• Undergraduate

Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

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Overview

Overview

Why study at the University of West London? 
  • In the top 30% of universities nationwide - The Guardian University Guide 2024
  • University of the Year for Social Inclusion - Daily Mail University Guide 2024
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
  • Number 1 London university (non-specialist) - National Student Survey 2023**
Why study this course?

This artificial intelligence degree provides a comprehensive understanding of computer science in relation to software systems. The course modules, which include Cloud Computing, Advanced Algorithms and Machine Learning, will help you develop theoretical and practical expertise across various fields and teach you to implement AI systems effectively.

Throughout the degree, you will have the opportunity to master mathematical, statistical, and computing techniques that form the foundation of the AI tools used across various industries. You will learn to develop, implement, and optimise AI systems, gaining practical experience through projects and lab work.

The importance and potential of AI is ever-increasing. In its white paper titled Industrial Strategy - Building a Britain Fit for the Future, the UK Government prioritises AI and data revolution to lead future industries by embedding AI nationwide.

Foundation Year 

The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course. Please note that a £2000 Path to Success bursary is available to all UK foundation year students, which is non-repayable.

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Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.
Without Foundation Year
Duration: 3 years

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year with us?

Why study Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year with us?

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What our students say…

My university experience was vibrant and exciting, especially getting the opportunity to meet a variety of students who were studying on different courses. The course has given me a great opportunity for work and experience for the future.

Oliver Stokes
Next
Tile: Mac and PC Labs
This course has contacts with major technology companies
Specialist careers advice
There are seven labs and studios in the School
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

The course aims to give you an in-depth understanding of the AI domain, impart a comprehensive understanding of the research and professional skills necessary in practice. 

During the Artificial Intelligence degree you will learn to plan, design, and implement appropriate AI solutions in practical scenarios.

What skills will I have after completing the course?

On completion of the BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence degree, you will be able to:

  • meet employer requirements for a well-trained, adaptable computer science and AI professional
  • be highly numerate and able to apply the skills gained on the course in AI and numerical modelling to work-based scenarios
  • be an independent learner able to acquire new skills and adapt to a rapidly changing job market.

As well as a professional acumen, the course also aims to instil in you soft skills desirable in all professions: 

  • strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
  • understanding of ethical issues (sensitivity required in data handling and decision-making). 

As part of the course, you will have access to a wide range of facilities, from social spaces and state-of-the-art study environments to modern computer labs.

Foundation year

There are many reasons for joining a foundation year course; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have been living abroad or want to change direction with your career. Whatever your starting point, the foundation year offers a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge that you will need to get the most from your studies and thrive at university. Successful completion of the foundation year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.

Course subject to approval

Approval is the formal process by which the University ensures that the proposed design, content and delivery of a course will provide a high quality learning experience for all students.

Compulsory modules

  • Personalised Learning

    The Personalised Learning module is intended to equip you with the study skills needed to successfully progress onto level 4, the first year of undergraduate study. Tutor group sessions are an integral part of the module, where you will consolidate your learning and frame it in the context of your subject area. The module will focus on various aspects of study skills, such as those skills related to reading and writing, learning approaches, problem-solving techniques, critical thinking, researching, referencing, plagiarism, legal research and time management.

  • Introduction to Statistics

    This module aims to provide a basic knowledge of how to summarise, analyse and interpret data, provide an overview of sampling and experimentation in the mathematical sciences and engineering field, and deliver an introduction to modelling a linear relationship between variables.

  • Introduction to Computer Technologies

    Some of the technologies you will cover include:

    Hardware (computer systems)
    • CPU
    • memory
    • motherboard
    • hard drive disk
    • secondary storage
    • graphic cards
    • sound cards
    • input and output devices
    • peripherals (printers, mobile computing devices, tablets, smartphones, etc) 
    Software
    • system software: operating systems, utility programs
    • application software: general purpose application software, special purpose application software, bespoke application software
    Communication Technologies
    • computer networks and components
    • protocols and communication methods
    Social and Economic Impact
    • automation
    • cloud computing
    • Internet of Things

  • Study Skills for Success

    This module will enable you to read critically, present an argument, and distinguish between the quality and suitability of materials. It will prepare you to use and evaluate a range of evidence sources throughout your degree.

