BSc Artificial Intelligence (Defence)
| UCAS code | GG28 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2027 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A levels: AAA - AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABB-BBB* |
Why study BSc Artificial Intelligence (Defence) at Exeter?
- Learn about Artificial Intelligence and its applications in the UK defence sector, exploring how different organisations leverage computing technology to support national defence and security.
- Gain practical experience through defence-relevant teaching, industry projects, hackathons, guest lectures, placements and employer-led activity.
- Benefit from £6.4 million investment in specialist AR, VR, XR and sensor computer labs.
- Combine core computer science with specialist AI topics such as machine learning, data science, computer vision, and natural language processing
- Develop the technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills required to design, implement, and evaluate AI systems through hands-on laboratory sessions and projects.
- Expand your network through our excellent teaching links with defence technology-related industry partners such as DSTL, Babcock, Leonardo, BMT, and the Met Office.
Discover Computer Science at the University of Exeter.
Top 20 in the UK for Computer Science
Partner to the Alan Turing Institute
Top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects
Joint 9th for graduate prospects for Computer Science in the Complete University Guide 2027
Advanced cloud computing infrastructure supporting complex AI model development
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAA - AAB | GCE A-Level Maths grade B. Applicants may offer A-Level Maths, Pure Maths or Further Maths. |
| IB | 36/666-34/665 | HL 5 in Mathematics (Analysis and approaches or Applications and interpretations) |
| BTEC | DDD | Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma are also required to achieve a grade B at A-Level in Mathematics |
| GCSE | 4 or C | Grade 4 or C in GCSE English Language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade. | 12 L3 credits at Merit Grade in an acceptable Mathematics subject area |
| T-Level | T-Levels not accepted | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: ABB-BBB* |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B1. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
This programme is only open to British citizens who qualify as a UK (Home) student for fee purposes.
For further information about eligibility, please contact us.
Course content
This BSc Artificial Intelligence course will enable you to develop the capabilities that are increasingly required across the modern defence sector, and which support defence applications including autonomous systems, decision-support tools, cyber capability and digitally enabled command environments.
You will study a broad and deep programme in artificial intelligence, combining core computer science with specialist AI topics such as machine learning, data science, computer vision, language models and agents. Through hands-on labs, projects, and research-led teaching, you will develop the technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills required to design, implement, and evaluate AI systems.
You will also explore the social, ethical, and professional implications of AI technologies, preparing you for careers in industry, research, or further study. Collaborative projects and optional specialisation modules allow you to tailor your learning to your interests and career goals.
Delivered in collaboration with the defence industry
You will learn about the structure of the UK defence sector, exploring how different organisations (governmental and commercial) collaborate and leverage computing technology to support national defence and security.
Defence-related employers will support student projects, placements, guest teaching, hackathons, and career engagement, strengthening the pipeline of graduates with skills relevant to defence, security and advanced technology sectors.
Modules
You may notice changes to some of our modules over the coming months. This is because we are making space for the following:
- Minors: Future Skills Pathways - Alongside your main degree you may be eligible (depending on your course) to choose modules from another subject to broaden your skills and interests.
- Skills to Thrive built into every degree - Essential skills for your future, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork and digital confidence.
- Increased innovation and wellbeing - More room for creative learning, real-world projects and a healthier study rhythm.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
120 credits of compulsory modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Fundamentals of Machine Learning | 15 | |
| Defence and Security | 15 | |
| Programming | 15 | |
| Object-Oriented Programming | 15 | |
| Computers and the Internet | 15 | |
| Data Structures and Algorithms | 15 | |
| Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science | 15 | |
| Computational Mathematics | 15 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Machine Learning and Data Science | 15 | |
| Introduction to Prompt Engineering | 15 | |
| Team Project | 15 | |
| Software Development | 15 | |
| Database Theory and Design | 15 | |
| Artificial Intelligence and Applications | 15 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Computational Intelligence | 15 | |
| Programming for Prompt Engineering | 15 | |
| Data Science in Society | 15 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
45 credits of compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Individual Literature Review and Project | 45 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Data Science at Scale | 15 | |
| Computer Vision | 15 | |
| Social Networks and Text Analysis | 15 | |
| Probabilistic Machine Learning | 15 | |
| Foundations of Human-Centred AI | 15 | |
| Digital Twins and Simulation | 15 | |
| Geospatial AI | 15 | |
| Immersive Computing | 15 | |
| Edge Computing | 15 | |
| Nature-Inspired Computation | 15 | |
| Computability and Complexity | 15 | |
| Algorithms that Changed the World | 15 | |
| High-Performance Computing | 15 | |
£6.4 million investment to expand computing and defence-related skills
The University of Exeter has secured £6.4 million in Government funding to expand computer science and advanced engineering education, supporting the development of the next generation of highly skilled graduates needed by the UK’s defence, security and technology sectors.
It will support opportunities for students to develop skills in areas critical to the UK’s future prosperity, resilience and security, including advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, digital technology, energy, healthcare, transport, security and defence.
Our new, defence-focused computer science degree pathways include enhanced practical teaching and stronger employer engagement within the defence sector.
AR, VR, XR and sensor labs
Learning and teaching will be supported through two new computer science laboratories, one of which focuses on augmented, virtual and extended reality (AR/VR/XR) while the other provides access to sensor and edge computing technologies. These facilities will support hands-on teaching and access to specialist practical learning aligned with emerging defence technologies.
Delivered in collaboration with the defence industry
The new defence-focused computing pathways will be delivered with defence employers, industry partners, and education providers. Employers will support student projects, placements, guest teaching, hackathons, and career engagement, strengthening the pipeline of graduates with skills relevant to defence, security and advanced technology sectors.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
UK students: £9,790 per year
This programme is only open to British citizens who qualify as a UK (Home) student for fee purposes.
For further information about eligibility, please contact us.
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. Financial support is available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details.
Learning and teaching
Lectures, seminars and workshops
We make use of a variety of teaching styles, including lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. Most modules involve two or three lectures per week, so you would typically have about 10 lectures each week. In addition, workshops and tutorials support and develop what you’ve learnt in lectures and enable you to discuss the lecture material and coursework in more detail.
You’ll have over 15 hours of direct contact time per week with your tutors and you will be expected to supplement your lectures with independent study. You should expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time.
Transferable skills
You will develop transferable skills such as:
- machine learning
- software engineering
- data handling
- management and communication skills
- problem solving
- decision making
- and research methodology.
Many of these will be addressed within an industrial and commercial context.
Assessment
Modules are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment through small practical exercises, project work, practical development tasks, report writing, presentations and exam.
Virtual learning environment
We’re actively engaged in introducing new methods of learning and teaching, including increasing use of interactive computer-based approaches to learning through our virtual learning environment, where the details of all modules are stored in an easily navigable website. You can access detailed information about modules and learning outcomes and interact through activities such as the discussion forums.
Employer engagement
Employers will support student projects, placements, guest teaching, hackathons, and career engagement, to help you develop skills relevant to defence, security and advanced technology sectors.
Supportive community
We aim to provide a supportive environment where students and staff work together in an informal and friendly atmosphere. The department has a student-focused approach to teaching, whereby all members of staff deal with questions on an individual basis. It is easy to consult individual members of staff or to fix appointments with them via email. As a friendly group of staff, you will get to know us well during your time here.
A research and practice led culture
We believe every student benefits from being taught by experts active in research and practice. You will discuss the very latest ideas, research discoveries and new technologies in seminars and in the field and you will become actively involved in a research project yourself. All our academic staff are active in internationally-recognised scientific research across a wide range of topics. You will also be taught by leading industry practitioners.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Minors: Future Skills Pathways
You can study a Future Skills Pathway alongside your main degree by choosing up to 30 credits of modules from a different subject area in your second and final years.
World-class facilities
Our latest computing facilities are world-class spacious teaching labs allowing comfortable, collaborative working in a sensory-friendly environment.
Your future
Develop skills for the defence industry
BSc Artificial Intelligence (Defence) develops the skills and understanding required to master AI by working with defence-related employers in government and industry. You will gain expertise in areas including machine learning, language models, computer vision, data analysis, distributed systems, and sensing technologies.
These capabilities support defence applications including autonomous systems, decision-support tools, cyber capability and digitally enabled command environments.
Wider career opportunities for artificial intelligence graduates are limitless. Artificial intelligence specialists are among the most sought-after professionals worldwide, and Exeter graduates are in the UK’s top 10 for being targeted by leading employers. With skills spanning machine learning, robotics, computer vision, data science, and AI ethics, you’ll be prepared for careers in industries such as healthcare, finance, logistics, sustainability, robotics, and beyond – placing you at the forefront of technology transforming society.
Engage with defence employers
Industry engagement ensures that course content remains aligned with defence sector requirements while also developing the core technical and organisational skills required for all sectors. Defence partners contribute to teaching through guest lectures, collaborative projects and industry-informed modules - helping you to gain valuable sector understanding, as well as developing your career network.
Demand from defence employers demonstrates the relevance of this course. Defence companies including Babcock, Northrop Grumman, Leonardo, MBDA, Supacat, Synoptix and FNC, as well as a range of SMEs, engage with Exeter through careers activity and graduate recruitment pipelines.
Over the past 12 months* more than forty defence organisations have advertised opportunities or participated in employer engagement activity with University of Exeter students.
Career paths
The broad-based skills acquired during your degree will also give you an excellent grounding for a wide variety of careers, not only those related to the defence sector but those in wider fields too.
Examples of potential roles include:
- AI Research Scientist
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Robotics Engineer
- AI Solutions Architect.
Careers and employability support
Our staff are active in developing our programmes and services to improve the employability of our students. We also have a dedicated Careers Consultant who provides career workshops tailored to computer science, as well as support in job applications and interview skills.
The Career Zone run several careers fairs throughout the year which are particularly successful in putting major UK employers in touch with Exeter students. Relevant employers visit the department from the first year to meet and hold mock interviews with students, helping you to develop your career ideas at an early enough stage to help with module choices and placement decisions.
*2025/26
