We are passionate about sharing with our students the vital role they each have now and as future professionals in promoting a sustainable future for all. We believe that sustainability is not the domain of one discipline or profession. It is the responsibility of all disciplines, professions, organisations and individuals.
That is why on each of our courses within the School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems you will learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the contribution you can make now, and as a graduate in Computing or Engineering.
Read the course details below to find out more.
Gain the skills to design and develop the next generation of Artificial Intelligence (Al) systems and services.
Increased use of Artificial Intelligence (Al) can bring major social and economic benefits by automating tasks currently done by humans. AI computers can analyse and learn from information at higher accuracy and speed than humans can. It offers massive gains in efficiency and performance to most or all industry sectors, for example in Health, Financial Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Social Media. Al is software that can be integrated into existing processes, improving them, scaling them, and reducing their costs, by making or suggesting more accurate decisions through better use of information. Artificial Intelligence has also been a main focus of Computer Science research at Ulster University for over 25 years, and we are uniquely positioned to deliver this degree course.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
This course will develop your employability skills by:
Four years, including placement.
Each student must complete 120 credits (usually six modules) in each academic year, with the exception of placement year (60 credits). Years 1, 2 and 4 are spent in the University. Modules are taught on campus and are web-supplemented. In Year 3, students undertake a year's work experience.
Members of the teaching team are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy and Members of the industry professional body - the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. Through their research, knowledge transfer and placement activities, teaching staff are also actively engaged with the local software and IT industry, and many modules on the course are directly informed by staff research activities.
Lectures are used to present theory and concepts, and are supported through a combination of tutorial discussion and practical, laboratory exercises. Students will be directed to read sections of recommended texts and will be expected to undertake directed reading in preparation for all scheduled classes, and to consolidate the material covered in class by private study.
Modules are either assessed by coursework only or by a combination of coursework and formal examinations (January and May). Coursework assessment is carried out using any combination of written assignments, class tests, practical tests, presentations, and group assignments as appropriate to meet the learning outcomes of each module.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides students of computing with an initial competence in the development of software through the medium of a modern programming language with facilities for both structured and object-oriented programming
Year: 1
Status: C
This module is a direct follow-on to Software Development I. Students are introduced to more advanced features of both an algorithmic programming language and an object oriented language, and will be expected to acquire a higher level of competence in writing software.
Year: 1
Status: C
The module covers the fundamental principles and theory of database design and provides practical experience in designing and developing database systems using a range of techniques, tools and technologies. It emphasises the important role of databases within an organisation and addresses the use of scalable and secure relational database management systems to facilitate the development of software systems involving large volumes of data and over the web.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides students with a solid foundation in the fundamental topics in engineering mathematics. The material develops the student's competencies in the essential mathematics that forms an integral part of an undergraduate honours degree in engineering related disciplines.
Year: 2
Status: C
Differences in the internal structure and organisation of a computer lead to significant differences in performance and functionality, giving rise to an extraordinary range of computing devices, from hand-held computers to large-scale, high-performance machines. This module addresses the various options involved in designing a computer system, the range of design considerations, and the trade-offs involved in the design process.
Year: 2
Status: C
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of technology's most rapidly growing and transformative fields. It has the potential to revolutionize every industry, from healthcare and finance to transportation and manufacturing. Studying AI will give students a deep understanding of the field's core concepts, including machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. They will also learn how to apply these concepts to real-world problems and develop the skills to create intelligent systems. Furthermore, the demand for professionals with AI skills is on the rise, and studying AI can open up a wide range of career opportunities in areas such as data science, robotics, and software development. By studying AI, university students will gain a valuable and in-demand skill set that will be essential for the future.
