industrial practice. It’s also a means of connecting you with future employers and adding value to your CV.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

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ODT

Download 2024-25 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A).

A-levels additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 38 points overall, with 19 points required at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation)

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D* in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics.

D*D in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics or DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A* in A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from 2 A-levels including mathematics.

D*D in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics or DD in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A* in A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

This is a 4-year course with the opportunity to specialise with optional modules in years 3 and 4. Your learning will be led by the latest research, with modules specialising in core skills required for all AI, machine language and data scientists and engineers.

Year 1 overview

You’ll be introduced to the basic principles of mathematics and programming for AI and computer engineering. You’ll also explore topics like:

data analytics
the ethics and security of computing
algorithms and analysis

Together, these core concepts will form the foundations for more in-depth study.

Year 2 overview

You’ll build on year 1, exploring topics like:

AI and learning machines
scientific computing
signals and analysis

You’ll also undertake an interdisciplinary group project, giving you the chance to work with a wide audience of engineers, scientists and other domain experts.

Year 3 overview

You’ll have the opportunity to specialise, with optional modules exploring topics like:

computational biology
natural language processing
computer vision
causal reasoning and machine learning

You’ll also undertake your individual project. This will be your opportunity to acquire valuable skills in teamwork, project planning, time management and presentation. You’ll apply your learning to design and build problems, and gain experience working to a brief.

Year 4 overview

You’ll undertake a group design project, and specialise further in areas like:

algorithmic game theory
biometrics
data visualisation
social media and network science
simulation modelling

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

You must study the following modules in year 1:

AICE Lab Programme Year 1

This module is the lab programme for all first-year students enrolled on an AICE degree programme. A range of lab activities which tie into each of the first year modules are provided. It aims to give students the opportunity to apply the theory that they...

Algorithms and Analysis

Algorithms and Analytics provides an introduction to core data structures and algorithms as well as the analytical tools to understand their performance. It covers the usage of algorithms for problem solving, their implementations in different programmin...

Data Analytics

Working with data of various forms is a crucial skill for all engineers and scientists. This module introduces students to working with, analysing and processing various different forms of data. The module focusses on ensuring students have a thorough gra...

Digital Computer Systems

Ethics and Security of Computing

High-Level Programming

Low-Level Programming

Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence and Computer Engineering (I)

This module provides students with some fundamental mathematical concepts relevant to applications in AI and CE. The focus will be on applying mathematical proofs to solve computer science problems as well as introducing basic concepts and techniques in l...

Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence and Computer Engineering (II)

This module provides students with fundamental mathematical concepts relevant to applications in AI and CE. The focus will be on probability, statistical inference, combinatorics, optimization techniques, calculus – partial derivatives and ordinary differ...

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

David Thomas is the course leader.

Careers

As the potential of AI as a technology has grown, so too have the career prospects. As a graduate in Artificial Intelligence, you’ll be ideally placed to meet the demand for numerate and skilled scientists and engineers in the field.

You could progress to work in roles like:

AI Data Analyst
Business Intelligence Developer
Machine Learning Engineer
Data Developer
Data Scientist

A career in AI has wide applications across many sectors, whether it’s healthcare, education, sports, agriculture, construction, banking, marketing or E-commerce.

This degree also provides a firm foundation for further study at PhD level.

Careers services at Southampton

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £29,400.

The Government has recently announced changes to UK tuition fees from September 2025 onwards. We will update our website to reflect this shortly.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: I401
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

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