BSc (Hons) Physics with Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at Keele University
BSc (Hons) Physics with Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year at Keele University. The foundation year provides essential preparation before you progress into the main physics and AI curriculum.
About this course
Tackle physical problems and real-world challenges using machine learning and AI on our Physics with Artificial Intelligence BSc at Keele. Learn more. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Physics with Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Keele University. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Physics and astronomy graduates from this provider, 75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Computer Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 75% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 75% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Level 4 7 modules
- Gravitation, Relativity and MatterCompulsory
Module details
A fundamental understanding of physical principles follows from investigating the composition and movement of matter through space and time. You will find out how the universe is put together, from the very big to the very small, exploring motions on scales from atoms and molecules to stars and planets, and encounter the boundaries of classical Newtonian physics with an introduction to quantum ideas and Einstein's Special Relativity.
- Problem Solving and Computer ProgrammingCompulsory
Module details
In the first part, the module introduces the fundamental concepts underlying computer programming, together with techniques for applying these using Python. The module has a strong practical element. Examples will come from various areas of Computer Science and Data Science. You will gain skills of producing, compiling, and debugging simple programs in Python. These skills will be refined in later modules with applications in various areas of Computer Science. In the second part this module teac
- Scientific ProgrammingCompulsory
Module details
Scientific programming is a key skill in fast-evolving science fields like Physics and Astrophysics. In this module you will learn the basics of computer programming with python, including flow control, defining functions, the use of external libraries and the generation of graphs and images. You will demonstrate how these highly-valued programming skills can be used to solve a series of computational problems faced by physicists and astrophysicists, and equip yourself for future study and caree
- Practical and Academic Skills for PhysicsCompulsory
Module details
A professional physicist requires a range of specialist skills, which you will start developing in this module. You will acquire hands-on practice in conducting a variety of physical experiments, effectively and accurately recording and analysing your data using specialist software. You will develop the art of scientific writing and reporting, and practise the principles of the scientific method, including error analysis, risk assessment and critical thinking. These skills are the foundations of
- Fundamental and Applied Mathematics for PhysicsCompulsory
Module details
A physicist often needs to solve real-world problems presented in many different ways, using mathematics as the language to describe physical phenomena. Here you will learn the art of problem-solving, including mathematical and statistical modelling and the analyses of uncertainty and risk, applying these skills to scenarios focused on linear and rotational mechanics, gravitation and harmonic motion. Regularly working in groups, you will gain valuable employability skills such as teamwork and co
- Physics Career Planning and Employability SkillsCompulsory
Module details
Your university study may be driven by curiosity about the physical world, but it is also about developing graduate attributes that lead to successful and fulfilling careers. The activities and milestones in our career planning modules will grow your potential beyond Physics knowledge. In Level 4, you will learn to identify, evidence and showcase your collaborative, organisational, presentational and problem-solving skills. You will acquire tools to effectively select and prepare for potential w
- Electricity, Magnetism and WavesCompulsory
Module details
Electricity, magnetism and wave-like phenomena are foundational topics in the study of physics. Beginning with fundamental physical laws you will learn how to describe ideal cases and then apply your knowledge to diverse real-world devices, scenarios and engineering problems that involve electric charges, magnetic fields and oscillating systems, culminating in the analysis of alternating currents, resonance and the essential properties of waves in light, sound and other media.
Level 5 8 modules
- The Quantum WorldCompulsory
Module details
Quantum mechanics is the foundation of technologies that have built the modern world and gives us the tools to study nature at its most fundamental, microscopic level. This module will introduce you to the weirdness of quantum theory, quantum statistics and atomic physics, equipping you for more advanced topics to come. You will investigate applications ranging from scanning tunneling electron microscopes and superconductors to white dwarfs and nuclear fusion in stellar astrophysics.
