BSc Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence with International Foundation Year (awaiting approval)

Compulsory modules 

Academic Skills 

Enhance your academic study and communication skills while gradually building confidence and mastering transferable abilities. Engage in various in-class group activities and individual study tasks to develop these skills effectively.

Core Mathematics 

Learn the techniques required to analyse and solve a variety of mathematical problems. You'll gain general mathematical skills as well as skills that are more related to your degree programme.

Optional modules

Academic English 1

Develop the necessary basis in English for study at undergraduate level. You’ll develop key skills and a perspective on a range of contemporary topics that will equip you for study throughout your degree.

Academic English 2

Develop your competence in the use of English for academic purposes. You’ll be provided with the necessary linguistic foundation for your degree as you learn to use academic sources in a written and spoken context.

Mathematics for Science

Gain a solid foundation in core areas of pure mathematics to A level standard, including arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.Through developing techniques for analysing and solving a wide range of mathematical problems, you'll gain both general and discipline-specific mathematical skills, enabling you to approach the mathematical demands of your undergraduate studies with confidence.

Quantitative Methods for Science

Understand the key elements of statistics to an A level standard. You'll learn how to analyse and solve a range of statistical problems, and develop both theoretical understanding and practical numerical skills.

Foundation Information Systems

Learn how information systems are used in everyday study, professional work settings and organisations. Through authentic practical activities and real-world examples, you'll build your confidence in safe and competent use of essential digital tools and understanding information.

Foundation Data Analysis

Gain an introduction to data analysis that connects everyday data use with discipline-specific applications. You'll develop competence in applying basic statistical concepts, simple data visualisation and handling numerical and categorical data commonly used across business, built environment, and social science disciplines.

Modules are subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Mathematics and Computation

Consider the application of mathematics and algorithms to computer and data science. You’ll be presented with relevant mathematics in linear algebra and data analysis and apply these through implementations in MATLAB.

Imperative Programming

Learn how to write small programs using Java, as well as basic algorithms and fundamental software development practices such as version control, specification and testing.

Databases

Implement and manage a database to structure, store, access and retrieve data by taking methodological steps. You’ll develop your problem-solving, critical thinking and teamworking abilities, alongside awareness of end-user needs and testing.

Object-Oriented Programming

Collaborate as a team to develop a program and use it to share and merge source code. As well as developing key programming skills, you’ll improve your ability to solve complex problems.

Introduction to Applied AI

Learn to design AI-assisted solutions and judge how well they work in real situations. You will explore the strengths, limits, and ethical use of AI across different industries.

Optional modules

Computer Systems Architecture

Develop foundational knowledge of computer system architecture, including binary representation, machine language, processors, and memory, and understand the joint forces of hardware and software interaction.

Optional Language or University-Wide Modules 

Study a module from outside your Department to enhance your understanding of history and culture. Alternatively, you can learn one of ten languages offered by the University at a level appropriate for you.

These are the modules we expect to offer. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Data Structures and Algorithms

Explore these two essentials of computer programming and develop your teamwork abilities, critical thinking and professional writing skills. You’ll solve a large problem that integrates components of data structures, algorithm development and implementation.

Programming in Python

Using Python programming languages, develop your skills and knowledge to use current tools in general program designs, development and data science. You’ll also develop transferable professional skills for a variety of fields that use programming.

Software Engineering and Professional Development 

Discover software engineering as a systematic approach to software development. You’ll study and apply paradigms and methodologies to inform software development, innovation, management, and sustainability in response to the fast-changing digital era.

Software Systems Design

Explore object-oriented analyses and design (OOAD) skills, concepts and principles. You'll learn Unified Modelling Language (UML) techniques to design software systems and gain an understanding of methodology.

Artificial Intelligence

Apply fundamental methods in artificial intelligence to various real-world problems. You’ll expand your critical thinking skills to solve large problems, together with your writing skills for algorithm development and software implementation.

AI Ethics

Explore the ethical, legal, and social issues raised by artificial intelligence in everyday life. Learn to think critically about responsibility, fairness, and human values in AI systems. Preparing you for responsible AI governance and for working with advanced and autonomous AI technologies.

These are the modules we expect to offer. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Degree project

Conduct a professional project within a specific area of computer science, demonstrating initiative and creativity and applying the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired throughout your studies.

Optional modules

Choose four modules from the following options:

Data Integration and Information Visualisation

Transform raw data into visual insights to develop your understanding of data integration. You’ll work with peers to critically reflect on the design process and outcomes, using commercial software tools and writing professionally for software design documents.

Machine Learning

Familiarise yourself with the advanced concepts in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Discover the core AI and ML methods for natural language processing and visual perception, including Multilayer Perceptrons, Convolutional Neural Networks, Recurrent Neural Networks, Attention and Transformer Networks, Language Modelling and Generative AI.  You'll apply these methods to problems, including classification, regression and language modelling, and write for algorithm development and software implementation.

Image Analysis and Visual Intelligence

Gain theoretical and practical knowledge of image analysis and computer vision by using real-world applications. You’ll develop professional skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, critical analysis, creativity, and technical report writing for various audiences.

Text Mining and Natural Language Processing

Study the field of text mining and natural language processing, focusing on the theories and practice of processing text data from the aspects of lexicons, syntactics and semantics.

Cloud-based AI Solutions

Following on from modules in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, study the fundamentals of applying software engineering principles to create AI solutions in cloud environments. Gain the knowledge and skills needed to design, develop, optimise and deploy AI systems that are efficient, reliable and scalable using cloud-based services. Designed to support students pursuing a career in AI engineering, this module emphasises core concepts, practical applications, and hands-on exercises.

Cognitive and Agentic Systems

With a strong focus on practical skills using modern AI tools, this module combines core AI concepts with hands-on use of web-based tools and critical evaluation of AI outputs. You will learn how AI supports problem-solving, information retrieval, text creation, and multi-step tasks without coding.

These are the modules we expect to offer. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.