Course overview

BSc (Hons) AI and Data Science with a Foundation Year course will provide you with specialist technical knowledge as well as analytical, logical thinking and problem-solving skills to ensure you’re ready to make a difference in this rapidly developing sector.

During your time here, you will be taught in specialist laboratories that are equipped high-performance computers and the latest industry-standard software. You will also benefit from our strong industry links, thanks to being located in a city, with one of the biggest creative and digital sectors in the UK.

This course has been carefully structured so that you will build the knowledge and skills in the related disciplines of AI and data science, to acquire, curate, manage, analyse, and make inferences from big data for solving real-world problems. You’ll then be in a position to drive the next generation of digital systems. Study with us and you’ll gain essential, transferable computational and statistical thinking skills to create and deploy data-driven products. By the end of your time here, you’ll have the confidence for solving challenges in a range of potential data-rich application domains, including medicine, health, climate, transportation, marketing and sales.  

Course information

A degree in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science gives you the foundations to understand, design and apply intelligent systems that learn from data. You’ll develop the computational, statistical and analytical thinking needed to transform complex information into meaningful insights and effective solutions. In our specialist computing labs, you’ll work with industry‑standard tools for programming, data analysis and machine learning, bringing your learning to life through practical workshops and applied projects.

The course takes a scientific and practical approach to understanding how AI systems and data‑driven technologies work. You’ll explore areas such as:

• Machine learning and intelligent systems
• Data science and statistical modelling Algorithms and data structures 
• Programming and software development 
• Databases and data engineering 
• Ethical, social and organisational impacts of AI 
• These topics are taught through a mix of core and optional modules, giving you the flexibility to focus on the areas that matter most to you.

In your first year, you’ll build a broad foundation in AI, data science and core computing, alongside a team project where you’ll deliver a technical solution to an industry related challenge. In your second year, you’ll deepen your understanding of data modelling, advanced querying and scalable data processing pipelines. By your final year, you’ll be ready to explore advanced AI techniques and complete a major project in an area that inspires you.

You’ll be taught by researchers and practitioners working at the forefront of AI and data science. With strong links to Manchester’s thriving digital and technology sector, you’ll gain the confidence and experience to apply your expertise across data‑rich fields such as health, climate, transport, marketing and beyond. 

Features and benefits

Study in a city of science
Manchester leads the UK in AI readiness and is home to the new national AI campus - making us the ideal location to study the exciting and fast-growing fields of artificial intelligence and data science.

Professionally accredited
We are an educational affiliate of the British Computer Society (BCS), the UK's leading professional body for computing, and the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec).

Graduate ready for the future
You will study a curriculum designed with industry in mind to equip you with the range of skills and strengths that are highly valued by a wide array of tech companies.

Placement opportunities
The four-year placement route gives you the opportunity to spend your third year on an industry placement, boosting your employment prospects on graduation.

Professional study environment
Study in our £115m Dalton building, designed for collaboration, innovation and world-class learning and research, where you can develop the practical skills, confidence and real-world experience that employers value.

Study in cutting-edge facilities
Our facilities include teaching labs equipped with high-spec PCs with specialist, industry-standard software, a games lab, UX lab with VR headsets and a dedicated computing and maths learning studio.