In this module, students will gain an understanding of the foundations, methodologies, and technological applications of AI technologies and algorithms. They will help them develop their ability to apply these to the design and implementation of AI models using code.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides an in-depth study of computer, communications and networks. This module will introduce the concepts and principles of computer networks to guide the installation and maintenance of modern, high quality reliable networks. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to learn how to configure and test networks, deploy network based software applications and resolve network infrastructural problems. Students will have an in-depth knowledge of basic skills in networking, and an appreciation for emerging themes that could impact networking in the future
Year: 3
Status: C
This module builds on programming foundations covered in Year 1 and provides a foundation for the Web development modules in Year 2 and 4. In addition, it offers an appreciation of user factors in application design and provides students with the tools to specify and develop high quality user interfaces across all modules.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module introduces students to the essential mathematics with appropriate numerical computing and programming required for embarking on further study in engineering or a related discipline. It develops the students mathematical skills required to solve problems that arise in the context of their undergraduate study. The module content is introduced in a pragmatic way and then related to real world problems, which enhances understanding and makes the concepts more meaningful and relevant for the student. The module also aims to generate in the student a spirit of mathematical investigation and discovery leading to the development of mathematical confidence. An introduction is given to MatLab, the multi-paradigm numerical computing environment and fourth-generation programming language; assessment in also partially completed in MatLab.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module is designed to equip students with the appropriate research and transferable skills needed to secure employment within the Computing and Engineering domain.
The module prepares students for professional work by developing knowledge of the responsibilities and obligations of employees, employers and clients as determined by codes of professional conduct. Students will have the opportunity to practise the presentation of themselves in, for example, application forms, curriculum vitae, interview, elevator pitches and aptitude tests.
The module provides an underpinning foundation of research concepts, methods and techniques necessary for project development and delivery. The students employ research skills developed during the module to gather research from a variety of sources and critically review this literature. Embedded in all these activities is the reinforcement of the need for adhering to recognised ethical standards and taking a professional approach to employability.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module will provide students with the necessary AI skills to be able to access, clean and learn from data in both supervised and unsupervised formats. It will provided students with the necessary skills before placement to enable them to join a industrial team and methodically contribute to data pipelines and core steps in learning from data and deploying interpretable robust results.
Year: 4
Status: C
Programming is an essential skill in today's digital world. It enables individuals to effectively analyse and solve complex problems, automate tasks, and create new technologies. Learning to program not only enhances a student's ability to understand and work with technology, but it also improves their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, programming is a highly sought-after skill in the job market, with many industries requiring individuals with programming expertise. By learning to program, a university student can open up a wide range of career opportunities and be well-prepared for the future.
This module builds on knowledge and skills attained in previous modules, i.e., core programming concepts and capabilities involving loops, conditions, functions, problem-solving, design, and logical thinking.Typically, a student's first exposure to programming in our degree is with Java, and in this module will have an opportunity to learn a new language (e.g., C#, C++, or Python).
Students will have an opportunity to increase their coding skills and learn about more complex programming and software engineering concepts such as Object Orientation, Decomposition, Functional Programming, Memory Management, Input/Output, Exception Handling, Testing, Debugging, and Version Control. Students will design and implement code solutions to set problems both individually and in groups.
Year: 4
Status: C
The module builds upon the expertise acquired in Year 1 software development. Students are introduced to the classic data structures and algorithms that are used to process them, the specification of methods and classes and the measurement of algorithm performance.
Year: 5
Status: C
This module provides an in-depth study of secure computer systems. This module will introduce the concepts and principles of secure systems. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to learn how to configure and test application and network security, deploy secure network based software applications, configure cloud systems and resolve security problems. Students will have an in-depth knowledge of basic skills in security, and an appreciation for emerging themes that could impact secure systems in the future.
Year: 5
Status: C
Having completed this module the student will have an understanding of the computational intelligence research area. The module addresses both existing techniques used individually and in hybrid forms. The module also introduces the current research topics within this domain.
Year: 6
Status: C
This level 6 module will present some of the sensing, perception, planning, learning, control, and movement generation principles necessary to design and program intelligent robots.
Year: 6
Status: C
This module provides a foundation in the concepts and techniques used in vision systems. Vision systems is a rapidly expanding field and, as such, has applications in areas such as medical imaging, biomedical sciences, factory automation, autonomous vehicle, facial recognition software and manufacturing. The module provides students with the opportunity of studying a subject area that is at the forefront of developing state-of-the-art advances in technology.
