Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence

A Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence degree at Brighton prepares you to design and build intelligent software. It combines solid computer science foundations with specialist AI knowledge in areas such as machine learning, intelligent reasoning and data-driven systems. You’ll learn how to engineer secure, scalable applications while applying AI approaches to real‑world challenges across industry and research.

At Brighton you’ll be part of a supportive community that helps you grow, whatever your background. The course is full of opportunities to build real‑world experience through team projects, hackathons, employer‑set briefs and an optional year‑long placement. Our inclusive approach to learning means we help you play to your strengths and learn in ways that suit you best.

Graduates progress into roles such as software engineer, machine learning engineer, data scientist, AI developer and cyber/secure systems specialist or go on to postgraduate study and research.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Gain a degree with professional accreditation from BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT, aligning your learning with industry benchmarks and supporting professional recognition.

• Specialise in AI from the ground up – build your core computer science knowledge – programming, systems, networks, databases – and combine it with AI approaches such as intelligent reasoning and machine learning.

• Brighton’s thriving tech community – study in a city known for digital innovation, with opportunities to connect with local tech companies and attend events such as the UX Brighton Conference.

• Learn specialist technical skills – master programming, algorithms, data structures and software engineering, alongside advanced topics in AI, cybersecurity and cloud computing.

• Hands-on experience from day one – work on real-world projects using industry-standard tools and practices, including Agile development, version control and collaborative coding.

• Boost your CV with work experience opportunities, including an optional paid placement year, funded internships and employer-led projects.

• Learn in specialist facilities – train in our networking and cybersecurity labs, immersive UX spaces and software development suites equipped with modern technologies.

• Contribute to research and innovation – get involved in projects exploring AI, data analytics, human-computer interaction and emerging digital technologies.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence
Brighton & Hove has a vibrant tech scene, from creative digital and UX studios to data, cloud and cybersecurity firms, offering meet-ups, internships and graduate roles. Studying here connects your projects to an active community and a city known for its innovation and start‑up culture.

Course Modules

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build the core technical and professional skills needed for a career in computing, including writing programs in a high-level language, designing and maintaining web pages and implementing relational databases using SQL. You’ll develop problem-solving and analytical skills through programming and maths, gain an understanding of computer architecture and cyber security fundamentals and explore artificial intelligence concepts. Alongside technical skills, you’ll strengthen your communication, teamwork and employability through industry-focused activities.

Core modules
Introduction to Programming
Introduction to Cyber Security
Computing Technologies
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Introduction to Web Development
Working in the Computing Industry

Year 2
You’ll advance your technical skills in object-oriented software design and testing, data structures and operating systems, while deepening your knowledge of artificial intelligence through modules on intelligent systems and machine learning techniques. You’ll also gain experience in team-based software development through an integrated group project and can choose option modules to build specialist skills in areas such as embedded systems or mobile app development.

Core modules
Intelligent Systems 1
Object Oriented Development and Testing
Intelligent Systems 2
Integrated Group Project
Data Structures and Operating Systems

Options*
Embedded Systems
Mobile Application Development

Optional Placement Year
You can choose a salaried professional placement after year two, gaining hands-on experience with tech companies, software development teams or IT consultancies. This year allows you to apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects such as software engineering, cybersecurity, data analytics or web and mobile development. You’ll develop practical skills in programming, system design and project management while building valuable industry contacts. A placement enhances your employability and confidence, giving you a competitive edge for careers in computing and technology.

Final year
You’ll consolidate your learning through a major individual computing project, applying advanced technical and research skills to a topic of your choice. You’ll develop expertise in advanced AI techniques, such as natural language processing, speech and image recognition, and strengthen your ability to work with data mining and feature extraction for complex problem-solving.

Option modules allow you to specialise in areas including usability evaluation, software architecture, cybersecurity law, advanced mobile app development and client-server computing to give you the high-level technical, analytical and professional skills needed for careers in AI, software engineering or postgraduate research.

Core modules
Advanced Artificial Intelligence
Data Mining
The Computing Project

Options*
Usability Evaluation
Object Oriented Design and Architecture
Cyber Security and Intellectual Property Law
New Horizons in Computing
Programming Languages, Concurrency and Client Server Computing
Advanced Mobile Application Development

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.