BEng Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is recognised worldwide as a rapidly evolving discipline and a strategically critical industry. The increasing integration of AI technologies across sectors such as technology, finance, education, healthcare, and manufacturing marks its importance as a key area for research and innovation.

The BEng Artificial Intelligence programme equips students with expertise in computer science and AI-related fields, including programming, machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. Students can also apply these skills to address real-world challenges across diverse domains. To offer students extensive opportunities to explore the breadth of this dynamic discipline, the School of AI and Advanced Computing (AIAC) and the School of Advanced Technology (SAT) have collaborated to introduce two distinctive pathways: Advanced Industrial Artificial Intelligence XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang) (AIAI-XEC) and Intelligent Systems ¨C XJTLU Suzhou Industrial Park (IS-SIP).

Programme pathways

The programme, jointly delivered by AIAC and SAT, offers two pathways designed to cater to students¡¯ different interests and career goals:

1. Advanced Industrial Artificial Intelligence (AIAI-XEC) focuses on industrial integration to emphasise real-world AI applications through the Syntegrative Education Model.
2. Intelligent Systems (IS-SIP) focuses on fundamental AI subjects, combining software and hardware modules to demonstrate AI application scenarios.

Students in these pathways have distinct articulation options in Year Three with the University of Liverpool, UK:

• 2+1+1 option: Students in the AIAI-XEC pathway can study AI-related courses at the University of Liverpool for a full academic year in their third year.
• 2+2 option: Students in the IS-SIP pathway can study at the University of Liverpool for two academic years, their junior and senior years, to earn a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence).

Programme features

This programme offers students:

• access to extensive learning resources and facilities from both XEC and SAT;
• deep industry connections and an industrial integrated ecosystem for practical AI experience and impactful networking;
• research-led learning through a curriculum driven by cutting-edge AI research;
• guidance and mentorship from world-renowned experts in AI and beyond; and
• a dynamic environment to experiment, iterate, and commercialise innovative ideas and develop entrepreneurship.

Why study the Advanced Industrial Artificial Intelligence pathway at XEC?

• The programme applies the Syntegrative Education Model, blending interdisciplinary academic learning with industry applications from the outset, fostering engagement in real-world AI projects.
• It equips students with strong competencies and broad prospects at the forefront of technology and across diverse industries. Core modules such as Python for AI, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Pattern Recognition and Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, and Generative AI provide students with a comprehensive understanding of AI technologies.
• Students can tailor their study plans according to their career goals and interests. Optional courses in other fields include robotics, the Internet of Things, supply chain, smart manufacturing, and semiconductor technology.
• Supported by research labs, students can delve into specialised areas like AI in autonomous vehicles, AI in health care and biomedical engineering, AI in XR, gaming and entertainment industry, and more.
• The programme benefits from close collaboration between the AIAC, the Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Hub (EEH), and other industry-themed schools within XEC, enhancing innovation and interdisciplinary communication.
• Students gain practical experiences and a deeper understanding of real-world application scenarios from cutting-edge industrial AI application projects supported by research labs and experts.
• The Innovation Factory and X³ Co-Venture provide students with resources, including funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities that help them prototype, test, and refine their inventions.
• Students can enhance employability with practical experience from nearly 200 companies that collaborate with XEC across diverse sectors, including artificial intelligence, chip technology, finance, healthcare, and entertainment.

Why study the Intelligent Systems pathway at SIP?

• Students can master advanced computing and cutting-edge AI technologies, including proficiency in programming languages, data engineering, data analysis, machine learning algorithms and knowledge in relevant disciplines such as complex mathematical concepts like calculus, linear algebra, and statistics.
• The programme offers experience through practical projects, internships, and the final year project, consolidating theoretical knowledge with real-world application.
• Students can apply AI knowledge and skills in practical scenarios and solve complex challenges in areas such as robotics, health care, finance, and AI chip development.
• Graduates will master rigorous research logic and methodology to conduct cutting-edge AI research and publish high-quality papers in top international conferences or academic journals.
• Students will learn the ethical implications of AI technologies and their impact on society and business.
• The programme offers the latest industry-standard tools and platforms used in AI development, ensuring graduates are ready for the job market.
• Graduates will be on track to become future leaders with entrepreneurship, leadership, project management and interpersonal and communication skills.

By the time you graduate from the BEng AI programme, you will have developed a robust skill set and deep knowledge base, empowering you to excel in the AI technology landscape. You will gain:

• comprehensive programming, machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision knowledge;
• knowledge of electrical and electronic circuits and computer systems/architects and the ability to implement AI solutions with such knowledge;
• skills to develop ethical, sustainable AI systems with societal impact in mind;
• practical experience in solving complex problems, such as algorithms, pattern recognition, generative AI, and various AI application scenarios;
• effective communication abilities for AI-related concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences;
• industry experience through Syntegrative Projects, internships and final year projects, bridging theory and application; and
• an entrepreneurial mindset to drive innovation and enhance employability.

The demand for AI professionals is growing exponentially, offering promising opportunities across diverse sectors. The BEng AI programme gives graduates diverse career paths, with strong competencies and broad prospects both at the forefront of technology and across various industries.

Career development

Graduates will be well-equipped to take on key technical roles, including AI engineers, machine learning engineers, computer vision engineers, natural language processing specialists, and robotics engineers, in leading companies. The transformative impact of AI positions in these roles extends beyond the tech industry, encompassing health care, agriculture, financial services, manufacturing, retail, energy, and utilities. In these industries, AI is driving innovation in areas such as diagnostics, personalised medicine, precision farming, supply chain optimisation, fraud detection, risk assessment, algorithmic trading, automation, and smart grid management. Graduates will have a broad range of career choices and development space.

Entrepreneurship and leadership development

Beyond technical positions, our graduates also have the potential to become entrepreneurs, turning innovative ideas into business realities, or hold leadership roles in public institutions and government agencies, using AI to improve public services and inform policy-making.

Further education and research

For those graduates aspiring to further their education, the programme provides a solid foundation to pursue higher degrees, such as Master¡¯s or PhDs, at globally renowned universities ranked within the top 100 or even the top 10 worldwide. They can specialise in cutting-edge fields like machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing, or branch into interdisciplinary areas such as computational neuroscience, bioinformatics, healthcare, smart cities, and financial technologies. These further study opportunities not only enhance graduates¡¯ technical expertise but also pave the way for leadership roles in research, academia, and high-impact industries.