Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) (Industrial) BSc

Course overview

Artificial intelligence is one of the fastest developing areas of computer science. It is being used in exciting new ways to enhance and evolve computer games, web search, biometric systems and many other areas. Artificial intelligence is also being applied to important economic and societal issues in fields such as medicine, health, transport and smarter cities.

Developments in artificial intelligence are radically changing the way that we interact with each other, process data and make decisions. From commerce to healthcare, from agritech to government – innovators in computer science and artificial intelligence and are often at the forefront of new technological developments and already creating the solutions of tomorrow.

Successful computer scientists are not only skilled programmers, but they are also highly creative thinkers and problem-solvers who are adept at handling complex information. Computing touches every industry, everywhere, so computer scientists and artificial intelligence specialists are in demand in a variety of sectors.

Studying a computer science with artificial intelligence degree at Leeds will equip you with the core technical and problem-solving skills to tackle current and emerging challenges in this fast-changing field. Alongside technical skills such as algorithm design, problem solving and practical programming, you'll develop a raft of vital workplace skills such as collaborative working and project management, as well as studying specialist artificial intelligence topics such as machine learning, deep learning, text analytics and their applications in areas from vision to automated reasoning.

You’ll also be taught in the Sir William Henry Bragg Building which is home to leading research and specialist teaching facilities here on campus.

If you want to be challenged, to work in multidisciplinary teams, solve global and emerging challenges and have a portable and highly sought-after skill set then studying computer science is a great option. The topics you’ll study reflect the latest developments in computer science, equipping you with the key knowledge, skills and experience you need to begin your career in this highly valued profession.

Studying computer science is the perfect foundation for a career in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Cybersecurity, Software Engineering (full stack development), Blockchain development, Augmented/Virtual Reality or Data Science.

Computer Science provides essential knowledge in algorithms, data structures, and programming—key skills needed to develop Artificial Intelligence systems. Computer science also covers machine learning, neural networks, and big data processing, all of which are critical for building and improving AI models. With AI transforming industries from healthcare to finance, a strong background in computer science opens doors to exciting opportunities in this rapidly growing field.

Industrial placement year

This programme gives you the opportunity to undertake a paid industrial placement year as part of the course. Our close industry links give you the platform to apply to a number of major organisations such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and PwC.

Why study at Leeds:

• Our globally-renowned research feeds directly into your course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in areas such as algorithms and complexity, artificial intelligence, computational science and engineering, biomedicine & health and distributed systems and services.
• Experience expert teaching delivered by a programme team made up of academics and researchers who specialise in a variety of computing areas.
• Access excellent facilities including two custom-built teaching laboratories containing high-specification Linux machines and a range of collaborative and quiet study spaces.
• Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate with our industrial work placement opportunities. Our close industry links have given previous students the chance to work at — and build professional relationships with — organisations such as Apple, Microsoft and Amazon.
• Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining CompSoc, where you can meet like-minded peers and enjoy a variety of social, professional and academic events including Hackathons, community outreach and professional networking. CompSoc also hosts sports teams and academic support groups.

Accreditation

British Computer Society (BCS)

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

The School of Computing at Leeds has a successful history of delivering courses accredited by the British Computing Society (BCS). This means our computer science courses have consistently met the quality standards set by the British Computer Society (BCS).

As we are reviewing our curriculum, we are currently seeking reaccreditation from the BCS for accreditation of full Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Course details and modules

In this course, you'll develop industrially-relevant skills which will aid you in a successful career of your choosing. You'll gain a fundamental understanding of computer hardware, software engineering and the underpinning mathematical principles. Alongside, you'll also have opportunities to develop critical thinking and creative skills that'll transfer into your career once you graduate.

Throughout this course we work closely with you to develop personalised learning plans to ensure you are progressing towards the goal of becoming an outstanding computer science graduate ready to apply your skills.

This course will develop you into a well-rounded computer scientist with an awareness of the global challenges and opportunities available to you, ready for a challenging and rewarding career and equipped to continue learning to stay at the cutting edge of developments.

You'll also study computing ethics as part of your course. This is taught using real-life case studies, with input from specialist ethicists as well as your tutors and lecturers. The team responsible for the ethics taught in computing has produced educational material used to stimulate debate in class about topics such as ethical hacking, open-source software and the use of personal data.

Independent of whether you aspire to a career in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cloud computing or utilising Blockchain technologies this course will lay the foundations and develop the practical skills that you’ll require to succeed.

Each academic year, you'll take a total of 120 credits.

