Why study with us?
Why choose to study Computer Science here at Heriot-Watt University:
| A proud history | As one of the first Universities in the UK to offer undergraduate degree programmes in Computing, we provide outstanding education in Computer Science, Computer Systems, Software Engineering and Information Systems. All our programmes are strongly informed by cutting edge research and close liaison with industry, and are delivered by renowned academics who are experts in their field. |
| Professional Accreditation | All of our programmes are accredited by the British Computer Society. |
| Global reach | We are one of Scotland's most international universities: around a third of our students in Edinburgh are from outside the UK. We have exchange agreements with the Australian National University in Canberra. In addition, our BSc Computer Systems is offered at our Dubai campus, and Edinburgh students have the opportunity to apply to spend one or more semesters there via the Heriot-Watt's Go Global programme. |
| Industrial Placements | Our five year MEng Software Engineering includes a strongly integrated six month period in industry. Additionally, all students can study augmented programmes that include a year out in industry so they can gain invaluable experience to prepare them for employment. |
| A world class reputation | We are world renowned for excellence in teaching and research. Software Engineering at HWU is highly rated by students; ranked joint 1st in the UK and 1st in Scotland for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2018. |
| Links to business and industry | We enjoy very strong links with the UK ICT sector, with representatives of more than 30 companies attending our Industrial Advisory Board. Much of our research is in collaboration with leading Computing enterprises. |
| Globally employable graduates | We have carefully created a programme of study that teaches the fundamentals of Computer Science and Information Systems, with strong synergies between core concepts and competences, and practical experience using our excellent facilities. All third year students take part in year long group projects driven by best professional practice. This has resulted in our graduates being highly employable with 95% in employment or further study after 6 months. Many of our alumni hold senior positions in the ICT industry itself and in organisations where Computing is key to core business. |
| World changing research | The Department of Computer Science enjoys substantial support from the EU, RCUK and industry for our research in Intelligent Systems, Interaction, and Rigorous Systems. We are partners in the world class Edinburgh Centre for Robotics, and have cutting edge facilities for research into multi-processor systems. Much of our teaching is research led. |
| World-wide network |
All of our staff members have extensive international research networks and regularly give invited keynote lectures at international conferences. |
| Pre-Sessional English: 50% discount |
If you are an overseas applicant, joining our pre-sessional English summer programme is an excellent way to meet our English language entry requirements without having to study for an external examination such as IELTS. We offer a 50% pre-sessional English programme discount to all applicants who progress to one of our degree programmes. For more information on this great opportunity have a look at the pre-sessional English webpage or email english@hw.ac.uk |