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Computer Science with AI

BSc (Hons)

Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Key information for 2027-28

Course Overview

The BSc Computer Science with AI is a cutting-edge course ideal if you are eager to explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence. It offers you a unique blend of foundational computer science principles and advanced AI techniques, to help ensure you are well prepared to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

  • Why choose this course?

    • On this course you will develop your technical skills and gain the knowledge and expertise you need to create innovative AI-driven solutions to complex problems. You will undertake an extensive final-year project allied to the software industry which will solidify these skills and help you develop further essential, transferable skills that will prove highly valuable on your future career path.
    • Our faculty includes experts who work at the forefront of AI research and development, bringing their cutting-edge knowledge and experience into the classroom. This ensures that you receive the most up-to-date education and insights into the rapidly evolving world of AI.
    • Our state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry partnerships provide opportunities for internships, collaborative projects and networking with leading professionals in the field.
  • What will I learn?

    What sets this computer science with AI course apart is its distinctive curriculum that covers topics ranging from algorithms and data structures to machine learning, neural networks and natural language processing. You will also gain hands-on experience with the latest AI tools and technologies, working on real-world projects that address current industry needs.

  • How will I learn?

    Teaching on this course may include formal lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical classes with many of the computing modules involving laboratory-based exercises. Lectures are recorded and materials are made available online.

    For the majority of the programming modules we adopt a 'flipped classroom' approach, where you watch short videos and undertake appropriate reading before the class, making this an active learning experience.

    This course has a day and evening timetable. This means that you can attend either afternoon or evening classes for some of your modules, or attend all of your classes in the evening.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time: Three evenings a week, October to July.

    Part-time: Two evenings a week, October to July.

  • Foundation Year

    If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

    Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main full-time degree. 

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More Highlights

  • You will study at our Bloomsbury campus in the heart of London, a city fast becoming one of the major European hubs for AI research and development. 
  • Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Computer Science and Informatics research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. 
  • Birkbeck established one of the first computing departments in the UK in 1957 and was a pioneer in database technologies, e-commerce and data science studies. 
  • We have several laboratories of networked PCs with a range of language compilers, database and other application software that you can access daily from morning till late in the evening. We are also connected, via the SuperJANET network, to the computers of other academic institutions in London, elsewhere in the UK and abroad.

Modules and Teaching

School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences

A world-leading centre in algorithms, data science, artificial intelligence, and logical methods, and a centre of excellence in research.

Entry Requirements

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

  • Full-time study - how many UCAS points do I need?

    UCAS tariff points

    • Three years full-time: 112 points (e.g. A-levels BBC, including one in mathematics or science)
    • Four years full-time with Foundation Year: 48 points 

    For full-time study on this course, you apply via UCAS. The UCAS tariff score applies if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a tariff calculator for you to work out what your qualification is worth.

  • Part-time study

    For part-time study our standard requirements are a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent.

  • What GCSEs do I need?

    Applicants are expected to have GCSE grade C or grade 4, or equivalent, in English and mathematics

  • Alternative entry routes

    Three years full-time or Four years part-time: Access to Higher Education Diploma with a minimum of 15 credits achieved at Merit or Distinction in information technology or computing units.

    Three years full-time: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma - DMM

  • What are the English language requirements?

    If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

    If you don't meet the minimum English language requirements, please contact us or see our international study skills page for more details about how we can help.

    Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.

  • What are the visa and funding requirements?

    If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

    The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

    • Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
    • Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

    International students who require a Student visa should apply to study on our courses full-time as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol to study part-time courses at Birkbeck (with the exception of some modules).

    As a Student visa student, you should also apply to study on campus only, as online and flexible options of study (if they are available for your course) may affect the conditions of your visa.

    For full information, read our visa information for international students page.

    Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country.

    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

  • Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

    If you have studied at university (or have an HND or Foundation Degree), you may have accumulated credits. It may be possible to transfer these from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

Fees

Three years full-time, on campus

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Full-time home students: £9,790 per year
Full-time international students: £18,500 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Full-time home students: £10,050 per year
Full-time international students: £19,320 per year

Four years part-time, on campus

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Part-time home students: £7,335 per year
Part-time international students: £13,875 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Part-time home students: £7,530 per year
Part-time international students: £14,490 per year

Four years full-time, with Foundation Year, on campus

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Full-time home students: £9,790 per year
Full-time international students: £18,500 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Full-time home students: £10,050 per year
Full-time international students: £19,320 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see our Fees Policy.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

Careers and employability

On successful completion of this BSc Computer Science with AI, you will have gained an array of valuable transferable skills, including the ability to:

  • critically evaluate arguments and evidence
  • formulate solutions employing AI as a key element of a computing system
  • analyse, appraise and present work under pressure
  • communicate efficiently using appropriate interpersonal skills
  • collaborate effectively with others.

Our BSc Computer Science with AI opens doors to a wide range of exciting careers in the tech and AI industry. Career pathways include roles such as:

  • programmer
  • software engineer
  • database administrator
  • systems administrator
  • testing and software quality engineer
  • cyber security analyst
  • web developer
  • games developer
  • IT consultant.

This is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other possibilities depending on your interests.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Student Support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to Apply

You apply via UCAS for our full-time undergraduate courses or directly to Birkbeck for our part-time undergraduate courses. For more detailed, step-by-step guidance on how to apply, visit our How to apply page.

  • How do I apply to study full-time (UCAS entry)?

    If you are applying for a full-time undergraduate course at Birkbeck you apply through UCAS. Use the Apply now button on this course page which will direct you to UCAS. There you will be prompted to sign in and create an account. You will have to give UCAS a few personal details, including your name, address and date of birth, and then you can start working on your application.

    The first UCAS deadline is in January, and the majority of university applications through UCAS are made by then. Find the exact deadline date on the UCAS website. We welcome applications outside of the UCAS deadlines, so you can still apply through UCAS after the January deadline, depending on the availability of places. We also take late applications via the UCAS Clearing system in August.

  • How do I apply to study part-time?

    If you are applying for a part-time undergraduate course (usually four or six years), you apply directly to Birkbeck online by using the Apply now button. You will need to prove your identity when you apply.

    Please note that online application opens in September.

  • When should I apply?

    You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places left, and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.

    You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.

  • How can I get help with my application?

    Get all the information you need about the application, admission and enrolment process at Birkbeck.

    Our online personal statement tool will guide you through every step of writing the personal statement part of your application.

  • International agents

    If you are an international agent applying to Birkbeck on behalf of an international student, please use Birkbeck's agent portal.

Study routes for Computer Science with AI (BSc (Hons))

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Important: Applications to study part-time in 2027/28 will open in October 2026.

2026-27

Full-time

Part-time

2027-28

Full-time