Computing (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning)
Focus your study of computing on artificial intelligence in this integrated Master’s degree.
Focus your study of computing on artificial intelligence
Learn how modern computer and communications systems function, and how they can be adapted to build the next generation of computing applications
Use sound underlying principles and logical thinking to design and build systems as you develop your technical expertise
Course key facts
-
Qualification
-
MEng
-
-
Duration
4 years
-
Start date
October 2025
-
UCAS course code
G700
-
Study mode
Full-time
-
Fees
£9,250 per year Home
£43,300 per year Overseas
-
Delivered by
-
Location
-
South Kensington
-
-
Applications: places
17 : 1 (2023)
Minimum entry standard
-
A*A*A – A*AAA (A-level)
-
41 points (International Baccalaureate)
Course overview
Computing is a creative and wide-ranging subject that focuses on using sound underlying principles and logical thinking to design and build systems that really work.
You'll specialise in artificial intelligence and knowledge engineering, as well as machine learning and the development of computational and engineering models of complex cognitive and social behaviours.
In this course, you will learn how modern computer and communications systems function, and how they can be used and adapted to build the next generation of computing applications.
The core of this programme has been designed to give you an overview of computing. This includes an understanding of basic concepts and principles, the ability to appreciate and to adapt to changes in technology, and practical experience in applied computing.
A special emphasis of your studies will be on the fundamental principles underlying computing and on the engineering considerations involved in computing system design, implementation and usage. You will be introduced to computing architecture and hardware, and the software used to exploit them.
This course will also equip you with a strong background in discrete mathematics (logic, sets, relations and grammar), classical mathematics and statistics relevant to applications engineering and management.
Throughout the programme, you will attend laboratory and problem-solving classes, as well as completing project and design work. As the course progresses, you will study advanced techniques and modules; many of which draw on current research taking place in the Department.
At the end of your third year, you will gain valuable skills and experience by completing an industrial placement. Your study reaches Master's level in the final year, with a wide choice of optional modules and a substantial individual project on a subject of your choice.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
In your first year, you will study the following core modules.
Core modules
- Introduction to Computer Systems
- Introduction to Databases
- Introduction to Computer Architecture
- Computing Practical 1
- Discrete Mathematics, Logic and Reasoning
- Graphs and Algorithms
- Calculus
- Linear Algebra
In your second year, you will study nine core modules.
You will also select one optional module.
Core modules
- Algorithm Design and Analysis
- Software Engineering Design
- Models of Computation
- Operating Systems
- Networks and Communications
- Compilers
- Probability and Statistics
- Computing Practical 2
- Computing Group Project
Optional modules
- Symbolic Reasoning
- Computational Techniques
In your third year, you will study the following core modules.
You will also select a total of six optional modules.
At least two optional modules must be chosen from Group A.
Core modules
- Industrial Placement (First Part)
- I-Explore
Your I-Explore module offers you choices from a range of subjects hosted outside of the department. You will be taught alongside students from other courses, with options including business, management and many more.
The Industrial Placement does not contribute to your final degree classification.
Optional modules – Group A
- Computer Vision
- Introduction to Machine Learning
- Software Engineering Group Project
- Networked Systems
Optional modules – Group B
- Robotics
- The Theory and Practice of Concurrent Programming
- Graphics
- Custom Computing
- Data Processing Systems
- Communicating Computer Science in Schools
- Network and Web Security
- Advanced Computer Architecture
- System Performance Engineering
- Operations Research
- Distributed Algorithms
- Type Systems for Programming Languages
- Technical option from outside the Department of Computing
Elective/technical modules from another Imperial degree programme may be allowed with the permission of the Director of undergraduate studies.
In your fourth year, you will study the following core modules.
You will also select seven optional modules.
A minimum of two modules must be chosen from Group A, and a maximum of two modules may be chosen from Group C.
