Enter OTP
At Edinburgh, the BEng (Hons) in Computer Science gives you a solid foundation in theory, programming, and systems engineering, alongside the flexibility to shape your degree through electives. It’s designed for students who love combining mathematics with real-world software and hardware development in a structured, career-focused environment.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your first year covers modules including Introduction to Computation, Object Oriented Programming, Calculus and Algebra, and more.These lay the groundwork for your coding skills, mathematical reasoning, and understanding of how computers work.
Year 2
In year two, you'll tackle core modules in Software engineering and Professional Practice, Algorithms and Data Structures, Intro to Computer Systems, and Discrete Mathematics and Probability. This year strengthens your engineering thought process and begins preparing you for honours-level concepts and specialization.
Year 3 (Honours)
You’ll choose advanced options (some which are prerequisites for specific fourth year courses) like Theoretical Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computer Security, Elements of Programming Languages and more, while also collaborating on a practical group industrial-style project. This year emphasizes teamwork, real-world application, and deep theory.
Year 4 (Honours)
In your final year, you’ll complete an individual honours-level BEng Project, alongside specialist courses and possibly industry-focused modules including Computer Communications and Networks, Compiling Techniques, Software Testing, Quantum Cyber Security, and more. This independent work demonstrates your ability to design, implement, and manage complex computing solutions.
Optional Study Abroad Year
In Year 3, you may be able to study abroad at one of our partner universities which include a wide of locations including:
Assessment Format
Edinburgh combines practical coursework, exams, and significant project work to assess your abilities:
Years 1–2 involve regular programming assignments, lab reports, and module exams, alongside assessed sessions like InfBase tutorials.
Years 3–4 (Honours) place greater weight on the group industrial project and your substantial individual honours project, assessed through deliverables (code, documentation, presentations) and written reports.
Focus areas:
"Systems & hardware • Software engineering • Discrete maths & computation • AI & data science • Security • Industrial and individual honours projects"
Learning outcomes:
"Design systems in C & Python, apply formal reasoning, engineer projects in teams and solo, select and specialise in advanced CS topics, and present professional deliverables."
Professional alignment (accreditation):
This degree programme is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, a professional body for IT professionals. This accreditation is generally respected by employers and provides you with a great foundation if you wish to achieve professional registration after graduation.
Reputation (employability rankings):
Ranked 23rd globally and 4th in the UK for Computer Science (QS 2025). Edinburgh CS graduates earn on average £25,000 six months after graduation, with top performers reaching £70k+. Students benefit from industry links and a thriving tech hub, leading to roles at companies like Google, Microsoft, IBM, and opportunities for research or master’s study abroad.
As a CS in Edinburgh, you’ll be immersed in practical labs and collaborative workspaces within Appleton Tower and the Nucleus building (King’s Buildings campus). These purpose-built environments offer Linux and Windows workstations, remote and in-person access, and a vibrant electronics‑after‑hours community, ideal for tinkering with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, robotics, and hardware projects. You’ll also leverage Edinburgh's powerhouse HPC resources, including the world-class EPCC supercomputing facilities (ARCHER2 and GPU clusters).
Experiential learning at Edinburgh includes:
Guided practical labs each term:
Core modules (programming, systems, AI, machine learning) feature demonstrator-led sessions using Python, Java, C/C++, and tools like MATLAB both in-person and remotely.
Group projects & electronics challenge clubs:
Teamwork-focused assignments integrated into modules, plus the Electronics After Hours collective where you design and build hardware/software projects.
Individual Honours project (Year 4):
A significant research or industry-related project supervised by faculty, spanning September to April, many students publish or present results.
Summer research internships:
You can apply for paid summer roles both centrally and within your school (particularly LFCS), often staying on with research groups or gaining industry experience.
Industry networking & career events:
The Careers Service and School arrange company presentations and tech fairs across Microsoft, IBM, Amazon, Google, and regional startups; many students land internships through these connections.
Advanced HPC & remote computing:
Access to Edinburgh’s national supercomputers (EPCC), departmental clusters, and GPU support lets you build performance-critical applications and experiment with large-scale computation.
Edinburgh’s BEng (Hons) in Computer Science sets you up for high-growth careers: about 85% of graduates are in high-skilled tech or related roles within 15 months, earning a median of £35k, rising to around £40k by five years post-graduation. Graduates go on to roles such as:
Software Engineer or Developer
Data Scientist or Analyst
Technical Consultant or Systems Engineer
Hardware Engineer or App Developer
University services that support employment
The Careers Service assigns a dedicated Informatics consultant and provides CV/interview coaching, internship support, and access to events like the annual Careers in Tech and Data Fair.
The School hosts guest recruiters (e.g. Google, Bloomberg), and CompSoc organizes workplace workshops and internships including Amazon dissertation projects are common.
Employment stats & salary figures
• 85% employed or pursuing further study within 15 months of graduating
• Median starting salary ~£35k at 15 months; ~£40k at 5 years
• University data shows average ~£44k starting salary (better than many UK benchmarks)
University–industry partnerships
The School is deeply embedded in Edinburgh’s thriving tech ecosystem, connecting students with companies like Skyscanner, FanDuel, Rockstar North, Amazon, Microsoft, ARM, and Dell.
Access to the EPCC supercomputing centre (home to ARCHER2, ranked #22 globally) offers cutting-edge HPC research exposure.
SICSA affiliation brings industry-funded internships, placements, and innovation showcases.
Long‑term accreditation & reputation
Your degree is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, recognized by top employers.
Edinburgh is ranked 4th UK for research power in REF 2021 and 10th for graduate employability by THE.
Graduation outcomes
• 90% secure professional or managerial roles (IT/professional sector) within six months
• Alumni work at elite companies: Google, Amazon, Citigroup, IBM, Skyscanner, Adobe, Deloitte, Bank of America, CapGemini, PwC, etc.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BEng, you’re well-positioned to advance academically:
Progress to a 2-year MInf (integrated master's) in Advanced CS or AI/ML which are often more cost-effective than separate master's study
Enrol in standalone MSc or postgraduate diplomas in fields like Data Science, AI, Cybersecurity, or Software Engineering
Undertake PhD research, benefitting from access to EPCC’s supercomputing resources and world-class informatics faculty
Your degree and BCS accreditation offer global flexibility, most of Edinburgh graduates proceed to top universities (Oxford, Imperial, Toronto) or industry R&D roles.
UCAS Application • Official High School Transcripts • Personal Statement • Educational Resume • Letter of Recommendation by School TeacherA Levels: A*A*A* - AAB in one set of examsInternational Baccalaureate (IB): 43 points with 777 at HL - 34 points with 665 at HL CBSE / CISCE Boards: Overall average of 80% or above and minimum 80% in all required subjects (or 85% where we require a grade A at SQA Higher). 75% at Grade XII EnglishIELTS: 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each componentTOEFL (iBT): 92 overall with at least 20 in each componentRequired subjects: A Levels- Mathematics at A, IB- HL: Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 6, SL: English at 5Minimum Entry Requirement: A Levels: ABB, IB: 32 points with 655 at HLSoftware EngineerData ScientistMachine Learning EngineerCybersecurity AnalystCloud EngineerAI EngineerDatabase AdministratorSystems AnalystNetwork EngineerDevOps Engineer
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
University of Edinburgh