Course Structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) (Industrial) BSc in the course catalogue

Years 1 and 2

You will learn about the core topics in Computer Science and how they can be applied in a variety of real-world scenarios. You will learn about programming and software engineering ensuring that you have a good grasp on contemporary programming languages and software engineering design principles. You will also develop a good understanding of computer hardware, which is essential to being able to design software and algorithms.

You will learn how to exploit hardware to your advantage to produce systems which meet customer requirements. In order to be able to justify that your software behaves as expected, with particular performance guarantees you will learn about the theoretical foundations of Computer Science.

Through these topics you will develop into a holistic Computer Scientist capable of problem identification, solution design, consideration of impact, implementation and evaluation. You will develop an understanding of sustainability in computing and appreciate how your professional behaviour can help to develop a more equitable future for all. You will work collaboratively with your fellow students in group projects and will have an opportunity to share your knowledge and experiences with students in different years.

Throughout Year 1 and 2 you will study topics relevant to Artificial Intelligence. Behind many of the most used Artificial Intelligence techniques is some computationally hard or complex problem. You will learn about the underlying foundation of these problems and now to reason about them. You will learn about; the foundations of probability and statistics which underpin decision trees and Bayesian networks, linear algebra and calculus which underpin the techniques used to train neural networks and the foundations of Logic which underpin many of the automated reasoning and knowledge representation techniques.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Programming – 40 credits

Programming involves the systematic design, development, testing and maintenance of computer programs and applications, utilising programming languages, algorithms and structured methodologies to create efficient and reliable software solutions.

Covering foundational programming skills, data structures, algorithms and data modelling, you’ll acquire the fundamental knowledge needed to construct efficient and well-structured software. Through hands-on exercises and theoretical instruction, the module cultivates proficiency in programming practices, algorithmic thinking and the systematic design of software solutions, laying the groundwork for a deeper understanding of software engineering principles essential for your future career.

Building our Digital World: Computer Systems and Architecture – 40 credits

A computer system is a combination of hardware and software components that work together to process data, perform tasks and execute programs. This module introduces the foundations and intricacies of computer systems, covering fundamental aspects such as hardware architecture, networking principles and operating systems. You’ll develop a low-level understanding of embedded systems, which are a crucial component in the growing field of the Internet of Things (IoT), where interconnected devices collect and exchange data to enable intelligent automation and remote monitoring.

This module introduces computer system design from an engineering point of view, exploring their reliability, security, and general performance. The content of this module sits at the interface between hardware and software, and you’ll get a sense of how computers work through interactions of these two components. You’ll learn how to design a computer system, choosing the most suitable components to perform the intended task, and how to assess the environmental impact of these choices, to ensure that a system is designed to be as sustainable as possible. From a more practical stand, you’ll also understand how to assemble hardware components, and how to troubleshoot problems that involve both hardware and software.

Theoretical Foundations of Computer Science I – 40 credits

Computer science, at its foundation, is a mathematical and engineering discipline. A prime example of this is generative AI, whose core functionality depends on the interplay of mathematical concepts: linear algebra underpins the representation and manipulation of data within the models; calculus enables the optimization of model parameters; and statistics provides the framework for understanding noisy data and evaluating a model’s performance. These mathematical fields work together to train, refine, and assess generative AI models.

This module lays the foundation of the mathematical and theoretical concepts in computer science. This module equips you with a set of core knowledge and skills that will enable you to approach real-world problems algorithmically and to apply rigorous mathematical methods to solve them.

Year 2 compulsory modules

Software Engineering – 40 credits

Software engineering involves the systematic design, development, testing and maintenance of computer programs and applications, utilising programming languages, algorithms and structured methodologies to create efficient and reliable software solutions.

This module establishes the fundamental principles of a systematic approach to software engineering. Through hands-on experiences, you’ll gain proficiency in contemporary software engineering practices whilst also developing an understanding of the subject. This module fosters practical experiences in engineering analysis and design, shedding light on the societal impact of engineering. It serves as a cornerstone, equipping you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in the dynamic field of computer science.

Beyond the Core: Advanced Hardware, Operating Systems and Parallelism – 40 credits

Modern computer systems are extremely complex and are built through layers of abstractions. The use of advanced software is made possible by the presence of an operating system, which provides an interface between hardware and high-level software that allows the programmer to ignore the details of the underlying hardware. This module explores the design of operating systems and the clever solutions that make this powerful layer of abstraction possible.

Parallelism is a tool to satisfy the ever-increasing performance demands of modern computing. One of the many tasks of an operating system is to provide a consistent interface to exploit parallelism. This involves breaking down complex tasks into smaller, independent subtasks that can be executed concurrently. Increasingly often, these tasks are distributed not just across processing cores of a same computer, but across a network of interconnected computers, or in the cloud – a network of virtual computer systems accessed remotely. This module covers the fundamentals of parallel programming paradigms, networking protocols and connectivity, and lays the foundations for cloud computing.

