Triangle

Course overview

Discover computer science and artificial intelligence

Artificial Intelligence has truly started having a defining effect on society, underpinning a variety of technologies such as social networks, games and self-driving cars.

On this course, you will develop a general understanding of computer science and focus on subjects which explore ideas in artificial intelligence, including:

  • machine learning
  • computer vision
  • intelligent agents
  • robotics

You will spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner universities. These currently include Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Mexico, and New Zealand.

Key facts

  • Develop a general understanding of core topics in computer science and gain hands-on experience with web and mobile applications, games, social networks, and artificial intelligence.
  • Access 24-hour dedicated computer labs, group and private study spaces, a pool of Linux workstations, virtual servers and more.
  • Study in a UK top 10 computer science department for research (Research Excellence Framework, 2014)
  • Study a course accredited by the BCS and compliant with the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) curriculum guidance.

Prior-programming experience

Programming experience is not compulsory for entry to any of our courses. The first year is designed to bring all students to the same level of knowledge and skill.

Unlock your potential

If you want to understand how to program today's computers and to design and implement the systems of the future, then computer science at Nottingham is for you. 

At Nottingham, you will learn:

  • current computing practice that can be applied immediately after graduation
  • foundational aspects of computing that will be of lasting value as technology changes over time
  • research-level topics that will play an important role in future developments

What's an MSci?

MSci degrees are undergraduate-level courses which last for four years and have an integrated masters qualification. They are the equivalent to a bachelors degree plus a masters level qualification. These courses usually provide additional industry and/or research experience to enhance your future prospects. An MSci is excellent preparation for further study such as a PhD.

If you choose to study an MSci, your student loan will cover tuition fees and living costs for the additional year too (home/EU students only).  If you are unsure about whether to choose an MSci or BSc, we recommend you choose the MSci to secure your funding. Transfer to the BSc is possible.

Jubilee Campus

Futuristic architecture, eco-friendly buildings and innovative technologies make Jubilee Campus an inspiring place to be. Highlights include a library on the lake and the Aspire sculpture, one of the tallest free-standing public works of art in the UK. 

Over 6,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students study on Jubilee Campus along with researchers working in our many centres and institutes. 

The campus has everything you need to experience student life. There are cafes, restaurants and halls of residences as well as a Students’ Union shop and a sports centre.

As Jubilee Campus is only a short walk or free hopper bus ride from University Park Campus, you can take advantage of social activities on both campuses. Jubilee is less than two miles away from the city centre. Regular bus connections make travelling to and from the city quick and easy.  

Take a look at the School of Computer Science Instagram to see what life on campus is like. 

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2020 entry.

UK entry requirements
A level AAA (AAB if you have an A in A level computer science/computing)

Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
Required subjects

 Five GCSEs including maths, 5 (B) or above
IB score 34 with 5 in maths at Standard/Higher Level or GCSE maths, 5 (B) or above. 32 with 6 in HL computer science, and 5 in maths at Standard/Higher Level or GCSE maths, 5 (B) or above

A levels and GCSEs

AAA (AAB if you have an A in computer science/computing) plus five GCSEs including maths, 5 (B) or above.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

For details of other English language tests and qualifications we accept, please see our entry requirements page.

If you require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional course at the Centre for English Language Education, which is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK. 

Students who successfully complete the presessional course to the required level can progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking IELTS or equivalent.

Alternative qualifications

For details please see the alternative qualifications page. 

A foundation year is available for this course.

Flexible admissions policy

In recognition of our applicants’ varied experience and educational pathways, the University of Nottingham employs a flexible admissions policy. We may make some applicants an offer lower than advertised, depending on their personal and educational circumstances.

Please see the University’s admissions policies and procedures for more information.

Mature Students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

How you will be assessed

Teaching

You will learn through a wide variety of activities including formal lectures, small-group tutorials, practical computer labs, and self-directed study. 

Assessment

Lecture-based modules will typically be assessed at the end of each semester. 

A substantial number of computer science modules have an element of practical coursework. 

Study support

As well as receiving support from your personal tutor, you will also have access to our first-year Peer Mentoring Scheme.

Study abroad

Students progressing into year three of the degree course study an approved computer science programme at one of our partner universities, currently Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Mexico, or New Zealand.

Study Abroad and the Year in Industry are subject to students meeting minimum academic requirements. Opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

Modules

The first year of the course is the same as BSc Computer Science.

Explore the key concepts and tools underpinning modern computer science and learn to work in a variety of programming paradigms including imperative, object-oriented and functional languages such as C, Java and Haskell.

  • Study the architecture of computers at the chip and system level
  • Explore the areas of artificial intelligence that you will focus on in later years
  • Meet the areas of mathematics you will need later in the course

For a sample of the modules, please visit MSci Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence course page.

Put the theory and skills you have learned in year one into practice by taking part in a software engineering group project, many of which have an industry partner.

You will study artificial intelligence methods, including heuristic search, in greater depth and meet other new core computing topics.

Begin to shape your own course in the second semester by choosing optional modules in different areas of computer science.

For a sample of the modules, please visit MSci Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence course page.

Students progressing into year three of the Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence including International Year MSci degree study an approved computer science programme at one of our partner universities, currently Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Mexico, or New Zealand.

Lecture courses, laboratory classes and project work will allow you to benefit from the unique opportunities for study abroad and to gain a global perspective on computer science.

Upon your return, you will follow year four of Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence.

In your final year, you have a choice of modules that you can take. You can undertake either an individual or group project. Other options include robotics, optimisation and simulation, and fuzzy logic.

For a sample of the modules, please visit MSci Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence course page.

Fees and funding

UK students

£9250
Per year

International students

£23760*
Per year

*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

Additional costs

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies.

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

Home students*

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

International scholarships

Careers

Skills and employability

As well as engaging with cutting-edge research in computer science through our MSci, you will graduate with:

  • an understanding of computers and computer science
  • specialised knowledge of the theoretical foundations of computer science and other selected topics
  • experience in a variety of techniques needed to solve problems encountered in the discipline
  • an understanding of the professional, legal and ethical aspects

Destinations of our graduates

From the smallest start-up to the largest multinational, our students are reshaping the world—are you ready to join them?

Recent graduate destinations include: 

  • software and hardware development
  • financial sector
  • business sector
  • set up your own business
  • teaching
  • industrial research
  • academic research 

Average starting salary and career progression

91.8% of undergraduates from the School of Computer Science secured employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £32,104.*

* HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020 data extracted from the University of Nottingham Graduate Outcomes dashboard.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

British Computer Society

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional. 

Students must have spent the penultimate year (part 2 of the programme) at either the Nottingham or China* campus as evidenced by a letter from the University confirming location of study to be supplied with the transcript (*Pending accreditation of 4FT pathway delivered on China campus).

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Important information

This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.