Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) BSc (Hons)



Get skills in state of the art Artificial Intelligence techniques, drawing from the strengths of experts.

Overview

Our Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) course at Edinburgh Napier will help you gain a full understanding of computing tools, techniques, and practices across a wide range of application, and provide you with a thorough understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of Artificial Intelligence and its applications.

The BSc Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) degree is designed to provide opportunities for students to develop core skills in Computer Science and specialist skills in areas such as Natural Language Processing and Deep Learning, among others. The modules will be taught by world leading scientists in specialist facilities, which contain high-speed computers with all essential software. Our course will teach you the fundamentals of artificial intelligence that will propel you into employment after university.

Want to get more from your studies? You can opt for a placement year to gain valuable hands-on experience working with a company of your choice.

Three students interacting with latest technologies

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

Sep

UCAS code:

I105

Course details

During this course, you will develop a critical understanding of Computer Science and computational thinking, with a focus in your final year on the use of Artificial Intelligence. In your first year, you will develop software design and engineering skills which will later be used to allow you to develop software algorithms and make use of Artificial Intelligence based tools and concepts.

In addition, you will develop a critical understanding of problem solving using a range of analysis techniques to design computations solutions to a wide range of complex problems.

In your final year, you will have the opportunity to study a range of Artificial Intelligence specialised modules, which are delivered by staff who are internationally recognised experts.

 
  • calendar

    How you’ll be taught

     Lectures and tutorials.
  • note and pen

    Assessments

     Mixture of practical assessments, development reports, academic essays, and exams.
  • briefcase

    Work placement

    A year long Work Based Learning module is available for this programme which can be undertaken in 3rd year which consists of 60 credits.

    In 2nd year, students attend timetabled Placement Preparation sessions which provides comprehensive information about sourcing a placement, tips for enhancing CVs, cover letters and interview preparation. A Student Futures Placement Coordinator is available to support students with their placement applications and approving placements as part of the course. Whilst on placement, students undertake work-related assessments alongside gaining valuable work experience. If this option is chosen, the course duration will be extended by one trimester.

    If students are not undertaking the yearlong placement, then there is a Group Project or the Professional Internship Module in Year 3 (one trimester) which gives students the opportunity to complete a project for an external client.

    Find out more about Computing Placements here.
  • study abroad

    Study abroad

     International study is available and is intended to develop overall graduate attributes and global citizenship. The school has several agreements with overseas partner institutions, both in the EU and further afield, providing varied and exciting opportunities tailored around your individual study and cultural interests. Currently, links are established with universities in the USA, Canada, Spain, Denmark, Singapore, and Germany, where programmes are delivered in English, whilst additional links are planned with other European countries and Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Popular modules

Year 1 (Stage 1)

  • Foundations of Software Design and Development
  • Computer Systems
  • Foundation Mathematics
  • Mathematics for Software Engineering
  • Programming Fundamentals
  • Human Computer Interaction

 

Year 2 (Stage 2)

  • Object Oriented Software Development Computer Systems
  • Operating Systems
  • Database Systems
  • Software Engineering Methods
  • Algorithms and Data Structures
  • Computer Graphics (option)
  • Mobile Applications Development (option)
  • SET08101 Web Technologies (option)

Year 3 (Stage 3)

  • Data Analytics
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Group Project
  • Computing in Contemporary Society
  • Physics Based Animation (option)
  • Advanced Web Technologies (option)
  • Software Engineering (option)
  • Fundamentals of Parallel Systems (option)
  • Sensing Systems for Mobile Applications (option)
  • Advanced Databases (option)
  • Professional Practice (option)

Year 4 (Stage 4)

  • Honours Project
  • Data Wrangling
  • Applied Machine Learning
  • Emergent Computing for Optimisation
  • Multi-Agent Systems

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)?

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Can you go straight into second year of university?

Advanced entry into Year 2 of this course is possible for students with suitable qualifications. See the individual year tabs for more information.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the Undergraduate Admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

Minimum Year 1 Entry Requirements

SQA Higher

  • Standard Entry Requirement: BBBB to include Maths or Science/Technical subject* at grade B. National 5 grade C in Maths OR Applications of Maths.

  • Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: BBCC to include Maths or Science/Technical subject* at grade C. National 5 grade C in Maths OR Applications of Maths.

You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies.

*Science/Technical subjects - Physics, Engineering Science, Design & Manufacture, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Graphic Communication or Computing Science 

A Level

  • BCC to include Maths or Science/Technical subject
  • GCSE grade C/4 in Maths.

Irish Leaving Certificate

  • H2, H2, H3, H3 at Higher Level to include Maths or Science/Technical subject at grade B and grade O4 in Ordinary Level Maths.

Scottish HNC

  • HNC with C in the graded unit in one of the following; Computing, Computer Games Development, Software Development or Data Analytics
  • Higher Maths at grade B
  • Unrelated HNC/Ds may be considered and in addition have Higher Maths or Science/Technical subject at grade B and National 5 Maths at grade C

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in a related subject.
  • GCSE grade C/4 in Maths.

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades D*D* (Distinction*, Distinction)
  • GCSE grade C/4 in Maths.

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A-Level

  • Minimum grades DM 
  • Minimum A level grade C.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4 to include Maths or Science/Technical subject at 5.
  • Grade 4 in SL Maths.

European Baccalaureate

  • Pass at 70% or above with grade 7 in three subjects to include Maths or Science/Technical subject.
  • Grade 6 in Maths and English.

T Levels

  • Merit - T Level with additional A Level in: Maths or Science/Technical.
  • GCSE grade C/4 in Maths.

Minimum Year 2 entry requirements

HNC

  • Pass in Computing, Computer Games Development, Software Development or Data Analytics with B in the graded unit plus Higher Maths at Grade B.

Other HNC qualifications may be considered, please contact Undergraduate Admissions for advice.

SQA Advanced Higher

  • BBC to include Higher Maths or Physics.
  • SQA Advanced Higher BB and SQA Higher BB to to include Maths or Physics.

A Level

  • BBB to include Maths or Physics.

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades DDD (Distinction, Distinction, Distinction) in a related subject.

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland £1,820 £1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,250 £9,250
Overseas and EU £19,340 £20,310
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships
If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Careers

What can you do with a BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) degree?

Artificial Intelligence is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world of computing and technology. Enrolling in this course equips individuals with the knowledge and expertise sought after by a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, transportation, and more.

The course provides a strong foundation in computer science principles and AI techniques, making graduates versatile and in-demand in the job market. Graduates of this program are well-positioned to pursue various roles such as:

  • AI engineer
  • Machine learning engineer
  • Data scientist
  • AI researcher
  • Software developer

For students interested in pursuing further studies or research in AI, this course provides a solid academic foundation and opportunities for independent research projects. Engaging in research can enhance critical thinking skills, deepen understanding of AI concepts, and open doors to academic or industry research positions.

The demand for AI expertise is not limited by geographical boundaries. Graduates of this course may find job opportunities not only in their home country but also in international markets where AI adoption is rapidly growing. As AI continues to evolve and become increasingly integrated into various aspects of society, individuals with expertise in AI are likely to enjoy long-term career prospects and job security.

What does an AI Engineer do?

As an AI Engineer, you will spend good amount of time to gather and preprocess data from various sources, ensuring data quality, consistency, and relevance for training machine learning models. This may involve data cleaning, transformation, and feature engineering to prepare the data for analysis. You will also train machine learning models using collected data, adjusting parameters and hyperparameters to optimize performance and accuracy. You will evaluate model performance using appropriate metrics, validate results, and iterate on model designs as needed.

You may deploy trained models into production environments, integrating AI solutions with existing systems or platforms. You will ensure scalability, reliability, and efficiency of deployed AI systems, and monitor performance in real-world settings.

You might also develop and maintain software applications, frameworks, or systems that incorporate AI components. This may involve writing code, debugging, testing, and integrating AI modules into existing software infrastructure.

Overall, an AI engineer's daily tasks revolve around designing, developing, and deploying AI solutions to solve real-world problems, leveraging their expertise in machine learning, data analysis, and software engineering.