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The BEng (Hons) Artificial Intelligence at Ulster University is designed for students who want to be at the heart of the AI revolution — learning how machines think, learn, and make decisions. You’ll explore how intelligent systems are built and applied across industries like healthcare, robotics, finance, and gaming, all while developing strong technical and problem-solving skills that employers value.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1:
Your first year lays the foundation for your AI journey. You’ll get hands-on with coding through Software Development I & II, understand how computers work in Computer Hardware & Operating Systems, and build essential maths and logic skills in Mathematics for Engineering I and Artificial Intelligence I. It’s the perfect mix of theory and practice to help you think like both an engineer and an innovator.
Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll go deeper into the tech that powers modern AI. You’ll strengthen your programming skills in Object-Oriented Programming, learn how information moves safely through systems in Computer Networks & Security, and study how to make AI models smarter with Algorithms & Data Structures and Artificial Intelligence II. This year is about turning ideas into working systems.
Year 3:
This is your professional placement year — your chance to take what you’ve learned and apply it in the real world. You’ll spend up to a year working in industry through the Professional Practice – Computing module, gaining invaluable experience, building your network, and getting a real feel for life in the tech industry before you graduate.
Year 4:
Your final year brings everything together. You’ll tackle advanced topics like Cyber Security, Intelligent Robotics, Computer Vision, and Computational Intelligence Technology, while also completing an in-depth Final Year Project. This is where you showcase your creativity and technical ability — designing intelligent solutions to real-world problems.
Focus Areas:
Artificial intelligence systems design, machine learning, robotics, computer vision, computational intelligence, software development, and applied data-driven innovation.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of your degree, you’ll know how to design and implement AI-powered solutions, write intelligent algorithms, and apply machine learning and reasoning methods to real-world challenges. You’ll develop strong programming and analytical thinking skills, along with the confidence to work on complex AI projects across different sectors.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The program follows UK engineering and computing benchmarks and integrates a full year of professional practice, giving you both academic depth and practical readiness for the tech industry.
Reputation (Employability & Rankings):
Ulster University has a fantastic employability record — with around 94% of graduates progressing to a career or further study soon after finishing. The university was also named “University of the Year 2024” by Times Higher Education, a reflection of its strong teaching, innovation, and student support.
At Ulster University, you’ll learn by doing — not just by listening. From your very first year, you’ll work with real data, intelligent systems, and cutting-edge technology to bring your ideas to life. Whether you’re coding in the lab, collaborating on group projects, or completing a professional placement, you’ll graduate with the hands-on experience and confidence employers look for in the AI industry.
You’ll also benefit from access to world-class research labs and modern facilities that give you the space to experiment, explore, and innovate. Here’s what makes experiential learning at Ulster truly stand out:
Artificial Intelligence Research Centre (AIRC): Get involved with real research happening right on campus — from developing new AI algorithms to exploring robotics, computer vision, and machine learning innovations.
State-of-the-art computing labs: You’ll spend time in dedicated computer labs equipped with industry-standard hardware and software, where practical sessions and coding workshops turn theory into real solutions.
Hands-on projects: In modules like Artificial Intelligence I & II and your Final Year Project, you’ll build your own intelligent systems — from smart applications to data-driven solutions — using popular programming tools such as Python, R, and TensorFlow.
Professional Practice year: Gain up to a full year of paid industry experience, applying what you’ve learned in a real company setting and building valuable connections before graduation.
Collaborative teamwork: Group-based assignments mirror real-world AI development environments, helping you learn to manage projects, present findings, and work across disciplines.
Cutting-edge innovation hubs: Benefit from Ulster’s growing research ecosystem, including the Cognitive Analytics Research Lab (CARL) and the upcoming £39 million Centre for Industrial Digitisation and Robotics Automation (CIDRA) — giving students access to next-generation robotics and digital tools.
Extensive learning resources: Enjoy 24/7 access to online materials, modern libraries, and dedicated student support that keep your studies flexible and engaging.
A degree in Artificial Intelligence from Ulster University opens the door to some of the most exciting and fast-growing careers in technology. You’ll graduate with the technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills that employers are actively looking for — ready to take on roles such as AI Engineer, Machine Learning Specialist, Data Scientist, or Robotics Developer.
You won’t be alone in building your career — Ulster’s strong industry connections and employability support will make sure you’re career-ready from day one:
Dedicated Career Support: The university’s Careers & Employability Service provides one-to-one guidance, CV and LinkedIn reviews, mock interviews, and direct employer networking events — helping you land the right role when you graduate.
Excellent Employability Outcomes: Ulster is proud that around 94% of its graduates progress to employment or further study soon after finishing their degree, showing the strength of its practical learning approach.
Industry Partnerships: Ulster works closely with top companies like Kainos and supports innovation through the new Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC) in Northern Ireland — connecting students with real research projects and tech employers.
Professional Recognition: While this specific BEng doesn’t list a formal accreditor, Ulster’s postgraduate AI programs are accredited by the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, showing the university’s commitment to professional standards and industry relevance.
Strong Graduate Outcomes: With AI expertise in high demand across every sector — from fintech and health tech to manufacturing and robotics — you’ll have the flexibility to build a career with major companies or even launch your own tech start-up.
Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue your studies, you’ll have excellent options ahead. Many graduates go on to pursue an MSc in Artificial Intelligence or related fields such as Data Science or Robotics at Ulster, and some even advance to PhD research through the university’s renowned Artificial Intelligence Research Centre (AIRC) and Cognitive Analytics Research Lab (CARL).
A-level - Grades BBC, including one subject from Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing (not IT/ICT), Software Systems Development, Technology and Design, Design and Technology, Digital Technology, Electronics, Engineering or Double Award/Applied Science.IB - Minimum 25 points, including 13 at Higher Level with Grade 4 in HL Mathematics and one other HL science or technical subject (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing, Technology, or Engineering), plus Grade 4 or above in English Language at Higher or Subsidiary Level.GCSE - Pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics (Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills – Communication accepted for English; Application of Number not accepted for Maths).IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5 TOEFL iBT/iBT Home - Overall score 80 with minimum scores of Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17.India - Class XII (Central or State Board) with 60% overall and 60% in A-level equivalent subjects, or a 3-year Diploma in Engineering/Technology with 60% overall.USA - High School Diploma with GPA 3.0 plus either 3,3 in 2 AP subjects, or SAT 1100 (min. 550 per section), or ACT 25 overall.To meet the GCSE Maths Grade C requirement, students from India need 50% in Standard XII, and students from the USA need 60%.AI EngineerMachine Learning EngineerData ScientistRobotics DeveloperComputer Vision SpecialistNatural Language Processing (NLP) EngineerSoftware DeveloperData AnalystAI ResearcherAutomation EngineerIntelligent Systems DesignerBusiness Intelligence DeveloperAI ConsultantCognitive Computing SpecialistDeep Learning Specialist
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Ulster University
