September 2025

For students starting in September 2025 you will be loaned a Microsoft Surface Pro for the duration of your study time at Birmingham Newman University.

Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons)

Honours Degree, Undergraduate, September 2025

Key Details

  • G400 Course Code
  • 3 Years
  • 112 Typical UCAS Tariff

The BSc Computer Science (Hons) with Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides an in-depth knowledge in the rapidly growing field with high demand for skilled professionals. AI is a dynamic and engaging field driving technological advancements in almost every industry. The meticulously designed modules focus on development of innovative solutions to complex problems that have tangible societal impact within healthcare, agriculture, home automation, governance, transportation, e-commerce, finance, education and more. The possibilities are endless. 

Computer Science professionals with AI skills are amongst the highly sought with a truly rewarding, relevant and future-proof career. Their demand is only expected to grow as AI integrates further into our daily lives and pushes the boundaries of human imagination. AI has the potential to address significant global challenges such as poverty, access and inequality, and the graduates are envisioned to participate in long term projects that can change the world for the better.  

This opportunity is provided as a pathway on our BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree. All students begin their studies on the BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree before choosing the Artificial Intelligence pathway towards the end of their first year of study. Students who complete this pathway will receive the specialist BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence award at graduation. 

For students starting in September 2025 you will be loaned a Microsoft Surface Pro for the duration of your study time at Birmingham Newman University.

  • This course enables students to develop competence in key themes such as programming, machine learning, artificial intelligence, statistical inference and probabilistic pattern recognition, alongside wisdom in their application domains, sufficient for them to progress to postgraduate study or employability.
  • A rigorous, coherent and engaging curriculum that draws on the teaching strengths and research expertise in the subject area, aims to provide students unfettered learning opportunities tailored to address emerging technologies and specialisms.
  • Learning opportunities encourage and support the spirit of intellectual curiosity and enquiry, an ability to apply computational thinking to solve problems and the capacity for creative computing.
  • Relevant professional bodies (e.g. British Computing Society) inform the learning experiences provided to acquire and develop the practical skills essential within Computer Science.
  • Students develop an appreciation of legal, professional, economic, environmental, moral and ethical issues involved with Computer Science and their impact upon society.

The first year covers basics of Computer Science. More specifically, you will analyse small-scale problems and design their solutions by applying algorithmic and mathematical techniques. The programming, web applications development, data structures, computer architecture and networking fundamentals modules would develop necessary skills for computer scientists and also familiarise them to professional ethos and awareness of security implications. 

In second year, the core modules ensure developing a deeper understanding of user interface design, robotics and cyber security and machine learning. Additionally, the specialist modules within artificial intelligence support tailoring study paths to individual strengths and ambitions. The modules knowledge representation & reasoning and pattern recognition & applied statistics will ensure acquiring pertinent technical skills, theoretical foundations and professional responsibility while developing medium-scale, real-world projects within the modules.   

As you progress into the third year, higher level and core Computer Science modules, such as Internet of Things and Deep Learning, will underpin the specialist modules like natural language processing and cloud application development.  Each of these modules has an elegant blend of theory and practice and offers a stimulating and challenging learning experience that allows developing an informed and practical understanding. The ability to research, think and analyse critically, design robust software applications and also to reflect and develop both personally and professionally will be entailed in the final year project with the aim of considering the role and career which Computer Science graduates wish to undertake with additional skillset of AI. 

3 hours of contact time per 20 credit modules, a total of 9 contact hours per week.

Modules are assessed through portfolios, video papers, digital artefacts, case studies and blogs alongside more traditional assessment types such as technical reports, academic essays, presentations, projects or online exams.

As a graduate who has developed a passion for Computer Science, you will be well prepared for post-graduate study, professional training and/or graduate employment in the commercial sector.

You may choose to pursue a career as a programmer, machine learning developer, data scientist, business analyst, network manager, cyber security manager, cloud and web application developer, database developer or games designer.

The course also provides progression to the PGCE Secondary Computing course at Newman as part of a seamless transition if you meet the Department of Education Initial Teacher Training entry requirements.

Birmingham Newman University is located in Britain’s second city – Birmingham. With one of the youngest city populations in Europe, it is a vibrant and dynamic place to study.

Studying at Newman University, you have the advantage of being near to the city, but living in, or commuting to peaceful and comfortable surroundings on campus.

Dining out

Birmingham has lots of wonderful places to dine out with a range of different cuisines. Places where you can dine out include; Brindley Place, Mailbox and Hagley Road (just 10 minutes’ from Newman).

