Learn how to use Artificial Intelligence to enhance critical and creative thinking on real briefs and project-based assignments

  • Learn how to apply Artificial Intelligence to solve problems and extract insights on this assignment-only course.
  • Gain a solid foundation in the latest tools and technologies for a career in Computer Science.
  • You’ll learn by doing, experimenting and exploring in this applied, hands-on course.

Interested in applying?

For more information on the application process and timelines, please contact our Admissions service on +44 (0)1225 876 180 or admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) produces versatile, highly skilled graduates ready to make an impact in the sector. A key focus of this course is ensuring students can employ their skills in AI both sustainably and ethically. You’ll be aware of the impact your work has on industry and society at large. The course focuses on the speed of change within the field of Artificial Intelligence. You’ll gain a solid grounding in the scientific principles that underpin Computer Science. In preparation for a successful career, you’ll have the opportunity to specialise in various advanced topics on this Artificial Intelligence course pathway.

Practical and hands-on, this course offers the opportunity to learn through laboratory work, client briefs and collaborative projects. You’ll deep-dive into computing technologies through detailed studies and explore challenges to development. Our artificial intelligence course specialism will equip you with an understanding of the importance of accurate contextualisation. You’ll also hone your critical thinking skills by evaluating outputs and practices. 

The course offers an Integrated Foundation Year option for students who wish to build their skills before transitioning to an undergraduate honours degree in Computer Science. There's also the option to follow a more general Computer Science programme or specialise in Data Analytics.

Artificial Intelligence at Bath Spa produces graduates ready to work in industry, which is why you’ll also learn how to communicate to both specialist and general audiences.  

Top 25 in the UK

for Teaching Quality in Computer Science (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)

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What you'll learn

Our BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) is both practical and creative. You’ll learn a range of programming skills, such as how to use C++, Python and other language appropriate for different tasks and situations. You’ll become expert in applying different types of Artificial Intelligence to solve problems and extract insights from data.  You’ll also develop the skills to manage and organise data using algorithms to search, sort and manipulate. 

Artificial intelligence at Bath Spa University prepares students for a successful career in the industry. Understanding how to contribute to industry is a key factor in our teaching, and you’ll learn how to apply your skills and understanding to industry requirements. For example, your skills in machine learning algorithms also includes knowing how to ensure that intelligence is based on data that is collected and evaluated fairly, ethically and without bias.   

Our goal is that when you graduate, you’ll have an extensive range of skills and experience with multiple different tools and technologies.   

The integrated foundation year is designed to provide you with an accessible path to study Computer Science. You’ll have opportunities to explore computing concepts and experiment with a range of tools in preparation for level 4.  

Students without traditional academic backgrounds or STEM skills will develop the core logical and mathematical knowledge needed to study Computer Science.  

In addition to an introduction to industry and career development, you’ll also be introduced to academic and study skills in preparation for the next stage of your learning. 

Year one 

Strong fundamentals. You'll start with an induction to computer science through computer systems architecture, networking, and learning about the ideas behind modern computing innovations. Programming skills and software design principles form the second pillar which enables more sophisticated projects throughout the course. 

The year ends with developing knowledge around data storage and management across the Internet. The first year is common across Computer Science, which means you can transfer easily between pathways for the second year.

Year two 

Solution Development. Your second year of study broadens and deepens your knowledge, with the introduction of Artificial Intelligence focused modules and specialisation needed for advanced modules.  

You'll deepen your understanding of core computer science and software development. You'll learn about object-oriented programming, an understanding of computing algorithms and associated data structures. You'll cover software engineering, and the introduction of Artificial Intelligence - an essential tool for converting raw data into valuable information. You'll be able to explore your interests with optional modules on topics such as physical computing projects (Arduino, Raspberry Pi), computer graphics or data visualisations.   

Year three 

The final year centres on a major project where you'll apply technical expertise learnt from previous years and modules. You’ll also go further into using AI with modules dedicated to Advanced AI and Intelligent Agents.  You'll finish the year with Cyber Security and another optional module aligned with personal interests. This year provides the opportunity to highlight your professionalism, creative thinking and ability to expand your knowledge.  

Upon completion, you will have the competence and skills to get started in industry, and continually grow throughout a successful career or postgraduate study. 

BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) is mainly assessed with coursework and project-based assignments. You’ll design and develop a varied collection of digital solutions including prototype software solutions, experimental interfaces, algorithm designs. Project work is supported by contextual essays, reflective commentaries, reports, exercises, and presentations. 

You’ll be taught through workshops, lectures and seminars, as well as occasional individual and group tutorials  There will also be the opportunity to hear from industry experts and guest lecturers.

