BSc (Hons) Computing (Artificial Intelligence and Robotics) (3-year degree)

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics are increasingly being deployed to solve complex problems and to automate business processes. Thus, knowledge and understanding of algorithms that drive AI and robotics systems, as well as practical skills to implement such systems, are much sought-after within many sectors of the economy. Students who are keen to develop their professional and technical skills in developing autonomous solutions for rewarding career opportunities in a range of industry sectors will find this course highly relevant and stimulating.

Students on this three-year undergraduate degree programme will be trained on fundamental theories and concepts, key techniques, approaches, methodologies and tools of software development, artificial intelligence and robotics. In particular, this pathway is designed to provide students with the practical skills required to implement AI, machine learning and robotics based autonomous digital and technology solutions for various sectors such as automobile, agriculture, education, healthcare, law enforcement, public services, transport, and utilities.

This programme prepares students to work in dynamic and agile organisations or to pursue postgraduate education. Our small-group teaching and learning environment supported by personal tutors offer students a personalised learning experience to achieve their full potential. Learning is enriched through collaborative projects, co-curricular activities and seminars by guest speakers from industry. Opportunities for professional skills development are offered throughout the degree programme. Students are encouraged to be innovative and enterprising whilst considering ethical, sustainability, diversity and inclusivity issues.

The standard entry requirements for this Computing three-year programme are: A-Level: (BBB – BBC), IB 31 – 32 or equivalent (Computing and/or Mathematics are desired, but not essential).

Applicants must also have GCSE B/5 in Math and C/4 in English.

If English is not your first language you will also need an IELTS Score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each component.

The first five terms of this three-year programme introduces students to essential theories and concepts of computing, programming and software development that underpin modern computer science. These theories and concepts build the fundamentals necessary to undertake highly specialised modules covering AI, Machine Learning, Computer Vision and Robotics that follow in the second year. All modules include practical work to apply knowledge and understanding to solve problems.

Terms six and seven focus on equipping students with specialised skills and sound knowledge that would enable them to pursue a rewarding career in the rapidly growing field of AI, robotics and autonomous systems. Students will learn concepts and techniques in AI, computer vision and robotics, alongside software project management and cloud computing, which are some of the most sought-after skills in the IT sector today.

All students undertake a substantial ‘Individual Project’ and a collaborative ‘Grand Challenge’ project where they get the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to develop an innovative solution to a real-life complex problem. There are several opportunities to work in teams enabling students to develop leadership and collaboration skills.

Quality teaching

We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.

Accreditation

This degree programme is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

This degree programme is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.

High calibre staff

Our academic staff are friendly, approachable, diverse and highly respected professionals. All academics are research active, many of whom also have worked with business and industry partners on real projects, and can offer networking opportunities for students.

The programme is supported by a highly professional and dedicated team of faculty managers and administrators.

Teaching methods

Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars, practical workshops and tutorials. It is enhanced by virtual learning environments, online / stand-alone computer-based teaching, learning tools and software packages.

A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of the University’s faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students.

Computing programmes have supervised practical classes in computer labs in which you can apply and practise the techniques you have learnt in the lectures. These practical sessions are usually two or three hours long. You will also be expected to study on your own, using the library for reading and research, and computer laboratories to improve your practical skills.

Each student has a designated supervisor for the Individual Project. Weekly supervision meetings are offered throughout the Project.

Assessment methods

A range of assessment techniques are utilised throughout the degree programme to give students the opportunity to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes. Individual and group coursework, presentations, portfolios, quizzes, projects, and exams are the key assessments. The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Please check module information for more details.

Computer labs, software and equipment

The School of Computing has several labs to facilitate the teaching, learning and assessment of its programmes. In addition to two general computer labs with high specification PCs, the School has specialist labs for cyber security and networks, games and immersive application development and robotics.

The Robotics lab includes a Boston Dynamics Spot, a number of indoor and outdoor ground robots, and two collaborative robots. Several sensors/payloads such as lidar scanners, gas sensors, imaging sensors are also available for student projects.

A Birdly virtual flying machine and high-end mixed reality headsets such as Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Varjo XR3 are available to develop and test immersive applications.

The Cyber Security and Networks lab is equipped with devices to configure and secure networks and simulate attacks.

Integrated development environments and a variety of software packages are available for teaching, learning and projects. Most software packages are available for students to install on their own PCs or laptops.

Preparation for work

Accredited by the BCS, the Charted Institute for IT, our undergraduate programmes are designed to blend theory with practice. They combine academic challenge with professional skills that will stand you in good stead for employment in industries of the future.

Our graduates have gone on to work at some of the world’s leading tech firms and multinational corporations such as Adobe, Amazon, Arm, BAE Systems, BT, Google Deep Mind, IBM, Jaguar Land Rover, Meta, Microsoft, PWC, and Salesforce. Some of our graduates work for companies that are highly specialised in their business, for example ASOS, Russell IPM, Vitalograph, and Zizo.

Many of our graduates have gone on to postgraduate studies in world’s leading universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh, and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni are successful tech entrepreneurs.

The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.

Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.

You may also find it useful to visit the following fee related information on our site:

• Estimated Living Costs
• Grants and Loans

Discounts

Students who graduate from the University and plan to continue their studies with a postgraduate degree at Buckingham can benefit from a very generous automatic discount on their fees:

• 33%, those with a first class honours degree from Buckingham
• 25%, those with a Second Class Honours, Upper Division (2:1) degree from Buckingham

Scholarships

Details of our scholarships can be found on our Bursaries and Scholarships page.

We welcome applications in two different ways – directly via our online application form or through UCAS.

If you’re interested in transferring to Buckingham from another university then please get in touch to talk through your options.