Information for applicants and offer holders to our Computer Science (Informatics) programmes. We called our department the School of Informatics because we study and research more than just computer science. Informatics is the study of information, computation and communication. This can apply to artificial systems, such as computers, or natural systems such as brains, genes and living cells. By studying with us you will develop a solid scientific understanding of computer-based systems and gain the practical skills to analyse, design, implement and maintain them in any setting.Our graduates are highly sought after and equipped to excel in our rapidly advancing digital world. Programme details Need a refresher of the details of your programme? Our Degree Finder provides information, including what you will study, how you will learn and career opportunities, as well as fees and funding. Our Degree Programme Tables (DPTs) provide detailed information about the structure of the Informatics programmes, including course content. The detailed programme content for 2025-26 will be available in April. Until then, you can view the 2024-25 DPTs. Please note these may be subject to change. Find out more about our Informatics programmes in the Degree Finder Find out more about the courses you will study in the DPT Sample timetableDepending on the optional courses you choose, your weekly timetable in year 1 is likely to involve a mixture of different class types. As well as time spent in classes, you will need to spend some time outside of class consolidating what you have learnt, preparing for interactive sessions, workshops, practicals or tutorials, or completing coursework. All of our programmes start with a common core of mathematics courses and informatics courses, with increasing options for specialisation in later years depending on your interests. Click below to view the sample timetable. Year 1 sample timetable Monday 11:00-12:00 Introduction to Computation - Informatics 1 (Lecture) 14:00-15:00 Elective/Joint Subject (Lecture) 15:00-18:00 Computer Workshop - Informatics 1 (optional) Tuesday 10:00-11:00 Elective/Joint Subject (Tutorial) 12:00-13:30 Introduction to Linear Algebra – Mathematics 1 (Workshop) 14:00-15:00 Introduction to Computation - Informatics 1 (Lecture) 16:00-18:00 Computer Workshop - Informatics 1 (optional) Wednesday 16:00-18:00 Computer Workshop - Informatics 1 (optional) Thursday 11:00-12:00 Introduction to Computation - Informatics 1 (Lecture) 12:00-13:00 Introduction to Linear Algebra – Mathematics 1 (Lecture) 14:00-15:00 Elective/Joint Subject (Lecture) 16:00-18:00 Computer Workshop - Informatics 1 (optional) Friday 09:00-10:30 Introduction to Computation - Informatics 1 (Tutorial) 12:00-13:00 Introduction to Linear Algebra – Mathematics 1 (Lecture) 14:00-15:00 Introduction to Computation - Informatics 1 (Lecture) 16:00-18:00 Computer Workshop - Informatics 1 (optional) Optional peer-assisted learning sessions for computing (InfPALs) and mathematics (MathPALS) are available throughout the week.This timetable is only intended to give you an idea of how your time might be spent in Year 1, semester 1 based on courses offered in 2024. We are undertaking an ongoing curriculum renewal, so expect these courses and contact hours to change. Why study Informatics at Edinburgh We consistently rank top 30 globally for Computer Science.Benefit from research-driven teaching by internationally leading academics.Tailor your experience to your interests and be in control of your learning by choosing from a wide range of courses, from the theoretical to those that let you apply what you learn.Gain a degree that opens doors in most industries: our graduates are in high demand not only within the growing technology sector but across a wide range of organisations where Informatics graduates are highly valued.We have strong links to industry with local, national and global contacts you can benefit from. There are lots of opportunities to develop your skills and socialise outside of the classroom. Student societies based in our School host industry events, monthly student tech meetups, regular workshops and hackathons. Study in Edinburgh, a city regularly voted among the UK’s top student cities (Top 2 in the UK, QS Best Student Cities 2024).We're the largest Informatics department in Europe. You will be part of a large, vibrant community of students and staff from over 100 countries. This article was published on 2025-02-04