The Student Room Group

Edinburgh BSc CS,CS+AI or CS+math for getting into AI in the future?

I'd like to pursue AI in the future, but idk which of the three degrees is best for it. IK AI involves a lot of math, but idk how is the math courses in CS+AI degree. Any suggestions?
Choosing between a BSc in Computer Science (CS), CS + AI, or CS + Math at Edinburgh for a future career in AI depends on your specific interests and how deep you want to go into the mathematical foundations of AI.

1.

BSc in Computer Science: This degree will give you a solid foundation in programming, algorithms, and software development, with some exposure to AI concepts, depending on your elective choices. It's a versatile degree, and while it does cover some math, it might not delve deeply into the advanced mathematics often used in AI research.

2.

BSc in CS + AI: This is likely the most directly aligned with your goal of pursuing AI. It’s designed to cover both the computational and conceptual aspects of AI, including machine learning, neural networks, and possibly some natural language processing. The math you’ll encounter in this degree will be more tailored to AI applications, though it might not go as deep into theoretical math as a CS + Math degree would.

3.

BSc in CS + Math: If you're very interested in the theoretical and mathematical side of AI, this could be an excellent choice. AI relies heavily on advanced mathematics, including linear algebra, probability, and calculus. This degree would likely give you a more rigorous mathematical foundation, which can be crucial if you plan to get into more research-oriented or cutting-edge AI fields.

Suggestions:

If you want a broad understanding of AI with enough math to support your studies, CS + AI might be the best fit.

If you’re more interested in the theoretical underpinnings and want a stronger math background to potentially go into AI research, CS + Math could be ideal.

If you’re looking for flexibility and want to keep your options open in the broader tech industry while still having some AI exposure, CS might be the way to go.

In any case, Edinburgh is a top institution with strong programs in these areas, so you’re in a good position no matter which you choose. It might also be worth reaching out to current students or faculty to get more insight into the specific courses and how they align with your career goals in AI.
Honestly I think any of those three degrees would give you a great chance. Edinburgh is a great uni for CS/AI related stuff. A lot of AI-related positions do require a master's or PhD though, so keep that in mind.
Reply 3
Original post by Ben123123123
I'd like to pursue AI in the future, but idk which of the three degrees is best for it. IK AI involves a lot of math, but idk how is the math courses in CS+AI degree. Any suggestions?

When you say how are they, what do you mean? The maths used by clever stuff is hard. If the course is good, the maths will be hard as well and those who go on to make mega bucks in AI will be those who can do the hard maths.
Original post by Rincewind_Bored
Choosing between a BSc in Computer Science (CS), CS + AI, or CS + Math at Edinburgh for a future career in AI depends on your specific interests and how deep you want to go into the mathematical foundations of AI.

1.

BSc in Computer Science: This degree will give you a solid foundation in programming, algorithms, and software development, with some exposure to AI concepts, depending on your elective choices. It's a versatile degree, and while it does cover some math, it might not delve deeply into the advanced mathematics often used in AI research.

2.

BSc in CS + AI: This is likely the most directly aligned with your goal of pursuing AI. It’s designed to cover both the computational and conceptual aspects of AI, including machine learning, neural networks, and possibly some natural language processing. The math you’ll encounter in this degree will be more tailored to AI applications, though it might not go as deep into theoretical math as a CS + Math degree would.

3.

BSc in CS + Math: If you're very interested in the theoretical and mathematical side of AI, this could be an excellent choice. AI relies heavily on advanced mathematics, including linear algebra, probability, and calculus. This degree would likely give you a more rigorous mathematical foundation, which can be crucial if you plan to get into more research-oriented or cutting-edge AI fields.

Suggestions:

If you want a broad understanding of AI with enough math to support your studies, CS + AI might be the best fit.

If you’re more interested in the theoretical underpinnings and want a stronger math background to potentially go into AI research, CS + Math could be ideal.

If you’re looking for flexibility and want to keep your options open in the broader tech industry while still having some AI exposure, CS might be the way to go.

In any case, Edinburgh is a top institution with strong programs in these areas, so you’re in a good position no matter which you choose. It might also be worth reaching out to current students or faculty to get more insight into the specific courses and how they align with your career goals in AI.

If I'd like to get into the industry for AI instead of research, which one should I go for? And will different AI jobs or aspects (like NLP, CV, robotics related, data science related) that I'd like to go for affect which one suits me the best? Thx :smile:
If you’re set on entering the AI industry immediately after your Bachelors, the BSc in CS + AI is designed to prepare you for exactly that, with a balanced approach to both the technical and mathematical aspects of AI. However, if you're drawn to the mathematical theories behind AI or are considering roles in data science or AI research in the future, the BSc in CS + Math could be the better fit. Finally, if you value a broad foundation with the option to specialise later, the standard CS degree offers the flexibility to adapt as your interests evolve.

No matter which path you choose, Edinburgh is a strong institution with excellent resources and industry connections, so you'll be well-prepared for a career in AI. It's also worth talking to current students or faculty members to get a better sense of the specific courses and opportunities available in each programme.
Original post by Rincewind_Bored
If you’re set on entering the AI industry immediately after your Bachelors, the BSc in CS + AI is designed to prepare you for exactly that, with a balanced approach to both the technical and mathematical aspects of AI. However, if you're drawn to the mathematical theories behind AI or are considering roles in data science or AI research in the future, the BSc in CS + Math could be the better fit. Finally, if you value a broad foundation with the option to specialise later, the standard CS degree offers the flexibility to adapt as your interests evolve.
No matter which path you choose, Edinburgh is a strong institution with excellent resources and industry connections, so you'll be well-prepared for a career in AI. It's also worth talking to current students or faculty members to get a better sense of the specific courses and opportunities available in each programme.

Cool! Thx :smile:

Quick Reply