Heriot-Watt University
Study Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Software Engineering)

The course

Delivery type
Day
Duration
4 years (full-time)
Intake date
September
Location
Dubai
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Overview

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.

Accreditation

Read more about the UAE Federal Accreditation.

Our Computer Science degree is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council, fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.

It's also accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Science Council for the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Scientist.

Course content

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.

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.

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.

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.

More in-depth information on the content of the courses listed above, how they are assessed and the learning outcomes can be accessed via the detailed course guide.

Career

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.

Entry requirements

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% + EmSAT (English 1400 and 1200 Maths) 
  • 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.

Second year entry (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 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. To know more, please refer to our English language requirements.

Fees and funding

  • AED 70412 per year*

* All tuition fees inclusive of VAT

Scholarships and bursaries

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