Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course Summary

• Develop AI systems to solve complex problems

• Use machine learning to support decision making

• Design and build complex software using analytical and mathematical approaches

• Work with companies to solve real-world practical problems

• Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start

Through practice-based learning, you’ll develop a deep understanding of the use of machine-learning and artificial intelligence in a variety of domains.

You'll become a programmer who can build the next generation of software that will support users in complex tasks, automate mundane tasks, and use large data sets to help us understand our world.

How you learn

The course is suitable if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence course. You share the first year with other computing foundation year students, then move on to the degree. During the first year of study, you will enhance your skills to maximise your academic potential ready to start your learning against the content of the main degree.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

This course starts by helping you to develop practical skills in developing software applications through lectures and hands-on tutorial sessions. These sessions will build your understanding of how and when to use appropriate processes, tools, technologies, and project management practices.

These fundamental skills will then be further developed by introducing you to real-world projects. As part of these projects, you’ll collaborate in small teams to produce software prototypes to problems that are introduced and inspired by industry. Tackling problems in industry helps you prepare for a career in software development using AI and machine learning.

As part of your final year, you’ll create a significant software deliverable, guided by a dedicated project supervisor. During this individual project, you’ll undertake research and apply new skills as you create a software product you can be proud of.

The combination of learning methods across the course allows you to develop a range of skills through problem-solving activities, practical implementation, and teamwork, allowing you to take an active approach to learning and encouraging self-development.

You learn through:

• lectures

• hands-on lab sessions and tutorials

• regular feedback

• teamwork and group-based learning

• applied learning

• discussions

• self-study

Applied learning

Work placements

You’ll have the opportunity to complete a year-long work placement between your third and fourth year. A placement is widely recognised as the gold standard opportunity to gain personal and professional development through real-world experience.

You will be encouraged to take up this opportunity, as it will benefit your long-term career prospects and salary level, as well as your academic achievements and degree classification. Your course will prepare you to succeed in your placement and you will be supported throughout it.

Live projects

In your first and second years you will work in a group on a real client-based project. You will analyse their requirements, then design, implement and test a prototype which you will present to your client. This will allow you to experience the types of demands faced by commercial software developers and increase your confidence while you are applying for your work placements.

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

Year 1
Compulsory modules
Foundations In Computing 1
Foundations In Computing 2
Maths For Foundation Computing
Study Skills For Computing Students

Year 2
Compulsory modules
Databases And The Web
Fundamentals Of Mathematics And Computer Architectures
Programming For Computer Science
Software Projects

Year 3
Compulsory modules
Advanced Programming
Algorithms And Data Structures
Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning 1
Professional Software Projects

Year 4
Optional modules
Placement Year

Final year
Compulsory modules
Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning
Development Project
Software Architecture And Design

Elective modules
Contemporary Software Engineering
Machine Learning Algorithms And Heuristics
Robotics
Secure Software Engineering

Coursework, Practical.