Artificial Intelligence studies the principles and mechanisms underlying intelligent processes in humans and other living organisms and attempts to apply such knowledge to the design of computer-based systems and to the understanding of natural intelligence. The study of Software Engineering will teach you to write good software and gain the engineering skills are needed to meet requirements such as reliability, maintainability, usability and cost-effectiveness. Our programme is directed towards the practical application of computing sciences, as computer systems grow in size and complexity. Studying at the University of Edinburgh's School of Informatics will provide you with a good foundation in computer science and will offer a new perspective on ways that computational thinking can be applied to different settings. You will develop a solid scientific understanding, and the practical skills required to analyse, design, implement and maintain computer-based systems in any setting. We are consistently highly ranked for research and teaching in Computer Science and Informatics, coming 20th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2016. Informatics students come from diverse backgrounds and enjoy a strong community that will support you in your studies and extra-curricular activities.