Develop a deep understanding of scientific and practical applications of programming and computation, including the fast-moving field of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
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

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.

Work placements

You will have the opportunity to arrange an optional year-long work placement between your second and third years. This gives you a real-world experience to prepare you for your future career by immersing yourself in the industry you have been learning about. 

You are supported by placement tutors and a placement team through the process of successfully securing a placement and then while on placement.

Live projects

All years of your study are designed with applied learning in mind using industry-based or inspired projects. These projects will challenge you to solve real-world problems, while developing team and project management skills. By working with real companies, you can test your interpersonal, time management and technical skills.

Students have often found placements as a result of being recognised for the excellent work they have done for these live projects with the host company.

Networking opportunities

Employers and industry practitioners are an influential part of the design, content and teaching of the course. The employability focus of the course is supported by the frequent involvement of employers and IT professionals alongside the live projects we provide.

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. During these sessions, you will build your understanding of how and when to use appropriate processes, tools, and technologies. For example, choosing the right machine learning approach to deliver an artificial intelligent solution given the training data available.

These fundamental skills will then be further developed by introducing you to real-world projects. As part of these projects, you will collaborate in small teams to produce software prototypes/projects introduced and inspired by industry. 

As part of your final year, you will create a significant software deliverable, guided by a dedicated project supervisor. During this individual project, you will 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

 

This course prepares you for the following careers

• artificial intelligence and machine learning
• computer-science related research and development
• software development and engineering
• mobile app development
• web development

 

UCAS points

• 112

This must include at least 64 points from two A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. For example:

• BBC at A Level.
• DMM in BTEC Extended Diploma.
• A combination of qualifications, which may include AS Levels, EPQ and general studies

You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.

GCSE

• English Language at grade C or 4
• Maths at grade B or 5

• Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 18 Level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

We welcome applications from people of any age. We may be flexible in our normal offer if you can show a commitment to succeed and have the relevant skills and experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.

Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.

Important notice:

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

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
Module	Credits	Assessment
Databases And The Web	20	Coursework
Fundamentals Of Mathematics And Computer Architectures	20	Coursework
Programming For Computer Science	20	Coursework
Software Projects	60	Coursework

 

 

Year 2 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Advanced Programming	20	Coursework
Algorithms And Data Structures	40	Coursework
Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning 1	20	Coursework
Professional Software Projects	40	Coursework

 

Year 3 Optional modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Placement Year

 

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning 2	20	Coursework
Development Project	40	Coursework Practical
Software Architecture And Design	40	Coursework

 

Elective modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Contemporary Software Engineering	20	Coursework
Machine Learning Algorithms And Heuristics	20	Coursework
Robotics	20	Coursework
Secure Software Engineering	20	Coursework