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BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)

Key information

UCAS code
G700
Level
Undergraduate
Delivery type
Full Time
Degree qualification
BSc (Hons)
Mode of delivery
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Location
Edinburgh
Start date
September

Studying AI will allow you to help shape the future, revolutionise industries, and solve complex problems. It's a thrilling journey into the heart of innovation, offering the chance to positively impact society through technology and creativity.

Our BSc in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) is designed to allow you to create modern, robust and practical systems. We don't just teach how to use the latest tools and techniques, but instead focus on empowering our students to understand and develop the next generation of software and tools. The course strikes a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical experience, heavily influenced by the wide research expertise of our academic staff.

In your third year, you will engage in a year-long group project, collaborating to solve real-world problems. In the final year, you will pursue your AI specialised courses and produce an extensive dissertation project in the AI area.

The Artificial Intelligence specialisation involves selecting specific courses from the final year options and completintg AI courses including Biologically Inspired Computation, Data Mining and Machine Learning and Intelligent Robotics. Furthermore,  you will get to create a final-year project centred around an AI topic.

 

Your student experience

  • Rankings: We are Ranked 6th in Scotland for Computer Science by The Complete University Guide 2023 

  • Industry-Validated Curriculum: Our programme is meticulously crafted in consultation with leaders in the field of computer science. This ensures that you're equipped with the precise skills sought after by employers, giving you a competitive edge in the job market right from the beginning of your career. 

  • Mastery of Essential Software Tools: In today's dynamic tech landscape, mastering fundamental software tools like Python, data analysis libraries, and programming frameworks is crucial. We've intensified our focus on these tools, ensuring you're well-versed and ready to thrive in practical computer science applications. 

  • Integrated Course Structure: We've optimised our course structure to create a cohesive learning experience, emphasising the interconnectedness of various computer science disciplines. This integrated approach will empower you to solve intricate challenges and innovate across multiple domains within the field. 

  • Access to Advanced Topics: Through our updated curriculum, you'll explore a range of advanced subjects, including machine learning, computational intelligence, and data mining. This expansion of your expertise will refine your skills and prepare you for tackling complex real-world computing projects. 

Go Global

There are currently no Go Global opportunities for this particular programme. However, other Go Global opportunities may be available. Please contact studywithus@hw.ac.uk for more information.

Course content

September Intake - Edinburgh

You will cover programming, an introduction to computer systems, databases and discrete mathematics.

Mandatory September

  • Logic and Proof
  • Introduction to Interaction Design
  • Praxis
  • Software Development 1

Mandatory January

  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Introduction to Computer Systems
  • Software Development 2
  • Web Design and Databases

Programme Video

The Heriot-Watt experience

Fees and funding

StatusFee
ScotlandPaid by SAAS
England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland£9,250
International£24,048
  • Status: 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.
  • International: '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).

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 details

Entry requirements

We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.

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

Why Heriot-Watt

We're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country and we ranked 5th in the UK.

We're also rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles, meaning more of our graduates go on to become CEOs or MDs than any other university in the whole of the UK. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education. Our Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre combined with plenty of wellbeing resources, prioritising fitness and mental health for all students. Our Global Research Institutes look at solving real world issues such as climate change and saving our oceans as well as working on the next medical technological breakthrough and the future of AI and robots.

Employability

Work and study

This is what our BSc (Hons) undefined students are doing 15 months after graduating:
83%
are working
6%
are studying
4%
are studying and working

Salary

£29500
The average salary of students 15 months after graduating
£28000
The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course

Potential career paths

  • Information Technology professionals

Student life

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