MSc Degrees in Computer Science and Information Technology

MSc in Artificial Intelligence

This programme aims to impart the understanding and skills to develop intelligent software applications, such as those involving evolutionary computation and learning. Students will develop skills in specialist areas with clear applications in industry - including data mining, pattern recognition and machine learning.

This full-time programme starts in mid September and lasts one year. Admission requires a 1st or 2nd class honours degree or its equivalent in Computer Science or IT.

The F2Z7 MSc programme can also be taken part-time or as a 9 month F2Z5 Postgraduate Diploma.

Full time students take 4 courses in semester 1 and 4 courses in semester 2 and must normally take courses in bold.

After semester 2, students continue full time on the MSc project F21MP until the programme ends in August.

Various schemes are available for financing study on this programme. Applications are made to the programme Admissions Officer at the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.

English Requirements

Non-native English speakers are expected to be proficient in English equivalent to an Internet based TOEFL score of at least 80, a British Council IELTS score of at least 6.0, Cambridge Proficiency C or University of Michigan ECPE. English language training courses can be taken at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh during the summer.

Postgraduate Diploma Programme

The 8 taught courses can also be studied over 9 months as part of a Postgraduate Diploma programme with the same title. Students who perform at MSc level on the Postgraduate Diploma programme may transfer when it ends to the MSc programme and complete their project F21MP for an MSc.

Candidates holding a little less than a 1st or second class honours degree or its equivalent may be admitted to the Postgraduate Diploma programme and are eligible for transfer to the MSc programme under the normal conditions.

Part-time Study

Part-time study for the MSc over two years is also possible by special arrangement with the programme director. A typical arrangement would be for students to take 2 courses in semesters 1 and 2 in the first year, 2 courses in semesters 1 and 2 in the second year and split the research and implementation of the MSc project over 2 years.

Programme Requirements

To qualify for an MSc or Postgraduate Diploma, students must successfully complete 8 lectured courses at the appropriate level. The assessment of these courses is by examination and course work.

MSc students must also complete the project course F21MP at MSc level.

Further Information

For further information on the programme or to arrange a visit to the Department contact the admissions officer.

The Department reserves the right to modify the list of courses and may not run every course every year. It may not be possible to take all combinations of courses, students must satisfy the prerequisites of any courses and any course choice must be made in consultation with the programme director.