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Course type: Degree

Degree

Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.

Internationally respected, universally understood.

An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.

Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.

Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits: 360

Credits

Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.

One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.

You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.

For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Entry requirements: Find out more about; Entry requirements

BSc (Honours) Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence

: Course code: R88

Our BSc (Honours) in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence combines foundational computer science principles with specialised coursework in AI. This computer science degree delves into algorithms, data structures, and programming languages while exploring advanced AI topics such as machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing. Through hands-on projects, you’ll gain practical experience in problem-solving, data analysis, and AI development. You’ll also gain insight into how AI technologies are created, utilised, and integrated into various industries, preparing you for careers in artificial intelligence and data science or further academic pursuits.

Key features

Course details

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

How you'll study

Careers

Learn about the latest developments in artificial intelligence
Develop programming, computing and mathematical skills
Acquire transferable skills applicable to computing and AI professions
Gain hands-on experience through projects and practical applications of AI technologies

Course type

Degree

Credits

360

How long it takes

Part-time study – 6 years*

Full-time study – N/A*

Time limit – 16 years

*See How much time do I need?

Study method

Distance learning

Entry requirements

Find out more about Entry requirements

Ask a question

This computer science with AI degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

In Stage 1, you’ll study four 30-credit modules covering computing fundamentals, essential maths, programming, and web technologies.
In Stage 2, you’ll study four 30-credit modules covering further programming, applied mathematics and machine learning.
In Stage 3, you’ll study three 30-credit modules covering further machine learning, AI and ethics and complete a 30-credit project module.

You’ll study four 30-credit modules covering computing fundamentals, essential maths, programming, and web technologies.

Stage 1 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll study all four of the following:
Computing fundamentals 1 (TM110) – planned for April 2026	30
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30
Computing fundamentals 2 (TM113) – planned for October 2026	30
Technologies in practice (TM129)	30

You’ll study four 30-credit modules covering further programming, applied mathematics and machine learning.

Stage 2 modules
Modules	Credits
You’ll study all four of the following:
Programming and software engineering (TM253) – planned for October 2027	30
Practical modern statistics (M249)	30
Introduction to machine learning and artificial intelligence (TM258) – planned for February 2028	30
Algorithms, data structures and computability (M269)	30

You’ll study three 30-credit modules covering further machine learning, AI and ethics. and complete a 30-credit project module.

Stage 3 modules
Modules	Credits
You’ll study all four of the following:
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (TM358)	30
Artificial intelligence in practice (TM343) – planned for October 2028	30
Investigating intelligence and ethics (TM342) – planned for February 2029	30
The computing and IT project (TM470)	30

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 27 August 2024.

Accessibility

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our BSc (Honours) Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills
Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, and examinations
Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
Finding external/third-party material online
Accessing online catalogues and databases
Specialist software
Mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
Online tutorials
Group-work
Practical work

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions.

Visit our Disability support page to learn about our services.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding
Cognitive skills
Practical and professional skills
Key skills

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our BSc (Honours) Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence.

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you’ll need to succeed. If you’re not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re ready for study success

Stage 1 includes a mathematics module Essential mathematics (MST124). Check you’re ready for this module with the resource below:

Are you ready for MST124?

How much time do I need?

Most of our students study part-time, completing 60 credits a year.
This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

You can complete your studies in six years part-time. However, your last module (TM470) ends in September, so you’ll receive your final results in December rather than June/July. You should consider this if you’re planning further study and wish to use your BSc (Honours) Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence as an entry qualification.

It’s not yet possible to study this qualification at full-time equivalent intensity as the Stage 1 module TM113 is in production. You can study at full-time equivalent intensity (120 credits per year) from October 2026.

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
support from a dedicated team throughout your study
detailed written feedback on your work.

The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Science, technology and maths Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics. It’ll help develop your study skills in advance of your OU qualification, and you get to explore a number of STEM subjects including science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.

View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module

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2025/26 fees and funding information will be available in March 2025, when this qualification opens for registration.

How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
details of each assignment and their due dates
a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

Tutor support

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
guide you to learning resources
support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
If a module has an in-person exam (that you must take at one of our exam centres) or is invigilated online, we’ll make this clear in the module description.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.
Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
free Microsoft Office 365 software
IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Skills for career development

This degree will benefit you whether you already work with computing and AI solutions or aspire to enter the field. You’ll gain a sound grasp of hardware, software, and systems-based technologies, preparing you for employment in software engineering, communications, and the AI industry. You’ll develop transferable skills such as numeracy, problem-solving, teamwork, time management, employability, and sustainability awareness.

Career relevance

The digital sector must meet the need for skills in Computing and AI. Graduates are in demand by providers (such as software houses), and the range of organisations employing computing and IT graduates is extensive. It includes:

broadcast media
digital media
financial services
healthcare
leisure and gaming
retail
manufacturing
public sector organisations
telecommunications
tourism
transport.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training or work experience beyond your degree):

AI developer
data analyst
data engineer
data scientist
software engineer.

Thinking of studying this course?

This new course opens for registration in March 2025. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.

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