Study Artificial Intelligence, why & how to study
With Artificial Intelligence (AI), you can construct intelligent systems that support our everyday activities. Learn about AI and see if a career in this field is for you.
CONTENTS
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What’s Artificial Intelligence?
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What Artificial Intelligence degrees can you study?
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What do you need to get onto an Artificial Intelligence degree?
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What topics does an Artificial Intelligence degree cover?
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How will you be assessed?
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Why study Artificial Intelligence?
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What do Artificial Intelligence graduates earn?
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What jobs can you get as an Artificial Intelligence graduate?
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What are the postgraduate opportunities?
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Similar subjects to Artificial Intelligence?
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Have any questions?
What’s Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the study and creation of systems that make decisions and solve problems as the human mind does.
Study for a degree in AI, and you’ll learn how to construct systems that can use language, conduct web searches or play games to benefit industries such as healthcare, security and entertainment.
Degree courses are usually very practical. You’ll study the subject area and develop your computing skills, preparing for a career in an exciting and rapidly advancing field.
What Artificial Intelligence degrees can you study?
Undergraduate Artificial Intelligence degrees in the UK include:
- Artificial Intelligence BSc
- Artificial Intelligence MEng
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence MSci
- Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence BSc
- Robotics, Autonomous and Interactive Systems BEng
Several options include studying an integrated foundation year, a year abroad or a year in industry.
What do you need to get onto an Artificial Intelligence degree?
Most undergraduate Artificial Intelligence courses ask for around 104–152 UCAS points. Not every university will base an offer on UCAS points, and some courses may have lower or higher requirements.
- A Levels: A*AA–BCC
- BTECs: D*DD–DMM
- Scottish Highers: AABB–BBBC
- International Baccalaureate: 36–28
- Universities will usually ask that you have studied mathematics and one other science
Other good subjects to have studied include:
- Computer science
- Further mathematics
- Information technology (IT)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Electronics
Experiences that would look good on your application:
- Volunteering or work experience with an AI-related company
- Knowledge of AI platforms and different computer software programmes
- Membership of an AI-focused community
What topics does an Artificial Intelligence degree cover?
Typical module titles include:
- Computer science
- Computer hardware and operating systems
- Cyber security
- Data structures and algorithms
- Intelligent robotics
- Mathematics for engineering
- Modelling
- Software processes
How will you be assessed?
Depending on your modules, you could be assessed through:
- Practical demonstrations
- Presentations
- Coursework
- Laboratory exercises
- Laboratory-based exams
- Written examinations
Why study Artificial Intelligence?
Courses keep up to date with industry practices, and you’ll learn how to use modern, specialist equipment.
Career-specific skills:
- Modelling
- Testing and evaluation
- Information management
- Programming
- Computational thinking
- Professional responsibility
Transferable skills:
- Critical thinking
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Reflective thinking
- Project management
- Teamwork
Professional accreditations:
- Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- Chartered Institute for IT (BCS)
What do Artificial Intelligence graduates earn?
Artificial Intelligence graduates can expect an entry-level salary of around £28,000.
The average salary for an artificial intelligence engineer in the UK is around £52,000. Salaries can be higher than £90,000 for those with lots of experience in high-level positions.
What jobs can you get as an Artificial Intelligence graduate?
AI graduates go into fields such as entertainment, healthcare, finance, commerce, manufacturing and education, working for employers like Microsoft, IBM, BAE Systems, EA Electronic Arts and the Walt Disney Company.
Examples of roles that graduates go into:
- AI engineer
- Software engineer
- Hardware engineer
- Machine learning engineer
- App developer
- Web developer
- Programmer
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Examples of postgraduate courses available at universities in the UK include:
- Artificial Intelligence MSc
- Artificial Intelligence Enabled Healthcare MRes
- Artificial Intelligence for Business PGDip
- Human Computer Interaction MSc
- Interactive Artificial Intelligence PhD
- Robotics and Autonomous Systems PhD
Similar subjects to Artificial Intelligence
Other subject areas related to Artificial Intelligence include:
- Computer Science
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Information Technology & Systems
- Mechanical Engineering
Have any questions?
Get in touch with our experts by emailing ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk. We’ll be happy to hear from you!
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