Undergraduate course
Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence BSc
Gain an understanding of computing from first principles and use artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly to solve real problems.
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On this practical and future focused course, start with developing strong foundational knowledge and experience in programming, data and systems. Then you will progress onto advanced cloud platforms and machine learning. By the end of the course you will have an understanding of deep learning and agentic AI learning.
York campus
- Duration – 3 years
- Start date – September 2027, September 2028
- School – York Business School
Minimum entry requirements
96 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Tuition fees
UK 2027 entry £10,050 per year full time
International 2027 entry £12,300 per year full time
Course overview
Study modules in a range of topics including:
- Programming
- Networks
- Operating systems
- AI
- Cloud platforms
Build, integrate, deploy and evaluate advanced software and artificial intelligence systems using appropriate tools and architectures. Learn to synthesise theory and practice to design innovative responses to complex computer science and artificial intelligence problems under uncertainty. Ethics, security and sustainability are integrated across the curriculum and are core parts of all of your modules. Investigate computer science and artificial intelligence problems using established research methods, evidence and relevant ethical, legal and professional standards.
You will learn in specialist computing facilities and have virtual lab access so that you can gain practical experience. Our small class sizes mean that you will receive ongoing support and feedback to help you achieve your goals.
Your assessments will reflect the work of computing and AI professionals. This includes industry, community and simulated client briefs to allow you to build a portfolio and gain valuable experience. Collaborate on industry-informed work, manage projects, communicate to different audiences and reflect on employability and professional development. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a placement year in industry to further enhance your CV and help you figure out which career paths interest you.
Course structure
Year 1
Our academic year is split into 2 semesters. How many modules you study each semester will depend on whether you are a full time or part time student.
In your first year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 2
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore the core concepts and models of application development. Through practical exploration and lectures, you will further your problem solving and programming skills. Through this you will develop your abilities in areas such as:
- Coding
- Software development and testing tools
- Problem solving
- Teamwork
- Time management
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will learn about the mathematical foundations of computer science, using use mathematics as a tool to model and analyse problems arising in this field. Through this we will introduce you to mathematical techniques and skills that are used in industry, as well as teaching you how and when to use these particular techniques.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Learn the fundamental concepts and methods needed to design, implement and deploy complete systems in the face of malice or error. On this module you will analyse various threats, and investigate how these can materialise in a variety of scenarios and settings. Other influences of legal, social, ethical and professional issues involved in the exploitation of computer technology will also be explored.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module we will introduce you to the fundamental concepts and models of Web application development. You will be equipped with the skills to create platform independent and responsive web applications. The technologies you will learn about include:
- HTML
- CSS
- Javascript
- PHP
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Through this module you will develop various transferable and employable skills, as well as gaining practical experience in:
- Linux OS
- Linux programming
- Systems thinking
- Time management
- Problem solving
We will introduce you to the internal operations of computing hardware, and the techniques involved in managing and organising the components of the operating system.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module introduces artificial intelligence as a problem-solving discipline and establishes the conceptual, computational and responsible-practice foundations needed for advanced modules in Machine Learning, Deep Learning and Agentic AI Applications. Gain an understanding of the core ideas about intelligent agents, prepare small datasets and use suitable measures to interpret system or model performance. You will also implement and test simple artificial intelligence techniques in Python for defined problems.
Year 2
In your second year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 2
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module will help you develop the programming fluency and software-engineering habits required for larger, maintainable and collaborative systems. Emphasis is placed on justified design choices, quality assurance, versioned development and professional communication rather than mastery of a single language feature set.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore the principles of databases, as well as gaining practical experience of designing, implementing and managing database systems interfaced to web application systems. The module also involves investigating current and likely future developments in database technology.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore the essential concepts behind databases and networks. This is an opportunity to gain practical experience in designing, implementing and managing database systems. You will learn about the technical details that underpin the operation of networked and inter-networked systems, as well as learning about current and likely future developments in database and networking technology.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Elevate your knowledge and experience in this module that focuses on repeatable deployment on contemporary cloud platforms. Learn how to design and deploy a scalable cloud-native application using appropriate managed services, containers, infrastructure-as-code and continuous delivery. Improve your practical judgement about reliability, security and environmental impact.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Develop a systematic understanding of how data-driven models are framed, trained, validated and evaluated. Build on the knowledge you have learnt so far on the course and prepare for more advanced modules in Deep Learning and Agentic AI Applications. Responsible interpretation and reproducibility are treated as integral to machine-learning practice.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Our growing focus on work related learning reflects a clear understanding of the relationship between technical knowledge and the need for computing and employability skills. On this module you will take part in collaborative entrepreneurial projects that help to prepare you for the workplace. You will work with businesses to develop computer-based solutions to their business problems. Through this you will build core professional skills around interacting with employers and wider industry.