Theoretical Foundations of Computer Science II – 40 credits

Build on the foundations of mathematical and theoretical concepts in computer science to develop the ideas into more complex application domains. You’ll further develop techniques and transferable skills in areas like problem solving that will help you tackle real-world challenges, applying mathematical approaches to solve them.

Year 3

You’ll have the opportunity to apply to spend a year in industry. A work placement is an invaluable opportunity to transfer your learning into a practical setting, applying the knowledge and skills you’ve been taught throughout your degree to real-world challenges – in a working environment. It’s important to note, work placements are not guaranteed.

Year 4

In your fourth year, you will complete an individual artificial intelligence related project showcasing your accumulated skills and knowledge. You will work with a member of academic staff to define, refine and complete a project related to your interests. You will also study professionalism, innovation and enterprise ensuring you are well equipped to enter the workplace or continue your journey in education.

In year 3 you will learn about supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques, including neural networks, support vector machines, decision trees, linear regression, clustering, Bayesian learning and reinforcement learning. You will learn when and how to apply different techniques to real-world problems.

Year 4 compulsory modules

Professional Innovation and Enterprise – 20 credits

Gain a holistic understanding of professional conduct, legal considerations and ethical practices in the tech industry. You’ll be equipped with vital commercial awareness and insights into professional issues, preparing you for successful integration into the workforce. With an emphasis on ethical decision making and legal responsibilities, you’ll gain a nuanced understanding of the broader implications of your work, fostering a well-rounded approach to your roles as a future computing professional.

Individual Project – 40 credits

This individual project is the culmination of three years of computer science studies and provides the opportunity for you to demonstrate a mastery of the subject. You’ll engage in a comprehensive exploration of engineering analysis and design, honing your skills in problem formulation, solution development and critical evaluation. This module emphasises the practical application of computer science theories to solve complex, contemporary issues, fostering creativity and independent thinking.

You’ll focus on a chosen problem, employing rigorous research methodologies and leveraging engineering techniques to propose innovative solutions.

Artificial Intelligence – 20 credits

Build hands-on experience with the design, implementation and evaluation of artificial intelligence systems, together with the underpinning theory. The module is divided into several topics addressing key areas of artificial intelligence. The topics will reflect research strengths in the School and prepare you to embark on projects within the artificial intelligence domain.

Data Science – 20 credits

Develop advanced skills in extracting meaningful insights from complex datasets using modern data science techniques. This module combines theoretical foundations with practical applications in data collection, cleaning, analysis, and visualisation. You will explore key topics such as statistical inference, machine learning, data ethics, and scalable data processing. Emphasis is placed on hands-on experience with real-world data and tools commonly used in industry and research. The module prepares you for data-driven projects and careers across a wide range of sectors.

Optimisation – 20 credits

Explore the theoretical foundations and practical applications of optimisation, with a particular focus on combinatorial optimisation techniques. This module examines a range of methods for formulating and solving optimisation problems, drawing on mathematical principles and algorithmic strategies. Emphasis is placed on applications in diverse domains such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and operational research. Through analytical and hands-on work, you will develop the skills needed to model complex systems and design efficient solutions to real-world problems.

Project work

You'll develop your commercial and industrial awareness by completing real-world problem-solving project work, building up a portfolio of work to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in analysis, communication and teamwork to prospective employers.

Summer internships

During your time at Leeds, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a paid summer internship, giving you the chance to get involved in research projects to advance your professional skills in research and experimentation.

Want to find out more? Check out what our recent students got up to on their summer internships.

Learning and teaching

In the School of Computer Science, you'll be part of a large and welcoming learning community where academic staff and your fellow students work collaboratively together. Our expert academic staff bring a wealth of industrial and research experience meaning you'll have awareness of the forefront of developments when you graduate.

You'll be joining a diverse community of computer scientists from a range of backgrounds, where you'll be encouraged to share your experiences with and to learn from others in order to develop a university culture where our differences are our strengths. Our research feeds directly into our teaching, meaning you'll learn about the very latest developments in your subject while gaining the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of your graduate job.

To help you benefit from our expertise, you'll be engaged in a mix of lectures, tutorials, seminars and practical labs, complemented by online learning resources and project-based learning. This mix of activities will develop you into a flexible and agile learner, suitable for keeping up with the fast pace of development in graduate careers. The approach is inclusive by design, and you'll be supported to develop the skills to best benefit from each type of activity.

