BSc Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science, a computer science degree and computer science (artificial intelligence) degree spanning the theory and engineering of intelligent systems and computing architectures over four years. Core topics include Programming, Computer Architecture, Data Analysis, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The course does not require prior programming experience, teaching computation from a shared starting point for all students. The first year covers information representation, computer programming, problem solving, and professional practices. The second year progresses through software development, decision making, foundations of data science, algorithms and data structures, and computer systems. The third year involves practical work, robotics, computer security, machine learning and AI, computer systems and networks, software engineering, and algorithms.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: from A*A*A* to AAB in one set of exams (required: Mathematics at A) IB: from 43 points with 777 at HL to 34 points with 665 at HL
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 18%: 32 offers from 175 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 20 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 76%
- Assessment and feedback: 73%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 79%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 70%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Working and studying: 10%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 65%
- Customer service occupations: 5%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 100%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 85%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 40 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 10%
- South East: 5%
- Scotland: 75%
Who gets in
Based on about 50 students who started
- A levels: 80%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 15%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- 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.
Modules
- how information can be represented and processed in computer systems
- computer programming
- how to solve problems using computer programs
- an introduction to critical skills and professional practices which will inform your career, including ethics, critical thinking and communication skills
- software development
- decision making
- foundations of data science
- algorithms and data structures
- the internals of computers and/or computer systems
- the professional, social and ethical context of computing
- practical work
- robotics
- computer security
- machine learning and AI
- computer systems and networks
- software engineering
- algorithms
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £35,000 after 15 months, £33,500 after 3 years, £47,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £37,000 and £67,000. The £47,000 median after five years is £11,000 more than the UK median for Computer science.
What do graduates of BSc Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science at University of Edinburgh do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science at University of Edinburgh?
89% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 43 points in the IB. The average entrant had 217 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science at University of Edinburgh?
18% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 32 offers from 175 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is BSc Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science at University of Edinburgh accredited?
Yes. 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.
Does BSc Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science at University of Edinburgh?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.