Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is at the frontier of computer science, and the demand for people who understand it at a rigorous technical level is growing faster than the supply. AI is not simply a set of tools to be used; it is a field of study concerned with how computational systems can be made to exhibit behaviour that we would characterise as intelligent, from pattern recognition and natural language processing to reasoning, planning, and learning from data. Understanding AI at this level requires a strong foundation in mathematics, computer science, and the theoretical underpinnings of machine learning and cognitive systems.

At the University of Edinburgh, one of the world's leading centres for AI research, this four-year programme is designed to equip you with both the practical knowledge and the depth of understanding needed to succeed in a fast-growing and highly competitive field. You will study the foundations of computer science and mathematics alongside the core techniques and theories of artificial intelligence, developing the ability to design, evaluate, and improve AI systems rather than simply apply existing tools. The programme includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to study AI in an international context and to build the global perspective that the field increasingly requires.

Graduates of AI degree programmes from a research-intensive institution such as Edinburgh are among the most sought-after in the technology sector. Roles in machine learning engineering, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, AI research, and data science are all natural destinations, as are positions in AI ethics, policy, and strategy as organisations grapple with the implications of the technology they deploy. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study or doctoral research, particularly those interested in pushing the boundaries of what AI systems can do.