  • Introduction to Web Design and Development

    You will cover the basics of web design and development, learning how to integrate text, graphics and behaviour to create interactive webpages using HTML5, CSS3 and Javascript.

    Other aspects will be covered such as historic development of the web, architecture and basic client server architecture, protocols such as HTTP, issues of accessibility and usability, standards and standardisation organisations (W3C, Internet Working Group) and security (HTTPS, firewalls, certificates). 

  • Introduction to Computing Mathematics

    You will learn the core mathematical skills and statistical concepts and techniques to be able to effectively analyse and present information.

    You will develop skills in expressing problems in mathematical language, finding solutions to problems and communicating mathematical ideas clearly and succinctly. 

    You will gain essential mathematical skills that will prepare you for other modules.  

Compulsory modules

  • Probability and Statistics

    This module is an introduction to probability theory and statistical methods. The module leads to a deeper understanding of probability distributions, random variables and their role in sampling. Tools such as hypothesis testing are presented and a basic introduction to the statistical software SPSS is provided.

  • Linear Algebra

    The aim of this module is to extend your knowledge of matrices, vectors and systems of linear equations and to introduce the abstract concepts of vector spaces, linear maps and inner products.

  • Programming

    The module provides a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of Java programming language and object programming concepts. It will focus on the design and build of Java desktop applications using the Java Development Kit and popular Integrated Development Environments, following established industry standard methodologies. The module will have a strong emphasis on using OO modelling techniques to interpret and implement business related applications.

  • Algorithms and Data Types

    This module will help you to gain the knowledge and competence to deal with basic data structures and algorithms. You will learn how to specify collections using abstract data types (ADTs) and to implement them using a variety of techniques such as linked lists and trees. You'll also use a range of algorithms, including searching and sorting.

  • Information Systems and Databases

    This module aims to introduce students to information systems theory and to explore the way that databases underpin IS systems. The module will also examine the principles and techniques involved in implementing relational databases. It will cover database environments, database analysis, database design and will also give an introduction to database security and transaction management. Oracle will be used to explore the capabilities of SQL and to construct a small relational database.

  • Data Science and Visualisation

Compulsory modules

  • Cloud Computing

  • Artificial Intelligence

    This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of AI with a focus on

    1. the structures, resources and processes that together make up an intelligent agent
    2. the techniques, models and tools that can be used to simulate the “intelligent” processes
    3. the skills and capabilities necessary to critically review AI literature and/or products, to synthesise ideas, to systematically solve AI problems and to communicate effectively.

    You will gain the knowledge and skills required to understand the fundamentals of AI, to solve real world problem more “intelligently”, and ultimately to build intelligent artefacts.

    Currently popular approaches include statistical methods, computational intelligence and traditional symbolic AI. There are a large number of tools used in AI, including mathematical optimization, logic, probability, and many others. AI has become an essential part of the technology industry, providing the heavy lifting for many of the most difficult problems in computer science.

  • Theory of Computation

    You will gain the knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts of computational theory and computational complexity. You will learn how to examine whether a given problem can be solved computationally.

  • Applications of AI

  • Computing Group Project

    The aim of this module is to provide you with the experience of working collaboratively as part of a project team. The module will provide opportunities for you to adopt different project team roles in order to deliver a solution for a real-world client.

  • Advanced Algorithms

Compulsory modules

  • Machine Learning

    This module is intended to cover fundamental theory and algorithms of machine learning, as well as recent research topics.

    Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence that provides systems with the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.

    Machine learning focuses on the development of computer programs that can access data and use it to learn for themselves.

  • Computer Vision

    This module will explore the advanced principles and techniques currently being used in real-world computer vision systems, and the research and development of new systems.

    Computer vision lets computers gain high-level understanding from digital images or videos, and seeks to automate tasks that the human visual system can do. It has become ubiquitous with applications in search, image understanding, medicine, drones, and self-driving cars. Core to many of these applications are visual recognition tasks such as image classification, segmentation, localisation and detection.

