Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons) top-up

Undergraduate
Top-up courses

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world. If you can see your future self working in this area, this course aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to help drive the ongoing digital revolution.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

G411

Start date

September 2025

How to Apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

You will take specialist modules in arguably two of the most important emerging topics of computer science: artificial intelligence and security.

These are supplemented by an individual project in artificial intelligence, under the supervision of an academic member of staff.

Master the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you need to develop AI-enhanced software solutions, which address demanding user expectations and complex customer requirements. 
Explore the areas of artificial intelligence and security, and learn how they continue to drive major changes in the domain of computer science. 
Learn the technical skills needed for a career in the computing industry. Upon successful completion, you may consider roles related to AI including AI expert, machine learning modeller, data scientist, human factor designer, Internet of Things programmer, or developer of autonomous cars.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

You will benefit from:

opportunities to participate in field trips and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects, allowing you to interact online with students from other universities abroad²
novel and engaging learning approaches that places you at the centre of your learning, such as flipped classrooms, interactive e-learning technology and research-inspired teaching
guest speakers from industry professionals (subject to availability) to discuss their experience and offer advice on employability
access to industry-standard facilities in the modern Sir Frank Whittle and Beatrice Shilling buildings⁴.

What you'll study

You will take specialist modules in two of the most important emerging topics of computer science: artificial intelligence and security. These are supplemented by an individual project in artificial intelligence, under the supervision of an academic member of staff. Through your studies you should also develop important course-level transferable skills including both group and individual work, time management, written and verbal presentation to both experts and non-experts, and critical reflection of your own and others’ work.

Modules

Security – 20 credits

This module introduces you to the concepts and practical considerations of creating and evaluating secure computer systems. Systems will be analysed at both the application level and at the level of interconnected devices in architectures, such as client-server and cloud-based, with attention given to security-by-design, security legislation and regulation, and the associated products and services.

Compulsory

Machine Learning and Related Applications – 20 credits

This module represents an introduction to the wide field of machine learning. It will present fundamental concepts related to supervised and unsupervised learning methods, for example, linear regression, support vector machines, radial basis function, decision trees and random forests, clustering techniques and naïve Bayes classification models. You can expect to learn the basics behind these methods and be able to analyse the outcomes of applying various machine learning algorithms on a set of data, together with techniques of processing such data. Applications related to these concepts will also be covered.

Compulsory

Project Management – 20 credits

This module will provide you with a good understanding of key principles, concepts and theories in the field of project management. You should learn about key project management methodologies, practices and techniques and gain a good understanding of how they might be applied in real information technology and business contexts.

Compulsory

Intelligent Agents – 20 credits

Artificial Neural Networks – 20 credits

This module provides an introduction to the concepts used in neural networks and their application to solving real-world problems. The main topics covered in this module include biological motivations of neural networks, different approaches including the main supervised and unsupervised neural network architectures, static and temporal learning approaches, data collection and preparation methods for neural network learning, applications of neural networks, current trends and future developments.

Compulsory

Individual Project in Artificial Intelligence – 20 credits

The aim of this module is to provide an opportunity to research, design, implement and critically evaluate a functional or simulated system, object or concept, and to acquire further knowledge in the artificial intelligence area. To this end, you will undertake a substantial project in AI which will exercise the in-depth technical, problem-solving, creative and other skills, required of a professional practitioner. Successful completion of the project will require methodical planning, record keeping and self-management, as well as effective communication, execution and delivery of an agreed artefact. Support and guidance will be provided by a project supervisor who will be the primary point of contact during the module.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

This course consists of six 20-credit modules (composed of 200 hours teaching each). We place an emphasis on activity-led learning, with comprehensive student support throughout.

You should benefit from access to a variety of study materials designed to provide you with the opportunity to understand and reflect on computing science, as well as develop established and research-inspired skills that could be applied to practical problems for a future career in AI.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your top-up year you can expect 9-12 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

formal examinations
phase tests
essays
group work
presentations
reports
projects
coursework
exams
individual assignments.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

Students will have opportunities to participate in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects. These opportunities provide you with valuable experience working with others from different cultures and countries, helping to develop your digital skills and your intercultural competency².

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

You will need to have, or expected to achieve, a FHEA Level 5/SCQF Level 8 Foundation Degree (FD), DipHE, or HND in Computing. Successful completion of two years appropriate academic study in higher education.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a  pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year	Not available
EU	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary 2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £19,850 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ of £1,250 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the niversity may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip
any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Your studies will be centred in high-specification learning environments that benefit from extensive social learning facilities, well-appointed laboratories, industry-standard equipment, lecturing facilities and classrooms, facilitating our innovative teaching methods across a diverse suite of courses.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Networking, Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity Laboratories

Contains 84 workstations, equipped with Cisco networking equipment and a range of open-source security suites, on a secured network that allows students to practice offensive an defensive security techniques.

Digital Literacy Centre

The DLC provides a range of help and support for digital, programming, and IT skills. From programming to email etiquette, from Word and Excel to enhancing your Google-Fu, the DLC provides a range of online and in-person help and support. Students can make use of drop-in sessions or book one-to-one appointments online and face-to-face.

Students sitting around table looking at a laptop

sigma Centre

The sigma centre provides a wide range of learning resources dedicated to mathematics and statistics. Students can make use of drop-in sessions or one-to-one appointments.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

demonstrate knowledge, understanding and critical analyse of key areas of artificial intelligence and security
demonstrate the ability to identify, define and critically evaluate problems/scenarios, design and/or develop complex and secure systems solutions using appropriately justified tools and approaches
critically apply the essential concepts, principles, and practices of the subject to less well-defined scenarios
demonstrate professional skills, the ability to communicate technical information to non-technical audiences, document each stage of a project, plan, manage and organise your work both as an individual and as a team member, with minimum guidance
demonstrate the ability to contribute to AI projects by applying appropriate professional practices of criticality, innovation, creativity, economics, legal, social, ethical, environmental, sustainability, health and safety, entrepreneurial and commercial considerations
identify mechanisms to critically evaluate and review both your own work and others, and opportunities for continuing professional development and lifelong learning.

Successful graduates of this course should be in an excellent position to respond to future changes in the computing job market by having the skills and knowledge to gain AI jobs that do not exist yet or are just emerging. The transferable skills learned on this course could also equip you for a wide range of other careers.

Where our graduates work

Career destinations for the successful graduates of this course could include machine learning, data science and software development domains. You may also opt to continue your studies at postgraduate level.

Further study

Data Science and Computational Intelligence MSc
Computer Science MSc
Software Development MSc
Cyber Security MSc

How to apply

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university.

Apply via the portal

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

International codes:
EECU178

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International Guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation, tips for travel and guidance on how to apply.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons) top-up

Course overview

Rated Gold Overall

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

Why you should study this course

What you'll study

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours:

Guided and independent study:

Online learning:

Assessment

International experience opportunities

Entry requirements

Other qualifications and experience

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

English language requirements

Fees and funding

*Irish student fees

**EU Support Bursary

Facilities

Networking, Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity Laboratories

Digital Literacy Centre

sigma Centre

Careers and opportunities

Where our graduates work

Further study

How to apply

¹Accreditations

²UK and international opportunities

³Tuition fees

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

You may also like

Browse Computing and Games courses

Computer Science MSci/BSc (Hons)

Computer Science with AI MSci/BSc (Hons)