Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £16,655 per year (£1,200 for placement year)
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Course summary
- Develop AI systems to solve complex problems
- Use machine learning to support decision making
- Design and build complex software using analytical and mathematical approaches
- Work with companies to solve real-world practical problems
- Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start
Through practice-based learning, you’ll develop a deep understanding of the use of machine-learning and artificial intelligence in a variety of domains.
You'll become a programmer who can build the next generation of software that will support users in complex tasks, automate mundane tasks, and use large data sets to help us understand our world.
How you learn
The course is suitable if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence course. You share the first year with other computing foundation year students, then move on to the degree. During the first year of study, you will enhance your skills to maximise your academic potential ready to start your learning against the content of the main degree.
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
This course starts by helping you to develop practical skills in developing software applications through lectures and hands-on tutorial sessions. These sessions will build your understanding of how and when to use appropriate processes, tools, technologies, and project management practices.
These fundamental skills will then be further developed by introducing you to real-world projects. As part of these projects, you’ll collaborate in small teams to produce software prototypes to problems that are introduced and inspired by industry. Tackling problems in industry helps you prepare for a career in software development using AI and machine learning.
As part of your final year, you’ll create a significant software deliverable, guided by a dedicated project supervisor. During this individual project, you’ll undertake research and apply new skills as you create a software product you can be proud of.
The combination of learning methods across the course allows you to develop a range of skills through problem-solving activities, practical implementation, and teamwork, allowing you to take an active approach to learning and encouraging self-development.
You learn through:
- lectures
- hands-on lab sessions and tutorials
- regular feedback
- teamwork and group-based learning
- applied learning
- discussions
- self-study
Course leaders and tutors
Michael Meredith
Principal Lecturer in Software Engineering, Graphics and MultimediaMichael is a Principal Lecturer on the BSc Computer Science degree at Sheffield Hallam University, were he teaches programming, computer architecture and practical a … Read more
Matthew Love
Principal Lecturer & Quality LeadMy own skills have developed in line with the changes in technologies, from microprocessor programming, though team building of software, multimedia technologies, sy … Read more
Applied learning
Work placements
You’ll have the opportunity to complete a year-long work placement between your third and fourth year. A placement is widely recognised as the gold standard opportunity to gain personal and professional development through real-world experience.
You will be encouraged to take up this opportunity, as it will benefit your long-term career prospects and salary level, as well as your academic achievements and degree classification. Your course will prepare you to succeed in your placement and you will be supported throughout it.
Your placement will allow you to apply the knowledge and skills gained on your course, in areas such as web development, mobile applications, backend software and desktop solutions.
Students from this course have worked with companies such as:
- 3Squared
- CSE Servelec
- IBM
- Intel
- SN System
Your placement year will allow you to gain an Applied Professional Diploma in addition to your degree which will enhance your graduate profile and give you the edge with future employers.
You’ll also be supported to take advantage of work experience opportunities throughout your course, through access to a range of support activities, resources, and employer events from your Employability Team. This will further enhance your employability skillset, confidence, and opportunity-awareness to help you succeed in your career after graduating.
Live projects
In your first and second years you will work in a group on a real client-based project. You will analyse their requirements, then design, implement and test a prototype which you will present to your client. This will allow you to experience the types of demands faced by commercial software developers and increase your confidence while you are applying for your work placements.
Students have worked on live projects for Next, XLN, Elanco, Elaros (Digital Health), and more. Projects have included the use of augmented reality and 3D technologies, machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies, cloud services and mobile development.
Students have often found placements as a result of being recognised for the excellent work they have done for these live projects with the host company.
Networking opportunities
Employers and industry practitioners are an influential part of the design, content and teaching of the course. The employability focus of the course is supported by the frequent involvement of employers and IT professionals alongside the live projects we provide.
Future careers
This course prepares you for the following careers:
- artificial intelligence and machine learning
- computer-science related research and development
- software development and engineering
- mobile app development
- web development
- IT consultancy
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for:
- Capita
- Plusnet
- 3Squared
- SkyBet
- Raspberry Pi Foundation
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
On this course, you will work with:
- modern software development environments
- industry-standard software and tools
- state-of-the-art hardware
- IoT and SBC devices
We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.
Learn more about your department
Computing facilities tour
Take a look around the facilities and equipment in the Department of Computing at Sheffield Hallam University.
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 80
This must include at least 32 points from one A level or equivalent BTEC qualifications. For example:
- CDD at A Level
- MMP in BTEC Extended Diploma
- Pass overall from a T level qualification with C from core
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels, EPQ and general studies.
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
GCSE
- English Language or English Literature at grade C or 4
- Maths at grade B or 5
• Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.
We may also accept you, if you have limited qualifications but can show evidence of ability and a genuine commitment to studying the subject.
Some applicants may be invited to attend an informal interview with the course leader to ensure that the programme is suitable for themselves and their aspirations.
UK students may be able to claim financial support for the course.
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Foundations In Computing 1 | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Foundations In Computing 2 | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Maths For Foundation Computing | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
| Module: Study Skills For Computing Students | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 2
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Databases And The Web | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Fundamentals Of Mathematics And Computer Architectures | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Programming For Computer Science | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Software Projects | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 3
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Advanced Programming | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Algorithms And Data Structures | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning 1 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Professional Software Projects | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 4
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
| Module: Placement Year | Credits: - |
Final year
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning 2 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Development Project | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
| Module: Software Architecture And Design | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Contemporary Software Engineering | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Machine Learning Algorithms And Heuristics | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Robotics | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Secure Software Engineering | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fees for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2024/2025 are regulated by the UK government and are yet to be confirmed. For an indication, our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2023/2024 is £9,250 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2024/25 is £16,655 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Computing courses (PDF, 197.9KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