    In this module you will learn how digital images are formed, how they are represented and stored on computers, and how they can be processed by computers to extract semantic information. You will have the opportunity to develop algorithms for detecting interesting features in images, design convolutional neural networks to perform tasks such as image classification, and explore techniques for solving real-world problems such as object detection. Relevant programming language (e.g. Python, OpenCV, MATLAB, etc.) will be used for model developments.

  • Natural Language Processing

  • Project

Optional modules

  • Robotics and AI

  • Human-Centred Computing

    This module is about human and technical aspects of interactive computing systems and organisations. In the course of taking this module, you'll consider the interplay between human users, designers, developers and computers. Therefore, its basis is in psychology and human factors as well as in software engineering and interaction design.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

72 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

72 UCAS points from level 3 qualifications with relevant mathematics and/or computing contents.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

We take pride in our inclusiveness and the diversity of our student population. We have a vibrant mature student community and look forward to welcoming you.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
5.5 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the four individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents. 

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

We take pride in our inclusiveness and the diversity of our student population. We have a vibrant mature student community and look forward to welcoming you.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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The fee above is the cost per year of your course.

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Foundation year bursary

If you are a UK student joining a foundation year course with UWL, you will receive a £2000 Path to Success bursary to support your studies. This is not a loan and does not need to be repaid. You will receive £500 per year subject to your attendance, engagement and progression through your studies. 

To find out more, explore our Undergraduate scholarships and bursaries page.

Funding your studies
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The fee above is the cost per year of your course.

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Financial support for international students
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Nasim Dadashi Serej is smiling, wearing a winter black jacket and black beanie.

Dr Nasim Dadashi Serej

I received my PhD as the first-ranked bioelectrical and biomedical engineering student from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. For the past six years, I worked as an assistant professor in the Department of Advanced Technologies in Medicine at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. My research was focused on image and video analysis for medical data through effective cooperation with clinicians. I had leadership positions in multiple projects for pre-processing, segmentation, and classification of medical image data from different modalities (Ultrasound, CT scan, X-ray, cone-beam CT, MRI, fMRI, endoscopy, and colonoscopy). All projects included real-world, large, noisy and imbalanced datasets, requiring in-depth knowledge of data processing and visualisation, to be interpreted correctly. I joined the School of Computing and Engineering at the University of West London as Senior Research Fellow in 2023.

My research interests include Medical Data Analysis, Machine learning / Deep Learning, Image Processing and Computer Vision, Time-frequency methods, Medical Image-guided Interventions, and surgery.

I received my PhD as the first-ranked bioelectrical and biomedical engineering student from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. For the past six years, I worked as an assistant professor in the Department of Advanced Technologies in Medicine at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. My research was focused on image and video analysis for medical data through effective cooperation with clinicians. I had leadership positions in multiple projects for pre-processing, segmentation, and classification of medical image data from different modalities (Ultrasound, CT scan, X-ray, cone-beam CT, MRI, fMRI, endoscopy, and colonoscopy). All projects included real-world, large, noisy and imbalanced datasets, requiring in-depth knowledge of data processing and visualisation, to be interpreted correctly. I joined the School of Computing and Engineering at the University of West London as Senior Research Fellow in 2023.

My research interests include Medical Data Analysis, Machine learning / Deep Learning, Image Processing and Computer Vision, Time-frequency methods, Medical Image-guided Interventions, and surgery.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

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The skills and knowledge you will develop on our AI course can lead to many career opportunities and AI jobs. You will excel in using AI methods for problem-solving and decision-making. 

As a BSc in Artificial intelligence graduate, you can pursue a career as a:

  • software consultant
  • AI or machine learning engineer
  • data scientist
  • research scientist
  • deep learning engineer
  • robotics scientists.

Further study

You may also continue your studies and pursue a master's degree. See our Computer Science and Mathematics and Statistics subject pages to find a master's degree that's right for you.

How to apply

How to apply

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Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2022 and 2023 - Based on an average of all 27 questions. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.