Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence BSc
3-4 years
A strong foundation in mathematical knowledge and technical skills is essential for the development of modern Artificial Intelligence systems. This course will equip you to work in this exciting field.
Course information
Typical offer AAB-ABB
UK fee £9,250
UCAS code G108
International fee £22,600
Institute code L34
Taught by Mathematical Sciences
Course description
Course description
Large and growing streams of data are ubiquitous in modern society and form the backbone of modern healthcare, public safety, services and science. Sustained functioning and progress in these essential areas depend on the ability to extract and process information from large and growing data. Since processing overwhelmingly large volumes of data can no longer be accomplished by humans alone, we must rely on Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems built on state-of-the-art machine learning and data analytics technologies.
AI systems have evolved dramatically in recent years; from being the subject of academic research with only focused and highly specialised practical uses, to the level of commonly accepted and widely-used technology. Industrial giants such as Google, Amazon, IBM and Microsoft have already embraced the new technology and are offering a broad and rapidly expanding range of AI-based services, including intelligent image and sound processing and recognition. Maintaining and developing these services in the years to come will require a significant pool of suitably educated expertise.
The BSc in Mathematics and AI addresses these market needs by offering a prestigious training programme aimed at delivering AI graduates with a solid background in mathematics, modelling, computational and digital skills. The University of Leicester has a strong teaching and research track record in these areas, with academic staff in Mathematics and Informatics producing high-quality research in collaboration with leading industries.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
- A/AS-levels: AAB-ABB including Maths. An A-level in Computer Science is desirable. Two AS-levels considered in place of one A-level
- EPQ with A-levels: ABB-BBB + EPQ at grade B. A-level subjects to include Maths
- Access to HE Diploma: Pass relevant diploma with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Distinction. To include 15 credits at Distinction in Maths Level 3 modules. Plus grade A-B in Maths A-level. We may consider substantial Level 3 Maths Access credits in place of A-level Maths. Please contact Admissions regarding eligibility
- International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 30 points including 5 points in Maths at HL
- BTEC Nationals: Pass Extended Diploma with DDM plus A-level Maths at Grade A-B. Please contact Admissions regarding eligibility
Other national and international qualifications considered.
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course, you can apply for:
- International Foundation Year – Engineering and Technology run by the Global Study Centre. This course is for international students whose academic and/or English results fall just below those required for direct entry to year one of the degree.
- Mathematics with Foundation Year BSc run by the School of Mathematics and Actuarial Science. This course is for all students whose academic and/or English results fall just below those required for direct entry to year one of the degree.
Second year entry may be possible with suitable qualifications.
Selection Process
When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the course and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors including previous exam results.
Applicants are not normally interviewed. If you receive an offer you will be invited to visit the School.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
Fees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in 2023
- £9,250 in your first year. Tuition fees are subject to government regulations and may change in future years
- Year in Industry: your fee will be 15% of the full-time tuition fee that applies in that year
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Additional costs
- Please note that you will need to buy a Casio FX83GT calculator (approximately £6). This is not included in your tuition fee.
International Students
Starting in 2023
- £22,600 per year
- Year Abroad: £5,650 which is 25% of the full-time tuition fee
- Year in Industry: £3,390 which is 15% of the full-time tuition fee
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
From 2022 onwards, EU nationals will pay the International fee. If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Additional costs
- Please note that you will need to buy a Casio FX83GT calculator (approximately £6). This is not included in your tuition fee.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
Mathematicians are highly employable across all sectors. This is due to both their technical and transferable skills. This Maths and AI degree will also give you a solid background in modelling, computational and digital-skills. It is the ideal choice if you are aiming for a career in the emerging and fast-paced AI environment.
Employability skills are embedded into our teaching throughout your studies so you will be developing the skills employers are looking for right from the start of your course. In addition to group work, presentation and communication skills, you will learn a range of the computing and programming skills expected by employers.
The 'Business Applications of Mathematics' module gives you the opportunity to experience application of mathematical theory and mathematical modelling in a business context.
Career Development Service
Get career-ready at Leicester with guidance from our award-winning Career Development Service. We're here to give you a lifetime offer of support, even after graduation. Our team of specialist careers advisers and mentors will help you every step of the way. From supporting you with CVs and interviews, to volunteering opportunities and placements, we're here to help you reach your professional goals.
Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Development Goals
We are committed to providing skills and knowledge to help prepare you tackle global challenges. We have mapped our undergraduate degrees for learning which aligns to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
This degree includes learning which relates to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- Goal 14: Life below water
- Goal 15: Life on land
Course structure
Year 1
Year 1
Core modules
- Calculus and Analysis (double module)
- Linear Algebra (double module)
- Probability
- Programming Fundamentals
- Introductory Statistics
- Algorithms, Data Structures and Advanced Programming
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year 2
Year 2
Core modules
- Vector Calculus
- Advanced Linear Algebra
- Advanced Discrete Mathematics
- Differential Equations
- Mathematical Foundations of AI and Machine Learning
Option modules
Choose one option module from:
Then choose one option module from:
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year Abroad or in Industry (optional)
Year Abroad or in Industry (optional)
If you want to, you can take a year out between Years 2 and 3, studying at one of our partner institutions or working in an industrial placement. Alternatively you can opt to continue studying at the University and complete your degree in three years.
Year Abroad
We’ll make sure you have everything you need for your future career: not just by awarding you a high quality degree, but also by helping you to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to make your mark in the world as a Citizen of Change. One way you can do this is by opting to take a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3 of your degree.
Studying abroad is not just for people who are interested in travelling and meeting new people. It is about acquiring life skills that are becoming increasingly significant for a wide range of jobs in our modern globalised society. Whether you go on to a career in the private, public or third sector - or plough your own furrow as an entrepreneur – you will find the experience invaluable.
For more information, including a list of destinations, please visit our Study Abroad website.
Please note
- A year spent abroad still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester. See the Fees and Funding tab of this page for details.
- You may be eligible for a travel grant from Student Finance England.
- Places are offered on a competitive basis, and eligibility is dependent on your academic performance in Years 1 and 2.
- Language courses, at beginners or advanced level, are available through our Languages at Leicester scheme.
Year in Industry
A year in industry is a great opportunity which can give you first-hand experience of working in a mathematics-related career while also enhancing your employability skills and allowing you to network with people in industry.
You will undertake a programme of training and practical experience that is agreed between the sponsoring company and the University. A member of staff will be individually assigned to you as your industrial placement tutor, who will be in regular contact with you throughout your placement and will visit the sponsoring company.
A year spent abroad still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester. See the Fees and Funding tab of this page for details.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Final Year
Final Year
Core modules
- Operational Research
- Machine Learning For Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence
- Data Mining and Neural Networks
- Nonlinear Optimisation
Option modules
Choose one option module from:
- Computational Intelligence and Software Engineering
- Computers, Society and Professionalism
- Scientific Computing
Then choose one option module from:
Plus your Mathematics and AI Project
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
We have a thriving, student-led Maths Society (SUMS) and Leicester Actuarial Science Society (LASS) which organises social activities and guest lectures throughout the year.
Job prospects are great: 94% of our Mathematics students are employed (or studying for a Masters degree) six months after graduating. (Which? University 2019)
The academic staff in the department have written or edited dozens of books and publish regularly in major national and international journals. Where other people only get to read what our experts think, you will be working directly with them, learning from them in lectures and questioning them in seminars.
You will have the opportunity to work on real AI projects with industry partners.
Teaching and learning
As well as lectures, your course will involve regular group meetings, run by both staff and other students, where students’ work is discussed. You will gain experience in presenting mathematical arguments to fellow students, which will enhance and develop your presentation and communication skills.
Development of ICT and programming skills is an integral part of all our mathematics degrees. Through a combination of computer labs and dedicated modules, you will learn to use the computational functions in Excel, program in Matlab and VBA and use LaTeX for scientific writing. However, no previous knowledge of computing is needed for any of our degrees.
A typical week for a first or second year student might consist of nine or ten hours of lectures, about four hours of small group working and about three hours of problem classes or computer classes. You will also spend several hours a week on private study: review of lecture material, problem solving, additional reading and preparing for tutorials.
Independent learning
When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can access the Library and our social study spaces in halls of residence.
Overall workload
Typical workload hours for Mathematics courses in 2016/17:
Year 1: 31% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 372 hours
- Independent learning: 828 hours
Year 2: 25% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 300 hours
- Independent learning: 900 hours
Year 3: 21% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 252 hours
- Independent learning: 948 hours
Final year: 21% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 252 hours
- Independent learning: 948 hours
While your actual contact hours may depend on the option modules you select, the above information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities for each year of your course.
Academic support
Our Student Learning Development Team provides help in the following areas:
- study and exam skills
- academic writing
- presentations
- dissertations
- numerical data skills
- referencing sources
Our AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.
Teaching staff
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by the research we do. You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | UCAS Code | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Maths and Artificial Intelligence | Qualification BSc | Duration 3 years | UCAS Code G108 | Availability How to apply |
| Course Maths and Artificial Intelligence with Year in Industry | Qualification BSc | Duration 4 years | UCAS Code G108 | Availability How to apply |
