BSc (Hons) Computing (Artificial Intelligence and Robotics) (2-year degree)

The standard entry requirements for computing are: A-Level: (ABB – BBB), IB 32 or equivalent (Computing and/or Mathematics are desired, but not essential).

Applicants must also have GCSE B/5 in Math and C/4 in English.

If English is not your first language you will also need an IELTS Score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each component.

The first year of this two-year programme introduces students to essential theories and concepts of computing, programming and software development that underpin modern computer science. These theories and concepts build the fundamentals necessary to undertake highly specialised modules covering AI, Machine Learning, Computer Vision and Robotics that follow in the second year. All modules include practical work to apply knowledge and understanding to solve problems.

The second year focusses on equipping students with specialised skills and sound knowledge that would enable them to pursue a rewarding career in the rapidly growing field of AI, robotics and autonomous systems. Students will learn concepts and techniques in AI, computer vision and robotics, alongside software project management and cloud computing, which are some of the most sought-after skills in the IT sector today.

All students undertake a substantial ‘Individual Project’ and a collaborative ‘Grand Challenge’ project where they get the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to develop an innovative solution to a real-life complex problem. There are several opportunities to work in teams enabling students to develop leadership and collaboration skills.

Quality teaching

We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.

Accreditation

This degree programme is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

This degree programme is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.

High calibre staff

Our academic staff are friendly, approachable, diverse and highly respected professionals. All academics are research active, many of whom also have worked with business and industry partners on real projects, and can offer networking opportunities for students.

The programme is supported by a highly professional and dedicated team of faculty managers and administrators.

Teaching methods

Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars, practical workshops and tutorials. It is enhanced by virtual learning environments, online / stand-alone computer-based teaching, learning tools and software packages.

A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of the University’s faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students.

Computing programmes have supervised practical classes in computer labs in which you can apply and practise the techniques you have learnt in the lectures. These practical sessions are usually two or three hours long. You will also be expected to study on your own, using the library for reading and research, and computer laboratories to improve your practical skills.

Each student has a designated supervisor for the Individual Project. Weekly supervision meetings are offered throughout the Project.

Assessment methods

A range of assessment techniques are utilised throughout the degree programme to give students the opportunity to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes. Individual and group coursework, presentations, portfolios, quizzes, projects, and exams are the key assessments. The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Please check module information for more details.

Computer labs, software and equipment

The School of Computing has several labs to facilitate the teaching, learning and assessment of its programmes. In addition to two general computer labs with high specification PCs, the School has specialist labs for cyber security and networks, games and immersive application development and robotics.

The Robotics lab includes a Boston Dynamics Spot, a number of indoor and outdoor ground robots, and two collaborative robots. Several sensors/payloads such as lidar scanners, gas sensors, imaging sensors are also available for student projects.

A Birdly virtual flying machine and high-end mixed reality headsets such as Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Varjo XR3 are available to develop and test immersive applications.

The Cyber Security and Networks lab is equipped with devices to configure and secure networks and simulate attacks.

Integrated development environments and a variety of software packages are available for teaching, learning and projects. Most software packages are available for students to install on their own PCs or laptops.

Preparation for work

Accredited by the BCS, the Charted Institute for IT, our undergraduate programmes are designed to blend theory with practice. They combine academic challenge with professional skills that will stand you in good stead for employment in industries of the future.

Graduate Employment

Our graduates have gone on to work at some of the world’s leading tech firms and multinational corporations such as Adobe, Amazon, Arm, BAE Systems, BT, Google Deep Mind, IBM, Jaguar Land Rover, Meta, Microsoft, PWC, and Salesforce. Some of our graduates work for companies that are highly specialised in their business, for example ASOS, Russell IPM, Vitalograph, and Zizo.

Many of our graduates have gone on to postgraduate studies in world’s leading universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh, and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni are successful tech entrepreneurs.

What our students say

I have been interested in computing and technology from a young age. It always has, and continues to fascinate me how things work. I studied computing at GCSE and Sixth Form level here in the UK, not only learning basic programming but also how vital a role technology plays in business today. So, it was only natural to want to pursue this at a higher education level.

I loved that the course covered all aspects and areas of computing in great detail – from basic programming, to web development, cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence with interesting and challenging projects, both in groups and individual. My final year project was to build an image-processing application that automatically detects cracks on solar panels. During my time, I also joined the Gaming Society, where I met new people and even went on a trip to London Comic Con.

Mihir Raniga – BSC Computing, 2022

I joined the September 2019 cohort and was surprised by how different the course was compared to my previous university programme. The tight-knit classes allowed me to ask many questions and engage with the lectures more easily; the timetables gave the flexibility to organize my spare time, especially allowing me to apply in practice what I had learned in blockchain and crypto; and having my personal tutor alongside me meant I was encouraged and motivated when I most needed it.

During my time at Buckingham, I was able to form a competitive group called ‘Team Bucklers’ at the Keyloop Dealer Tech Competition and win the regional team prize worth £3000. I was twice nominated to the Student Union body as Equity and Inclusion Officer as well as Ethical and Environmental Officer, where I was able to introduce free-cycling schemes and fundraise against deforestation. I also co-founded a student-led start-up for connecting students on campus via a mobile application with the assistance of the Buckingham Enterprise & Innovation Unit (BEIU).

In the end, I was able to graduate with First Class Honours and with three academic awards for best performance in exam diets and for the most outstanding undergraduate project regarding conversational AI chatbots.

Thomas Humphreys, BSc Computing, 2022

The University stood out to me because they provided me with a huge amount of flexibility and support when transferring. It also seemed a clear choice because of the small class sizes and the emphasis on providing quality teaching. These factors, amongst others, did in fact combine to make an unmatched learning experience.

The curriculum is kept up to date with industry standards and modules were regularly reviewed and evolved to match the ever – changing requirements of Computing. In particular, the practical elements of modules were a highlight. Teaching focussed on giving students relevant experience to be prepared for work. The benefit of the smaller class sizes was clear here, as you can go further in depth on any topic with the guidance of lecturers and teaching assistants.

Asha Krishnan, BSc Computing, 2021

Our Success Stories

We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements. You can read about them on Our Success Stories page.

The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.

Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.

Discounts

Students who graduate from the University and plan to continue their studies with a postgraduate degree at Buckingham can benefit from a very generous automatic discount on their fees:

• 33%, those with a first class honours degree from Buckingham
• 25%, those with a Second Class Honours, Upper Division (2:1) degree from Buckingham

Scholarships

Details of our scholarships can be found on our Bursaries and Scholarships page.

On-campus accommodation

We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.

Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.

What’s included?

All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.

Find out more

If you’d like to find out more, visit our Accommodation pages or get in touch with our Accommodation Team.

We recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, at one of our open days or a Campus Tour, campus tours include a typical student room.

We welcome applications in two different ways – directly via our online application form or through UCAS.

If you’re interested in transferring to Buckingham from another university then please get in touch to talk through your options.