Heriot-Watt University
Study Postgraduate

MSc Information Technology (Software Systems)

The course

Delivery type
Weekdays (full-time) / Weekends (part-time)
Duration
1 year (full-time) / 2 years (part-time)
Intake date
September, January* (* part-time only)
Location
Dubai
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Overview

The aim of both the MSc and the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology (Software Systems) is to educate software engineers. The programme is concerned with the use and application of information technology in the specification, design, development and deployment of software. Throughout the programme, you will implement software solutions to remedy practical problems and put into practice the theoretical concepts learned in lectures.

As well as studying core software engineering topics, like Java programming and UML specification of object oriented systems, you will follow a range of other courses such as Databases and Network Applications.

January entrants

Students starting the programme in January should note that it runs part-time only for 4 semesters (24 months) + dissertation (March to August, 6 months) (total 30 months). 

Students enrolling for the January intake programmes are not required to be be on campus during the summer break.

Accreditation

Read more about the UAE Federal Accreditation.

Course content

Full-time students take four courses in Semester 1 and a further four in Semester 2. Results from these examinations determine whether students progress to an individual project of four months’ duration leading to the MSc degree..

On this programme the following taught courses are mandatory:

  • Database and Information Systems
  • Research Methods and Project Planning

Students can then choose five courses from the following:

  • Computer Network Security
  • Data Visualisation Analytics
  • e-Commerce Technology
  • Industrial Programming
  • Software Engineering Foundations
  • Advanced Software Engineering
  • Computer Games Programming
  • Advanced Interaction Design
  • 3D Graphics and Animation
  • Intelligent Robotics

In addition to these taught courses, students pursuing the MSc qualification undertake a Masters project, which culminates in a dissertation.

Career

New career opportunities and prospects for career enhancement are both excellent. The continued growth in new technologies, network services, mobile applications and handheld devices in industry, commerce and the public sector is increasing the demand for experts who can design, implement and manage software systems.

Entry requirements

For MSc entry, a good relevant Honours degree (first or second class) or equivalent overseas qualifications will be considered. Given the clear practical element of the programmes, we will also consider non-graduate candidates holding less than a good Honours degree, or its equivalent, but with compensating qualifications or experience may be admitted to the Postgraduate Diploma programme. Transfer to the MSc will be possible later on if exams and course work are at MSc level.

To find out about the entry requirements for this programme, please send an email to dubaienquiries@hw.ac.uk

English language requirements

Where English was not the medium of instruction at secondary school, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (with all elements passed at 6.0 or above). Applicants who have completed secondary and tertiary education will need to provide documentary evidence. A minimum of one year full-time study in English will be required.

Fees and funding

  • AED 91990*

* All tuition fees inclusive of VAT

Scholarships and bursaries

See our range of degree entry, undergraduate, postgraduate taught and PhD scholarships and discounts.