BSc Honours in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science (GG47)

Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science is a good subject combination because they are complementary and overlapping. Artificial Intelligence studies intelligent processes, implementing and testing models on computers while Computer Science is concerned with the understanding, design, implementation and use of computing systems. There are many connections between the two subjects. Natural Language is a major area of Artificial Intelligence research, which interacts with the design of programming languages and supports the design of interfaces. For example, building AI systems that can interpret images from cameras, is complementary to one of the Computer Science endeavours which is to program computers to draw graphics. Logic is widely used in both subjects for representation and for reasoning.

What is special about the Edinburgh degree programme

It combines Edinburgh's recognized strength in computer science with its breadth and depth of research in AI, which is unique in the world. As a student you will acquire a broad base of knowledge as Artificial Intelligence draws on many different disciplines, such as psychology, philosophy and linguistics, amongst others, to build its theories.

Degree Structure

Each year students take courses totalling 120 points. In the first year, students take Informatics and Mathematics courses specially tailored for the needs of Informatics students. In the second year, students concentrate mostly on Informatics but also continue to study Mathematics.

During the third and fourth year students focuse solely on Informatics with over 60 Honours courses to choose from. In the third year, practical work includes an AI programming practical and a group project in Systems Design. In the fourth year, each students completes a major project on which they write a dissertation.

For details of course content and structure, see degree programme specification.

Professional Recognition

Graduates fulfil the educational requirement to become Members of the British Computer Society, which is a professional qualification carrying with it both prestige and responsibilities. To achieve the status of Engineering Council Chartered Engineer (CEng) you will have to complete a 'matching section' equivalent to an additional undergraduate year of education, which may be industry based.

Careers
Further Studies