Core modules
- Individual Project
- Industrial Placement (Second Part)
Optional modules – Group A
- Deep Learning
- Natural Language Processing
- Machine Learning for Imaging
- Mathematics for Machine Learning
- Reinforcement Learning
- Modal Logic for Strategic Reasoning in AI
- Robot Learning
Optional modules – Group B
- Scalable Software Verification
- Scalable Systems and Data
- Privacy Engineering
- Cryptography Engineering
- Advanced Computer Graphics
- Computational Finance
- Complexity
- Software Reliability
- Advanced Computer Security
- Principles of Distributed Ledgers
- Program Analysis
- Quantum Computing
- Software Engineering for Industry
- Computational Optimisation
- Advanced Computer Architecture
- Custom Computing
- Scheduling and Resource Allocation
Optional modules – Group C
- Communicating Computer Science in Schools
- Elective(s) from outside the Department of Computing
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Lectures and tutorials
- Laboratory sessions
- Independent study
Years 1 and 2
- 20% Lectures and tutorials
- 5% Laboratory sessions
- 75% Independent study
Teaching and learning methods
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Laboratory-based teaching
- In-class problem solving
- Personal supervision of project work
Balance of assessment
Key
- Coursework
- Examinations
- Practical
Year 1
- 10% Coursework
- 84% Examinations
- 6% Practical
Year 2
- 10% Coursework
- 57% Examinations
- 33% Practical
Year 3
- 8% Coursework
- 42% Examinations
- 50% Practical
Year 4
- 9% Coursework
- 50% Examinations
- 41% Practical
Assessment methods
- Programming exercises
- Computer-based programming tests
- Written coursework
- Computer-based coursework
- Examinations
- Software demonstrations
- Group work
- Written reports
- Research summaries
- Oral presentations
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
You can now submit your application via UCAS Hub. There you can add this course as one of your choices and track your application.
UCAS institution code: I50
Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)
To be considered for this course for 2025 entry, you will need to sit the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) as part of the application process. Registration for the October TMUA test sitting is now closed. The last chance to sit the test for 2025 entry is January 2025. Registration for the January test sitting opens on Thursday 24 October.
Key deadlines
For October sitting: Register online from 1 August to 16 September 2024
Test dates: 16 and 17 October 2024
For January sitting: Register online from 24 October to 9 December 2024
Test dates: 8 and 9 January 2025
View key deadlines.
Assessing your application
Admissions Tutors consider all the evidence available during our rigorous selection process and the College flags key information providing assessors with a more complete picture of the educational and social circumstances relevant to the applicant. Some applicants may be set lower offers and some more challenging ones.
Admissions Tutors consider all the evidence available during our rigorous selection process and the College flags key information providing assessors with a more complete picture of the educational and social circumstances relevant to the applicant. Some applicants may be set lower offers and some more challenging ones.
If your TMUA test performance is sufficient, this will be considered in conjunction with your UCAS application form. Your test score performance in combination with a full assessment of your application form will then inform the decisions of the admissions tutors of whether to make you an offer or not.
Interviews are not standard but may be offered to some candidates at the discretion of the admissions tutors.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Due to the shared core content in the first two years of all Computing degrees, it is usually possible to transfer to a different Computing course within the Department until the beginning of the third year.
Transfers from Computing to Joint Mathematics and Computing courses are normally not possible and are dealt with on a case by case basis.
If you wish to progress onto one of the MEng programmes in Year 3, you must achieve an overall average of 60% in your second year.
Transfer between the BEng in Mathematics and Computer Science and MEng in Mathematics and Computer Science is possible until the end of Year 2 subject to meeting certain minimum results criteria.
If you are an international student, transferring to a different course could have an impact on your student visa.
Please visit our International Student Support webpage for further information.
Year abroad
Language requirement
Teaching is in the language of your host country in France and Germany, so you will need to reach an acceptable proficiency in the relevant language before you go. Free language classes are available at the College to help you prepare.
Availability
There are limited places available on the Year Abroad programme, which means that competition for selection is strong and a placement cannot be guaranteed.
Normally only students who are on track for at least a 2:1 will be eligible for placements in France and Germany. Only students on track to achieve a 1st will be eligible for placements in the USA.
Please note the list of universities located abroad that the Department currently has partnerships with is illustrative.
Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.
Tuition fees
Home fee
2025 entry
£9,250 per year
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a Home student, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the UK government to cover the entire cost of tuition for every year of your course.
You can also apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help towards your living costs.
We’re offering up to £5,000 each year through our Imperial Bursary scheme for eligible Home undergraduates.
If your household income remains under £70,000 a year, you’ll automatically qualify for every year of your course.
Find out more about our Imperial Bursary scheme.
Overseas fee
2025 entry
£43,300 per year
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
96% Of Imperial Computing graduates in work or further study*
- 96% Of Imperial Computing graduates in work or further study*
- 4%
90% Of Imperial Computing graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
- 90% Of Imperial Computing graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
- 10%
*2021-22 graduate outcomes data, published by HESA in 2024
Gain transferable skills relevant to a career in industry and academia.
With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.
Management consultancy, corporations, computer gaming and special effects are just some of your options.
Other potential career paths could include banking and finance.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 8267 / +44 (0)20 7594 9223
- Email: doc-ugadmissions@imperial.ac.uk
Visit the Department of Computing website
Request info
Learn more about studying at Imperial. Receive useful information about our life in our undergraduate community and download our latest Study Guide.
Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
Course data
Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications