Artificial Intelligence and Data Science BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

The University of Northampton

Program Overview

This degree equips you with the essential research, design, and programming skills needed to apply AI and data science in real-world business and industrial settings. Alongside practical skills, you’ll also learn to think critically about the ethical, legal, and environmental impacts of AI. It’s perfect for students who want hands-on, career-ready expertise, from foundational computing principles to advanced machine learning and cloud-based solutions.


Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year sets a strong foundation in computing. You’ll explore core subjects like Computer Systems, Computer Communications, Web Development, Software Engineering Fundamentals, Problem Solving and Programming, and Mathematics for Computer Science. These modules give you the flexibility to specialize later while preparing you for a successful journey in AI and data science.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll move into more focused, advanced topics. You’ll study Data Structures and Algorithms, Relational Databases, Cloud Computing and Big Data, and Introduction to Artificial Intelligence. You’ll also collaborate in a small design team on a Group Project, creating an innovative AI solution to tackle a real-world challenge.

Year 3

Your final year takes your AI skills to the next level. You’ll dive into Advanced AI and Applications, Natural Language Processing, Modern Databases, and Media Technology. You’ll also complete a Computing Project Dissertation, giving you the opportunity to research and develop a specialist AI project of your choice. By the end of the year, you’ll be confident building AI applications with computer vision, neural networks, and cloud deployment.


Focus Areas

  • AI development

  • Data structures & algorithms

  • Cloud computing & big data

  • Natural language processing

  • Modern databases

  • Media technology

  • Software engineering fundamentals

  • Project-based AI solutions


Learning Outcomes

By the end of this programme, you’ll be able to:

  • Program effectively in Python and Java

  • Design and deploy practical AI solutions

  • Understand the ethical implications of AI

  • Work collaboratively in teams on real-world challenges

  • Conduct independent research through a dissertation

  • Use AI tools, cloud technologies, and advanced data modeling with confidence


Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This programme is part of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Academy, giving you access to AWS-accredited cloud computing courses. These courses align with industry-recognised certifications, preparing you for some of the most in-demand roles in AI and cloud computing.


Reputation & Employability

While specific rankings for this course aren’t available, the programme is known for strong graduate outcomes:

  • 75% of graduates are in employment within 15 months

  • 85% continue to work or further study

Plus, the Northampton Employment Promise offers extra support: if you graduate with at least a 2:2 and complete an Employability Plus Gold or Changemaker Gold award but haven’t secured full-time employment within 12 months, the university will help you find a paid internship or support your move into postgraduate study.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From day one, you won’t just be learning theory—you’ll be putting it into action. You’ll have exclusive access to a cutting-edge AI lab equipped with high-performance NVIDIA GPUs and a variety of machine learning environments—from AWS and Google Cloud to open-source platforms. It’s the perfect setup for deep learning, cloud computing, and real-world data science projects. You’ll work both independently and in teams to build AI systems that solve real-world problems. On top of that, as part of the AWS Academy, you’ll complete cloud computing courses that prepare you for industry-recognized certifications.

Here’s how experiential learning is integrated throughout your three years of study:


Facilities & Digital Tools

  • Access a dedicated AI lab with NVIDIA GPU-equipped PCs and software platforms from AWS, Google, and open-source tools for deep learning and AI research.

  • Benefit from AWS Academy membership, using accredited cloud computing courses to design and deploy AI projects in the cloud.

  • Eligible students get a laptop, so you can work flexibly—both solo and in collaborative projects.


Group Projects & Collaboration

  • In Year 2, you’ll work on a group project, designing AI solutions for real-world challenges. This is a fantastic chance to gain hands-on experience while collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds.


Independent Research & Dissertation

  • Year 3 gives you the opportunity to focus on a specialist AI topic that really interests you, through an independent dissertation.


Software & Programming Tools

  • You’ll build a strong foundation using programming languages like Python and Java—essential for AI, data science, and cloud-based development.


Cloud Computing & Big Data Skills

  • Modules like Cloud Computing and Big Data, along with Introduction to AI, will give you practical skills to manage and analyze large-scale datasets.


Advanced AI Applications

  • Later in your studies, you’ll explore Advanced AI Applications, Natural Language Processing, Media Technology, Modern Databases, and techniques such as computer vision and neural networks—and even deploy them in the cloud.


Industry Engagement & Events

  • Take part in industrial events and guest lectures from AI experts around the world, giving you insight into the latest trends and bridging the gap between study and industry.


Waterside Campus & University Support

  • All of this takes place at the £330 million Waterside Campus, where student life is vibrant. Enjoy small-group learning, one-to-one mentorship, free sports clubs, and a wide range of societies.

  • All essential textbooks are available through the library, so you won’t need to buy multiple copies.


Career Support & Internships

  • With the Northampton Employment Promise, if you graduate with at least a 2:2 and complete selected employability awards, the university guarantees a three–six month paid internship—or support into postgraduate study if you’re not in full-time employment within a year.

Progression & Future Opportunities

University support for employability:
Northampton University is committed to helping you transition smoothly into your career. Through the Northampton Employment Promise, if you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either the Employability Plus Gold programme or the Changemaker Gold Certificate—but haven’t secured full-time employment within 12 months of graduating—the university will arrange a paid internship (3–6 months) or support you in pursuing postgraduate study.

Employment stats & salary figures:

  • Around 85% of computing graduates are working or continuing their studies 15 months after graduation.

  • Median earnings are roughly £28,000 at 15 months, rising to around £30,500 after five years.

  • Similar sources report median salaries around £30,000, with most graduates earning between £25,000–£32,000.

University–industry partnerships:
The programme is part of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Academy, giving you access to AWS-accredited cloud computing courses. This means you can gain industry-recognized certifications alongside your degree, strengthening your CV and giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Long-term accreditation value:
By integrating AWS Academy into your studies, your learning is aligned with the latest industry standards—making you more attractive to employers. The Employment Promise adds an extra layer of security, helping bridge the gap from study to work.

Graduation outcomes (15 months post-graduation):

  • 50% work as Information Technology Professionals

  • 20% in Web and Multimedia Design roles

  • 5% each in Science/Engineering Associate professions, Teaching, Artistic/Literary/Media, Sales, and Elementary roles

Overall, 80% of graduates are in highly skilled jobs, and 85% report that their work is meaningful.

Program Key Stats

£15,700
£9,535
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

BCC
3.0
26 - 28
60

N/A
N/A
6.0
70

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Data Scientist
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • AI Engineer
  • Data Analyst
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Data Engineer
  • Research Scientist in AI
  • NLP Engineer
  • Computer Vision Engineer
  • Big Data Specialist
  • Predictive Analytics Specialist
  • Quantitative Analyst
  • Robotics Engineer
  • Cloud AI Specialist
  • Deep Learning Engineer
  • Data Consultant
  • AI Product Manager
  • Applied AI Researcher
  • Healthcare Data Analyst
  • Financial Data Analyst
  • Risk Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Data Analyst
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Marketing Data Scientist
  • Academic Researcher
  • PhD Candidate in AI/Data Science  

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