Entertainment

Whether you like to go to; the theatre, gigs or clubs, or enjoy: sports, shopping visiting art galleries or exhibitions – Birmingham will not disappoint and you will be spoilt for choice!

Location

Getting around Birmingham is easy via train, bus or by car. Birmingham has excellent transport links to the rest of Britain, making it easy for those weekend getaways!

Why not explore the city for yourself by visiting one of our Open Days?

Want to find out more about Birmingham? Then take a look at some Birmingham City Secrets.

Speak with a lecturer

Entry Requirements

UK home students

112 UCAS points, to include minimum grades of CC at A Level or equivalent.

UK Applying Direct Option

You can apply direct to Birmingham Newman University for this course if you have not previously applied to Newman University through UCAS and you are not applying to any other universities.

N.B. will need to enter ‘New User’ account details when first accessing this portal.

International students

If you are an international student, please get in touch with our International team who will be able to advise on entry criteria for this course. Email international@newman.ac.uk or telephone +441218160449.

International Applying Direct option

To apply for this course, you can apply direct using the apply link provided below:

Please note that courses with a professional placement are not available to International students.

Course Fees

Course Fees

UK home students

The full-time course fee, for UK home students, for September 2025 is £9,535 per year.

International students

The full-time course fees and funding, for International students, for September 2025 are:

  • Undergraduate Taught: £12,500 tuition fee
  • International Excellence Scholarship: £1,500

All International Students who apply in 2024/25 will be eligible for the International Excellence Scholarship which will be automatically applied to their offer as a tuition fee reduction.

Additional Costs

Find out more about the other additional costs associated with our undergraduate degrees.

The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).

International students

For detailed information on course fees for international students, please visit our International Students page.

Additional Costs

Find out more about the other additional costs associated with our undergraduate degrees.

The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).

Modules

Please be aware that, as with any course, there may be changes to the modules delivered, for information view our Changes to Programmes of Module Changes page.

Timetables: find out when information is available to students

  1. In this module, students will develop an understanding of the ethical, professional and legal issues relating to computer science.  Students will develop critical investigative skills in applying ethical theories to technological outcomes vis-à-vis software engineering, cyber security and digital forensics. This module will provide students with the opportunity to identify and reflect on their strengths and weaknesses and to consider requirements for their future career in computer science. They will develop their understanding of a range of computer science sources and evaluate their reliability and validity. Students will participate in critical reading, writing and develop their referencing techniques.
  2. This module provides the first exposure to programming, problem-solving and software designing. The constructs of functional programming and debugging are introduced for designing, developing and deploying correct, efficient, maintainable and scalable programmes.

    The focus of this module is on developing knowledge, skills and understanding as they demonstrate mastery of software development. The module is based on several example programmes and emphasis is placed on practical work with the aim of ensuring that theory covered in lectures is reinforced by practical programming tasks. 

  3. This module will provide students with the opportunity to be proficient with tools and techniques used to create content accessed across a variety of mobile, tablet and desktop devices reliant on current front-end web design technologies. Students will also recognise appropriate accessibility standards and apply compliance guidelines to interactive websites. Students will develop web design skills for creating usable and interactive front-end web pages based on the principles of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Students will be encouraged to explore the requirements of organisations and interactive front-end development. Students will review appropriate literature on website design to gain understandings of the planning and implementation process and identify areas for further development or study.
  4. This module extends the programming proficiency by introducing object oriented programming and data structures for developing applications. The concepts of abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, linear and non-linear data structures, algorithms and analyses of time and space complexities are discussed within the context of real-world problems and their solutions.
  5. The module will give students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of database design. They will investigate the structure of data within a relational database, interact with, and protect the data within the database.  Students will develop practical experience of problem analysis, especially concepts of data modelling, sets, relational theory and relational algebra. Students will develop database implementation skills for optimisation using structured data, held in relational databases, accessed via SQL and explore the data storage requirements of on-line businesses, companies and organisations.
  6. This module will introduce students to concepts involved in the fundamentals of computer networking and security. The emphasis is on the design of computer networks and fundamentals of cyber security.

    In this module, students develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required to comprehend computer models, methodologies, structures, number representation, security, Boolean Algebra, logic gates and their role in basic computer systems. Knowledge of fundamentals of computer architecture is becoming increasingly important in business and finance, and are applicable to problems which have been considered mainstream computing. 