Our personal tutorial system will provide you with academic and pastoral support. You'll be assigned to an academic personal tutor who will mentor you throughout your studies at Leeds. Everyone will have a different set of experience, interests and motivations for studying the subject, and your personal tutor will help you to understand what these are and how you can best leverage your experiences to make the most of your time at Leeds.

Specialist facilities

You’ll study in the Sir William Henry Bragg Building which offers a wealth of facilities to support your learning. It has two custom-built teaching laboratories containing high-specification Linux machines – sufficient to complete all work asked of you on our programmes. In addition, the Sir William Henry Bragg Building houses our state-of-the-art research laboratories which are used by our internationally leading researchers and postgraduate students – and are available to students as part of their final year individual project.

There's also a number of social and collaborative study spaces which are available for you to use whenever the building is open. Whether you require a quiet place to work, or you thrive being in a busy stimulating environment there is a space suitable for you.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You'll be assessed using a variety of methods which are chosen to emulate real-life tasks or activities you are likely to encounter in a graduate career. This may include time-constrained assessments, laboratory practicals, reports, problem-solving worksheets, projects and presentations.

Where possible, assessment is designed to be contemporary with recent events and developments in computer science – making them interesting and relevant.

We use summative assessment, which contributes to your degree outcome, as well as formative assessment, which does not contribute to your degree outcome but provides an indication of performance. This combination allows you to become comfortable with the style of assessment and allows us to provide targeted additional support where it is required. Your work will be assessed by a member of academic staff who’ll provide feedback on what you did well, areas of improvement and stretch goals. This feedback may be in written or verbal form.

Our assessment approach is designed to be inclusive by default, however, we also make reasonable adjustments where required.

Entry requirements

A-level: A-level: AAA including Mathematics.

Where an A-level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

GCSE: GCSE: English Language grade 4 (C) or higher, or an equivalent English language qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English instead of GCSE English.

Other course specific tests:

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), International Project Qualification (IPQ) and Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate(ASCC): We recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, and where an applicant offers an A in the EPQ/IPQ/ASCC we may make an offer of AAB at A-Level including A in Mathematics.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: ABB, including an A in Mathematics and a pass in the Access to Leeds scheme.

Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Applicants

If you are a mature applicant and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and Math qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Further information on the support available for mature students can be found at https://www.leeds.ac.uk/mature-students.

For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each section. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
The fee for UK undergraduate students is decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 will be £9,535.

The tuition fee for the following programmes with an integrated foundation year is £5,760 for the foundation year, and £9,535 for subsequent years of study:
•    Business Studies with Foundation Year BSC
•    Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
•    Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
•    Social Science (foundation year) BA
 

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.
 

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course and check the deadline for applications through the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Admissions guidance

Read our admissions guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

What happens after you’ve applied

You can keep up to date with the progress of your application through UCAS.

UCAS will notify you when we make a decision on your application. If you receive an offer, you can inform us of your decision to accept or decline your place through UCAS.

How long will it take to receive a decision

We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses. For applications submitted by the January UCAS deadline, UCAS asks universities to make decisions by mid-May at the latest.

Offer holder days

If you receive an offer from us, you’ll be invited to an offer holder day. This event is more in-depth than an open day. It gives you the chance to learn more about your course and get your questions answered by academic staff and students. Plus, you can explore our campus, facilities and accommodation.

International applicants

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students.

We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Read about visas, immigration and other information here.

If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Computer Science

Contact us

School of Computer Science Undergraduate Admissions

Email: ugcomp@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

There’s a wealth of excellent job opportunities for graduate computer scientists – making it easy for you to choose your ideal career.

Our graduates are sought-after for their technical knowledge, industrial and commercial awareness, independence and proactiveness. Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research.

From start-ups to international organisations and non-governmental organisations, the computing industry is always looking for computer science graduates to realise the next opportunity.

Our graduates find employment across a range of sectors including:

• Non-governmental organisations
• Government agencies
• Education
• Media
• Gaming
• Technology
• Consultancies
• Finance (& Finance Technologies)
• Public Authority
• Retail
• Research & Development

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.

You'll also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

This degree does not offer the option to study abroad. However, the Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) BSc degree does have this option.

Work placements

A placement year is a great way to help you decide on a career path when you graduate. You’ll develop your skills and gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector. It will also help you to stand out in a competitive graduate jobs market and improve your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field
• Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry
• Improve your employability

If you decide to undertake a placement year, this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

With the help of our dedicated Employability Team and your academic personal tutor, you can find the right placement for you which will allow you to gain experience and will align with your future career aspirations.

Here are some examples of placements our students have recently completed:

• Arm
• HP inc UK
• GlaxoSmithKline Research & Development
• UK Research & Innovation
• Apple
• Microsoft
• Amazon
• PwC

Find out more about Industrial placements.