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BSc (Hons)

Computer Science – Artificial

Intelligence pathway
UCAS code G400

Entry requirements Study mode Duration

A level: AAA Full-time 3 years

Apply by: 29 January 2025

Starts on: 22 September 2025

About this course

From the underlying principles to the very edge of modern technology,
this programme will cover all aspects of Computer Science and ensure
that when you graduate you will know exactly what is and isn't possible
with computers.

Introduction
Study Computer Science at Liverpool and develop a deep understanding of the
technology that underpins much of modern life and society. Computer Science is a
great choice for those with a keen interest in computers, software and technology.
You’ll create functional applications as well as how to consistently iterate and
improve your work.

Computer Science is a broad area covering many topics. During the first year of this
course, we provide you with a strong foundation on the core elements of a Computer
Science degree. This includes programming, computer systems, data structures,
algorithms, and an introduction to artificial intelligence.

After learning core theory in year one, you can choose to maintain a balanced
mixture of modules throughout your degree and graduate with the degree title
Computer Science BSc (Hons). Or you can opt to develop specialist knowledge and
graduate with an alternative degree title, in selected areas of computer science by
choosing one of the following pathways:

Computer Science BSc (Hons) – Artificial Intelligence

pathway
This pathway is concerned with the knowledge and the construction of intelligent
entities. We will expose you to the many challenges found in modern AI, and in the
pragmatic acquisition and utilisation of knowledge and data for a variety of real-
world problems. You will explore concepts such as autonomous control and decision
making which are crucial for robotics and intelligent systems. Areas covered within
this specialism may include Advanced Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning and
Machine Learning, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Computer Vision, Knowledge
Representation, and Data Mining.

Computer Science BSc (Hons) – Algorithms and

Optimisation pathway
Many problems are highly complex and hard to solve even by a computer, requiring
solutions designed to exhibit predictable behaviours in terms of their computational
cost and data requirements. The Algorithms and Optimisation pathway is concerned
with the theoretical modelling of algorithms and their properties. It looks at how
complex tasks can be achieved more efficiently. Topics covered in this specialism
may include Algorithms, Theory of Computation, Computational Game Theory,
Optimisation, Big Data Analysis, Biocomputation, and Complex Information Networks.
Learn more about this pathway.

Computer Science BSc (Hons) – Cyber Security

pathway
In today’s digital world, cybersecurity has never been more crucial. Ranging from the
fundamentals of cryptography to mastering network security, this pathway equips
students with the skills needed to tackle real-world challenges in protecting sensitive
information and systems from cyber threats. Topics covered in this specialism may
include Cyber Security, Computer Forensics, Computer Networks and Network
Security, Formal Methods, and Robot Perception and Manipulation. Learn more about
this pathway.

Computer Science BSc (Hons) – Data Science

pathway
With our ever-increasing volume of data, it is essential that we can exploit the right
theories and tools to extract meaningful knowledge. Within the Data Science pathway,
you will learn to understand data and elicit usable knowledge. The specialism teaches
students the necessary skills to analyse, discover and apply the knowledge from
larger repositories and data sources. This specialism investigates the extraction of
novel knowledge and insight from different types of data. Topics in this pathway may
include Big Data Analysis, Machine Learning and Data Mining, Databases and
Knowledge Bases, Knowledge-based Systems, High-Performance Computing,
Knowledge Graphs and Web-Scale Ontologies, Image Processing, and Neural
Networks. Learn more about this pathway.

Our Computer Science BSc programme and pathways are accredited by the British
Computer Society which means that the course is continually updated and adapted
to reflect new technologies and emerging trends.

What you'll learn

Programming in Java

Understanding different computer systems

Building and structuring databases

Fundamentals of software engineering

Algorithmic foundations
Complexity of algorithms and decision

Computation and language

Uses and possibilities of biocomputation

Introduction of Computation Game Theory

Complex social networks

Accreditation
Accredited by BCS, so opens up a wide variety of career opportunities with excellent
employment prospects.

Accreditation in detail
BCS

The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic
requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

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Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught
and assessed.

Year one

In year one you will learn the fundamentals of Computer Science. Starting with an
introduction to procedural programming using commonly found language platforms,
you’ll move on to learn about the importance of hardware and software components
within the operation of computer systems, formal analytic techniques and the
development of artificial intelligence.

