BSc (Hons) — 2026 entry Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, from healthcare and finance to entertainment, transportation and beyond. As this revolution accelerates, expertise in Computer Science and AI has become one of the most in-demand skillsets of the twenty-first century. This programme equips you to be at the forefront of this transformation.
2,495+ people have created a bespoke digital prospectus
Why choose
this course?
You’ll develop advanced competencies in computer science with a focus on large-scale system deployment, as well as in-depth knowledge of emerging technologies in Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and agentic AI.
Your studies will be enriched by Surrey’s 40 years of internationally acclaimed AI research, guided by world-leading academics who have shaped the future of the field. You’ll also learn from experts in cyber security to make large-scale systems secure and resilient.
Demand for graduates in this field is booming worldwide, offering diverse career opportunities. Surrey has an excellent record for graduate employability: 94 per cent of our computer science undergraduate students go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA).
Our award-winning Professional Training placements scheme also gives students industry experience and prepares them for roles in various sectors.
Statistics
UK top 10, world top 100
Ranked top 10 in the UK and top 100 in the world for computer science and engineering (ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, 2024)
£39K
Average starting salary for Surrey computer science graduates (Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA)
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What you will study
You will study the core principles of computer science in your first year, which is shared with other computer science programmes. In your second year, you’ll then begin to build your specialist AI knowledge, setting you up for an optional placement year. You will then accelerate your learning in AI through the study of the latest developments in AI in your third year of study.
- Learn core computer science principles, concepts necessary for industrial deployment including programming, algorithms, computer security, parallel computing
- Study advanced AI principles including GenAI, LLMs, computer vision, robotics, medical imaging, intelligent agents, and ethical AI systems
- Take on hands-on projects using GPU-powered Linux systems, enabling training and deployment of real-world AI models
- Participate in AI-based group projects with world leading researchers from CVSSP, NICE, and the Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI
- Use languages and tools such as Java, C++, SQL, Python, and AI libraries.
The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons)
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons) with placement
Please note: The full module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course is available in the relevant programme specification.
Teaching and learning
- Lectures
- Practical sessions
- Group work
- Online learning
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Independent study
AssessmentWe use a variety of methods to assess you, including:
- Coursework
- Projects
- Reports
- Examinations
- Lab tests
- Presentations.
General course information
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week. In later semesters, two weeks before the start of semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled on one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.
View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF) for more information.
Location
This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We use a variety of methods to assess you, including:
- Coursework
- Projects
- Reports
- Examinations
- Lab tests
- Presentations.
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week. In later semesters, two weeks before the start of semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled on one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.
View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF) for more information.
Location
This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
As a graduate from this course, you will have developed in-demand skills and knowledge, ready to launch a career in computer science, artificial intelligence, agentic AI, GenAI, LLMs , robotics and autonomous systems, and cybersecurity. Your degree will also provide a strong foundation for a career in AI ethics, policy, and law.
Recent graduate roles
Our recent Computer Science graduates have gone on to roles including:
- Forensic Data Analyst, PwC
- AI developer at RLB
- Data Engineering at Brevan Howard
- Junior AI Engineer at Fivium
- Data Engineer at Booksy
- Data Manager at Metropolitan Police
- Technology Associate, Morgan Stanley
- Technical Architecture Consultant, Accenture UK Ltd
- Co-founded an AI company called Neural River
- Analyst Programmer, Avco Systems Ltd
- Computer Programmer, Stanhope-Seta
- Software Developer, ID Business Solution
- Software Engineer, Xceptor
- Testing and Continuous Delivery Architecture, Vodafone.
Extensive teaching laboratories, plus networked Linux and Windows computer suites with 24-hour access, are available to all our students.
Max Carter
Graduate - Computer Science BSc (Hons)
Getting your foot in the door early is crucial. If securing work experience proves difficult, focus on developing interesting side projects—they can be just as impressive to potential employers!
Liliya Yankova
Student - Computer Science BSc (Hons)
"I fell in love with Surrey’s campus from images online, but nothing compares to seeing it first-hand. The moment I set foot here, felt the atmosphere and met some of my course mates, I knew I had made the right decision."
Learn more about the qualifications we typically accept to study this course at Surrey.
Typical offer
English language requirements
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
International Foundation Year
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements for this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information.
Contextual offers
Did you know eligible students receive support through their application to Surrey, which could include a grade reduction on offer?
Fees
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all undergraduate courses.
Payment schedule
- Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule.
- Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be on invoices. Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis, cannot pay fees by instalment.
- Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
Professional training placement fees
Professional Training placement year fees are approximately 20% of the full-time fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement.
Our award-winning Professional Training placement scheme gives you the chance to spend a year in industry, either in the UK or abroad.
We have thousands of placement providers to choose from, most of which offer pay. So, become one of our many students who have had their lives and career choices transformed.
Applying for placements
Students are generally not placed by the University. But we offer support and guidance throughout the process, with access to a vacancy site of placement opportunities.
Find out more about the application process.
Discover, develop and dive in
Find out how students at Surrey developed their skills in industry by undertaking a placement year.
Discover, develop and dive in
Find out how students at Surrey developed their skills in industry by undertaking a placement year.
Study and work abroad
Studying at Surrey opens a world of opportunity. Take advantage of our study and work abroad partnerships, explore the world, and expand your skills for the graduate job market.
The opportunities abroad vary depending on the course, but options include study exchanges, work/research placements, summer programmes, and recent graduate internships. Financial support is available through various grants and bursaries, as well as Student Finance.
Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With 140+ opportunities in 36+ different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone. Explore your options via our search tool and find out more about our current partner universities and organisations.
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
About the University of Surrey
Need more information?
Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions at offer stage and are shown again at registration. You will be asked to accept these terms and conditions when you accept the offer made to you.
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2025/26 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.
Subject to validation
This programme is subject to approval. This means that it has received initial agreement from the University and is currently undergoing a detailed final approval exercise, through the University’s quality assurance processes.
These processes are a requirement for all Higher Education Institutions within the UK, to ensure that programmes are of the highest standard. Occasionally there may be instances where the University may delay or not approve the introduction of the programme.