Overview

Mastering advanced computing techniques and integrating autonomous decision-making into modern software infrastructure is critical to solving real-world technological challenges. The BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) at Edinburgh Napier University provides a comprehensive education that combines foundational software engineering with specialized artificial intelligence models. Taught at the Merchiston campus by research-active academics, the curriculum explores core computer science principles—including computer systems, programming paradigms, and mathematics—before advancing to deep learning, natural language processing, and data analytics. Students work in specialist computer laboratories equipped with industry-standard development environments. The degree offers flexible pathway opportunities, including a full-year work placement or collaborative industry client projects. This program suits analytical problem-solvers seeking to build scalable applications and engineer intelligent software solutions across global technology sectors.

What You'll Learn

• Foundations of software design, procedural programming, and object-oriented development

• Computer systems architecture, operating systems logic, and network infrastructure fundamentals

• Discrete mathematics, computational logic, and quantitative methods for software engineering

• Human-computer interaction principles, user experience design, and interface evaluations

• Data science methodologies, data cleaning, and statistical programming using Python

• Core artificial intelligence techniques, search algorithms, knowledge representation, and machine learning models

• Advanced topics including deep learning frameworks, natural language processing, and big data analytics

• Professional software practices, team-based client projects, and work-based placement options

• Independent computer science capstone project focused on intelligent system development and empirical evaluation

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will possess a deep understanding of core computational theories, software architectures, and specialized artificial intelligence models. They will demonstrate the ability to analyze complex data structures, design scalable algorithms, and deploy machine learning pipelines to solve real-world technical problems. Students build practical technical competencies in software development, data engineering, and system testing through hands-on laboratory exercises and collaborative team projects. Furthermore, learners acquire the capacity to critically evaluate the ethical considerations, operational efficiency, and security implications of deploying autonomous software in corporate environments. Through industry placements or a major final-year research project, scholars cultivate the technical precision and problem-solving skills needed to excel as AI engineers, data scientists, software developers, or systems analysts.