How to choose between Bath’s online Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence postgraduate courses

Area

Computer Science

Artificial Intelligence

Focus

Think like a computer scientist and future-proof your career by building a broad foundation in computing. 

Specialise in AI to drive innovative applications in real-world contexts. 

Structure

Covers multiple areas of computing.

Deep focus on AI-related topics.

Programming

Principles and techniques explored through languages such as C, Java, or Python that can be applied to solving a variety of problems and learning new languages as needed in your career. 

Focus on Python with exposure to libraries that can be used to solve AI problems. Develop practical experience by applying these tools for tasks such as data analysis, machine learning, and natural language processing.

Learning style

Progressive and structured.

Faster transition into specialised topics.

Entry expectations

Open to varied academic backgrounds; 2:2 or above required. Strong mathematics skills required.

Open to varied academic backgrounds; 2:1 or above required. Strong mathematics skills required.

Career pathways

Broad range of roles like full-stack developer, cybersecurity specialist, IT consultant, and more. 

Applying AI for innovation across sectors and roles like AI solutions architect, robotics developer, data scientist, and more. 

Best for

Exploring computing or career flexibility.

Clear interest in AI and data-driven fields.

Computer Science: a broad and flexible approach to computing

Artificial Intelligence: focused technical specialisation

Designed to build a balanced foundation in computing. Concepts reflect how computing operates across systems and industries.

This broader structure is helpful if you:

• Are still refining your exact career direction

• Want skills that transfer across roles, sectors, and evolving technologies

The course focuses more on advanced AI, where you’ll learn in greater depth about machine learning and intelligent systems.

It is a better fit if you:

• Already feel comfortable with Maths and analytical thinking

• Know you want to work directly with AI and data-driven technologies

Computer Science: designed for a wide range of academic backgrounds

Artificial Intelligence: designed for technically confident learners

Structured to support students who don’t have a computer science undergraduate degree, focusing on building core computing knowledge progressively and does not assume an extensive prior programming background.

It requires proficiency in mathematics. 

The course fits particularly well if you:

• Are moving from another discipline (business, engineering, science, humanities)

• Have professional experience but limited formal computing education

• Want to grow your technical confidence step by step while being open to options.

If you have a bachelor's degree in computer science within the last nine years, this course may not be for you.

Best suited to individuals with a strong background in mathematics, with a focus on in-depth AI understanding and real-world adaptability. No prior programming experience is expected. 

You are likely to be a good match if you:

• Hold a degree with substantial quantitative content

• Enjoy mathematically framed, algorithmic thinking

• Are motivated by in-depth, specialist technical study

For these learners, the course’s intensity and depth can be both demanding and highly rewarding.

Computer Science: versatility through multiple programming languages

Artificial Intelligence: focused expertise in Python

Develop programming and computational thinking skills through the lens of languages such as C, Java, Python, or SQL. Learn to apply computational approaches to breaking down and solving problems and learn principles that can be applied to new languages in your career. This encourages adaptable thinking rather than reliance on a single language or tool.

This is particularly valuable if you:

• Want to remain flexible about industries and roles

• Expect to work with different technologies over the course of your career

Code in Python as the primary language and learn to use Python libraries specialised for solving problems in AI and machine learning, reflecting how AI systems are developed in practice.

This focused approach helps you:

• Build sophisticated AI and machine learning systems

• Apply Python extensively in advanced, data-driven contexts

Computer Science: structured and progressive learning

Artificial Intelligence: advanced concepts with a more focused progression

The course introduces complex ideas in a gradual, organised way. It remains academically rigorous while allowing you to build confidence as you go, which can be especially helpful if you are balancing study with other commitments or are newer to formal computer science.

Moves more quickly into advanced, abstract concepts, expecting you to work independently with mathematically demanding material from early in the course. For students with the right background, this depth provides strong preparation for specialist technical roles.

Computer Science: broad and adaptable career pathways

Artificial Intelligence: specialist and technical career pathways

Graduates from the Computer Science course are well prepared for roles that require a wide-ranging understanding of computing, such as:

• Programmers, software engineers and systems development professionals

• Technology and business analysts and managers

• Roles leading and supporting digital transformation and innovation across sectors

This breadth is particularly useful if you want the flexibility to move between industries over time.

Artificial Intelligence graduates typically pursue more specialised roles, for example:

• Machine learning engineer or AI specialist

• Data-focused technical roles

• Research-oriented positions in AI and analytics

These roles are often found in organisations that build or heavily use AI-driven solutions, including data science, financial technology, robotics, and advanced engineering.