BSc (Hons) AI and Data Science

In your first year, you will study core computing topics such as programming and databases, as well as specialist subjects such as mathematics, statistics, and the principles and practice of data science. As you move into your second year you’ll progress onto more advanced topics, such as applied predictive modelling, algorithms and data structures, machine learning (a key topic in artificial intelligence), and the theory and implementation of alternative database models.

In your final year, you’ll be ready to meet complex subjects such as deep learning, high-performance computing and big data, and you’ll turn your hand to a large-scale technical project. Alongside these subjects, you will be developing your communication and team working skills.

Study artificial intelligence and data science with us and you’ll gain essential, transferable computational and statistical thinking skills to create and deploy data-driven products. We’ll equip you with the knowledge for solving challenges in a range of potential data-rich application domains, such as medicine, health, climate, transportation, marketing and sales.

A degree in AI and Data Science will equip you with the knowledge and skills to acquire, curate, manage, analyse, and make inferences from data for solving real-world problems.

Features and benefits

• Specialise in the exciting and fast-growing fields of artificial intelligence and data science, gaining knowledge and skills that are highly valued by an array of tech companies.
• You will study a curriculum designed with industry in mind to equip you with the range of skills and strengths that employers demand.
• The four-year placement route gives you the opportunity to spend your third year on an industry placement, boosting your employment prospects on graduation. This may be subject to availability.
• Professional study environment – We’ve invested over £115 million to transform the way we teach and the way our students learn. The new Dalton building is equipped with dynamic learning spaces, world-class teaching and research facilities and collaborative study zones. This means you’ll graduate with the skills and experiences employers look for. 
• You will experience what it's like to work as part of a professional team, finding solutions to complex problems via group projects. You can also get involved with extracurricular work to further apply your skills, such as hackathons, gaming events and the Students’ Union computing society.
• Our excellent facilities include teaching laboratories equipped with high-specification PCs with specialist, industry-standard software running on either Windows or Linux.
• Our dedicated drop-in lab provides an informal social working space with regular support sessions from our programme support tutors.

Course information

• Alongside the specialist technical knowledge gained from studying this course, you’ll develop the analytical, logical thinking, problem-solving and professional skills necessary not just to keep up with this rapidly developing subject area, but to drive it forward. We provide teaching in specialist laboratories, with high-performance computers and the latest industry-standard software. We also have strong industry links in a city with one of the biggest creative and digital sectors in the UK.
• Our BSc (Hons) AI and Data Science course is developed with industry in mind, giving you the skills and knowledge you’ll need in the workplace. This ensures that by the time you leave us, you’ll be well placed to pursue a range of careers across a variety of sectors.
• On our data science course, you will build the knowledge and skills to acquire, curate, manage, analyse, and make inferences from data for solving real-world problems. Study with us and you’ll gain essential, transferable computational and statistical thinking skills to create and deploy data-driven products. We’ll equip you with the knowledge for solving challenges in a range of potential data-rich application domains, such as medicine, health, climate, transportation, marketing and sales.

Career prospects

• A degree in artificial intelligence and data science will equip you with essential, transferable computational and statistical thinking skills to create and deploy data-driven products and knowledge for solving challenges in a range of data-rich application domains. You’ll be ideally placed to apply for a range of roles, including as a machine learning architect, data analyst or data scientist. 
• In addition, the skills you learn on this degree are highly valued by a range of employers and opportunities may exist in areas such as project management, e-commerce and social media marketing, scientific research, education and many more.
• Manchester is a major hub for the digital technology industry. The close proximity of MediaCityUK and a large number of both established companies and innovative tech start-ups means that the opportunities for technological collaboration are huge. Situated in the ‘Oxford Road Corridor’ innovation district of Manchester, the University and the Department of Computing and Mathematics are perfectly placed to work with key players in the digital technology and new media sectors, making it the perfect destination for your studies and beyond.

Year 1

• In Year 1, you will study core computing topics, including programming, mathematics for computing and databases, along with an introduction to the principles and practices of data science and specialist mathematics and statistics for data science. You’ll also develop your study, communication and teamworking skills. Please note that the following list of units is indicative and may be subject to change.

Core modules

• Programming
• Databases
• Graduate Skills
• Mathematics for Computing
• Team Project
• Principles and Practice of Data Science
• Mathematics and Statistics for Data Science

Year 2

• Your second year will build on your knowledge, with core modules typically exploring areas such as machine learning, algorithms and data structures, applied predictive modelling, and database models and implementation. You’ll also start developing your employability by engaging with the computing industry and community. Please note that the following list of modules is indicative and may be subject to change.

Core modules

• Thematic Project
• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Database Models and Implementation
• Applied Predictive Modelling
• Industry and Community Engagement
• Machine Learning

Year 3

• In your third year, you will have the choice to either go on a placement, where you'll work for a year in industry, or continue directly into your final year of study.
• In your final year, you will study advanced subjects which build on your first and second year studies. Modules may cover data governance and management, deep learning, high-performance computing, big data and, supervised by a member of academic staff, you will complete a technical large-scale technical project in line with your own interests. Please note that the following list of modules is indicative and may be subject to change.

Core modules

• Deep Learning
• Synoptic Project
• High-Performance Computing and Big Data
• Research Methods
• Data Governance and Management

Option modules

• Mobile Computing
• Research in Computing
• User Experience and Interaction Design
• Rapid Applied Problem Solving