Teaching hours usually range from 10 to 12 in year 1. In year 3, they decrease to 8 to 10. There's a greater focus on independent study in year 3. 

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

Why Computer Science?

 

A Computer Science degree is generally for those who wish to engineer new technologies; it emphasises computation and theoretical maths.

Our BSc Computer Science places less emphasis on the maths and theory in computer science – and more on experimentation and learning how computing technologies really work. You'll be encouraged to explore, try, fail and learn from the process. 

Computers are present in all aspects of modern life and have the potential to change our world. With this degree, you’ll learn to extend and create computing technologies in new and innovative ways that lead to new opportunities. 

Opportunities

As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa’s partner universities.

Pitch your great ideas to great companies.

We collaborate with various digital and tech companies across Bath, Bristol and beyond. Our students are invited to collaborate with professonials within local industries, on research work and commissions. You can also draw on our networks to help secure work placement and internship opportunities.

A small selection of our contacts and collaborators include:

  • IBM Watson
  • Bristol Virtual Reality Lab
  • Pervasive Media Studio
  • Complete Control
  • Create Studios
  • TechSpark
  • Network N

Careers for Computer Science graduates are numerous and varied, and include (among many others):

  • Artificial Intelligence Engineer
  • Software Engineer
  • Prompt Engineer
  • Systems Developer
  • Informatics Developer
  • AI Trainer
  • Machine Learning Developer
  • Artificial Intelligence Researcher
  • Data Scientist
  • Web App Developer
  • Edge Computing Engineer

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which you’ll study alongside your degree.

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience, and funding is available. On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

Adobe Creative Campus

Develop a wealth of indispensable digital skills that you can take into your future career. One of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, we provide all Bath Spa students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite, giving you the tools to communicate creatively, whatever your course or chosen professional field.   

Professional placement year

The Professional Placement Year (PPY) provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for, and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Before your PPY, you'll work to identify roles of interest and secure a placement. The Placements Team will support through timetabled sessions and 1:1 appointments.

As well as completing a minimum of 900 placement hours, you will complete two assessments demonstrating your skill development, growth in professional behaviours and how the PPY has impacted your future career aspirations.

Facilities and resources

As a BSc Computer Science student, you'll have access to our:

You can also hire out equipment using SISO, Bath Spa University’s free equipment loan service.

Interested in applying?

We look for students with a passion for computing technology and experimenting with new ideas for solving problems. Successful applicants will be focused, organised and analytical thinkers who are comfortable solving mathematical problems. Programming experience is not essential – we teach coding from the ground up.

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below. Applicants are considered on an individual basis, and we take your relevant skills and experience into account.

  • A Level – Grades BBC with at least a grade B in either A Level Maths, Computer Science or Physics.
  • BTEC – Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) accepted in subjects related to Maths, Physics or Computing.
  • T Levels – Grade Merit preferred in a subject related to Maths, Physics or Computing.
  • International Baccalaureate – a minimum of 32 points are required, including a minimum grade H5 in Maths, Physics or Computing.
  • Access to HE courses – typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher) in subjects related to Maths, Physics or Computing.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements above, we may be able to accept your prior learning or experience from outside of formal education. See our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) page to learn more.

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.

Course enquiries

For further information about the programme or entry requirements, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below. Applicants are considered on an individual basis, and we take your relevant skills and experience into account.

  • A Level – Grades CCC
  • BTEC: Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) to Merit Merit Merit (MMM) accepted in any subject
  • T Levels – Grade Pass preferred in any subject
  • International Baccalaureate – a minimum of 27 points are required, including a minimum grade H5 in any subject
  • Access to HE courses – typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 30 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher).

Applicants will have to demonstrate in your personal statements why you're interested in this course.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements above, we may be able to accept your prior learning or experience from outside of formal education. See our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) page to learn more.

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.

Other Requirements for International Applicants

Higher Secondary School Certificate/Indian School Certificate (standard XII) from the following boards CBSE/CISCE/WBCHSEB, with minimum 55%, including grade C in at least three subjects. 
If you're apply from another country, please contact admissions@bathspa.ac.uk for more information.

Course enquiries

For further information about the programme or entry requirements, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.

Ready to apply? Click the 'apply now' button in the centre of this page.

Need more guidance? Head to our how to apply webpages.

Although you don’t need to be a programmer before you join us, you can get ahead by learning some basic programming techniques. Courses on Codecademy (HTML, JavaScript) provide excellent starting points for learning to think computationally, and will give you a taste of what being a Computing student is like.

Course leader: Dave Cobb
Email: d.cobb@bathspa.ac.uk