Computer Science

Computer science is the discipline concerned with understanding, designing, implementing and using computing systems at every level of scale and complexity, as the University of Edinburgh's own description puts it: from the tiny components of a single processor to the globe-spanning internet. It encompasses algorithm design, programming languages, software engineering, computer architecture, operating systems, networks, data and databases, artificial intelligence and the theoretical foundations that underlie all computational thinking. At its best, computer science education develops both the formal reasoning to prove things about computation and the practical skill to build systems that work reliably in the real world.

At Edinburgh, one of the leading computer science departments in the world, this four-year degree includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to study at a partner institution overseas and to bring an international dimension to your formation as a computer scientist. You will engage with the full breadth of the discipline, from the mathematics of algorithms and complexity to systems programming, software development methodologies, data science, machine learning and the design of interactive systems. Edinburgh's active research environment means the programme is shaped by faculty working at the frontiers of the discipline, and you will encounter the live questions and unsolved problems of computer science alongside the established foundations.

The analytical and problem-solving capabilities that computer science develops, the ability to model problems precisely, design efficient solutions and implement them correctly, are among the most sought-after in the graduate labour market.

Graduates go on to careers as software engineers, data scientists, AI researchers and practitioners, systems architects, security engineers, technical leads and researchers in technology companies, financial services, healthcare, defence, telecommunications and across virtually every sector of the modern economy. Further study at masters or doctoral level is also a well-established route for those interested in research or highly specialist roles.