Artificial Intelligence (2 years) Heriot-Watt University

Overview

The Artificial Intelligence (2 years) at Heriot-Watt University is a comprehensive conversion programme designed to transition students from diverse academic backgrounds into the field of intelligent systems. This degree provides the technical expertise and practical skills required to develop sophisticated software solutions for real-world applications. By bridging the gap between disciplines such as psychology, linguistics, or the arts and advanced technology, the curriculum ensures graduates are well-prepared for the evolving digital economy.

Why Artificial Intelligence (2 years) at Heriot-Watt University?

Heriot-Watt University is a pioneer in computer science with over fifty years of research and teaching excellence. Students benefit from access to the National Robotarium, a world-leading centre for robotics and autonomous systems located right on the Edinburgh campus. This facility allows for hands-on experience with cutting-edge automation technologies and authentic datasets.

The programme is taught by world-leading faculty who are active researchers in the field of AI innovation. The university is ranked 6th in Scotland for Computer Science, reflecting its commitment to academic quality. Furthermore, the curriculum has been developed in collaboration with industry experts to ensure students master essential tools like Python and TensorFlow, providing a distinct advantage in the competitive job market.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: GBP 26296 per year
• National fee: GBP 12584 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to build foundational knowledge in the first year before moving into specialised topics. Modules may include:

Year 1

• Software Engineering Foundations
• Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Agents
• Statistical Modelling and Analysis
• Databases and Information Systems
• Interaction Design
• Project Management

Year 2

• Biologically Inspired Computation
• Data Mining and Machine Learning
• Computer Graphics
• Human Robot Interaction
• Natural Language Processing
• Intelligent Robotics

Careers with Artificial Intelligence (2 years)

Graduates are equipped for a variety of high-demand roles within the global technology sector. The programme focuses on employability, preparing students for positions such as Machine Learning Engineers, where they design algorithms for speech and image recognition. Many alumni also find success as Data Scientists, interpreting large datasets to drive business decisions.

Other potential career paths include becoming an AI Research Scientist, focusing on the development of new models, or a Computer Vision Engineer specialising in visual information systems. For those interested in the intersection of technology and business, the role of AI Product Manager offers the opportunity to oversee the deployment of automated services and products.

Accreditation

Our MSc Artificial Intelligence (2 years) programme is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS).