Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence with Industrial Year

Develop in-demand computing and artificial intelligence expertise and graduate industry-ready with our BSc Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence with Industrial Year degree.

Be at the forefront of a rapidly changing world. From climate modelling to health diagnostics to advanced financial forecasting, AI is transforming every aspect of how we live, work, and connect.

Our BSc Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence with Industrial Year course provides the skills and knowledge to design, build, and deliver intelligent systems that solve complex problems across multiple industries.

There’s currently a worldwide shortage of skilled AI practitioners. During your degree, you'll develop essential AI and digital skills that promote innovation and drive economic growth, in line with the UK government's National AI Strategy.

The University of Reading sits at the heart of the Thames Valley, a major UK tech hub that currently boasts more than 150 companies and start-ups working in the AI sector.

Choose BSc Computer Science with AI at the University of Reading:
Reading ranks 2nd in The Data City’s list of UK AI hotspots (2023).
Reading has the fourth-highest number of digital tech organisations in the UK ("UK’s Top Digital Tech Cities", March 2020, The Data City).
100% of our research impact has been classed as outstanding or very considerable (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions Computer Science and Informatics).
Joint 30th in the world in the QS Sustainability Ranking 2026 (out of 2,002 institutions).

What you'll learn
Your learning will follow a practice-based approach and will reflect tech industry trends, challenges and priorities. You’ll specialise in AI technologies from the start of your degree while still gaining a broad foundation in computer science.

AI topics include:


- foundations of artificial intelligence


- machine learning algorithms and techniques


- deep learning architectures and methods


- natural language processing (NLP)


- cognitive and agentic systems


- reasoning and decision-making algorithms


- ethical, responsible and trustworthy AI


- computer vision


- intelligent data analytics.


As a well-rounded AI practitioner in any industry, you‘ll need a solid grounding in computer science and information technology. Alongside specialist AI topics, you’ll also explore:


- software engineering and systems development


- database systems


- computer networking


- blockchain computing and security.


Plus, you'll get to grips with several universal programming/scripting languages for algorithmic and computational problem-solving, including Python and Java.

Industrial Year placement
This degree includes the opportunity to apply for a one-year, paid work placement in industry, taken between your second and final year. It offers a valuable opportunity to deepen your knowledge and skills, explore career options and build your professional network.

Over the years, we have built up relationships with major companies across the industry, many of which have their UK or European headquarters in the local area. Computer science students have previously undertaken placements with a range of multinational, national and local companies, including:


• CGI



• Eli Lilly



• Indivior



• Microsoft



• Virgin Media O2.



They have occupied a number of roles, including:


• Data Analyst



• Intern Cloud Developer



• Cyber Response Business Analyst



• Design and Development Engineer



• Information Security.

There are many reasons to choose the University of Reading. Join a diverse and supportive community where lecturers inspire you with their discoveries and guide you in making your own. Reading’s award-winning parkland campus offers the spaces you need to make the most of your student life.

The University of Reading is a research-intensive university. It works with governments, international agencies and charities to tackle the biggest problems facing the world today, such as climate change, heart disease, and international conflict.

Named The Sustainable University of The Year, 2025, Reading launched one of the UK's largest ever undergraduate scholarship schemes, designed to develop future Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarships. The scholarship offers £6000 per year towards living expenses and will be available to those entering Clearing that meet the criteria. With over 150 clubs and societies, Reading knows how important life is beyond your studies and with the student union's in the heart of the campus, making the University of Reading your first call in Clearing will be one of the best decisions you ever made.