  1. Advanced web development solidifies skills in website development for second-year students. The module strengthens knowledge in modern web application development using contemporary full-stack development technologies. Students will gain an understanding of applying these technologies to develop interactive and functional websites. During the module students will engage with literature and techniques for building, customising, and extending web-based development through modern implementation practices. The students will apply this knowledge by implementing techniques such as external libraries, application programming interfaces, and the interconnection between server-side and front-end development. Students will engage in industry skill building through understanding the best practices and ethical considerations of modern web development.
  2. The industry project module introduces students to the concepts, skills, and knowledge of working in a collaborative team environment in technical development projects. As part of the project, students are expected to work professionally to design, develop, and evaluate an industry-oriented project using contemporary project management principles.

    The module will allow students to work on an open-ended project collaboratively. Students will experience working with industry-standard approaches for managing computing projects while also building self-directed skills in their chosen specialisations. Students may seek to develop projects in their specialisms or emerging interests in Computer Science. Students will critically evaluate their work as part of the industry project and present/demonstrate the technologies to a wider audience. 

  3. The Cyber Security module introduces students to the concepts required to understand and to work with computer security. These security concepts include, for example: historical background, security and security threats, practical measures (such as identification, authentication), security models, cryptography, network security). The second part of the module provides students with the opportunity to explore computer system security via hands-on activities. Current issues relating to cyber security will be discussed and possible solutions will be investigated through practical and hands-on labs Students will critically reflect, design, and develop their learning into a security-centric project to understand historical and novel cyber security threats and learn how to defend against these through practical experience.
  4. Machine Learning, is a subset of Artificial Intelligence, is concerned with creating learning models that allow a computer to exhibit behaviour that would normally require a human to do. Typical applications include: computer vision, speech recognition, and intelligent robots. The learning models come in various forms, such as parametric and non-parametric and probability distributions. In this module, students will learn about the most effective machine learning techniques and gain practice in implementing them successfully. Additionally, students will learn about the theoretical underpinnings of machine learning.
  5. In this module students will learn one of the fundamental areas of artificial intelligence – representing knowledge about the world. It explores how cognitive modelling enables development of an automated expert system to make intelligent decisions analogous with human deductive reasoning. Encompassing information using semantics, predicates, propositions and rules is imperative in application domains such as autonomous vehicles & robotics, medical diagnostics, financial technologies and interactive natural language tools.
  6. This module aims to provide students the necessary theoretical and practical skills to understand, design and develop statistical machine learning models for pattern recognition problems such as object detection, recognition, segmentation and texture analysis. Students will be able to apply various techniques for real-world applications such as person identification, audio processing, speech recognition, image analyses and motion estimation.
  1. The final project and critical evaluation will be structured to assess the knowledge and understanding by means appropriate to individual students, though all approaches will lead to the production of a significant piece of work that involves the demonstration of advanced practice in computer science. All approaches will be accompanied by a critical self- evaluation of the outcomes achieved.  Students would integrate concepts and skills learned throughout the degree course to substantial open-ended problems. The module will increase students understanding of applied, investigational or theoretical approaches to real word problems.
  2. This module will cover the context and the history of the IoT, the hardware, communications protocols and security systems it relies on, and the cloud-side analytics that makes sense of the data produced. It will provide practical hands-on experience of common IoT devices (sensors, actuators, microcontrollers), and examine a range of commercial platforms. Students will be provided with a Wi-Fi microcomputer and will program live IoT applications using that device with the opportunity to produce their own IoT device with a range of functions and capabilities.
  3. Deep learning is a group of exciting new technologies for neural networks. Deep learning allows a neural network to learn hierarchies of information in a way that is like the function of the human brain. This module will introduce the student to classic neural network structures, Convolution Neural Networks (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Gated Recurrent Neural Networks (GRU), General Adversarial Networks (GAN), and reinforcement learning. Application of these architectures to computer vision, time series, security, natural language processing (NLP), and data generation will be covered.
  4. This module will provide students opportunity to understand and apply computational techniques to analyse and synthesize natural language and speech.  An interdisciplinary bridging of information retrieval and machine learning will provide necessary skills to develop applications capable of comprehending, manipulating and generating natural languages similar to Large Language Models.
  5. This module aims to introduce students to the paradigm of cloud computing, where technology-related functions are provided as a service to users in order to perform resource-intensive tasks such as data analysis and machine learning. They will learn formal methods and techniques for designing and implementing advanced cloud-based applications. Students will have an appreciation for Artificial Intelligence and Semantic Web research related to cloud computing. They will investigate big data computing using cloud-based technologies and apply the skills and knowledge gained to design, develop and deploy an interactive data-driven cloud-based application to solve programming problems.