BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence with Placement Year

Program Overview

The University of Gloucestershire's BSc (Hons) in Artificial Intelligence with Placement Year offers a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the essential theoretical understanding and practical skills in artificial intelligence, robotics, and computer science. The program emphasizes the application of these technologies to address real-world challenges across various industries. Recognizing the transformative potential of AI, a field poised to bring about changes as significant as the advent of electricity, the course prepares graduates for in-demand roles such as data scientists, games AI developers, robotics AI programmers, and machine learning engineers. The optional placement year provides a crucial opportunity to gain professional experience, enhancing employability upon graduation.

Curriculum: The curriculum provides a solid foundation in core computing and mathematical concepts, progressing to specialized AI modules. In the initial years, students typically cover fundamental computer science principles, including programming, data structures, algorithms, and the mathematics essential for data science, including propositional logic and set notation. A key focus is on an introduction to artificial intelligence. As the course progresses, students delve into more advanced AI topics. This often includes modules in Computational Intelligence, which covers soft computing and nature-inspired techniques like neural networks and evolutionary systems. Students are also introduced to Natural Language Processing (NLP) and learn to apply AI and natural computation techniques to this field. Crucially, the program integrates the ethical handling of data, preparing students to be responsible AI professionals. Final year modules often include an individual research project and an advanced group project, allowing students to apply their knowledge to substantial, real-world problems. Elective modules may be available, allowing students to specialize in areas of interest, although the specific optional modules can vary from year to year. Throughout the program, students gain practical experience with industry-standard software and tools such as Python, R, C#, C++, scikit-learn, tensorflow, pytorch, pandas, Unity, Visual Studio, and Jupyter notebooks. The program also incorporates workshops, practical sessions, and seminars to facilitate learning and problem-solving. The optional placement year is a significant part of the program, providing a full year of work-based learning.

Research Focus: While a BSc is primarily an undergraduate teaching degree, the program is informed by the research activities of the faculty. Academics at the University of Gloucestershire are engaged in research that aims to solve real-world problems using AI. For example, there has been research into the use of AI to combat cyberbullying, utilizing Natural Language Processing (NLP) and predictive modeling to identify and address harmful online behavior. Another area of research interest among the faculty includes Physical Systems Modelling with Artificial Intelligence, which explores the optimization of physical engineering systems using multi-objective optimization techniques. This involves using AI-based meta-models to estimate model results and focus computational power on promising models. The University's new £5.8 million centre of excellence for cyber and digital in Cheltenham, FuturePark, also serves as a hub for research and innovation in AI and cybersecurity, further supporting the academic environment.

Industry Engagement: The University of Gloucestershire has a strong focus on industry engagement, particularly within the thriving cyber and tech community in the Gloucestershire region. The optional placement year is a prime example of this, providing students with invaluable opportunities to work within the industry. The university's Careers Team assists students in securing placements, offering support with activities such as mock interviews and aptitude tests. The development of the FuturePark center has been in consultation with industry partners such as CyNam, Hub8, and Plexal. This collaboration ensures that the program's curriculum remains relevant to industry needs and provides students with access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Furthermore, the university hosts events to showcase student achievements to industry professionals, facilitating networking and potential employment opportunities. The region's strong cyber industry, supported by the presence of GCHQ, provides a fertile ground for industry partnerships and career prospects for AI graduates. The university and local organizations also collaborate on initiatives like the Cyber & AI Bootcamp, which allows young people to work on real technology-based industry challenges with the support of industry mentors.

Global Perspective: While the primary focus of the BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence with Placement Year is on the technical and practical aspects of AI, the program is situated within a university that embraces a global outlook. The University of Gloucestershire attracts a diverse student body, with students from a blend of 60 countries. This creates a multicultural learning environment where students can gain a broader perspective through interaction with peers from various backgrounds. Although the specific BSc AI program description doesn't explicitly detail international modules or a mandatory year abroad, the skills gained in AI are highly transferable and in demand globally, preparing graduates for international career opportunities. The University's commitment to a "real-world learning school" with industry links and a focus on career development further supports the global employability of its graduates.