In year one students will typically undertake either COMP101 (Introduction to

Programming) or COMP105 (Programming Language Paradigms) based on prior
exposure to programming (eg Computer Science A level). Students without a
background will normally study COMP101, however in some instances may be
permitted to enrol on COMP105 instead.

All other year one modules are required.

Modules

Compulsory modules Credits

ANALYTIC TECHNIQUES FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE (COMP116) 15

COMPUTER SYSTEMS (COMP124) 15

DATA STRUCTURES AND ALGORITHMS (COMP108) 15

DESIGNING SYSTEMS FOR THE DIGITAL SOCIETY (COMP107) 15

FOUNDATIONS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE (COMP109) 15

INTRODUCTION TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (COMP111) 15

 Compulsory modules Credits

OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING (COMP122) 15

Optional modules Credits

INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING (COMP101) 15

PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE PARADIGMS (COMP105) 15

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Year two

In year two you will expand your knowledge of key concepts and skills related to
software development and database development. You will also begin to choose
which wider elements of computer science you want to engage with such as cyber
security, computer-based trading in financial markets and principles of computer
game design.

Choose at least 15 credits from the following optional modules to follow the Artificial
Intelligence pathway:

Introduction to Theory of Computation (COMP218)

Introduction to Data Science (COMP229)

Principles of Computer Games Design and Implementation (COMP222).

Modules

Compulsory modules Credits

COMPLEXITY OF ALGORITHMS (COMP202) 15

DATABASE DEVELOPMENT (COMP207) 15

 Compulsory modules Credits

GROUP SOFTWARE PROJECT (COMP208) 15

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING I (COMP201) 15

Optional modules Credits

INTRODUCTION TO THEORY OF COMPUTATION (COMP218) 15

INTRODUCTION TO DATA SCIENCE (COMP229) 15

PRINCIPLES OF COMPUTER GAMES DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION 15

(COMP222)

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Year three

Year three is where you will start to build on what you’ve learnt to far with your own
research and exploration by undertaking an individual project. Whilst guided, you will
work independently to explore a substantial computer science problem in depth,
making use of the principles, techniques and methodologies acquired elsewhere in
the programme.

Choose at least 60 credits from the following optional modules to follow the Artificial
Intelligence pathway:

Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (COMP304)

Biocomputation (COMP305)

Autonomous Mobile Robotics (COMP329)

Computer Vision (COMP338)

Multi-Agent Systems (COMP310)

Formal Methods (COMP313)

Ontologies and Semantic Web (COMP318)

 Data Mining and Visualisation (COMP337)
Robot Perception and Manipulation (COMP341).

Modules

Compulsory modules Credits

HONOURS YEAR COMPUTER SCIENCE PROJECT (COMP390) 30

Optional modules Credits

KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION AND REASONING (COMP304) 15

BIOCOMPUTATION (COMP305) 15

AUTONOMOUS MOBILE ROBOTICS (COMP329) 15

COMPUTER VISION (COMP338) 15

MULTI-AGENT SYSTEMS (COMP310) 15

FORMAL METHODS (COMP313) 15

ONTOLOGIES AND SEMANTIC WEB (COMP318) 15

DATA MINING AND VISUALISATION (COMP337) 15

ROBOT PERCEPTION AND MANIPULATION (COMP341) 15

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Teaching and assessment

How you'll learn

Teaching is a mix of formal lectures, small group tutorials and supervised laboratory-
based practical sessions. Students also undertake individual and group projects. Key
problem solving skills and employability skills, like presentation and teamwork skills,
are developed throughout the programme.

How you're assessed

The main modes of assessment are through a combination of coursework and
examination, but depending on the modules taken you may encounter project work,
presentations (individual or group), and specific tests/tasks focused on solidifying
learning outcomes.

Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework,
which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic
assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident
global citizens.

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education.
Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and
understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

Digital fluency

Confidence

Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

Research-connected teaching

Active learning

Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing
a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

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Careers and employability
Liverpool’s computer science graduates go onto well-paid graduate jobs
and careers such as: computer programmer; software developer;
systems analyst; software engineer; technical consultant; web designer.
Computer science graduates will enter a high-in-demand pool in the field with
possible roles in:

computer programmers, web developers, or software engineers

data scientists

artificial intelligence researchers

systems analysts
technical consultants.

