BSc Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence with Industrial Year (awaiting approval)
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UCAS code
TBC -
A level offer
ABB -
Year of entry
2027/28 See 2026/27 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
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Year of entry
2027/28 See 2026/27 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
Develop in-demand computing and artificial intelligence expertise and graduate industry-ready with our BSc Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence with Industrial Year degree.
Be at the forefront of a rapidly changing world. From climate modelling to health diagnostics to advanced financial forecasting, AI is transforming every aspect of how we live, work, and connect.
Our BSc Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence with Industrial Year course provides the skills and knowledge to design, build, and deliver intelligent systems that solve complex problems across multiple industries.
There’s currently a worldwide shortage of skilled AI practitioners. During your degree, you'll develop essential AI and digital skills that promote innovation and drive economic growth, in line with the UK government's National AI Strategy.
The University of Reading sits at the heart of the Thames Valley, a major UK tech hub that currently boasts more than 150 companies and start-ups working in the AI sector.
Choose BSc Computer Science with AI at the University of Reading:
- Reading ranks 2nd in The Data City’s list of UK AI hotspots (2023).
- Reading has the fourth-highest number of digital tech organisations in the UK ("UK’s Top Digital Tech Cities", March 2020, The Data City).
- 100% of our research impact has been classed as outstanding or very considerable (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions Computer Science and Informatics).
- Joint 30th in the world in the QS Sustainability Ranking 2026 (out of 2,002 institutions).
What you'll learn
Your learning will follow a practice-based approach and will reflect tech industry trends, challenges and priorities. You’ll specialise in AI technologies from the start of your degree while still gaining a broad foundation in computer science.
AI topics include:
- foundations of artificial intelligence
- machine learning algorithms and techniques
- deep learning architectures and methods
- natural language processing (NLP)
- cognitive and agentic systems
- reasoning and decision-making algorithms
- ethical, responsible and trustworthy AI
- computer vision
- intelligent data analytics.
As a well-rounded AI practitioner in any industry, you‘ll need a solid grounding in computer science and information technology. Alongside specialist AI topics, you’ll also explore:
- software engineering and systems development
- database systems
- computer networking
- blockchain computing and security.
Plus, you'll get to grips with several universal programming/scripting languages for algorithmic and computational problem-solving, including Python and Java.
Industrial Year placement
This degree includes the opportunity to apply for a one-year, paid work placement in industry, taken between your second and final year. It offers a valuable opportunity to deepen your knowledge and skills, explore career options and build your professional network.
Over the years, we have built up relationships with major companies across the industry, many of which have their UK or European headquarters in the local area. Computer science students have previously undertaken placements with a range of multinational, national and local companies, including:
- CGI
- Eli Lilly
- Indivior
- Microsoft
- Virgin Media O2.
They have occupied a number of roles, including:
- Data Analyst
- Intern Cloud Developer
- Cyber Response Business Analyst
- Design and Development Engineer
- Information Security.
Find out more about how an industrial placement can enhance your employability.
We also offer a three-year version of this degree, BSc Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence, which does not include an integrated year in industry.
Join us in the Department of Computer Science, where you will find a community as passionate about computer science and AI as you are.
Our teaching approach
You’ll be taught by lecturers with expertise across a broad range of areas, with extensive experience in both academic and industrial applications,. They will help you to develop and apply your technical skills.
This Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence degree places a strong emphasis on career development and professional readiness. You'll cultivate essential transferable skills that will enhance your employability and distinguish you in a competitive graduate market. These skills include:
- teamwork
- communication
- advanced conceptual reasoning
- analytical problem-solving
- leadership.
During your learning, you'll be assessed using a variety of techniques, designed to evaluate your knowledge, skills, and problem-solving abilities. These include:
- demonstrations of development outcomes
- knowledge discovery through search and research
- group-based activities and individual assignments
- presentations.
Ideal location
Reading is located in the heart of the UK's Silicon Valley, a hub for the computer science and tech industry. From start-ups and SMEs to multinational companies such as Microsoft, Oracle, Sony, and IBM, future employers are right on your doorstep.
Many of our students take up work experience or a professional placement year with these companies, gaining a competitive edge in the job market and forming professional connections with future employers.
The University is also home to the Thames Valley AI Hub (TVAI Hub), a community of academics, researchers, technicians, clinicians and business strategists. The Hub enables its members to learn, collaborate and develop business opportunities in the artificial intelligence sector.
Specialist computer science tools and expertise
We use a wide range of software packages to support your learning. These include tools like:
- Git and GitHub (version control)
- programming environment (Python, Java)
- AI and machine earning frameworks
- data engineering tools
- cloud and development platforms
- software engineering and architecture tools
- security coding frameworks
- cognitive and agentic frameworks
- mathematical manipulation (for example MATLAB).
Our well-equipped, regularly updated facilities, paired with extensive specialist software, support your core studies and enable you to explore your own projects and interests. You’ll also benefit from access to dedicated technical support throughout your studies.
For teaching and research project work, we provide purpose-built computer labs with workstations running both Windows and Linux, alongside access to web hosting, virtual reality headsets, mobile phones, and Raspberry pi devices. Access to advanced GPU and CPU servers is supported by the University’s central HPC infrastructure, which is freely available to students.
91% of our students said it has been easy to access subject-specific resources (for example, equipment, facilities, software, collection) when they needed to (National Student Survey 2025, 90.5% of responders from the Department of Computer Science).
Find out more about our facilities and undergraduate life in the Department of Computer Science.

