Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Informatics?

Put simply, it is another name for computer science. Informatics is not a new word, we have not invented it, it has been around for years and it is the common name for computer science in many countries around the world.

We define informatics as the study of how natural and artificial systems store, process and communicate information.  In our definition, informatics includes fields such as AI, Computer Science, Software Engineering and Cognitive Science.

2. What is the difference between a BSc and a BEng?

There is no difference in content between BSc and BEng degrees and both are accredited by the British Computer Society. Employers also treat both degrees the same, and either a BSc or a BEng in Computer Science from Edinburgh will carry weight anywhere in the world. The choice of the BEng is designed to work for those students who come from countries where computer science is seen to be an engineering discipline rather than a science one.

3. What are the entry requirements for the French Baccalaureate?

Grade 12 and above overall, with a minimum of 12 in Mathematics. 

Please visit the web pages of the International Office for Information on what international qualifications we accept, by country, including the European Baccalaureate, and information on English language requirements.

4. I am not sure what degree to choose, BSc, BEng? AI or Software Engineering?

If you intend to do a single honours, you can register for the BSc in Computer Science (G400) and make up your mind at the end of the 2nd year what your honours specialisation will be. If at the end of your second year you've decided you want to become a Software Engineer or specialise in AI, you can easily change degrees and your Director of Studies will advise you what honours courses to take. This is what we mean when we say that our degrees are flexible in structure.

The degrees for which you need to be more specific in your registration are the combined degrees, for example Computer Science and Management Science or Artificial Intelligence and Psychology. For these degrees you will need to study your joint discipline from the first year.  If it turns out that you do not like one of the disciplines you are studying, you can switch to a single honours degree in the other discipline from the second year of study.

5. What programming languages are taught?

In your first 2 years of study you will be taught two very different programming languages, Java and Haskell, from complete beginner level. In subsequent years various courses may introduce new languages/libraries/frameworks in support of their material, but typically these will only be sketched and you will be expected to do further reading and pick up the details yourself.