Recent employers include:

BAE Systems
BT

Guardian Media Group

Royal Bank of Scotland

Siemens
Unilever

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Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic

of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year in industry fee - £1,905
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)

International fees
Full-time place, per year - £29,900
Year in industry fee - £1,905
Year abroad fee - £14,950 (applies to year in China)

Fees are for academic year 2025/26.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating
facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and
personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.

Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to
make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your
tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

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Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

AAA incl. A-level Maths or Computer Science. BTEC D*D*D* plus A-level Maths or
Computer Science. If A-level Maths isn’t taken, require GCSE Maths Grade A (7)
or above.

A levels

AAA including Maths or Computer Science

Narrowly missed the entry requirements on results day? If you've studied these
subjects, we may take them into account:

A level Mathematics or Computer Science required. If A level Maths is not taken,

GCSE Maths Grade B (6) or above is required AND the Applicant will be required to
take the Indicative Maths test and pass, before receiving an offer.

Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a
reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is AAB with A in the EPQ.

You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our
contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may
automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements
needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as
where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have
to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work.

Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.

If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to complete a
foundation year which would allow you to progress to this course.

Available foundation years:

Computer Science (Foundation) (4 year route with Carmel College) BSc

(Hons)

T levels

T levels are not currently accepted.

GCSE
4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics

Subject requirements

For applicants from England: For science A levels that include the separately
graded practical endorsement, a "Pass" is required.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

Acceptable at grade Distinction* (any subject) alongside AA at A level. A Levels

must include Mathematics or Computer Science.

BTEC Level 3 Diploma

BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: Acceptable at grade Distinction* Distinction (any

subject) alongside A at A level (including Mathematics or Computer Science).

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: D*D*D* plus A level Maths or Computer
Science. If A level Maths isn’t taken, require GCSE Maths Grade A (7) or above.

International Baccalaureate

36 overall including 5 in Higher Level Mathematics or Computer Science.

Irish Leaving Certificate

H1,H1,H2,H2,H2, H2 including H2 in Higher Maths or Computer Science. We also

require a minimum of H6 in Higher English, or O3 in Ordinary English and Ordinary
Maths (plus indicative Maths test).

Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

Scottish Advanced Higher acceptable on the same basis as A levels

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

Welsh Bacc: Acceptable at grade A alongside AA at A level including Maths or

Computer Science.
 Cambridge Pre-U Diploma

Principal subjects acceptable in lieu of A levels. D3 in Cambridge Pre U Principal

Subject is accepted as equivalent to A-Level grade A M2 in Cambridge Pre U
Principal Subject is accepted as equivalent to A-Level grade B Global Perspectives
and Short Courses are not accepted.

Access

Considered if taking a relevant subject. 45 Level 3 credits at Distinction, including

15 Level 3 credits in Mathematical or Computer Science subjects is required. GCSE
English and Mathematics grade C/grade 4 or above also required.

International qualifications

Select your country or region to view specific entry requirements.

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry
requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on
campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with
Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for
postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level
with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool
master’s degree.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re
from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-

specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English
language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the
required level.
IELTS

6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5

TOEFL iBT

78 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking
19. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.

TOEFL Paper

Grade 6 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level

Duolingo English Test

115 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not
below 100

Pearson PTE Academic

59 overall, with no component below 59

LanguageCert Academic

65 overall, with no skill below 60

Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500

Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking

and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.

Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990

Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening

Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511

0510: Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be

separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade C overall.

Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991

 0993: Grade 5 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be
separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 5 overall.

Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced

169 overall, with no paper below 162

LanguageCert

Grade 4 at Standard Level or grade 4 at Higher Level

Pre-sessional English
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language
requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current
level of English language ability.

Pre-sessional English in detail

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent
IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to
determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current
English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS Pre-sessional English On campus or online

score course length

5.5 overall, with no 6 weeks On campus

component below 5.5

5.5 overall, with no 10 weeks On campus and online

component below 5.0 options available
 Your most recent IELTS Pre-sessional English On campus or online
score course length

5.0 overall, with no 12 weeks On campus and online

component below 5.0 options available

5.0 overall, with no 20 weeks On campus

component below 4.5

4.5 overall, with no 30 weeks On campus

component below 4.5

4.0 overall, with no 40 weeks On campus

component below 4.0

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to

use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional
English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.0 overall,
with no component below 5.5, for further details.

Alternative entry requirements

If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of
qualifications, contact us for advice

Applications from mature students are welcome.

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