Year: 7
Status: C
Students are required to undertake a major project during the final year of the course. The module offers students an opportunity to develop a realistic and meaningful piece of work during their final year. This module allows a chosen subject area to be researched in depth and a solution developed as a consequence. Students will have the opportunity to integrate and apply the learning achieved from other modules in the course. The module runs during both semesters and allows students to develop a comprehensive approach to all aspects of working on a large project. The project encourages innovation and creative thinking in the development of the solution. It also develops the entrepreneurial mindset, which can influence the challenges undertaken and final decisions made.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
Grades CCC
ONE subject from Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing (not IT/ICT), Software Systems Development, Technology and Design, Design and Technology, Digital Technology, Electronics, Engineering or Double Award Science/Applied Science
Reduced offer: CDD
ONE subject from Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Computing (not ICT/IT), Electronics or an Engineering discipline / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite) in Computing (not ICT/IT), Electronics or an Engineering discipline
Award profile of DDD
OR
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (2016 suite) in Computing (not ICT/IT), Electronics or an Engineering discipline
Award profile of DMM
The following qualifications are acceptable in particular combinations and/or with A-Level(s) -
NB Subject requirements must be met as outlined above.
BTEC Level 3 QCF Subsidiary Diploma, BTEC RQF National Extended Certificate,
BTEC Level 3 QCF 90-credit Diploma, BTEC Level 3 RQF National Foundation Diploma,
BTEC Level 3 QCF Diploma, BTEC Level 3 RQF National Diploma.
Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at our Equivalence Entry Checker.
Please contact Admissions (contact details below) for further information about acceptable combinations for entry to this course.
96 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Course Specific Subject requirements
This course also requires you to achieve H2 in either Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing, Technology or Engineering.
If Mathematics is not passed at H2, you will be required to achieve a minimum of H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level in addition to one of the subjects above.
Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at our Equivalence Entry Checker.
Grades CCCCC to include minimum of grade C in at least one subject from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing, Technology or Engineering
English & Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3.
Grades DDD to include at least one subject from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing, Technology or Engineering
English & Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3
Minimum 24 points (12 at Higher level to include Grade 4 HL Mathematics and another HL subject from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing, Technology or Engineering)
Higher or Subsidiary level in English Language required at Grade 4 or above
Access Diploma NI
Overall profile of 55% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)
To include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.
Overall profile of 45 credits at merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)
To include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.
NBApplication of Number Level 2 is not acceptable as an alternative to GCSE Grade C Mathematics for entry to this course.
GCSE (or equivalent) minimum of Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics and English Language
NBApplication of Number Level 2 is not acceptable as an alternative to GCSE Grade C Mathematics for entry to this course.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5 or Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
OCR/Cambridge Technical Combinations
OCR Nationals and Cambridge Technical qualifications do not satisfy the subject entry requirements to this course and will be accepted as grades when presented with other relevant qualifications that meet the subject requirements. (Please see A-level and BTec sections above.)
HNC
Overall Distinction (with distinctions in 45 Level 4 credits) for year 1 entry only
HND
HND overall Merit (with distinctions in 15 Level 5 credits)
HND applications may be considered for Year 2 entry where the curriculum sufficiently matches that of the Ulster University full - time Year 1 course.
Ulster Foundation Degree
Pass with overall 55% and minimum 55% in all taught level 5 modules. Applicants will normally be considered for entry to an associated Honours degree (normally Year 2 entry).
For further information regarding all of the above qualifications please contact Admissions -see contact details below.
Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at our Equivalence Entry Checker.
Transfer between this course and other similar courses within the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment may be possible on the basis of academic performance.
Exemption from parts of the course may be considered based on appropriate performance in a related, designated course or other approved experiential learning (APEL).
The course has been designed to enable students who graduate with a good honours degree to apply for postgraduate study towards a PhD, MSc, MRes or other higher qualification.
In this section
AI skill sets are in high demand across all sectors, such as finance, consulting, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, government and education. As a graduate in Artificial Intelligence, you will be well placed to progress into a wide variety of careers from large-scale established commercial enterprises to innovative technology start-ups with opportunities in large companies e.g. financial services firms, consumer retail firms, small and medium sized businesses or the public sector.
All students normally spend one year on industrial placement (Year 3) working in some aspect of the computing/engineering industry for a minimum period of 25 weeks. On satisfactory completion of the placement period, you are eligible for the award of Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP). Students who complete their industrial placement abroad receive the award of Diploma in Professional Practice (International).
Alternatively, students may apply to study abroad in another academic institution for a year. Satisfactory completion leads to the Award of Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS).
Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2025/26 fees will be announced in due course.
See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2024/25 entry.
Prizes and Scholarships for this course can be viewed on the Faculty Prize list:
Visit the Student Prizes page.
Follow the links to the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.
N/A
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
