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Undergraduate degree

Artificial Intelligence and Philosophy BSc

UCAS code: G704

Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our undergraduate courses will be published from September 2025.

Key information

Course type:
Joint honours
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Required A-level:
A*AA
Full entry requirements, including contextual requirements
Duration:
Three years
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Application deadline:
29 January 2025
Apply via UCAS

Our new joint-honours degree combines Artificial Intelligence with philosophy’s study of the big questions. This unique degree is the first of its kind in the UK, and will equip you with technical and critical thinking skills that open doors to careers in tech, government, journalism, business, research and more. Students on the Artificial Intelligence & Philosophy with a Year Abroad BSc will spend their third year studying abroad before returning to complete a final year with King’s. Students on the three year course may transfer to the four year Artificial Intelligence & Philosophy with a Year Abroad BSc. Women in STEM Scholarship The Faculty funds a scholarship for female undergraduate applicants, as part of its commitment to increasing the representation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Find out more about eligibility and how to apply at the link in the sidebar.

Key benefits

  • Central location gives easy access to major libraries and many leading societies, including Royal Society, and proximity to global AI companies like Google and Amazon, and leading societies including the Aristotelian Society and the Royal Institute of Philosophy.
  • Leading research centre, ranked 6th in the UK for computer science (QS 2024), attracting funding grants and projects from major national and international funders as well as business and industrial partners and public sector bodies.
  • Study at one of the largest and most distinguished Philosophy Departments in the UK, ranked 4th in the UK, 7th in Europe and 13th in the world in the QS World Rankings by Subject 2024.
  • Gain a broad, modern skillset in AI and philosophy, to fast track you to careers in tech, policy, business and more.
  • Particular teaching strengths in philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, political philosophy, and the history of philosophy. King’s offers an exceptionally wide range of optional courses in the history of philosophy and contemporary philosophy.

Our new joint-honours degree combines Artificial Intelligence (AI) with philosophy’s study of the big questions. This unique degree is the first of its kind in the UK, and will equip you with technical and critical thinking skills that open doors to careers in tech, government, journalism, business, research and more. AI increasingly affects our everyday lives, from online banking to autonomous vehicles. On this degree, you'll learn more about these applications via programming, machine learning, data science and AI-driven transformation of government strategies. AI also raises urgent philosophical questions for our modern society - from ethical questions about the value of human interaction or transparency in decision-making, to theoretical questions about the nature of intelligence and rationality. You'll study an equal balance of AI and philosophy to develop a broad, global mindset. You'll learn how to develop and deploy AI for use in society, and understand the challenges raised as AI technologies evolve and are used more widely. The AI elements of the course are designed to align with governmental strategies and the core learning outcomes of a degree in AI. The philosophy content provides foundations for understanding the expected AI-driven transformation of the personal, economic and social landscapes, the profound ethical and societal impact of AI, as well as the application of ethical principles to the development and use of AI.

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Special features

Optional study abroad

On this programme, you will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad, supported by the Study Abroad Tutor in your department and King’s Global Mobility Office. Together with partner organisations around the world, you will be supported in navigating your international, educational journey, developing new skills and competences and learning to apply different perspectives to your chosen discipline.

Find out more about Study Abroad

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Subject requirements

Required subjects:
A-level (or equivalent) grade A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
Preferred subjects:
None

A-Levels

Required grades:
A*AA

Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.

Must contain grade A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

Contextual A-Level information

Required grades:
AAB

Must contain grade A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

38 points overall or an aggregate score of 19 from three Higher Levels.

Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Notes: The total point score of 38 includes TOK/EE. IB students studying the new Maths curriculum would be required to study either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation at Higher Level to meet the subject requirement for this programme.

Contextual International Baccalaureate information

35 points overall or an aggregate score of 17 from three Higher Levels. Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Notes: The total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE. IB students studying the new Maths curriculum would be required to study either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation at Higher Level to meet the subject requirement for this programme.

Alternative accepted qualifications

Standard requirements

The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total.

Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 39 credits must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 6 at Merit. The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be in a relevant subject - Computing, Mathematics, Science, or similar - and must include at least 15 Level 3 credits in Mathematics awarded at Distinction.

Contextual requirements

The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total. Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 33 credits must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 12 at Merit. The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be in a relevant subject - Computing, Mathematics, Science, or similar - and must include at least 15 Level 3 credits in Mathematics awarded at Distinction.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above

English language requirements

English language band: D

Please note that nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries (as defined by UKVI) who have successfully completed high school in the respective country, are not required to complete an English language test. For information on our English requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Selection process

Contextual consideration

We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website.

Deferrals

Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.

If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.

Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.

Foundation courses

Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.

We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.

The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.

Graduates

Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.

Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.

Where a programme has subject requirements, these will still need to have been met. If you have not met the subject requirements via A-level (or equivalent) then we may be able to consider the content within your degree. We would be looking for significant study of the subject across the degree programme with a 2:1 or above grading on those modules.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and profession as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.

