School of Informatics


Frequently asked questions for potential Informatics undergraduates.

What is Informatics?


  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Science
  • Software Engineering
  • Cognitive Science


How much maths is there? Why?

There is a fair bit of Maths, both explicitly (in years 1 and 2) and implicitly. Informatics uses more "discrete" maths (eg logic, sets, graphs, algebra probability etc) than many other disciplines. Continuous maths (analysis, calculus) has important applications too.


Why is the Informatics Degree five years?

We offer an integrated programme taking you to a masters level qualification over five years. The first three years of the MInf are similar to our BSc and BEng programmes providing a firm foundation for advanced study in informatics and covering a diverse range of topics including computer science, artificial intelligence, linguistics, cognitive science, neuroscience, psychology and biology. The final two years of study include a personal project. The final year offers access to a wide range of masters-level courses given by leaders in their chosen fields.

What is the difference between a BSc and a BEng?

There is no difference in content between BSc and BEng degrees and both are accredited by the British Computer Society. Employers also treat both degrees the same, and either a BSc or a BEng in Computer Science from Edinburgh will carry weight anywhere in the world. The choice of the BEng is designed to work for those students who come from countries where computer science is seen to be an engineering discipline rather than a science one.

What are the entry requirements for the European Baccalaureate?

Please visit the web pages of the International Office for information on what international qualifications we accept, by country, including the European Baccalaureate, and information on English language requirements.

I am not sure what degree to choose AI, Cognitive Science or Software Engineering?

If it turns out that you do not like one of the disciplines you are studying, you can request to change to a single honours degree in the other discipline from the second year of study.

What programming languages are taught?

In your first 2 years of study you will be taught two very different programming languages, Java and Haskell, from complete beginner level. In subsequent years various courses may introduce new languages/libraries/frameworks in support of their material, but typically these will only be sketched and you will be expected to do further reading and pick up the details yourself.

What is Cognitive Science?

The Cognitive Science Programme is jointly organised by the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences (PPLS) and the School of Informatics. It is a new interdisciplinary degree which attempts to understand the human mind. It focuses on abilities such as reasoning, perception, memory, awareness, emotion, attention, judgement, motor control and language use.

The Cognitive Science Programme consists of two new degrees:

1. MA Cognitive Science (Humanities)- School of PPLS - Emphasising theoretical and experimental approaches to the philosophical, linguistic and psychological nature of language and the mind.

2. BSc Cognitive Science- School of Informatics - Emphasising mathematical and computational approaches to the study of the human mind.

Cognitive Science students may apply for the degree in either School and choose courses from both, allowing them to combine the study of core computing and human science subjects with their choice of specialisation.

Do you assume I have done some computing before?

No, we start from scratch but students need to be able and bright to keep up with the course.

Bringing computing equipment with you

The School of Informatics, and the University in general, provides computer laboratories where you can do all coursework, so there is no need to bring a computer with you. Many students, however, like to be able to work in places other than the labs and do bring computers of various sorts. If you are considering buying a computer to bring to university, you might like to bear these things in mind. Your first decision is whether to buy a desktop, a laptop or a tablet computer. A tablet is of course the most limited; you won't be able to do much coursework on one. Most students find laptops the most versatile, but like many aspects of this decision this is very personal. Ergonomics is important: you will type quite a lot and should choose a set-up that lets you do so comfortably. In laptops the trade-off between the convenience of a large screen and the weight of a machine you will carry around needs careful consideration. For most purposes, any modern processor will be fine; amount of RAM tends to be more important and if you're going to upgrade anything you might consider this first. Coursework is unlikely to require you to have more disk space than comes as standard on any machine you buy now.

Informatics' standard operating system is Linux (currently based on Scientific Linux 6). Most of the software used for courses is open source and cross platform, but you might find running Linux sometimes makes it easier for you to run the same version of the same software that is used in the labs. Note, though, that the computing staff don't offer support for students' machines, and problems with your own computer would never excuse losing work or missing a deadline; you need to be prepared to administer, secure and backup your own computer (good skills to acquire anyway).

Download the full list of questions (pdf)

Still have a query?

Please contact our teaching organisation staff who will be happy to help