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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.

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.

Start date:

2024
2025

Course information

Typical offer AAB-ABB

UK fee ÂŁ9,250

UCAS code G108

International fee ÂŁ24,500

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 grade 5 in HL Maths.
  • BTEC Nationals: Pass Extended Diploma with DDM plus A-level Maths at Grade A-B. Please contact Admissions regarding eligibility

Other official national and international qualifications considered from across the world. You can review some of the qualifications we accept on our countries page and English Language equivalencies.

If your qualification or country is not listed, please contact us for more information, including the name and result of the qualification you have studied.

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.

Contextual offers

The University of Leicester is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all applicants from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to support students who may be impacted by the area they live in, their personal circumstances or who have completed one of our progression programmes. These offers are usually one or two grades lower than the standard entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must apply for an eligible course and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.

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 2024 

  • £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 £1,850 for 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 2024 

  • £24,500 per year
  • Year in Industry: £3,675 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.

Careers and Employability Service


Get career-ready at Leicester with guidance from our award-winning Careers and Employability 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:

Find out more about the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Course structure

Year 1

Year 1

Core modules

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

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 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

Option modules

Choose one option module from:

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.

You will have the opportunity to work on real AI projects with industry partners.

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.

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 Centre for Academic Achievement 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

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