Year 3
In your third year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- A dissertation module across semesters 1 and 2
- 2 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 2 compulsory modules in semester 2
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 40
Compulsory module
On this Dissertation module you will apply the knowledge and practical skills you have developed throughout the course to complete a major individual project. This will involve producing a software product from the initial idea, through to successful evaluation and a substantial report to demonstrate your research. Your project might, for example, focus on the development of a game, or conduct research into emerging technologies. This module also gives you the chance to collaborate with students from other Computer Science courses.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
The Internet of Things is a term used to describe an internet comprised of networked objects. The term incorporates concepts of computing, ambient intelligence, and machine to machine communication (M2M). All of these raise questions about how the use of smart technology in public and social spaces will affect how we relate to each other, and how we understand ourselves as human beings. On this module you will explore these questions through a practical project, developing Internet of Things technology for use in public or social contexts.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Advance from classical machine learning to representation learning with neural networks. Implement, train, tune and evaluate deep-learning models using an appropriate framework. You will design reproducible experiments and evaluate performance, robustness, explainability and computational demand.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Organisations have an obligation to protect privacy, and must consider important legal, ethical, and reputational concerns when working with personal or sensitive data. On this module you will learn about critical privacy concepts, engineering privacy requirements, and controls used in products and services.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module brings together topics you have already covered, including:
- Advanced programming
- Cloud platforms
- Machine learning
- Deep learning
- Databases
- Research practice
- Security
- Professional judgement
Design an agentic application that uses tools and external information while retaining meaningful human control. The focus is not only capability, but also rigorous evaluation, secure integration, operational monitoring, governance and evidence-based decisions about whether an agentic approach is appropriate.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
You will be taught through various methods designed to give you opportunities to gain hands on experience and the knowledge necessary to succeed in your future career. This could include:
- Interactive lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Practical computing sessions
- Studio-style development
- Employer or practitioner activity
New ideas are introduced through worked examples and then developed through frequent coding, configuration, data and design tasks. Digital learning and virtual lab environments will support your independent learning alongside taught sessions.
Assessment
Assessments are designed to reflect the work of computing and AI professionals while providing reliable evidence of individual achievement, such as:
- Portfolio work
- Creative artefact
- Practical tasks
- Written work
- Digital examination
Responsible use of generative AI is explained for every task. You must evidence your own process, test outputs and acknowledge permitted assistance. Feedback is given through workshops, automated checks, peer dialogue and tutor comments so that you can use it to improve.
Career outcomes
Your future with a degree in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence
This course can be your first step towards a career in a computing or artificial intelligence field. You will also gain a range of transferable skills and experience that will be useful in other industries. Popular careers for graduates in this area include:
- AI Engineer
- ML Engineer
- Applied AI Developer
- Agentic-AI Developer
- Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Data Engineer
- AI Governance
- AI Assurance
Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.
Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Employer events
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Personalised career advice
This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed. It's your career, your way.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
96 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
International students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.
Mature Learners Entry Scheme
If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and funding
To study for an undergraduate degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK).
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may be increased in line with inflation, prior to the start of each academic year, and subject to the fee cap set by the UK government. Such increases to fees will be at the Retail Price Index (RPI) forecast rate, as advised by the Office for Budget Responsibility and the Office for Students. The only exception to this would be where government legislation deems otherwise.
If a rise in the tuition fee becomes necessary, we will endeavour to inform you as soon as possible and we will explain the reason(s) for the increase. Any tuition fee increase will only be applied from the start of the next academic year and will not be applied 'in year'.
UK 2027 entry
Subject to government approval, tuition fees for 2027 will be:
- £10,050 per year for full time study
- £7,530 per year for part time study
These prices apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students
You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page:
Placement year funding
If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.
Tuition fees
UK 2027 entry £10,050 per year full time
International 2027 entry £12,300 per year full time
International 2027 entry
The tuition fee for 2027 entry to this course is £12,300 per year for full time study.
This price applies to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa pages.
Find out more about funding your degree:
Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)
Additional costs and financial support
There may also be some additional costs to take into account throughout your studies, including the cost of accommodation.
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Study Abroad
For more information on tuition fee reductions and additional costs for studying abroad, please visit our study abroad page.
Accommodation and living costs
For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.
Financial help and support
Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses.
For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.
Course highlights
Practical sessions
Learn in specialist computing facilities and have virtual lab access so that you can gain practical experience.
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Authentic assessments
Your assessments will be based on the work typically done by computer science and AI professionals to prepare you for your career after graduation.
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Year in industry
You will have the opportunity to undertake a work placement year to put your knowledge into practice and gain valuable industry experience to enhance your CV.
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More to explore
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Join us in 2027
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What makes us different
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