BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
The course
- UCAS code
- G700
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Delivery type
- Full-time
Contact
Got questions about this programme?
Contact our enquiries team.
Overview
Our four year BSc Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) Honours degree is oriented to constructing robust and useable systems. We aim to teach people not just how to deploy cutting edge tools and techniques, but how to build the next generation of software tools that other system constructors will use. This course aims to give a well integrated balance of theoretical underpinnings and practical experience, strongly informed by the research expertise of our academic staff.
All Year 3 students take part in a year-long group project, where they co-operate in tackling a large, realistic problem. Year 4 students conduct a major, year-long, individual dissertation project.
The Artificial Intelligence specialism is gained through taking prescribed courses from the final year options (two of the following: Biologically Inspired Computation, Data Mining and Machine Learning, Intelligent Robotics) and having an approved AI topic for the final year project.
Edinburgh Centre for Robotics and National Robotarium
The City of Edinburgh will receive funding from the UK and Scottish Government to open the UK's first National Robotarium as part of the Edinburgh 'City Deal'. The National Robotarium will build on the exisiting Edinburgh Centre for Robotics, a £35 million joint venture between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh.
Links with industry
We have very strong links with the computing industry, with representatives of more than 30 companies attending our Industrial Advisory Board. Much of our research is in collaboration with leading computing enterprises and students really value our research-led teaching by our enthusiastic staff.
Student Equipment Fund
Our Student Equipment Fund is an initiative to support students in purchasing technology (either in hardware, data or software) to explore the usage of and code development for new platforms, as part of a taught course or as a personal project. Recent purchases include Parrot AR.Drone 2.0s, Oculus Rifts and Raspberry Pi 2s.
Global College pathway for this degree
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, have a look at Heriot-Watt Global College, where you can follow an accelerated pathway which will get you onto the second year of this degree.
Accreditation
Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.
Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Science Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Scientist.
Go Global
This course is currently only delivered at our Edinburgh Campus and there are no current opportunities to study at exchange partner institutions.
However, other Go Global opportunities may be available. Please contact goglobal@hw.ac.uk for more information
Course content
Year 1
You will cover programming, an introduction to computer systems, databases and discrete mathematics.
Year 2
You will continue with software design - both high-level architectural issues as well as algorithms and data structures. Topics from databases, internet, communications and mobility, mathematics and programming language design will also be covered.
Year 3
You will study topics such as artificial intelligence, graphics, operating systems as well as more formal aspects of computing. You will also undertake a group project.
Year 4
You will study advanced topics as well as undertaking a major individual project.
More in-depth information on the content of the courses listed above, how they are assessed and the learning outcomes can be accessed via our current student portal.
Discover Uni course data
Discover Uni provides data on each university's degree courses across a range of measures including student satisfaction, graduate jobs and salaries.
Employability
Work and study
This is what our BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) students are doing 15 months after graduating:
- 75% are working
- 10% are studying
- 5% are working and studying.
Salary
- The average salary of students 15 months after graduating: £27500
- The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course: £26000
Jobs
These are the most common high skilled jobs students go into 15 months after graduating:
- Information Technology professionals
Entry requirements
Year 1
Standard entry requirements
- Highers ABBB (including Mathematics)
- A-Levels BBC – ABB (including Maths at B)
- Int. Baccalaureate 28 points (with Mathematics at Higher Level 5)
- BTEC DDM (including sufficient Mathematics)
- HNC B in graded unit (including sufficient Mathematics)
Minimum entry requirements*
- Highers BBBC (including Mathematics at B)
- A-Levels BCC (including Mathematics at B)
* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:
- live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20), or
- are care experienced.
We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements
Year 2
- Advanced Highers BBB (including Mathematics and Computing plus excellent Highers)
- A-Levels ABB (including Mathematics and Computing)
- Int. Baccalaureate 30 points (with Mathematics and Computing at Higher Level 6)
- HNC A in graded unit (including sufficient Mathematics and Computing)
- HND AB in graded units (including sufficient Mathematics and Computing)
- BTEC DDM (including sufficient Mathematics and Computing)
- Global College Successful completion of Bachelors Degree Accelerator Foundation - Mathematical and Computer Science
Those entering at Year 2 are expected to be proficient in a high-level programming language; Java is our preference.
Additional information
- Not studying mathematics or worried about meeting the mathematics requirement? Consider applying for BSc Computer Systems. In Year 1 of this degree it is possible to take two optional mathematics courses. Then, subject to good performance, a course transfer to BSc Computer Science for Year 2 onwards can be requested.
- For all years, applications are welcomed from holders of non-school qualifications, mature candidates and overseas students.
- If you do not see your qualifications here please contact us at studywithus@hw.ac.uk
- Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
- To find out about the difference between the 3 and 4 year honours courses, please watch our video to help you decide which route is best for your qualifications and experience so far.
English language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you have to show that your English is good enough to succeed on your course. Please see our English language requirements.
Fees
| Status* | Scotland | England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | International** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | Paid by SAAS | £9,250 | £22,264 |
* Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.
** 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above). Read more about the application process for EU nationals.
Additional costs
You may incur additional costs in the course of your studies at Heriot-Watt over and above tuition fees in an academic year. Depending on your programme of study, these may include: protective equipment, field trips, professional memberships, studio fees, required course texts or other study resources.
Scholarships and bursaries
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales
In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
View our full range of undergraduate scholarships.