Overview
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how we live, work, and connect. Businesses need people who understand how to use data and AI. The number of UK AI companies has increased by 688% over the last 10 years ( Global Legal Insights). The Office for National Statistics estimates that AI-related jobs in the UK could increase by 139% by 2030. This will create thousands of new opportunities for skilled professionals in the field.
Become an in-demand professional by studying our Data Science and Artificial Intelligence degree.
Get equipped with cutting-edge data science and AI skills
Gain knowledge and hands-on experience in computing and data science technologies, with an emphasis on the uses of AI. You’ll study:
- Coding and scripting in languages such as Python, PHP and Java
- Machine learning
- Database technologies (SQL, NoSQL)
- Data structure, objects and algorithms
- AI for Computer vision and natural language processing
- Generative AI
- Data strategy
- Distributed data science systems
In your final year, you’ll develop a software application of your choice from initial requirements to final delivery.
Be prepared for the world of work
Get hands-on experience in data science and AI by undertaking a three-month summer industrial placement. It’s a great way to apply the knowledge you’ve gained in the classroom in a commercial context. Your placement could be with local or national companies. Our placements, internships and industry liaison give you great networking opportunities. We have links with organisations including:
- Accenture
- GE Digital
- Honeywell/Resideo
- JP Morgan
- Google DeepMind
- Secure Nexus
- Scottish Government
As part of our degree in data science and AI you can take a module covering professional skills for students. It prepares you for placement applications and job applications on graduation. You’ll work on a career development action plan. You’ll develop your CV and professional social network profile.
You’ll also practice elevator pitches and other interview skills. Iindustry representatives will explain what they are looking for in their future recruits.
Broaden your horizons
Experience what it’s like to learn in an international environment. Gain a fresh perspective on your studies, build your international network and enhance your career opportunities. Study abroad at universities across North America, Australia, and Europe. Previous students have studied at:
- San Diego State University, USA
- University of Alabama, Birmingham, USA
- City University of Hong Kong
- Simon Fraser University, Canada
- Otto-Friedrich University Bamberg, Germany
Top reasons to study with us
Entry requirements
Year 1 entry – Four-year honours
SQA Highers
ABBB
GCE A-levels
BBB
IB Diploma
28 points
BTEC (Level 3)
DDM
Year 2 entry – Three-year honours
SQA Advanced Highers
ABB
GCE A-levels
ABB
IB Diploma
32 points
Essential subjects
Subjects to include Computing and relevant experience of Java or other programming languages.
Other Scottish qualifications
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP access course - for mature students only.
Email our Admissions Team on admissions@stir.ac.uk for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
Other qualifications
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above.
Email our Admissions Team on admissions@stir.ac.uk for advice about other access courses
International entry requirements
Advanced entry
Year 2 and Year 3 entry
Entry into Year 2 or Year 3 may be possible depending on your HNC/HND course. To find out more go to our articulation pages.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the routes available.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 80 overall with a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening and 20 in speaking.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
In all four years students need to complete 120 credits comprising of compulsory and optional modules.
Modules
Course details
Teaching
In the most recent National Student Survey (2022) Computing Science at Stirling was ranked 3rd in Scotland, and top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction. Computing Science at Stirling also ranked top 10 in the UK and 3rd in Scotland in the 2022 Guardian University Guide. Furthermore, the University of Stirling was awarded five-star excellence for teaching in the QS Stars University Ratings 2024.
Our teaching makes use of both our campus-based teaching facilities and online learning environment. You’ll learn about Data Science through lectures, small tutorial groups and most of all through practical labs, where concepts taught in lectures are implemented and tested.
Computing Science at Stirling is part of the Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance (SICSA) Scotland-wide pooling initiative in research and knowledge exchange, as well as The DataLab, Scotland's Innovation Centre for data and AI.
Our research-led teaching is at the core of your learning as our staff conduct world-leading research. Our staff are engaged with funded research from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), as well as funding from other UK Research Councils and funding agencies.
Assessment
Our BSc (Hons) Data Science and Artificial Intelligence degree is taught as a very practical subject, and almost all modules include practical assignments. Typically, these count for 50 percent of the assessment grade per module, with the remainder given to the exam. For an Honours degree, the grades for all advanced modules taken in Semesters 5 – 8 are combined to give your final degree classification.
Work placement opportunities
We help our students to build strong links with industry through three-month summer placements and one-year placements. Both of these are offered to third year students. Placements are available with local SMEs as well as large corporates.
Our Careers Service can help you secure placements and offer the support and advice you need to plan your career, develop your employability, or think about further study.
Study abroad
You can study abroad through our well-established connections with North American, Australian and European universities.
Contact
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
Scottish students
This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.
Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, if you are domiciled in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on your behalf.
You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
We also offer additional funding for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities section below for more information.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy and terms and conditions.
International students (including EU)
Eligible students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. See our range of generous scholarships for international undergraduate students.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Funding
See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.
Students from Scotland
Find funding opportunities for Scottish students.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
Eligible students will receive our Stirling Success Scholarship which is worth £5,000.
International students
Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. Find funding opportunities for international students.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
Artificial Intelligence is significantly transforming the job landscape. Data professionals are no longer seen as optional, they’re essential (LinkedIn August 2025).
AI and data science graduates can find employment in a range of industry sectors including finance, transport, food, and local government. You can pursue a career in a variety of specialised roles, including:
- AI Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) Engineer
- AI Ethics and Data Privacy Lead
