I lead the BSc Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at the University of Northampton. In the 2026 National Student Survey the course ranked 3rd in the UK.
The degree builds up progressively. The first year covers computer science foundations alongside a module designed specifically for AI and data science students. The second year moves into specialised modules and a group project, where small teams build an AI solution to a real-world problem. The final year covers advanced topics such as computer vision, neural networks and cloud deployment, and ends with an independent dissertation on a topic of the student’s choice.
Graduates leave prepared for roles like machine learning engineer, solution architect and AI research scientist.
The AI lab
Students work in a dedicated AI lab. Every PC carries a top-of-the-range NVIDIA GPU, paired with machine learning environments from Google, AWS and the open-source ecosystem, so high-performance computing is within reach for coursework and research alike.
Beyond the modules
We are part of the AWS Academy, so students can take AWS-accredited cloud computing courses and work towards industry-recognised certifications during the degree. We also support the Students’ Union AI Society.
News and updates from the course team are on our programme blog, uonai.blog.
PhD supervision
Current and completed doctoral research under my supervision:
- Lewis Sanderson, PhD: design and evaluation of virtual simulation in game design and its impact on hand-eye coordination skills
- Ola Challabi, PhD: virtual reality in education
- Chris Muchibwa, PhD: data-driven automated detection system for early detection of cataract using machine learning
- Lee Waters, PhD: eye tracking in sports analysis
- Murtada Dohan, PhD: human attention in virtual reality applications (completed)
- Mahmood Khalsan, PhD: a deep learning approach to gene expression analysis for cancer prediction (completed)
- Raghad Zenki, PhD: interactive 3D medical image segmentation for bone structures using CNN-based algorithms (completed)
- Ahmed Basil, PhD: software-defined intelligent networks for fair resource allocation (completed)
- Djamel Benchaib, MPhil: meaning making in Algerians’ interactions in Facebook and LinkedIn discussion groups (completed)
If you are considering the course, or you are interested in a PhD in applied AI, human-computer interaction or virtual reality, email me.