- Optics and ThermodynamicsCompulsory
Module details
The way light and matter interact happens on minute scales but results in macroscopic effects that can be described by global behavioural laws. In this module, you will learn about optics and thermodynamics, including how light waves interfere and diffract and how systems achieve equilibrium. These fundamental concepts underpin a vast range of phenomena beyond the topics of this module, and have a variety of real-word applications, from engines and the weather to optical fibers and the most powe
- Practical and Professional Skills for PhysicsCompulsory
Module details
You will build upon the practical laboratory skills developed at level 4, extending your abilities to plan, execute and communicate scientifically. You will compile a comprehensive portfolio of the essential skills required by professional physicists by using more advanced recording, analysis and interpretation of measurements, and presentation of results. You will work on individual experiments and team investigations to prepare you for level 6 research projects and to confidently and safely wo
- Analytical and Numerical TechniquesCompulsory
Module details
Real-world physical problems often require a blend of physics know-how, mathematical analysis and computational techniques for their solution. Building on your Level 4 foundations, you will gain important new applied mathematical skills and practise more advanced programming and numerical techniques. You will use these to formulate solutions to a wide variety of problems in physics and astrophysics and to plan and execute a short project on a (astro)physical topic that interests you.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine LearningCompulsory
Module details
This module will provide students with an introduction to artificial intelligence. Topics will including neural networks, deep learning, evolutionary algorithms and neuroevolution. The focus will initially be on understanding the underlying principles, structures, algorithms and capabilities of AI systems, and then on writing programs that use appropriate machine learning software libraries to pre-process data and apply AI to tasks such as text analysis, data analytics and visualisation, compute
- Nuclear PhysicsCompulsory
Module details
Nuclear physics is a key component in decarbonising our energy generation and is literally at the heart of stellar astrophysics. You will extend the ideas developed in quantum and atomic physics to understand the components and composition of atomic nuclei, nuclear stability, fusion, fission and radioactive decay. You will then apply those concepts to the generation of nuclear power, both here on Earth and at the centres of the Sun and other stars.
- Radiation PhysicsOptional
Module details
From medical diagnostics to industrial quality control, ionising radiation is used across an array of sectors. You will find out how radiation interacts with our world, and how it is detected, quantified and utilized in the NHS, nuclear industry and beyond. You will gain an appreciation of the wider effects of radiation on both humans and the natural environment through critical analyses of historical events, ensuring an understanding of how to employ this principal energy source both effectivel
- Flexible Work PlacementOptional
Module details
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial. This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhance your employability skills, and provide valuable insights into the professional world.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll tackle physical problems and real-world challenges using machine learning and AI. A course like this typically begins with programming fundamentals, computer systems and discrete mathematics, moving into algorithms, data structures, databases and software engineering in year two. You'll usually study artificial intelligence and machine learning early, then progress to specialist options such as cybersecurity, data science, software engineering, human-computer interaction and systems & networks. The final year normally includes an individual project, a substantial supervised software build, alongside advanced security and networks study. Because this includes a foundation year, you'll have extra time to establish these core computational and mathematical skills before moving into the degree proper.
Who it's for
This course suits students with strong interests in both physics and computational problem-solving who want a structured pathway into AI-enhanced physics roles. The foundation year makes it accessible to those whose prior qualifications need strengthening. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent; the typical UCAS tariff band among recent entrants was 64–79 points. You'll need fluency in English, as all teaching is delivered in English. This degree is for those considering careers in AI research, computational physics, or technology sectors where physics expertise and machine learning converge.
University & format
This is a 4-year full-time Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) studied at Keele University, a university founded in 1949 located in the UK. Instruction is in English. The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist, and Keele is a recognised UK degree-awarding body with degrees that are nationally recognised. The university was awarded Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Contextual Offer. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 85% |
| another higher-education qualification | 9% |
| a previous degree | 3% |
| a Baccalaureate | 1% |
| an Access course | 1% |
| Other | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code F3G4). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Keele University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Computer Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £24,000 | £21,000 – £28,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £25,500 | £20,500 – £34,500 | 25 |
| 5 years after | £34,000 | £24,000 – £45,000 | 25 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate / Junior DeveloperFirst engineering role · 0–2 yrs
- 2Software EngineerShipping features end-to-end · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / Lead EngineerOwning systems and mentoring · 5–9 yrs
- 4Principal / Engineering ManagerArchitecture or leading teams · 9+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Computer Science nationally
National figures for Computer Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Computer Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,820 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 45; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Computer Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Boilerplate and scaffolding code
- First-pass tests and docs
- Routine debugging and refactors
- Standard data wrangling
More human than ever
- System design and architecture trade-offs
- Reviewing and owning correctness & security
- Translating fuzzy problems into software
- Leading delivery and mentoring
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Computer Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Tech companies
- Banks & fintech
- Consultancies
- Government (GDS) & startups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Computer Science graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £24,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.1 out of 10: NSS 91.4% · in work or study 75% · continued 75%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Keele University
Computing across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Keele University
88 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Computer Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Keele University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Keele University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Keele University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Keele University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Keele University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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