BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence (with a year in industry)

At York, learning goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. In this program, you'll get plenty of hands-on experience, from working in professional-grade labs to tackling real-world projects during your industry placement. You’ll also benefit from modern facilities, collaborative spaces, and access to cutting-edge research, ensuring that what you learn in class can be applied straight away in practical settings.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience:

• Professional-Grade Laboratories: The Ian Wand Building has four software and two hardware labs, equipped with the same tools used by research teams and industry professionals. These labs give you the chance to experiment and learn in a real-world tech environment.

• 24/7 Study and Social Pod: A flexible space where you can study on your own, meet with peers for group work, or join student society events. It's perfect for collaborating and brainstorming ideas outside of class.

• Industry Placement Year: A full year in a professional setting, helping you apply your skills, gain industry insights, and build connections that make your CV stand out.

• Research Labs Access: Get involved with research groups focused on areas like human-computer interaction, computer vision, and machine learning. You can work on innovative projects and see first-hand how AI is shaping the future.

• Extensive Computing Facilities: Over 600 dual-boot PCs and 60+ Macs spread across 17 computer spaces, many open 24/7, give you all the tools you need for coding, simulations, and project work.

• Collaborative Learning Spaces: Breakout areas with sofas and tables on each floor of the Ian Wand Building provide ideal spots for informal group work, discussions, and peer-to-peer learning.

Graduates from York’s BSc Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence program are well-prepared to step straight into the tech industry, combining strong computer science foundations with specialist AI skills and real-world experience. Employers value their ability to apply theory in practical settings, making them highly sought-after in areas where technology is shaping the future. Typical career paths include:

• Software Engineer – designing and building innovative applications.

• Machine Learning Engineer – developing intelligent systems that learn from data.

• Data Scientist – turning complex data into actionable insights.

• AI Researcher – pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence in academic or commercial research.

How York Supports Your Career:

• Careers and Placements Team – dedicated advisors help with CVs, interviews, and securing industry placements. 

• Industry Partnerships – collaborations with companies give you hands-on projects and professional insights.

• Professional Accreditation – the British Computer Society (BCS) accreditation ensures your degree is recognised and valued in the IT sector.

• Global Opportunities – York attracts students worldwide, giving graduates an international network and a broad perspective on global tech careers.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, you have plenty of routes to continue your studies:

• Postgraduate Study – pursue a Master’s in AI, Data Science, or Cybersecurity to specialise further.

• Research Opportunities – engage in PhD programs to contribute to cutting-edge AI research.

• Professional Certifications – gain additional recognised credentials to boost your career and show your commitment to ongoing learning.

With a solid academic foundation, practical experience, and clear pathways to further study or career advancement, graduates leave York ready to make an impact in the fast-moving world of computer science and AI.