Key information
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- BSc (Hons)
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Dubai
- Start date
- September
Our four year BSc Computer Science Honours degree with a specialism in Software Engineering is oriented to constructing robust and usable systems. We aim to teach people not just how to deploy cutting edge tools and techniques, but how to build the next generation of software tools that other system constructors will use. This programme aims to give a well-integrated balance of theoretical underpinnings and practical experience, strongly informed by the research expertise of our academic staff.
Your student experience
- Tools for Your Success
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Rankings: We are Ranked 6th in Scotland for Computer Science by The Complete University Guide 2023
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Industry-Validated Curriculum: Our programme is meticulously crafted in consultation with leaders in the field of computer science. This ensures that you're equipped with the precise skills sought after by employers, giving you a competitive edge in the job market right from the beginning of your career.
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Mastery of Essential Software Tools: In today's dynamic tech landscape, mastering fundamental software tools like Python, data analysis libraries, and programming frameworks is crucial. We've intensified our focus on these tools, ensuring you're well-versed and ready to thrive in practical computer science applications.
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Integrated Course Structure: We've optimised our course structure to create a cohesive learning experience, emphasising the interconnectedness of various computer science disciplines. This integrated approach will empower you to solve intricate challenges and innovate across multiple domains within the field.
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Access to Advanced Topics: Through our updated curriculum, you'll explore a range of advanced subjects, including machine learning, computational intelligence, and data mining. This expansion of your expertise will refine your skills and prepare you for tackling complex real-world computing projects.
Go Global
There are currently no Go Global opportunities for this particular programme. However, other Go Global opportunities may be available. Please contact studywithus@hw.ac.uk for more information.
Course content
September Intake - Dubai
Year 1
You will cover software development, an introduction to computer systems, web design and databases. In addition you will learn how to create apps for mobile devices.
More in-depth information on the content of the courses listed below, how they are assessed and the learning outcomes can be accessed via the detailed course guide.
Mandatory September
- Logic and Proof
- Introduction to Interaction Design
- Praxis
- Software Development 1
Mandatory January
- Discrete Mathematics
- Introduction to Computer Systems
- Software Development 2
- Web Design and Databases
Year 2
You will continue with data structures and algorithms, Interaction Design, looking at various programming languages, databases, web programming, discrete mathematics and software design. In addition you will learn how to program for hardware devices such as a raspberry pi using assembly.
Mandatory September
- User-Centred Experimental Design
- Programming Languages
- Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms
- Web Programming
Mandatory January
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Database Management Systems
- Hardware-Software Interface
- Introduction to Software Engineering
Year 3
You will study topics such as artificial intelligence, data communications and networking, operating systems as well as more formal aspects of computing. You will also undertake a group project that spans the whole year of study.
Mandatory September
- Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Agents
- Data Communications and Networking
- Foundations 1
- Software Engineering
Mandatory January
- Foundations 2
- Language Processors
- Operating Systems & Concurrency
- Professional Development
Year 4
You will study advanced topics such as Big Data, Data Mining, Machine Learning, Intelligent Robots, and Advanced Network Security. In addition you will also undertake a major individual project in Software Engineering.
Mandatory September
- Research Methods & Requirements Engineering
- Rigorous Methods for Software Engineering
Optional September
- Biologically Inspired Computation
- Computer Network Security
- Data Mining and Machine Learning
- Computer Graphics
- Information Systems Methodologies
- Intelligent Robotics
- Statistical Modelling and Analysis
- Industrial Programming
Mandatory January
- Advanced Human Computer Interaction
- Design & Implementation
- Project Testing and Presentation
Optional January
- Applied Text Analytics
- Advanced Network Security
- Big Data Management
- Data Visualisation and Analytics
- e-Commerce Technology
- Digital Forensics
- Games Programming
Teaching staff
Fees and funding
AED 79,100 per year
- All tuition fees inclusive of VAT.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Year 1
Our entry criteria are listed below. However, please note that the final decision remains at the discretion of the course director after evaluating scores of individual relevant subjects.
Students who are eligible to be admitted directly into second year can choose to join the first year, where available.
First year entry
- GCE A-Level - CCC (or AABB at AS-Level)
- CBSE/Other Indian Boards - 65%.
- American High School Diploma/SABIS - 70% + SAT I – 1000 (500 English and 500 Math)
- Tawjihiyya - 80% or Elite/Advance - 75%
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points (3 HL – including Maths, and 3 SL)
- BTEC Level 3 Ext Diploma - MMM
- FBISE grade 12 or equivalent - 70%
- Russian/Kazakhstan (Attestat) - Grades of 5 in every subject + IELTS 6.0
- French Baccalaureate - 13/20 + IELTS 6.0
- Lebanese Baccalaureate - 80% or 13/20 + IELTS 6.0
- Foundation year - Successful completion of Heriot-Watt University Degree Entry Programme (Engineering) with a CCCC.
- Compulsory subjects to include Mathematics and English.
To find out more about the specific entry requirements for your country, please refer to our International Entry Requirements.
To find out about the entry requirements for this programme, please send an email to dubaienquiries@hw.ac.uk
Year 2
Our entry criteria are listed below. However, please note that the final decision remains at the discretion of the course director after evaluating scores of individual relevant subjects.
Students who are eligible to be admitted directly into second year can choose to join the first year, where available.
September Intake Only
- GCE A-Levels - BBC
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 27 points (3 HL – including Maths and Computer Science, and 3 SL)
- CBSE/Other Indian Boards - Overall 85%
- American High School/SABIS - 70% + 3 AP at grade 4 (Including Maths and Computer Science) or Minimum 3 SAT Subjects (SAT II) 500 each, Including Maths and Computer Science.
- Higher National Diploma (HND) - PPP
- BTEC Level 3 Ext Diploma - DDD
- FBISE Grade 12 or equivalent - 85%
- Transfer students from other universities may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Compulsory subjects to include Mathematics, Computer Science and English.
To find out more about the specific entry requirements for your country, please refer to our International Entry Requirements.
To find out about the entry requirements for this programme, please send an email to dubaienquiries@hw.ac.uk
English language requirements
As our degrees are taught and assessed in English, applicants must be able to prove their level of English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.
Please see our detailed English language requirements.
Why Heriot-Watt
As the first British university to set up a campus in Dubai in 2005, we have established ourselves as a pioneer in the higher education market in the UAE. The three consecutive five-star ratings by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is a testament to our reputation for world-class teaching.
The futuristic Dubai campus is designed to offer interactive and collaborative learning experiences with innovative classroom styles fostering group work and engagement like Collaborative lecture theatres, Digitally Classrooms and Seminar rooms. The campus also has dedicated cutting-edge laboratories and workshops that span various engineering disciplines along with Psychology, IT, Photography, Design and Architecture.
Our practical, leading-edge research combined with strong links to business and industry, have made our graduates highly employable and sought after by the best organisations worldwide, with over 90% in graduate-level jobs or further study within six months of graduation. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education through our Go Global programme.
Employability
The market for graduates having software engineering skills must grow with the increasing demands from companies, public sector organisations and research institutions for employees with skills in software development for industry - including software design, industrial programming, and games programming. We envisage graduates from this undergraduate programme getting jobs with software houses, IT companies, research and development divisions of companies, financial services organisations, defence contractors or government IT departments and as researchers or research students within universities. Dubai is diversifying away from an oil economy towards the emerging knowledge economy, and a BSc Computer Science (Software Engineering) is just the kind of advanced specialist IT education provision that Dubai city planners are looking for to provide the next generation of knowledge workers here.
Student life
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