Resits

In a standard admissions cycle, we are able to consider applicants who have retaken their qualifications, however, you should bear in mind that your application for this programme will be reviewed alongside other strong applicants who might be viewed more favourably if they achieved the required grades within a standard timeframe, for example, a two year period for A-levels.

We consider applicants who have recently achieved grades which are below the entry criteria, and have subsequently studied/are studying another qualification to seek entry, such as an Access to HE Diploma or a Foundation programme, to be resit applicants.

Transfers

Transfers into this programme are not permitted.

Help for international applicants

International Foundation Year

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.

Pre-sessional courses

If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.

Teaching methods - what to expect

In your philosophy modules, we aim to combine a wide range of study options with direct contact with our staff. Our emphasis on small-group teaching in tutorials and seminars makes King’s an excellent place to acquire and develop the skills of critical thinking, and to express your ideas both in writing and in philosophical discussion.

Artificial Intelligence teaching is predominantly through lectures, which are supplemented by tutorials, labs and exercise sessions.

Course stage

Percentage of time in scheduled learning and teaching activities

Percentage of time in guided independent study

Percentage of time on placements

Year 1

27%

73%

N/A

Year 2

27%

73%

N/A

Final year

27%

73%

N/A

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Written/Practical Examinations
  • Written examinations
  • Essays
  • Practical Examinations
  • Oral presentation
  • Reports
  • Class tests
  • Projects

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. The primary method of assessment for this degree is written examination. You may also be assessed by essays, practical examination, oral presentation, reports, class tests and projects. The nature of the assessment varies by module.

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

This is a three-year degree course in which you will take a combination of required and optional modules to total 360 credits. Students who transfer to the four-year programme, will study abroad in Year 3, and across the programme will take a combination of required and optional modules to total 480 credits.

Required modules

In your first year, you will take 60 credits from Informatics (AI) and 60 from Philosophy.

AI required modules

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)
Logic and Knowledge Representation (15 credits)
Mathematics and Statistics for Artificial Intelligence I (15 credits)
Mathematics and Statistics for Artificial Intelligence II (15 credits)
Introduction to Professional Practice (0 credits)

Philosophy required modules

Methodology (15 credits)
Ethics I (15 credits) OR Epistemology I (15 credits)

Optional modules

30 additional credits from the following 15-credits modules, which may typically include:

Metaphysics I (15 credits)
Ethics I (15 credits)
Greek Philosophy I (15 credits)
Modern Philosophy I (15 credits)
Political Philosophy I (15 credits)

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

Our degrees equip our students with key transferable skills. In addition to the number of profiles available to philosophy graduates and AI graduates – the latter including big-data scientist, cloud AI engineer, knowledge engineer, robot interaction engineer, and R&D AI engineer – there are several job profiles that specifically require training in both AI and philosophy, including AI Ethicist, algorithmic impact and responsibility scientist, data scientist, scientific journalist/editor for AI.

Tuition Fees

The UK tuition fee for the 2025-26 academic year is currently £9,535 per year. This is based on the UK Government's cap.

The International tuition fee for the 2025-2026 academic year is £31,600 per year

Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.

All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2000 against their first year's tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King's.

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

Our new joint-honours degree combines Artificial Intelligence (AI) with philosophy’s study of the big questions. This unique degree is the first of its kind in the UK, and will equip you with technical and critical thinking skills that open doors to careers in tech, government, journalism, business, research and more. AI increasingly affects our everyday lives, from online banking to autonomous vehicles. On this degree, you'll learn more about these applications via programming, machine learning, data science and AI-driven transformation of government strategies. AI also raises urgent philosophical questions for our modern society - from ethical questions about the value of human interaction or transparency in decision-making, to theoretical questions about the nature of intelligence and rationality. You'll study an equal balance of AI and philosophy to develop a broad, global mindset. You'll learn how to develop and deploy AI for use in society, and understand the challenges raised as AI technologies evolve and are used more widely. The AI elements of the course are designed to align with governmental strategies and the core learning outcomes of a degree in AI. The philosophy content provides foundations for understanding the expected AI-driven transformation of the personal, economic and social landscapes, the profound ethical and societal impact of AI, as well as the application of ethical principles to the development and use of AI.

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Special features

Optional study abroad

On this programme, you will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad, supported by the Study Abroad Tutor in your department and King’s Global Mobility Office. Together with partner organisations around the world, you will be supported in navigating your international, educational journey, developing new skills and competences and learning to apply different perspectives to your chosen discipline.

Find out more about Study Abroad

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Subject requirements

Required subjects:
A-level (or equivalent) grade A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
Preferred subjects:
None

A-Levels

Required grades:
A*AA

Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.

Must contain grade A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

Contextual A-Level information

Required grades:
AAB

Must contain grade A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

38 points overall or an aggregate score of 19 from three Higher Levels.

Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Notes: The total point score of 38 includes TOK/EE. IB students studying the new Maths curriculum would be required to study either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation at Higher Level to meet the subject requirement for this programme.

Contextual International Baccalaureate information

35 points overall or an aggregate score of 17 from three Higher Levels. Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Notes: The total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE. IB students studying the new Maths curriculum would be required to study either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation at Higher Level to meet the subject requirement for this programme.

Alternative accepted qualifications

Standard requirements

The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total.

Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 39 credits must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 6 at Merit. The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be in a relevant subject - Computing, Mathematics, Science, or similar - and must include at least 15 Level 3 credits in Mathematics awarded at Distinction.

Contextual requirements

The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total. Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 33 credits must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 12 at Merit. The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be in a relevant subject - Computing, Mathematics, Science, or similar - and must include at least 15 Level 3 credits in Mathematics awarded at Distinction.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above

English language requirements

English language band: D

Please note that nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries (as defined by UKVI) who have successfully completed high school in the respective country, are not required to complete an English language test. For information on our English requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Selection process

Contextual consideration

We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website.

Deferrals

Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.

If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.

Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.

Foundation courses

Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.

We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.

The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.

Graduates

Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.

Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.

Where a programme has subject requirements, these will still need to have been met. If you have not met the subject requirements via A-level (or equivalent) then we may be able to consider the content within your degree. We would be looking for significant study of the subject across the degree programme with a 2:1 or above grading on those modules.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and profession as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.

Resits

In a standard admissions cycle, we are able to consider applicants who have retaken their qualifications, however, you should bear in mind that your application for this programme will be reviewed alongside other strong applicants who might be viewed more favourably if they achieved the required grades within a standard timeframe, for example, a two year period for A-levels.

We consider applicants who have recently achieved grades which are below the entry criteria, and have subsequently studied/are studying another qualification to seek entry, such as an Access to HE Diploma or a Foundation programme, to be resit applicants.

Transfers

Transfers into this programme are not permitted.

Help for international applicants

International Foundation Year

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.

Pre-sessional courses

If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.

Teaching methods - what to expect

In your philosophy modules, we aim to combine a wide range of study options with direct contact with our staff. Our emphasis on small-group teaching in tutorials and seminars makes King’s an excellent place to acquire and develop the skills of critical thinking, and to express your ideas both in writing and in philosophical discussion.

Artificial Intelligence teaching is predominantly through lectures, which are supplemented by tutorials, labs and exercise sessions.

Course stage

Percentage of time in scheduled learning and teaching activities

Percentage of time in guided independent study

Percentage of time on placements

Year 1

27%

73%

N/A

Year 2

27%

73%

N/A

Final year

27%

73%

N/A

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Written/Practical Examinations
  • Written examinations
  • Essays
  • Practical Examinations
  • Oral presentation
  • Reports
  • Class tests
  • Projects

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. The primary method of assessment for this degree is written examination. You may also be assessed by essays, practical examination, oral presentation, reports, class tests and projects. The nature of the assessment varies by module.

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

This is a three-year degree course in which you will take a combination of required and optional modules to total 360 credits. Students who transfer to the four-year programme, will study abroad in Year 3, and across the programme will take a combination of required and optional modules to total 480 credits.

Required modules

In your first year, you will take 60 credits from Informatics (AI) and 60 from Philosophy.

AI required modules

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)
Logic and Knowledge Representation (15 credits)
Mathematics and Statistics for Artificial Intelligence I (15 credits)
Mathematics and Statistics for Artificial Intelligence II (15 credits)
Introduction to Professional Practice (0 credits)

Philosophy required modules

Methodology (15 credits)
Ethics I (15 credits) OR Epistemology I (15 credits)

Optional modules

30 additional credits from the following 15-credits modules, which may typically include:

Metaphysics I (15 credits)
Ethics I (15 credits)
Greek Philosophy I (15 credits)
Modern Philosophy I (15 credits)
Political Philosophy I (15 credits)

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

Our degrees equip our students with key transferable skills. In addition to the number of profiles available to philosophy graduates and AI graduates – the latter including big-data scientist, cloud AI engineer, knowledge engineer, robot interaction engineer, and R&D AI engineer – there are several job profiles that specifically require training in both AI and philosophy, including AI Ethicist, algorithmic impact and responsibility scientist, data scientist, scientific journalist/editor for AI.

Tuition Fees

The UK tuition fee for the 2025-26 academic year is currently £9,535 per year. This is based on the UK Government's cap.

The International tuition fee for the 2025-2026 academic year is £31,600 per year

Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.

All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2000 against their first year's tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King's.

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

Key information

Course type:
Joint honours
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Required A-level:
A*AA
Full entry requirements, including contextual requirements
Duration:
Three years
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Application deadline:
29 January 2025
Apply via UCAS

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Women in STEM Scholarship

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